Bigger or not thighs

[Okeydokey]

When I started this malarkey quite a few months ago, I was expecting my quads to grow.
But as I carry out longer and longer rides, and as I get stronger on the hills, the legs bands on my budget shorts are getting looser and looser which comes as a bit of a surprise.
Tbh! I don't care either way but I was hoping for some free of charge compression on the quads which doesn't look like it's going to happen.
So is it possible my legs get thinner and stronger at the same time?

 

[Saluki]

My legs are thinner than they were. Rock hard thighs and calf muscle with good definition though. I have found, however, that my skinny jeans are a smidge snug on the thigh due to the change of shape of my legs.

Thinner and stronger is a definite possibility

 

[smutchin]

You're losing fat. You will probably feel stronger because your power-to-weight ratio and cardiovascular fitness are improving, but you won't build muscle unless you do specific muscle-building exercise - eg weights.

 

[Milkfloat]

Sounds to me as if your lyrca is just stretching.

 

[screenman]

You are losing lard.

 

[Cycleops]

Don't stop until they look like this:

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/will-cycling-make-your-legs-bigger/

 

[Drago]

^ Nice bit of synthol.

 

[S-Express]

Tbh! I don't care either way but I was hoping for some free of charge compression on the quads which doesn't look like it's going to happen.
So is it possible my legs get thinner and stronger at the same time?

You will only achieve muscle hypertrophy and increases in muscle strength by pushing/lifting weights at or near your maximal force exertion capabilities. Fortunately/unfortunately (delete as appropriate) cycling does not bring you anywhere close to that level of required force application.

 

[si_c]

My legs are just much leaner. I still have problems with jeans though as even with loose fit my legs are too big for my waist size so I have to go up a size.

 

[Mugshot]

^ Nice bit of synthol.

Talking of which, when do we get to to see the tour photos?

 

[Drago]

Waiting for Mrs D to email them to me, you cheeky young pup!

 

[ayceejay]

The difference between the legs shown in the photo and the ones you describe is often explained by the difference between a track sprinter and an endurance cyclist. Endurance athletes rarely carry a lot of muscle.

 

[S-Express]

Forstermann's 'famous' big legs are actually completely unneccesary, even for sprint disciplines.

 

[gaijintendo]

Don't stop until they look like this:
View attachment 359468

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/will-cycling-make-your-legs-bigger/

Jings, I just read that article and I had no idea Hoy was so ripped. That disturbs me a little - I always worry when sprinters have amazing forearms and only lift supplement drinks.

 

[vickster]

What bodytype are you? Do you start off muscly?
Have you lost any weight since you bought the shorts?
How do you wash your Lycra?