Why the high socks?
 

Just noticed that the guys in the Tour seem to be wearing high socks, i.e. up to the calf. Is there some practical reason for doing this, or is it just fashion related?

Fashion.

OR lack of.

they started buying tube socks from walmart, what else?

I'm getting a distinct sense of deja vu.

My cardiologist says they're support socks. He's a 34-year-old ultradistance cyclist (rode from Reno to Yosemite in one day last month, about 220 miles over several 8000-foot and one 9900-foot pass), and he says he wears them every day.
Details here: http://www.ameswalker.com/

Socks are like 50% more aerodynamic than bare skin. Seriously, go try it. You'll cut right through the air.

Other effective and oft-overlooked options for better aerodynamic performance include riding with your eyes as very nearly closed as possible, not exhaling, and circumcision.

It makes their legs look beefier.

your cardiologist is incorrect.

Support socks are even higher.

As far as I can see some new guy named Lance Armstrong came up with high socks and now everyone is wearing them. I think I'll get them too, it's sexy.

Seriously: Just a fashion thing... I don't like it and will stick to low socks.

It's due to a conversion error from Imperial to Metric

:lol:

And again... Someone blames it on us Europeans ;)

I don't know why, but it's a sure thing the OCP crowd will be wearing them within a month.
That will make it a little more difficult to distinguish them from the Freds.

the 'trend' is more than several years old.

didn't you get the memo?

They're compression socks. Here's an article
http://www.livestrong.com/lance-arms...randmas-socks/

incorrect.

i don't need to see the 'article' to know that armstrong wears socks when he rides, and compression socks afterwards.

well coming from the Triathlon scene, wearing compression socks is an advantage vs. leaving your legs bare. the compression improves blood circulation and during the run (where the calf is the main muscle used) they seem to increase endurance. that being said, in cycling I really don't see the point of compressing your calves... more of a glute thing

You forgot wearing your bib straps over your jersey to keep it from flapping in the wind.