Why do cyclists shave their legs?

The world of cycling is full of mysteries for the average person. Why those tight-fitting outfits? Why those big glasses? And of course, why those impeccably smooth legs? It's certainly not a gratuitous fad or a passing trend. In cycling, every choice has its reason, every decision its story.

🌬 Aerodynamics: speed and lightness on two wheels

Let's start with the reason that came to all of us while watching the Tour de France: shaving your legs makes you more aerodynamic. But before you plunge headlong into plucking out all your hair 😱 let's take a few seconds to demystify the whole thing.

Sure, on paper, it sounds logical. Fewer hairs = less resistance = more speed. Except that, in reality, the importance of aerodynamics for our shaved legs is a myth. Finally, hoping to claw back a few tenths of a second on a 3-hour ride... maybe there are better reasons to break out the razor! 🪒 (spoiler: here they come 🎉)

🎨 Aesthetics and belonging: more than a look, a signature!

Let's face it, cycling is a bit like our own crazy family, isn't it? And within that family, we've got our own little thing to make us recognizable: those legs smoother than a Paris dance floor! 🕺

It's like our tattoo, our rallying cry. In short, it's our way of saying: "Hey, I'm part of the gang!". In short, it's our rolling calling card (Got it? 😅).

And between you and me, who doesn't feel a twinge of pride when we show loud and clear that we're part of the team of cycling fanatics? 😎

😌 Massage comfort: when gentleness rhymes with performance

After a long bike ride or a grueling stage, what could be better than a good massage to relax those aching muscles and recuperate? 🚴‍♂️ (Unless you're enjoying an XXL pizza, but that's another story! 😋)

Here, we're not talking about a massage in a candlelit room with soft music in the background. No, we're not! Instead, massages in cycling are serious business, a sacred ritual for every rider. And that's where our hairless legs come in.

Picture the scene: after a fierce competition (or an electric bike ride around your village, we don't judge 😅 ), you lie back on a massage table, ready to savor the moment. The masseur's expert hands glide over your skin with unrivalled gentleness and precision, without the slightest hindrance. It's a sportsman's nirvana! 😍

Shaved legs offer a smooth surface, allowing better application of oils and creams, better grip and, of course, optimal comfort during the massage. It's like diving into a freshwater pool after a day in the scorching sun (without the splashing kids, of course! 🧒). It's that feeling of freshness and lightness that washes over you.

🛁 Hygiene in case of injury: less hair, less worry?

If we were to mention another reason (perhaps the most valid of all?) why cyclists choose to take the plunge, it would be for hygiene, particularly in the event of injury.

Yes, we know that roads aren't exactly soft carpets, and that every bike outing carries its share of risks. Besides, who among us hasn't had a little fall, a scraped arm or a skinned knee during a stage that was a little too ambitious? 🤕

Hairless skin makes it much easier to clean and treat wounds. Trying to disinfect a scrape with a forest of hairs in the way isn't exactly the dream, is it?

And then, just between us, if you've ever tried to put a bandage on a hairy area, you know how much of a... shall we say... sport it is in itself! 🤣 And when comes the time to take it off? Ouch! It's almost as painful as watching your favorite soccer team lose at the Olympics (soccer fans here? ⚽).

Ah, the great debate that has been stirring up the cycling community for years (the whole fashion world, I should say! 🤯)! Each has its advantages, its disadvantages and, of course, its fervent defenders. So, which to choose? Waxing or shaving? There's no wrong answer, just personal preference. But to help you make an informed choice, let's take a look at both methods.

🚿 The smoothness of traditional shaving: quick and efficient?

Opting for shaving is like choosing the most direct route on a mountain stage: it's fast, efficient and you know what to expect. It's a method favored by many riders for its simplicity and speed. A blade, a little foam or gel, and hey presto, in just a few minutes you've got silky-smooth legs, ready to take on the world (or at least the day's course). 💪

Shaving also has its drawbacks. It can irritate the skin, especially if done too often, and hair grows back quickly. What's more, if you're not careful, you run the risk of cutting yourself, which is never pleasant. But if you're the type who likes simple, effective routines, shaving could be just the thing for you. 👌

🐝 Waxing: pain in the moment, peace of mind in the long term

Waxing is a bit like those mythical stages of the Tour de France: it hurts at the time, but the pleasure of getting to the top is incomparable (especially with good results 😎)! 🚵‍♂️ And that sweetness that lasts, ah, what happiness!

This method is preferred by those looking for a longer-term solution than shaving. No need to worry about hair for several weeks. Beyond its comfort, waxing also offers finer, smoother regrowth (goodbye Amazonian rainforest, hello well-manicured lawn! 🌱).

The downside? If you're the impatient type, waiting until the hairs are long enough for a new epilation can be a tad frustrating. Not to mention the "wax strip removal" moment, which may remind you of some difficult comebacks during your most epic outings. 😮