[Spartacus Rex]

First of all... Yes I am BORED. I was just thinking how no matter how much I bike and how much I work legs in the gym, I will always have dreaded chicken legs. I guess it's just genetics. I was a bean pole until I turned 30 and started putting on weight. I just never got calves. Whats up with that? It kinda sucks since legs are the hallmark of the experienced rider. Anyone else got skinny legs despite that fact they can outclimb their buddies?

Just wonderin'
-mike

 

[cdaddy]

Around here we call them "Baby Calf Legs."

I've got 'em bad! :madman:

 

[HarryCallahan]

Try doing laps with a kickboard and swim fins on. Or if you live near the coast, body surf or boogie board with swim fins. Genetics aside, that's guaranteed to get you Popeye like calf muscles.

 

[EnglishT]

You could always put in some road miles (road or mtb) and ONLY use very high gears.


It hurts like hell, but you see results, and end up with massive legs - its not the best way to ride your fun rides though

 

[b4 stealth]

I think I have pretty beefy calves and I got them from rollerblading (gasp!) for 5 years

 

[Luigiugueto]

My legs are extremely skinny, but I still have a hell of a lot of stamina. As far as thighs go they are massive allright but my legs are definitely chicken legs lol

 

[Lord Humongous]

They call me Calfzilla

I have repeatedly heard people on group rides remark that they wish their quads were as big as my calves. I gotta say, it makes walking up hill way easy, but really does nothing for your climbing while on the bike. Be glad you aren't carrying the extra muscle around.

 

[GiantCHaDSTeR]

I have repeatedly heard people on group rides remark that they wish their quads were as big as my calves. I gotta say, it makes walking up hill way easy, but really does nothing for your climbing while on the bike. Be glad you aren't carrying the extra muscle around.

I'm just happy to hear i'm not the only one that has a huge calves! actually it got smaller when i started riding.. hehehe

 

[CoalHillsMcKracken]

I'm a trainer, it's genetic. You probably have a bigger ass and thighs. Most sprinters have chicken calves. It has a lot to do with ethnicity too. A lot of blacks and Russians have smaller calves and more developed upper legs. They evolved on plains and on the steps. Irish, northern Europeans and slovaks evolved in mountainous or hilly regions,hence the calves- all slow twitch muscle fiber for slow deliberate climbing. I've seen guys with small calves who have twice the power of guys with developed looking calves. It's all in the efficiency of the muscle and how you train...but yes you are probable stuck with the chicken legs all your life. They are just more efficient. An antelope does'nt have big bulky calves at the end of it's legs- too heavy for the end of the lever arm- not good for speed.

First of all... Yes I am BORED. I was just thinking how no matter how much I bike and how much I work legs in the gym, I will always have dreaded chicken legs. I guess it's just genetics. I was a bean pole until I turned 30 and started putting on weight. I just never got calves. Whats up with that? It kinda sucks since legs are the hallmark of the experienced rider. Anyone else got skinny legs despite that fact they can outclimb their buddies?

Just wonderin'
-mike

 

[Lakerat_sr11]

I like to think of my legs as being "Aerodynamic"

 

[Luigiugueto]

I like to think of my legs as being "Aerodynamic"

Lol, in the I-don't-shave-my-legs kind of way.

 

[Lakerat_sr11]

Lol, in the I-don't-shave-my-legs kind of way.

Lol, I need the extra insulation for wintertime. It also keeps mosquito's away from my legs. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Luigiugueto]

So true, you don't know what mosquitoes are like down south.. no winter, but three times as much mosquitoes lol.

 

[Lakerat_sr11]

So true, you don't know what mosquitoes are like down south.. no winter, but three times as much mosquitoes lol.

Oh, I sure do. I'm originally from Oklahoma. Now I live in College Station, TX.

I just brought up the point about cold because I am a wuss about the cold.

 

[Luigiugueto]

you're waaayy farther north than I am. I live in Venezuela

 

[Lakerat_sr11]

you're waaayy farther north than I am. I live in Venezuela

Lol, Point taken. :thumbsup:

 

[Spartacus Rex]

You all are the best!

I'm a trainer, it's genetic. You probably have a bigger ass and thighs. Most sprinters have chicken calves. It has a lot to do with ethnicity too. A lot of blacks and Russians have smaller calves and more developed upper legs. They evolved on plains and on the steps. Irish, northern Europeans and slovaks evolved in mountainous or hilly regions,hence the calves- all slow twitch muscle fiber for slow deliberate climbing. I've seen guys with small calves who have twice the power of guys with developed looking calves. It's all in the efficiency of the muscle and how you train...but yes you are probable stuck with the chicken legs all your life. They are just more efficient. An antelope does'nt have big bulky calves at the end of it's legs- too heavy for the end of the lever arm- not good for speed.

I never thought I would get any responses to such a post. I really appreciate it. All joking aside, the post I quoted above is really informative. I played basketball in highschool (eons ago) and can really sprint. I thought for sure that would have given me legs, but now I realize that's not necessarily the case. My legs are really cut, just thin and long. Most of my 6' 2" comes from the legs. I definitely will be telling everyone "...hey they are more efficient (not to mention aerodynamic)"!

Edit ->> BTW You nailed the ethnicity. My mom is from the flatlands of Germany and my Dad is from Naples. All flatlanders. And I do have quads/butt...just no calves.

I love it!

Thanks to all for giving me a good laugh while stuck in the office.

 

[Strafer]

it all makes sense if this genetics thing is true.
big calves/skinny quads, coming from mountain dwellers gene.

 

[G4VNJ]

iv got chicken legs but its my manhood im proud of....... wot a weapon lol!

 

[airs0ft3r]

I had chicken legs, but I've graduated to calf legs (say what you will, calf legs are bigger than chicken legs) due to two years of 500 pound safety squats, cause i hate the normal squat. My legs haven't' gotten bigger but I am more explosive.

So my point here is, size really doesn't matter, because the muscle might be underneath.