Shaving legs for racing bikes: myth or measurable advantage?

Anyone who looks around the peloton or at a local race quickly notices: Clean-shaven legs are not an exception in road cycling; they're practically the norm. But why? Is it just about aesthetics, or does shaving your legs actually offer measurable benefits? And if so, how many watts do you really save?

By Fabian Huber 3 minutes read time

About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: November 23, 2025 | Updated: June 10, 2026

In this article, we get to the bottom of the question: Does shaving your legs actually increase your speed on a racing bike – or is it just a cycling myth?

The myth of the smooth leg

For a long time, shaving legs was considered a kind of initiation rite in cycling. Anyone who rides shaved is part of the tradition. The classic arguments:

Better wound care in the event of a fall: Open abrasions heal faster and are less likely to become infected if no hair is involved.
More massage-friendly: Hairless legs are more pleasant for recovery through massage – both for the athlete and the masseur.
Appearance and body feeling: For many riders, smooth legs are simply an expression of seriousness and professionalism.

But the real question remains: Does shaving really make a difference aerodynamically?

Science: How many watts do you save by shaving your legs?

In 2014, Specialized published a test as part of their "Win Tunnel" series that surprised many. They invited six test riders with unshaven legs into the wind tunnel—and then shaved them. The result:

Up to 15 watts savings at 40 km/h.

Depending on the rider and leg hair growth, the savings ranged from 40 to 80 seconds per 40 kilometers – a significant advantage, especially in racing or time trials.

This may sound surprising at first, but it's understandable: Leg hair creates micro-turbulences that increase air resistance. And anyone traveling at over 30 km/h knows: every percentage point less air resistance counts.

What is this worth in practice?

To put it all into context:

An average amateur cyclist pedals at 35 km/h on flat terrain at about 250 to 300 watts.
If shaving your legs actually saves 10-15 watts, that corresponds to an efficiency increase of 4-6% – without any additional training.

This can mean the difference between 10th and 3rd place in a time trial. And even in a breakaway or when escaping from a broom wagon, these are real advantages.

When is shaving really worth it?

Not everyone participates in races or time trials regularly. This raises the question: For whom is the effort worth it?

Shaving is especially worthwhile for:

Racing drivers and licensed drivers for whom every second counts.
Triathletes for whom aerodynamics is a critical factor.
Time trial specialists, where even small optimizations have a big impact.
Ambitious amateur athletes who don’t want to leave anything behind on principle.

For the typical Sunday driver, the effect is there, but probably less important – unless you love the feeling of smooth legs.

Conclusion: More than just cosmetics

Shaving your legs does indeed provide aerodynamic benefits, as clearly demonstrated in controlled tests. Depending on speed and leg hair growth, up to 15 watts can be saved – without requiring additional power.

In addition to the aerodynamic benefit, there are also practical advantages: easier wound care, more pleasant massages and a cleaner appearance.

So whether you shave your legs is ultimately a personal decision. But if you want to get the most out of your performance—even if it's just for that next KOM on Strava — you might want to pick up the razor again.

Fun fact: Even drivers with tattooed legs benefit from shaving. The tattoo simply stands out better on smooth skin—and that's a psychological benefit, after all.

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Sources & References

Delaney B. (2015). "Shave your legs, save precious seconds. BikeRadar . Bericht über den Specialized Win Tunnel Test mit Aero R&D Engineer Cam Piper". https://www.bikeradar.com/features/shave-your-legs-save-precious-seconds

Further information and FAQs about Häufige Fragen: Beine rasieren beim Rennrad

Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

How many watts can you save by shaving your legs?

In the Specialized Win Tunnel test, shaved legs saved an average of 10–15 watts at 45 km/h – which equates to 40 to 82 seconds over 40 kilometers. The exact effect depends on hair growth, density, and riding speed.

Is shaving worthwhile for amateur drivers?

Yes, if you're doing time trials or want to optimize race results. For relaxed rides without a competitive goal, the aerodynamic difference is there, but hardly noticeable in everyday use.

Why do cyclists really shave their legs?

Three main reasons: aerodynamics (10–15 watt savings), better wound care after falls, and more pleasant massages. In addition, there is the psychological effect as part of the competitive ritual.

Is the effect scientifically proven?

The Specialized Win Tunnel study (2014) is the best-known and methodologically sound test on this topic – six participants, controlled conditions, reproducible results. An independent academic peer-reviewed study on this specific topic does not yet exist; however, the effect is generally accepted in cycling.

How often should you shave?

Depending on hair growth, every 3 to 7 days. Many cyclists integrate it into their regular shower and grooming routine after training.

Do women in cycling also shave their legs?

Professional female cyclists shave for the same reasons: aerodynamics, wound care, and massage. In amateur sports, it's more common among women across all disciplines than among men, and is rarely considered a special issue.

[^1]: Delaney B. – Shave your legs, save precious seconds. Bike Radar (2015). Report on the Specialized Win Tunnel test with Aero R&D Engineer Cam Piper. To the article