mpath

Trolled. The OP hasn't responded since the initial post - must've been too hot to ride in AZ, and in typical fashion (no pun intended), the 41 pounced on it three pages later.

Corbin

Here you go mate.

By saying people look like a Fred I mean they look like they are a poser. Or in other words simply copying the pros because there're pros.

If you wear long socks because that's your thing, great!

To each there own. I started this thread to state my opinion and of course some were offended. The reason why I let this thread go is because like I said it was my opinion and I'm not here to argue with anyone.

My main point was: socks are for feet not legs, that's pretty much it.

/thread

noodle soup

How long are you talking about? 3" cuffs, 8" cuffs, or knee sox?

Dan333SP

Don't know if anyone has pointed this out. I have "cyclist" socks but almost always wear regular ankle-length cotton socks. The longer socks seem to help avoid "soggy shoe" syndrome when it's very hot and my legs are sweating. The runoff will soak my short socks and make the shoes feel squishy. The longer socks seem like they're better able to wick sweat away.

Not that this is a reason why I'd necessarily choose to wear longer socks. Just noticed it on occasion.

MikeyBoyAz

What the F is winter??

noodle soup

Winter is the 5-6 weeks when we wear knee warmers for early morning rides.

Hypno Toad

LOL! This is all just so much dumb. Tall socks, I wear them, so what. Sometimes, I like the looks, sometimes my wookie legs just aren't hairy enough for the conditions:

IMG_20160408_095912858_HDR.jpg

Sometimes I ride with ankle socks, sometimes 4" socks, sometimes 6", and then there's the knee high fuchsia argyle socks I'll be riding at CX this fall (I'll post pics after the first race).

Rocks out with your socks out!

See above picture for reference

Corbin

I'm referring to the typical pro sock. I know they have different lengths.

If I was a pro cyclist and my team manager handed me a pair of 3" cuffs I'd be urged to ask him what the benefits are. Logically it makes zero sense.

Now if people want to talk about compression socks that's another thread itself.

snidely

Thanks for sharing. I guess everyone has an opinion, and a desire to share it. For whatever reason.

Hypno Toad

So is this too much?

12108944_10153143588446444_9127460981268230917_n.jpg

Not that I really care, I'm just curious what you see from the view from your high horse.

Corbin

crapdontstink you must be a native? I've been here 6 years from St. Louis. Cycling in the winter here is brutal to me. I was surprised to see that I like the heat 90°f is perfect. I wear leg/arm warmers full finger gloves and a lycra cap that covers my ears as well. I'm thinking a full face mask might be in store this season for me.

joejack951

Or this:

MVC-545F by joe jackson, on Flickr

RPK79

Sometimes clothing isn't all about function, but also fashion and there is nothing wrong with that.

Corbin

Not sure how I am coming of as being on a high horse. It's odd seeing people get offended over small things. But I understand that you probably model your life after others you see rather than thinking for oneself.

Perhaps you would like to elaborate on why pro cyclist wear long socks? Do you honestly not see how long cycling socks is 100% counter intuitive to everything else they wear/do for aero advantage?

It's a trend, nothing more.

Hypno Toad

I bet it gets all the way down to 50F... brrrrr.

I'm am kidding around, I am not offended. I find all of this silly - I really don't care what you wear.

If you want to complain about freds (poser); how about the guys wheezing up a 5% grade on a charity ride while riding with $5,000 CF bikes (not to mention the accessories). Now that looks straight-up silly to me.

BTW - Please let me know if you can figure out who I'm modeling my 'style' after... I wanna follow them on FB.

PS - I know high deserts get cold at night. But, I'm gonna get on my high-horse if we're gonna start talking about cold weather riding.

Dan333SP

To be fair, the socks Wiggo wore for his hour record were designed with aerodynamics in mind.

However, pros in road races with high socks aren't wearing custom aero socks, they're just doing it for aesthetics and maybe sweat wicking.

RPK79

Do you go the other way and model your sock choice on wearing what no one else wears? Are your socks tailored to be an odd length that no one else on earth has so you can prove your total individuality through sock fashion (or lack there of).

noodle soup

Yep. Last January I was commuting 22 miles pre-dawn, and the temps were high 30s, but the ride home was usually over 70 degrees.

I do see some people dressed like the OP described, and it just makes me laugh a little inside.

Gasser5.2

I've yet to see anyone sporting anything longer (taller) than mid-calf, but I can tell you this: If you're a guy and ride in my neighborhood with kneesocks, you'd better be wearing a kilt too!

On a side note, I'd never heard the term "Fred" before. So before I googled it I tried to figure out what connection to cycling any of the famous Freds I know (Willard, Ward, Armisen, Flintstone) have, but came up empty.

PepeM

'The logo of the sponsors, you know, those guys thanks to whom you have a job, goes on them. That's the benefit. Now stop asking stupid questions and do your bloody job.'

noodle soup

I would love to overhear that conversation.

I wear 3"-4" cuff sox because it's more comfortable than without them, and I don't like no-see style sox.

T Stew

No shoes, no socks (with exception of the few times in winter I may happen to get out on the bike).


I am hoping to try my first duathlon next year (I can't swim, so the normal tri races aren't in my near future) I'm curious how fast I can do the transitions with no gear to change except helmet.

RPK79

You ride barefoot?

Drew Eckhardt 

You no longer do that? It's a great way to save weight.

RPK79

I know people who have lost toenails because they thought flipflops were proper cycling attire. Riding barefoot is just plain stupid.