Shaving legs for the first time
 

Why Hello there.

What are the unwritten rules/qualifications for a cyclist to shave their legs?

Must you be fast?
Must you be tan?
Must have you have a sub 23 BMI?

Give me 5 must be/must have rules before qualifying to shave your legs.

:popcorn

Only requirement that I know is that you must have a razor.

Trimmer too

The only rule of shaving your legs is you don't talk about shaving your legs.

When people ask you about it, you just shrug it off and change the subject.
"why do you shave your legs?" - "woah! did you see that elephant ****ing that pig over there?" then run away.

someone need to be serious here....
i'm thinking about shaving...but worried that if I am a FRED with shaved legs.... people might think other things

And you care what strangers think for what reason?

This.

if you are actually serious....

who gives a flying **** what others think? I sure don't. They can whisper behind my back all they want. I am who I am and I'm happy with that, and if you have issues with what others think, then I think you should be addressing that rather than how much hair is on your legs.

On a more serious note, buy yourself a really nice safety razor if you don't already have one. It makes all the difference in the world compared to those irritant inducing Gillete or Bic razors you have to use force with, and also some good shaving cream. You won't be sorry. I spent months shaving (face, legs, etc.) with a Quattro and used to get bumps, ingrowns, etc. I got this razor http://www.barneys.com/Double-Edge-S...efault,pd.html and I will never shave with anything else again. I was walking around with red bumps on my neck for hte past 10 years and used to dread shaving because of it, and since I started using that razor a month ago, I have not had one single ingrown or razor bump.

I know it's very expensive, but it's worth it especially if you're shaving your legs for hte first time. They won't be expecting it and you will get bumps.

do you recommend using regular facial after shave on the legs as well?

After shave is good for closing your pores, but it is in no way a necessity.

I've actually begun using only Baxter products for shaving and facial maintenance, and that includes their aftershave. It smells great, it doesn't burn when I nick myself, and it helps prevent irritation and ingrowns.

I prefer a Hypoallergenic, Fragrance Free moisturizer, like Keri Basic Essential, rather than aftershave which contains alcohol, and will dry your skin out.
I've also found that shaving cream specifically formulated for legs works better than facial shave creams, especially for the 1st shave of the season. After that, I simply use my shower gel for maintenance shaves.
Be REALLY careful if you buy a good razor like the one Vicelord recommended. It requires little or NO pressure, and if you push against your skin too hard, you can slice your legs up pretty badly.

yup, but if you purchase a quality product, such as the one I linked, it comes with instructions.

True dat, but how many people actually READ them ??? :)

the only requirement is that you don't tell your wife. my wife didn't realize until about a year later. and she was horrified

I was kind of hoping someone would answer honestly, since I have nearly hairless legs (native american genetics). A matter of idle curiosity, not a concern of course.

someone hasn't gotten any in a long time =p

I read it, and I also read just about every internet article I could find on the topic.

I was going to be using a razorblade on my skin... I figure you can't be too educated on that topic.

and legs.

No kiddin'. My gal notices immediately.

I always knew you were smarter than the average bear ! Kudos on choosing a top quality product, also. I still use my old Gillette that I got on my 13th birthday...

Actually, I'd suggest that you have your SO or galpal "show you the ropes" especially about going around those tendons in the back...

Don't forget the pedicure! You'll feel SO pretty!

If your worried about comments/teasing/beatings...etc about having shaved legs, face it your not a strong enough person to handle it.

If your worried about your friends and family teasing you relentlessly with homophobic type remarks you first need new friends/family that are not so narrow minded/in the closet about there true feeling, or however you want to say that a person who is actually bothered by someones personal choice that in no way effects their daily lives. I call those people judgmental idiots who have no life of their own.

There is no rule, written or unwritten. Your either for shaving and the various reasons/excuses on why it is good/helpful...or other reasons people use to justify shaving or your in the other crowd who are against its for those opposite reasons. I've shaved for years now and never once had anyone say anything negative. Usually the opposite comments, but maybe once or twice an idiot co-worker made a off-hand remark, but that person was already an a-hole to begin with.

Personally I think your in the shaving crowd once you reach a couple key cycling benchmarks. It is up to you to figure out what those benchmarks are.....

Ok, first... thank you for your educated response.

second...Instead of saying this... why don't you answer the original question?

What are those benchmarks to you?

I would say it depends on the number times and the number of miles you ride each week, 100 or more I would do it. All you have to do is fall down on a ride going 10mph or faster and you will soon discover why shaving your legs is a good thing!

What is holding you back from shaving? Do you not think your fast enough or that your skills are too "fred" to justify the shaving? Whatever "fred" means....I think that once you've achieve a high average speed, ride distances with ease and develop awesome bike handling skills your ready. Me, 30km/h average speed on solo 100km or more rides showed I was ready to join the brotherhood...that and not getting dropped on the A group club ride.

For me shaving was a combination of.....(ranked in order of influence)
1. Looks, how I felt they looked. Not anyone else, me personally how I viewed my legs and how they have developed over the years.
2. Fitting in with the crowd on my club rides as i progressed from slow to not so slow.
3. Functionality suntan lotion, cleaning, how I felt even faster. (don't underestimate the placebo effect)