how good is a good sock

avalanche

just wondering if socks are worth there salt or does it really matter, have been using some of the lidl cycling ones and seem alright but need to pick up some more and came across these with a lot of fancy sales speak, is it worth investing in a sock?:D

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Gore_Bike_Wear_Xenon_Cycling_Socks_Pack_of_3/5360048459/

gman2k

they are definitely the fastest sock in the universe. (and they won't smell of smelly feet after completing a TDF without washing)

blorg

It depends on the cyclist as some are more sensitive foot-wise than others.

In general as long as it is a bike (or indeed run) specific sock I don't find a lot of difference.

There IS a big difference between a good modern "technical" sock and your average sock from Dunnes or Penneys but I still am only paying in the range of 3 quid for the technical socks.

avalanche

gman2k wrote: »

they are definitely the fastest sock in the universe. (and they won't smell of smelly feet after completing a TDF without washing)

thats just what i thought alright!

Lumen

The socks of the Euro Cyclist shall extend to within two (2) cm. of the main bulge of the calf muscle, and shall never extend further than one (1) cm. past said primary calf muscle bulge. All socks SHALL BE WHITE in colour with prominent logo placement.

avalanche

Lumen wrote: »

The socks of the Euro Cyclist shall extend to within two (2) cm. of the main bulge of the calf muscle, and shall never extend further than one (1) cm. past said primary calf muscle bulge. All socks SHALL BE WHITE in colour with prominent logo placement.

some good advice here lumen, i almost bought ones that extended over 1 cm, that would have been disgusting.

Lumen

avalanche wrote: »

some good advice here lumen, i almost bought ones that extended over 1 cm, that would have been disgusting.

I know.

</sybil>

Apologies for the following Blorg budget busters, but they're very nice.

Cannondale Le Carbon Tall Sock 9S400 2009
SockGuy Elite 3" Socks

Having "gone long" I don't see myself going back to those nasty little ankle grippers.

DirkVoodoo

I have a few pairs of adidas calf length socks (no-no, but under overshoes no one can tell!) and campagnolo socks. The campag socks are great and yes, they do make a difference.

humbert

blorg wrote: »

There IS a big difference between a good modern "technical" sock and your average sock from Dunnes or Penneys but I still am only paying in the range of 3 quid for the technical socks.

Emm, what's wrong with my Dunnes socks??

Seriously though, I've never even considered "technical socks" and I've no complaints with ordinary socks.


"This line of socks is built for the elite athlete with lightweight construction. The ultra-thin, low-density design dials in minimum weight for maximum performance with zero interference between your feet and your footwear."

That seems like awful marketing BS?

abcdggs

I'm in need of clarification on a couple of points from the irish chapter of the euro committee.
1) Could we be supplied with guidlines as to where main bulge of the primary calf muscle is?
2)What sort of recourse is available to victims of grievous euro infringment sightings "GEIS"?

cdaly_

humbert wrote: »

Emm, what's wrong with my Dunnes socks??

That seems like awful marketing BS?

Well, there is the issue that plain cotton fibres will collapse when wet losing you insulation and padding. I use wool socks for winter cycling which keep their insulation properties when wet (and cycling shoes leak asa a matter of course).

LastGasp

I recently got some Spiuk Socks which include a Silver layer that rejects moisture (apparently). No idea if it's BS or not, but they felt good right through the 440km Easter Fleche, and that's good enough for me ! They're thin, but comfy, and I didn't get cold feet. I'll be going back for more. Rob in Wheelworx said the Sales Reps Demo is to put them on and stand on the floor-Moisture appears on the floor around the foot, but underneath stays dry. They might even be the "correct" length !

TinyExplosions

abcdggs wrote: »

I'm in need of clarification on a couple of points from the irish chapter of the euro committee.
1) Could we be supplied with guidlines as to where main bulge of the primary calf muscle is?
2)What sort of recourse is available to victims of grievous euro infringment sightings "GEIS"?

1) If you don't know where it is, you don't have one and need to train harder!
2) The only recourse you get is coming on here to complain about it -we'll help you get over the trauma with links to motivational websites and pictures like the one below -the real king of euro:

blorg

humbert wrote: »

Emm, what's wrong with my Dunnes socks??

Same difference between a cycling jersey and a T shirt. The main thing is they wick moisture away a hell of a lot better and don't get wet with sweat.

ednwireland

£34.11 for a pair of socks c'mon thats crazy :rolleyes:

a decent pair of hiking socks can be had for around a tenner
and i cant imagine they are getting less of a beating (esp with my weight)

i have aldi and lidl cycling sock mainly but may by some slightly better ones

although out cycling on sunday i had craft logos on my jersey and knee warmers, pbk nalini on my arm warmers, endura on my shorts, vermarc on my gloves so i guess i could do with another logo or two :cool:

niceonetom

I swear by merino socks in winter (when their non-whiteness can be safely hidden by overshoes).

Anyone have a suggestion for plain white ankle socks of euro-compliant length? I know logos are mandatory but I really want a pure white sock technical sock... I baulk at paying anything more than a fiver for socks.

I have some of these, and while I know they're unacceptable, they are very comfortable...

TinyExplosions

niceonetom wrote: »

I swear by merino socks in winter (when their non-whiteness can be safely hidden by overshoes).

Anyone have a suggestion for plain white ankle socks of euro-compliant length? I know logos are mandatory but I really want a pure white sock technical sock... I baulk at paying anything more than a fiver for socks.

I have some of these, and while I know they're unacceptable, they are very comfortable...

I'm a very big fan of these -yes they're a little pricy, but damn comfortable, and worth the cost IMO.

Also very comfortable are these and these... I think a tenner a pair isn't all that extravagant for comfy socks!

Raam

I like tall socks. Have a few from Defeet. Like Lumen, now I have a bunch of ankle length ones that I don't like anymore.

DirkVoodoo

niceonetom wrote: »

I have some of these, and while I know they're unacceptable, they are very comfortable...

I have those two, they pale in comparison to the campagnolo socks. Really, they are worth the price. Mostly white but I think you would be hard pressed to find a quality sock where the manufacturer doesn't want their logo popping out for all to see.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Campagnolo_Multiseason_System_Coolmax_Cycling_Socks/5360038581/

Lumen

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

I have those two, they pale in comparison to the campagnolo socks. Really, they are worth the price. Mostly white but I think you would be hard pressed to find a quality sock where the manufacturer doesn't want their logo popping out for all to see.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Campagnolo_Multiseason_System_Coolmax_Cycling_Socks/5360038581/

I have some shorter Campag socks (not sure which model) and they're very average.

SockGuy ones from CRC are very subtly branded (though fail the cheapness test).



I've always had an idea that it would be great to be rich enough to wear new socks every day, but then I think that desire comes from an age where I measured lottery winnings in terms of the number of penny chews I could buy.

DualFrontDiscs

I once had socks with titanium fibres sewn into the heel and in the toe section. I think it was something to do with breathability and longevity.

Anyway, I had just completed a multi col day in Alps when the weather came in very fast and I was caught out without any bad weather gear and no cell coverage.

I used the titanium in the socks to fashion an aerial (a basic signal booster) for my mobile and hey presto, I was rescued.

I believe a number of cyclists without titanium socks perished that day.

Wearing expensive (branded) socks is an investment in your safety.

DFD*

*DesigningFootwearDreams

Lumen

DualFrontDiscs wrote: »

I believe a number of cyclists without titanium socks perished that day.

If the socks are tall and stretchy enough, you can climb inside one during a thunderstorm and be protected by the faraday cage effect.

niceonetom

I'm still not convinced by the tall socks thing... it still has something of the englishman at the beach thing to me. They also exacerbate the already ridiculous cyclist tan-line problem. Tanned knees, white shins, burnt calves, but only to 1cm below the main bulge (huh?).

I thinking I'll just go with the little no-socks socks.

Raam

niceonetom wrote: »

I thinking I'll just go with the little no-socks socks.

Fine, you go for the triathlete look if you want.

niceonetom

I did a couple of laps of the park yesterday to try out my aerobars for the TT later in the week. I was wearing my little socks too. No bento box yet.

I could feel the contempt radiating from the roadies - it made me faster.

Lumen

niceonetom wrote: »

I'm still not convinced by the tall socks thing... it still has something of the englishman at the beach thing to me.

Cyclists don't go to the beach, but for general walking around regulation Euro shorts are shorter than beach shorts, so there's no problem at the top.

What's needed is UV-transparent tall socks.

niceonetom

Lumen wrote: »

What's needed is UV-transparent tall socks.

or just wear short socks...

You just can't beat the feeling of the wind on your ankles.

Chips Lovell

niceonetom wrote: »

Anyone have a suggestion for plain white ankle socks of euro-compliant length? I know logos are mandatory but I really want a pure white sock technical sock... I baulk at paying anything more than a fiver for socks.

These are very nice socks and very plain. Only one tiny logo on one sock.

I like Assos socks as they're pretty comfortable and don't fall apart after a few months. Had a few pairs of Campag socks but the elastic went on them after a bit. Have also tried Gore and Descente but they didn't really wear well.

blorg

I have these Endura ones. Seem good quality and difficult to argue with 3 for £9.99. I actually have them in grey but may get some more in white.

Chips Lovell

I'm still planning on picking up these socks at some stage

Comm2

As a commissaire, they're completely appropriate. where can i get them?

blorg

Comm2 wrote: »

As a commissaire, they're completely appropriate. where can i get them?

Here you go