Socks, my dilemma
03-02-19, 12:48 PM
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Socks, my dilemma
Alright, need help with this one. I can’t figure this out on my own so I thought I would ask the masters. I can’t decide if I should stick with my white socks or go with black. I’ve got a whole drawer full of white socks but I like the look of the black. Money is no problem here, the real stumper is the added weight due to the dye. Do you think I should worry about that or will the added weight significantly cause my speed to decrease?
-scott
03-02-19, 12:55 PM
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There have been many threads on this subject, you should use the search function. If I recall correctly, the general consensus of said threads was that if the wool yarn used to make the socks is sheared exclusively from sheep that are naturally black in color, the weight / speed penalty should be negligible.
03-02-19, 12:58 PM
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Non omnino gravis
You also have to take into consideration that black fabric will absorb additional photons relative to white. Then determine whether or not those photons have mass, and if that mass makes the photons susceptible to gravity. You could literally be packing on the yoctograms.
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03-02-19, 01:04 PM
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There have been many threads on this subject, you should use the search function. If I recall correctly, the general consensus of said threads was that if the wool yarn used to make the socks is sheared exclusively from sheep that are naturally black in color, the weight / speed penalty should be negligible.
03-02-19, 01:10 PM
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black and/or white socks just seem sort of drab to me. Certainly brightly colored socks will make you feel more spry and faster. I started wearing them when I realized that the neon yellow socks my son and others wore seemed to make them more noticeable on the trail and road.
Isn't that a good thing? To be noticeable to others....... especially those in motor vehicles?
Isn't that a good thing? To be noticeable to others....... especially those in motor vehicles?
03-02-19, 01:13 PM
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I saw a very fit-looking female rider yesterday. who was riding along wearing red socks. I thought she looked great. Fortunately I was not wearing lycra shorts at the time.
03-02-19, 01:32 PM
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Just this year I started wearing black socks while using the trainer and so far I see absolutely no difference in my average speed when compared to wearing white socks! 
03-02-19, 01:46 PM
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I've solved most of the white/black sock issues that I've had. I found socks that are black on the front and white on the back. The black on the front helps with the downward stroke and the white helps on the upward stroke, the momentum this creates is unbelievable..... Yep, totally unbelievable. 😎
03-02-19, 05:03 PM
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Lance Armstrong did everything scientifically known to ride his bike faster. Lance Armstrong wore black socks.
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03-02-19, 05:08 PM
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I've worn green wool socks for so long I forgot there were other colors
03-02-19, 06:15 PM
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Polka-dot socks will make you climb faster.
03-02-19, 06:47 PM
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This is the most ridiculous thread since I joined.
03-02-19, 07:08 PM
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If you want real gains, you’ve got to go with HIIT socks. Pedal easy for about 5 minutes with white socks. Stop the bike, get off, and change to black socks. Hop back on and pedal at max effort for 30-60 seconds. Stop the bike, switch back to white socks and repeat the cycle. Do this for 4-6 repetitions. Caution! Do not do this workout more than 1 or 2 times a week or you will run the risk of laundering too many socks.
With practice, you can get to the point where you can change socks while still spinning the pedals.
With practice, you can get to the point where you can change socks while still spinning the pedals.
03-03-19, 09:08 AM
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I thought this was all settled in the Black Sox/White Sox trial conducted in Chicago in 1921.
03-03-19, 09:31 AM
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If you want to just LOOK faster and more pro, I would recommend 'any' color other than white.
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03-03-19, 09:38 AM
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I just don't give much thought to my socks, unless they have a hole in them. When I ride, I wear the same white or occasionally black quarter height socks I wear to the gym.
03-03-19, 09:44 AM
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All pros use black socks, since black radiates heat from the Peroneal artery that flows along the ankle. This reduces cardio vascular stress and is a major part of marginal gains.
03-03-19, 09:51 AM
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This is easy guys. Relax. I'm here to help.
Males above the age of puberty should not own white socks unless they also own white shoes. If you don't own white shoes then white socks should not be part of your wardrobe.
The only time white socks are permissible is when worn with white shoes.
-Tim-
Males above the age of puberty should not own white socks unless they also own white shoes. If you don't own white shoes then white socks should not be part of your wardrobe.
The only time white socks are permissible is when worn with white shoes.
-Tim-
03-03-19, 10:19 AM
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Right foot white and left foot black.
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03-03-19, 10:35 AM
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03-03-19, 12:35 PM
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