I notice that one rider in the Paris-Roubaix had a full beard. Beards and lesser facial hair are rare for pro cyclists. They’re almost all clean shaven, far more than the average of general dudes. So is it aero to be clean-shaven and if so how many watts do they give up by growing a fully?
I look forward to BCJ’s replies.
by Ill_Initiative8574
5 Comments
No aerodynamic benefits of shaving. This has been tested.
It’s mostly because the air hitting you in the face is then just going to hit you in the shoulders/chest, so it doesn’t really matter that airflow is disrupted.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkmCLOjk2h8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkmCLOjk2h8)
As a cyclist with a full beard I’ll let you in on one secret advantage, it’s a drafting telltale. If there’s a cross wind and you need to stagger your position behind the rider in front you can feel when you get into the right spot as your beard is getting buffeted less.
Full beard and no face sunburn
I leave the beard but shave the rest of my body. I get an extra 69 watts out of it.