
Cycling’s Weird Obsession with Shaved Legs Explained
About this episode
Why do cyclists shave their legs? For decades, we’ve been told it’s for speed — Specialized even claimed it saves 79 seconds over 40km. But what if that science is flawed? In this video, we dig into the real reasons behind cycling’s most iconic (and weirdest) ritual — from old-school tradition to group ride psychology. With insights from wind tunnel studies, Olympic bike designers, and pro riders like Alex Howes and Primož Roglič, we uncover why smooth legs became the ultimate badge of belonging in the peloton. It’s about more than watts — it’s about identity, trust, and culture. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should shave, this is the deep dive you didn’t know you needed.
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