View Poll Results: Tape or Socks?
Tape
18
48.65%
Socks
19
51.35%
Voters: 37. You may not vote on this poll
Bar Tape or Socks?
05-28-14, 09:44 PM
#26
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05-28-14, 09:44 PM
#27
Vain, But Lacking Talent
Pink socks add 10 watts. Bar tape can vary depending on the coefficient of friction for a given altitude and roughness of said tape.
05-28-14, 10:16 PM
#29
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Only in Minnesota or maybe Canada would one wear merino socks in the summer. I read that in Wikipedia.
05-28-14, 10:31 PM
#30
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Merino is overrated. Yeah, I said it.
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05-29-14, 12:39 AM
#31
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You can get tube socks for less than $1 a pair.
Hanes Men's 12 Pack Over the Calf socks: Big & Tall : Walmart.com
Hanes Men's 12 Pack Over the Calf socks: Big & Tall : Walmart.com
05-29-14, 03:40 AM
#32
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I vote socks, no bar tape. Lower center of gravity.
05-29-14, 04:09 AM
#33
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Mix it up. Wrap bar tape around your ankles.
05-29-14, 07:35 AM
#34
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Some good suggestions in this thread! Thanks, all.
What would make you think otherwise? I've seen so many "what wheels", "groupset or power meter", "groupset or wheels", and "which bike" threads that I figured the same concept would boil down nicely into the lower cost decisions as well, and it clearly has! I had no idea that wearing full length merino wool socks would increase my speed so much or that not using bar tape would reduce my weight and drag coefficient significantly, but now I can go into this purchase decision with a solid base of knowledge.
What would make you think otherwise? I've seen so many "what wheels", "groupset or power meter", "groupset or wheels", and "which bike" threads that I figured the same concept would boil down nicely into the lower cost decisions as well, and it clearly has! I had no idea that wearing full length merino wool socks would increase my speed so much or that not using bar tape would reduce my weight and drag coefficient significantly, but now I can go into this purchase decision with a solid base of knowledge.
Last edited by RPK79; 05-29-14 at 07:38 AM.
05-29-14, 07:40 AM
#35
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Cut the socks into strips and use them as bar tape. Kill two birds, etc.
05-29-14, 01:53 PM
#36
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05-29-14, 02:00 PM
#37
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There is no good, inexpensive substitute for good bar tape. There are inexpensive substitutes for cycling socks. Don't pay $15 per pair when you can pay a tenth of that. I use New Balance running socks. They're about $1.50 a pair when bought in a pack of six. They're no different than the cycling socks I've had.
05-29-14, 02:23 PM
#38
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There is no good, inexpensive substitute for good bar tape. There are inexpensive substitutes for cycling socks. Don't pay $15 per pair when you can pay a tenth of that. I use New Balance running socks. They're about $1.50 a pair when bought in a pack of six. They're no different than the cycling socks I've had.
05-29-14, 02:27 PM
#39
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05-29-14, 02:28 PM
#40
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Since new balance socks are so cheap can I just use those as bar tape, socks, and chamois?
05-29-14, 03:11 PM
#41
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Don't forget that when a pair is well placed, they work to increase you appearance of manliness too. I don't need that of course, but just sayin'.
05-29-14, 04:16 PM
#42
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If you're really looking for performance gain, then ditch both. The extra weight will only slow you down. While you're at it, remove the chamois from your shorts, and ditch the jersey. Talk about speed gains! Skin is soooooo aero! As a bonus, chicks will dig the shirtless look.
05-29-14, 07:13 PM
#43
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05-29-14, 07:19 PM
#44
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05-29-14, 07:28 PM
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05-29-14, 08:07 PM
#46
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05-30-14, 11:52 AM
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I'm sayin' once the money's gone it's gone forever. So it's best to get what you want while the gettin's good.
