Skip to main content

Start Here: Welcome to The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Still pedaling strong after 60? You’re in the right place.

I’ve been riding for decades — through canyons, cities, long tours, and short rides that turned into life lessons. This blog shares real cycling stories, tips for riding pain-free, gear I actually use, and honest advice for staying strong in the saddle.

Why Do Cyclists Shave Their Legs? A Veteran Rider's Take

Guy shaving his legs

Why Cyclists Shave Their Legs: A Veteran Rider Weighs In

Welcome, fellow cycling enthusiasts, to another deep dive into the quirky and fascinating world of life on two wheels. Today, we're tackling a question that always seems to pop up—why do cyclists shave their legs?

If you've ever watched a pace line fly by and noticed all those shiny, hairless limbs, you may have wondered: is it really about speed, or is something else going on? Let’s break it down—with a few insights (and laughs) from an average old guy who’s been pedaling for over 50 years.


🚴‍♂️ The Performance Argument

The Claim:
Shaved legs reduce wind resistance and make cyclists faster.

The Old Guy’s View:
I call B.S. on this one—for 99% of riders. Sure, maybe if you're racing in the Tour de France. But I’ve seen guys with shaved legs who’d gain more speed by trimming their bellies than their leg hair. Once, I overheard a guy at my bike shop debating a seat post that was a few ounces lighter. I told him, “Buddy, maybe ditching that gut will do more than a fancy seat post.”


🩹 Injury Care and Maintenance

The Claim:
Hairless legs are easier to clean and bandage after crashes.

The Old Guy’s View:
Okay, fair. I can accept this—with a caveat. If you’re shaving your legs for easier wound care, go ahead and shave your arms too. Also, I do see the benefit when applying sunscreen—less hair equals less mess.


💆 Massage and Recovery

The Claim:
Massages and foam rolling are easier on shaved legs.

The Old Guy’s View:
I’ll buy it. But how many everyday riders are actually getting regular deep tissue massages? If you are, good for you. Just don’t pretend that’s why you shaved.


🧼 Hygiene and Cleanliness

The Claim:
Shaving helps keep legs clean after muddy or dusty rides.

The Old Guy’s View:
Let’s be real. Unless you’re rolling through swamp water every weekend, I doubt this saves much time. Still, I’ll give this a half point—cleaning sunscreen and grime off hairless legs is a bit easier.


🤝 Tradition and Camaraderie

The Claim:
It’s part of cycling culture—belonging to the tribe.

The Old Guy’s View:
Now this one makes total sense. Shaving your legs is like a handshake in the cycling world. If it helps you feel like part of the crew, go for it! Just admit it’s about connection, not speed.


🚲 My Final Spin

I’m not making fun of anyone. I think it’s cool when cyclists shave their legs. But let’s be honest—most of the "performance" reasons are a stretch for us average riders. The real reason? It's culture. It's tradition. And it’s totally okay.

So shave away, smooth riders. Just don’t try to convince me it’s all about aerodynamics.

Happy riding—and may the wind always be at your back (hairy or not)!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

Sciatica is no joke. The sharp, radiating pain that travels from your lower back down your leg can make everyday activities tough—let alone riding a bike. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you might be asking yourself: Is cycling helping me or making things worse? Like many things in health and fitness, the answer is: It depends. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatic pain, depending on your riding position, bike setup, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation under certain conditions: Prolonged Sitting: Long hours in the saddle—especially with a hard, narrow seat—can put direct pressure on the sciatic nerve. Repetitive Motion: The constant pedaling motion may worsen inflammation or irritation if the nerve is already compressed. Poor Bike Fit or Posture: A misaligned bike fit or slouched riding position can strain the lower back and hips—key areas tie...

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

Cycling is a popular and effective way to lose weight—and for good reason. It burns calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But many beginners wonder: is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to make a difference? From my own experience, I can tell you that when I first got back into cycling after years of being sedentary, 30 minutes felt like a serious workout. I was sweating, tired, and proud of myself. But as I got more consistent, something became clear: if I was still eating poorly, even 60 minutes a day on the bike wasn't going to move the scale much. That's when I learned that weight loss is a combination of exercise and nutrition —not just one or the other. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain weight. When we burn more than we eat, we los...