Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

The most overrated cycling accessory is...

Search
Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

The most overrated cycling accessory is...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-27-06, 06:26 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PrfectHair4ever's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The most overrated cycling accessory is...

cycling socks!!!

I bet a lot here with disagree with me, but I really dont see any benefit to cycling socks over these:

PrfectHair4ever is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:30 AM
  #2  
Let's Go!
 
SilentShifter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 743

Bikes: 2005 Trek 1500

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
I think cycling socks with the designs can be a little silly; however, the Nike Dri Fit and Underarmour socks are absolutely amazing.
SilentShifter is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:33 AM
  #3  
OCP
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MILWAUKEE
Posts: 6,289

Bikes: The kind with two wheels

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
CF bottle cage.

If you are THAT worried about weight, lose a pound or two yourself!
Hipcycler is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:35 AM
  #4  
Know Your Onion!
 
badkarma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 2,011

Bikes: Kestrel Talon, Motobecane Le Champion SL

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
CF bottle cage.

If you are THAT worried about weight, lose a pound or two yourself!
Yes, but they look really cool compared to the old metal ones (and you get major OCP points).
badkarma is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:36 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 355

Bikes: I have a lease with an option to buy.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
"Cycling Socks" are just marketing. What is not marketing are socks that are NOT made out of cotton. Would you wear a cotton jersey? Nope. Then why put crappy cotton socks on your feet that sweat just as much or more than any other part of your body? Comfort. Go out and by some socks that are made from a lightweight, wicking material, that will keep you dry and cool. Nike and Wrightsock (runners know these well) are two good ones.

I like Wrightsock. They are a little pricey but they last a really long time.
SBSpartan is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:40 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: st. louis, mo
Posts: 70

Bikes: gunnar roadie

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The helmet, unless you fall and hit your head. Then, its probably the most important accesory.
MRGolfo is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:42 AM
  #7  
Tête de Limace
 
gurana's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,578

Bikes: 2001 Lemond Nevada City; ~1987 Peugeot US Express; ~1985 Panasonic Sport 500

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by MRGolfo
The helmet, unless you fall and hit your head. Then, its probably the most important accesory.
I feel the same way about health insurance.
__________________
Les Douleurs de la Mort. :: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus.
gurana is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:47 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PrfectHair4ever's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SBSpartan
"Cycling Socks" are just marketing. What is not marketing are socks that are NOT made out of cotton. Would you wear a cotton jersey? Nope. Then why put crappy cotton socks on your feet that sweat just as much or more than any other part of your body? Comfort. Go out and by some socks that are made from a lightweight, wicking material, that will keep you dry and cool. Nike and Wrightsock (runners know these well) are two good ones.

I like Wrightsock. They are a little pricey but they last a really long time.

I have some good quality socks, but I just dont notice the difference. Or I dont really care about the difference. Cotton socks just dont bother me... and they arent a little pricey!

and CF cages serve the purpose of looking cool. I think metal cages on a nice, sleek bike looks strange. I think CF cages should be included when you buy a bike. You wouldnt buy a BMW without leather seats, would you?
PrfectHair4ever is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:48 AM
  #9  
Tri Coach/UltraMarathoner
 
kosherdave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NYC/Brooklyn
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2006 Madone 5.2 SL, some 60s Schwinn thing for crusin at Peak's Island, and an old single spead commuter (schiwn)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've got some cycling socks, my gf bought them for me for my last birthday (Disco and then a few pairs of some branded thingies, didin't wanna wear them (Disco) at first, but I got over myself and now I like them), I have to say, they're nice and breathe really well. Actually, because of those I've started buying ergo' running socks (I run as much or more than cycling) and I think THOSE are the best equipment piece I've bought so far.
kosherdave is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:49 AM
  #10  
HWS
Fuji Shill
 
HWS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
Posts: 1,230

Bikes: Fuji Roubaix

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Leg hair....or lack there of..
__________________
HWS is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:51 AM
  #11  
OnTheRoad or AtTheBeach
 
stonecrd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Weston, FL
Posts: 2,170

Bikes: Ridley Noah RS, Scott CR1 Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
There is a difference between regular old cotton socks and dry fit type athletic socks. Since I ride in +80% humidity if I rode with cotton my feet would be soaked and looking like prunes when I finished a ride. With the dry fit socks my feet are cool and dry when I finish. Now I buy them by the bag at a discount athletic store and they don't say T-Mobile on them so they don't make me any faster.
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large

2013 Noah RS
stonecrd is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 06:59 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 355

Bikes: I have a lease with an option to buy.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by PrfectHair4ever
I have some good quality socks, but I just dont notice the difference. Or I dont really care about the difference. Cotton socks just dont bother me... and they arent a little pricey!

and CF cages serve the purpose of looking cool. I think metal cages on a nice, sleek bike looks strange. I think CF cages should be included when you buy a bike. You wouldnt buy a BMW without leather seats, would you?

See you in a cotton jersey then?
SBSpartan is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:01 AM
  #13  
Tête de Limace
 
gurana's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,578

Bikes: 2001 Lemond Nevada City; ~1987 Peugeot US Express; ~1985 Panasonic Sport 500

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by badkarma
Yes, but they look really cool compared to the old metal ones (and you get major OCP points).
A good compromise would be the plastic ones. You don't get the cool carbon weave effect, but most people don't see that as I'm wheeling past them at 400w anyways.
__________________
Les Douleurs de la Mort. :: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus.
gurana is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:07 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PrfectHair4ever's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SBSpartan
See you in a cotton jersey then?
No, a cotton jersey would be a noticeable difference to say the least. I just dont notice a difference with socks.
PrfectHair4ever is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:13 AM
  #15  
works for truffles
 
pigmode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,037
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
[QUOTE=PrfectHair4ever]cycling socks!!!

I bet a lot here with disagree with me, but I really dont see any benefit to cycling socks over these:



Smartwool is under-rated.
pigmode is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:24 AM
  #16  
Fahren auf den Autobahn
 
craign04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: stuck in a bank... all day long...
Posts: 610

Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, 2004 Giant TCR C1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
unnecessary yes, but sock guy socks have fun stuff on the cuffs.
craign04 is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:25 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
larue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,511

Bikes: Surly Pacer/Cutter/Viking

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Living in Florida I know a thing or two about heat and sweat and cycling socks are definitely an improvement over standard cotton socks. You don't have to buy ones that have logos on them but for me I like wearing socks with skulls on them so it's a preference.
larue is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:27 AM
  #18  
not as fat as I was
 
Biggziff's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 947

Bikes: Trek 7000, Trek 5500, Fuji Newest 1.0

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
spare tubes....who needs 'em?
Biggziff is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:41 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Atlanta,GA
Posts: 55
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by larue
You don't have to buy ones that have logos on them but for me I like wearing socks with skulls on them so it's a preference.

All of my cycling socks are plain, except for my skull socks. I dig those socks, too.
The Micah is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:49 AM
  #20  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I prefer cycling socks to regular wicking socks. Taller cuff, thinner fabric, better breathability.

And it's not like $7/pair is breaking the bank or anything.
voltman is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:52 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Richard Cranium's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Rural Missouri - mostly central and southeastern
Posts: 3,013

Bikes: 2003 LeMond -various other junk bikes

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 44 Times in 35 Posts
Well socks "can be" over rated. But I usually prefer to have some rather than go without. However, I never knew so many people get "lost" while riding -- yet I still think this is just too much handlebar bling....
Richard Cranium is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:53 AM
  #22  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
white socks ,or black socks? which do you wear more often?
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:53 AM
  #23  
It is fantastic.
 
voltman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The OC
Posts: 7,977

Bikes: 05 Specialized Allez Elite; 06 Fuji Team Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Richard Cranium
Well socks "can be" over rated. But I usually prefer to have some rather than go without. However, I never knew so many people get "lost" while riding -- yet I still think this is just too much handlebar bling....
Not fond of tracking speed/distance/altitude/heart rate?
voltman is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:54 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
-VELOCITY-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 1,919

Bikes: Giant Revel 2 & Loco Fixie "The Marley"

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Biggziff
spare tubes....who needs 'em?
Surely you can't be serious!
-VELOCITY- is offline  
Old 07-27-06, 07:54 AM
  #25  
Used to be a climber..
 
GuitarWizard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 6,849

Bikes: 2016 Ridley Fenix SL, 2020 Trek Emonda ALR (rim brake)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
CF bottle cage.

If you are THAT worried about weight, lose a pound or two yourself!
I'll agree with that. I have some thick-ass mtn. bike cages on my 5200.....holds the bottles nice and secure......and they only cost like $6 for both.
GuitarWizard is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.