Calves anyone?

[RoadRaven]

Fair enough Sue

I fully acknowledge our desire to change the way we look - that is one of the motivating factors for me getting on a bike...

I'm just always interested in fit people who have a body that functions well and does what is asked of them (for example, useful cyclists who want to just cycle) who choose to cross train, not for another sport/discipline, but for purely cosmetic purposes.

See, when you explain it like this...
but if I have the power to change the look, for the fun of it, why not? I love the look of a sleek, athletic cut body. I also like how healthy I am because of it. I like learning about my body and how it responds to different nutrient ratios and exercises.
I can see its more than just a cosmetic thing, its art to you, and its science, and thats cool

Maybe its the laziness coming out in me yet again - I just couldn't be bothered cross-training without a practical purpose.

I am asking WHY mess with it because this way of thinking is not my experience
I am not saying DONT mess with it

Raven

[Technotart]

My calves are sore after riding as well - along with the hamstrings so they must be doing something!

It all depends on where you focus. A lot of the cylclists I see out there have very well defined calves - including my son - and I can say for a fact that he hasnt seen the inside of a gym or a weight training program since February.

Cycling DOES have some effect on your calves, maybe just not the effect you are looking for?

[bcipam]

There is a difference between muscle development and definition. The reduction of body fat will cause the calves and legs to look more defined. If you cycle alot, then you will lose body fat in your calves and thus they will be more defined. If calves are small, or the muscle underdeveloped, and you wish to create more bulk, than weight training is needed. You can also ride occasionally "under load" by standing on the bike and pushing a harder gear. This is equivolent to standing calve lifts in the gym.