Jess, you amateur.

Several years ago, I imported a small collections of silkworms from the Shaanxi Province. Fortnightly, I allow them to feast on my leg hairs. They then produce a fine thread, which I am using to knit a chamois to be used during next year's Snelling Bicycle Road Racing Competition.

How often are you guys shaving? Just curious, because a lot of cyclists I know shave for looks and not feel.

When not waxing, I typically shave every other day.

I've been man enough for the Venus for a couple of years now. Easiest shave I've had yet. I also use a new one every time as I'm fairly furry. How high? My secret :) That said, is there a brand name for the gloves and where do I get them?

Announcing a new fall clinic offering -- Bike Skills 303 -- shaving + embrocation! Registration NOT on SBO -- email me for details. This clinic is perfect for hairy bastages of all levels -- CAT1 - 5. You're guaranteed to walk away with a new appreciation for shaving, waxing, and depiliatory. Upgrade points available.

cordless electric shaver! shaving ones legs in the shower waste time, turn on the tv, watch bike racing and shave this way. a high quality electric shaver will give you excellent results.

Jess,

I remember burning hair with a bunsen burner in high school biology.

A smell I'll never forget.

Don't try it at home.

Jess, if I had known you would be hanging out @ our tent @ the Giro I could've planned a hands-on clinic for you!

Clearly I haven't been on the forums enough lately... This is awesome:

So, I'm a hairy dude and hairy dudes have it hard when it comes to shaving the legs. The first advice I got about shaving sucked: "draw a bath, put on some soothing music and go slowly". That's bull.

Venus 4 blade - That's right, reveal the goddess in you playa. I use a new one every time.

Nivea Sensitive Shave Gel - Cause I'm manly!

Cold Shower - I do a quick wash of the legs in coldish water, then I frequently rinse my Venus in cold water whilst deforesting. The blades contract in cold water. Cold water keeps the skin from swelling.

Front of Knees - Put your foot up on something so your knee is bent.

Back of Knee - Good luck...

Shin - Slowly...

Exfoliating gloves - This is the most important thing for me. I may look like I'm doing a MJ impression in the shower, but I scrub the hell out of the legs with these gloves after the shave. This is the only way I've been able to avoid the ingrowns and razor rash.

As for how far up, that's a personal question man. I also should mention I don't want a french dude near my legs with a razor. I don't care if his name is Jacque De Soigneur

Waxing is the only way to go. Cyclists like pain (well at least the road racers do) so head over to the nearest beauty school and let the young women learn on your legs and whatever else you want waxed. Typically it is free that way. If you are a crit racer, have them skip the tops of your feet, those are the most uncomfortable.

not that I am a model for anything bike-related, but I swam all the way thru college and did dabble in tri for quite a few years so I have spent a great deal of my life with little body hair.

So, how hair free to really wish to be? My trick is to use a hair clippers; it will get the big stuff off quickly and painlessly. True, there will be some stubble, but again, are you going for baby smooth? or just the basic benefits?

I do my clipper trimming every 1-2 weeks and throw in just a few razor sessions all year. The 'knee pit' shaves much better if the knee joint is straight, so a shaving partner or good flexibility is a plus.

First time i tried, i used a cheap bic razor and ripped my knee caps to shreds. I did it because of peer pressure, and wanting my small calves to look bigger. Although it's too time consuming and my wife gets mad for clogging the drain. So i only do it once or twice per season.

Normally, I let it grow out during cross season. In my warped mind, getting off and carrying my bike up a hill is cool, but with shaved legs it's dorky.

Each year there seems to be more and more overlap (Livermore Cross tomorrow, Giro on Monday.) Maybe I can find a pair of leg toupees for the transition period?

My wife does mine. Doesn't trust me on hers.

it's only September 3rd! shouldn't we be having these conversations in the dregs of November?

Jess, trying standing up and putting your foot up on the tub. as long as you've got good hamstring flexibility, you should be able to cleanly clear the knees, shins, etc.

and shaving is an art. fine, light strokes are all you need. if you're slicing yourself, ease up a little.

Everybody is using Nair - get with the program Jesster.