[webbo]

i've noticed that a few folks here do a bit of cycling as well as climbin.
since i stopped racing 2 years ago i've stopped shaving my legs.however every time i see myself in cycle shorts with hairy legs .i just think punter!
does anyone else find it hard to cycle hairy :?:

[Bubba]

What actually is the reason cyclists shave their legs?

[webbo]

while i was posting this.i've realised the missus has gone out to get waxed. anybody tried it. :hidesofa:

[webbo]

you look anob in cycle shorts with hairy legs :wink:

[Dolly]

I'm more of an MTBer - so you look OK with hair.
Having said that my roadie obsession is growing so presumably its only a matter of time.....

[dobbin]

Apparently (and contrary to popular opinion that its aerodynamics) its because when/if you come off your bike and get a graze or a cut, it will heal better on a bald leg than it will a hairy one.

[Graeme]

PLus it doesn't hurt as much when you take your plaster off.

[Simon S]

It all depends if your racing I guess. I mean if you want to lull opponents into a false sense of security just turn up with hairy legs ( topped off with long white socks!) and presto, no one will take any attacks seriously! I seem to remember that Greame Obree never did his until he went for the world hour record.

[webbo]

the organiser of my local road race league would't let you start if you had bad socks i.e . long black ones :twisted:

[Simon S]

I expect he's now a commissaire, as they don't do bike checks anymore! Where did you race?

[dmitri]

I thort it was because if you wrapped your self round a tree it hurt like buggary to hav your leg shaved before they stiched you up......

[webbo]

i raced in the east riding. i did a lot of LVRC races as i'm of that age. :oldgit:

[Stubbs]

Dragging up an exceedingly old topic: some surprising data from the Specialized wind tunnel

[galpinos]

Hmm, that is surprising. It’s long been known that perfectly smooth things are less aerodynamic than dimpled/rough surfaces. Maybe the “rough” nature of skin (dimples, creases, hair follicles etc) is enough to trigger the optimum boundary layer that sticks to the leg, and hair causes too much turbulence.

It’d be interesting to see some imaging of the fluid flow around the leg.

[north_country_boy]

Hmm, that is surprising. It’s long been known that perfectly smooth things are less aerodynamic than dimpled/rough surfaces. Maybe the “rough” nature of skin (dimples, creases, hair follicles etc) is enough to trigger the optimum boundary layer that sticks to the leg, and hair causes too much turbulence.

It’d be interesting to see some imaging of the fluid flow around the leg.

I have read previously somewhere that in terms of aerodynamics it would be best to leave a 10-15m strip of hair down the centre of the leg/shin to best aid airflow...?

Interesting read from Michael Barry
http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/razors-edge-shaving-your-legs-cycling

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

I have read previously somewhere that in terms of aerodynamics it would be best to leave a 10-15m strip of hair down the centre of the leg/shin to best aid airflow...?

Wouldn't hair that long get caught in the wheels?! 

[north_country_boy]

I have read previously somewhere that in terms of aerodynamics it would be best to leave a 10-15m strip of hair down the centre of the leg/shin to best aid airflow...?

haha, yes my mistake 10-15mm....basically a spine of hair down the shins, like a mane if you like?

[Sloper]

Why not dye it? Bright blue would be, interesting, no?

[tomtom]

Wait til the F1 boys get hold of this.. Jenson Button with a ginger Brazillian on the front of his car...