Tag Archives: The Shaving Question

That whole leg shaving thing

25 October, 2013 10:09 pm ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

If there’s one question that appears to fascinate and confuse non-cyclists, it’s the leg shaving thing. Take, for example, this clip from the most excellent QI


Why Do Racing Cyclists Shave Their Legs? – QI… by TotalBBC

Yep. Aerodynamics ain’t it. There’s no discernable aerodynamic advantage, and if there was we’d not be leaving the chin stubble intact either. Or the arms, come to that.

In fact, there are a large number of reasons cited, some of which are listed on the wikipedia article “Leg Shaving”. But we’ll get to that in a moment. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Meta, Tips ⋅ Tagged: , , ,

A Very Special Relationship

23 January, 2013 10:13 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

Most cyclists would agree that there are some very special relationships in their lives. There is the relationship with their bikes*, of course. And the relationships with their favourite local roads or trails. A rider learns their moods, and their differing characters over time, and comes to an understanding and respect of a very deep and meaningful kind. This understanding is rewarded with those riding days where bike, terrain and rider work harmoniously together and produce crisp, bright memories of effortless speed to be cherished for years to come.

Oh, and I understand some riders have relationships with other humans too.

But the relationship I’m writing to talk about now is another, with which most riders will be familiar.

It’s about the legs.

Yep, the engine room. The pistons. The guns.

Continue Reading →

Posted in: Racing ⋅ Tagged: , ,