Originally Posted by
grizzle6
The most believed reason is that it makes you more aero (there have been tests that show some significant power savings over distance equating to saving time and expending less energy in a race) but honestly, for 99% of those that shave their legs, it doesn't make that much difference. I'd say the biggest reasons cyclists shave their legs are:
1. It's a cultural thing. You show up to the sport and everyone that's "serious" about it, shaves their legs.
2. When you crash (and you will, if you spend enough time on a bike), hair in wounds makes things 10x worse.
3. Spandex + leg hair = no bueno.
4. They like the way it looks!