Style Rules

Raam

It's been a while, so here is an offering from Ted King of Cervelo Test Team.

http://www.iamtedking.missingsaddle.com/2009/11/kos-2/

You’re a track cyclists or a triathlete? That’s outstanding and I encourage you to keep sporting those short socks. For any other circumstance, however, nothing less than medium-to-tall socks will do. Short socks is one of the biggest ways to lose integrity as an aspiring cool cyclist, so take note.

Tall socks are where it's it at, which is a bit of a bummer because I have loads of cool shorter pairs.

And when someone disagrees with him...

You end by saying “the King is wrong here.” Well, no I am in fact very right here. I certainly hope we can agree that style for the most part is arbitrary and subjective. However, to be considered stylish is to be the “going” or “in” or “happening” trend of the time and right now tall socks are definitely in style. Sure, there’s a pre-tall socks and post-tall socks era (namely the date when they started to exist), but for the current time being, short socks look dated or lame or triathlon’esque… which, as a road cyclist myself, is therefore considered lame.

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

Tall socks are where it's it at, which is a bit of a bummer because I have loads of cool shorter pairs.

Don't forget, you can also go too tall. I give you Christophe Moreau:

Raam

Yes he covers that in one post by saying he doesn't want to see them go half up the calf.

DirkVoodoo

My God it has been a while, I think winter prioritizes function and comfort over style. Sad but true.

I have a few pairs of short socks, guess I will be using them as last minute gift ideas, thanks!

Chips Lovell

Worst of both worlds:

Raam

I think Valverde would fall foul of the sock rule

Chips Lovell

Just because he's on Dogma with Boras, he thought we wouldn't notice.

Raam

el tonto wrote: »

Just because he's on Dogma with Boras, he thought we wouldn't notice.

Nothing escapes us.

Anyone else notice that in the Vuelta, Valverde had an impressive display of wrist watches? Presume he has a sponsor.

niceonetom

This type of conversation is why people think we're weird.

I'll admit to having a liking for very short socks like trainer-liners. Weather permitting of course. I know that this is wrong but I like 'em. Longer socks can create tan-line issues too.

These days I often wear knee length ski socks. With tights I'm the only one who knows, but I have worn them with 3/4s which makes me feel vaguely like an edwardian dandy or golfer in plus-fours or something...

Chips Lovell

niceonetom wrote: »

These days I often wear knee length ski socks. With tights I'm the only one who knows, but I have worn them with 3/4s which makes me feel vaguely like an edwardian dandy or golfer in plus-fours or something...

Post reported.

Raam

Notice the incredible Euroness of this picture. We have a vast array of colourful jerseys, loud shoes, an appropriate amount of chest on display on what is clearly an uphill road. Sunglasses are either being worn or are perched in the helmet vents. Everything seems in order. But, no, something is not right, sure there is a pair of black shoes, but that's not it. You can sense it... then it hits you, like a Dublin taxi driver doing a u-turn for a fare... it's Valverde's socks.

blorg

el tonto wrote: »

Don't forget, you can also go too tall. I give you Christophe Moreau:

Jesus Christ, that is the sort of thing I am using in my frosty commute. I think the guy behind has the moral victory.

ba

hahahaha. i can already think of one irish cyclist with extraordinarily tall socks... big white ones.

Lumen

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

My God it has been a while, I think winter prioritizes function and comfort over style.

That's what the turbo is for. Dress in your best summer gear and leave the SS jersey open a little and fluttering in the breeze of the fan. Don't watch videos of roads, watch videos of cheering fans applauding your outstanding clothing choices and souplesse.

In reality only you can see yourself, but yours is the only opinion that counts.

smileys are implied

Socks-wise, I've tried to find long socks but they're not easy. Anyone got links?

el tonto wrote: »

Just because he's on Dogma with Boras, he thought we wouldn't notice.

Looks ace. It's criminal what Sky did to their Dogmas.

lukester

Raam wrote: »

Notice the incredible Euroness of this picture... [snip/] then it hits you, like a Dublin taxi driver doing a u-turn for a fare... it's Valverde's socks.

Thanks Raam, I'd just about choked back the puke when I noticed that BMC rider is wearing black shoes.

Anyone know how to get carrot chunks and bile out of a keyboard?

Timmah!

lukester wrote: »

Thanks Raam, I'd just about choked back the puke when I noticed that BMC rider is wearing black shoes.

Anyone know how to get carrot chunks and bile out of a keyboard?

This

Caroline_ie

Do you reckon the RadioShack team will be kitted with black socks?

godihatethehils

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Do you reckon the RadioShack team will be kitted with black socks?

Surely only his Lanceness will have the black socks...I presumed it was a way for him to stand out rather than an attempt at starting a fashion trend.

Caroline_ie

godihatethehils wrote: »

Surely only his Lanceness will have the black socks...I presumed it was a way for him to stand out rather than an attempt at starting a fashion trend.

not very adventurous... compared to

ray o

Can somone please educate me? What is the problem with black cycling shoes and short socks? If someone has a preference for a particular colour shoe thats fair enough but to ****e on about something not being euro is bleeding mad. As for the socks......in my opinion if your wearing shorts you should be wearing short socks, anything else looks wrong.

PS - Thanks to you all for the helpful advice and usually useful information over the last year. I wish you all Merry Crimbo and a Happy and safe New Year.

godihatethehils

D1gger wrote: »

Can somone please educate me? What is the problem with black cycling shoes and short socks? If someone has a preference for a particular colour shoe thats fair enough but to ****e on about something not being euro is bleeding mad. As for the socks......in my opinion if your wearing shorts you should be wearing short socks, anything else looks wrong.

The Bible

ray o

Ah right.....thank fu*k for that.....I thought you were all serious.

Caroline_ie

D1gger wrote: »

Ah right.....thank fu*k for that.....I thought you were all serious.

We are ...

RobFowl

D1gger wrote: »

Ah right.....thank fu*k for that.....I thought you were all serious.

They are :eek:

(black shoes forever)

ray o

About what? Cycling or Fashion? Does that stuff only count when you are watching european racing? I presume you wouldn't look down on some newbie joing a weekend run if they were wearing black shoes/shorts and short socks?

Beasty

D1gger wrote: »

I presume you wouldn't look down on some newbie joing a weekend run if they were wearing black shoes/shorts and short socks?

They would - but you can get your own back by hammering them up the hills:D

zzzzzzzz

D1gger wrote: »

About what? Cycling or Fashion? Does that stuff only count when you are watching european racing? I presume you wouldn't look down on some newbie joing a weekend run if they were wearing black shoes/shorts and short socks?

I wouldn't look down on them - I'd spit on them

Beasty

aidan.offbeat wrote: »

I wouldn't look down on them - I'd spit on them

Yea - that's all you Eurokrauts are good for - polishing our (black) boots:)

ray o

aidan.offbeat wrote: »

I wouldn't look down on them - I'd spit on them

Is that euro too?

RobFowl

D1gger wrote: »

Is that euro too?

Only if there's no greeners in it

thebouldwhacker

1. Image and style shall be the primary concerns of the Euro Cyclist.... Winning races is an added talent, and only counts if said Euro Cyclist wins with appropriate style.

Look at the pity and disgust in those peoples faces... cameras averted.... sad;)

ray o

I've just been reading the Rules andCodes of Conduct from The Bible. Also checked out some threads in the Discussion Page (best way to eat nutella & keeping white cycling clothing white). This stiff is brilliant...its comic genius... just like The Office. I really thought you lot were serious about this stuff

DirkVoodoo

D1gger wrote: »

I've just been reading the Rules andCodes of Conduct from The Bible. Also checked out some threads in the Discussion Page (best way to eat nutella & keeping white cycling clothing white). This stiff is brilliant...its comic genius... just like The Office. I really thought you lot were serious about this stuff

It is very serious!

Raam

Know this... we may joke about Euro rules, but we are deadly serious.

thebouldwhacker

To know if its serious or not one must know the yin and yang, the opposite of euro is Fred... while being euro can be seen as a positive, being Fred is never acceptable..... though to contradict this there is nothing better than being on your A2B bike and chasing down a Eurocrat. This is where the euro become Fred and the Fred becomes... well its complicated but you get the idea:p

Yours sincerely

Fredrick Fredrickson

lescol

Why are the rules not on display at all cycle shops/websites? I would never have got into this sport if I'd known back then what I know now. Just what to do with all the non Euro gear amassed over the years that can never be worn, only on the turbo when I know that nobody will call. I live in a cloud of confusion...am I Euro (wannabe) or Fred

Lumen

lescol wrote: »

Just what to do with all the non Euro gear amassed over the years that can never be worn

You can never have too many costumes. I've spent much of my adult life attempting to emulate this fine fellow:

lescol

OMG, I remember him. Is he still on?

lukester

Lumen wrote: »

You can never have too many costumes. I've spent much of my adult life attempting to emulate this fine fellow:

Ah, Mr Benn, the sartorial superhero. Lived next door to Bagpuss IIRC.

As for non-euro gear, you can donate it to Fred charities.

Beasty

lukester wrote: »

As for non-euro gear, you can donate it to Fred charities.

We don't need your charity:)

Mr Benn was one for my younger brother - I was way too old when he first appeared

Now Noggin the Nog ....