• Question: Is it possible to fall off a bike because you shaved your beard?(areo dynamics)

    Asked by tack to Philippa, Pete, Paula, Neil, Matthew on 17 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 17 Mar 2015:


      Hi tack!

      Interesting question!

      If you are asking “Does having no beard make me more likely to fall off my bike than if I had a beard?”, then I would say no.

      If you are asking “Does having no beard make it impossible for me to fall off my bike”, then I would say no.

      If you are asking “does shaving while cycling make it more likely for me to fall of my bike”, then I would say… YES!

      Science: a beard will have practically zero effect on aerodynamics, but trying to cycle with one (or no!) hands is going to make you more likely to fall.

      Hope this helps!

    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 17 Mar 2015:


      I think you could prove that there was less drag associated with a clean shaven face. However it is unlikely to impact on the balance of the bike…

      Definitely wouldn’t suggest shaving on a bike though! This is the safety zone after all.

    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 18 Mar 2015:


      Hi tack,

      It’s a possibility! What if you had a really long beard and you shaved it off whilst you were cycling along? The long hairs could get wrapped around your spokes and before you know it you have beard related cycle wipeout. Too many people have lost their lives due to beard related cycle wipeouts 😉

      It’s getting late! can you tell 🙂

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