Socks or No Socks- the Definitive Thread in a Single Post!
 

Oh, the never ending sock versus no sock for sprinters debate. I thought I would post a question, but knew the answers already. As such, I have saved each of you the time spend responding by simply writing out your responses myself.

Dalai- Simple one sentence answer.

Quinn- I generally try to find the most uncomfortable way to ride. Some days it's with socks, some days it's without. Either way, I'd rather spend the effort doing another six or seven 750m repeats (at only 99% of max) than making a selection from my sock drawer. That said, there's some information about what method is best, but my coach asked me to keep it secret. Do what works for you, I'll do what works for me, and if we sprint one another I'll F'ing eat you.

Carleton- I'm not so sure, Quinn. I've done a season with socks, a season without socks, a season alternating socks, and a season with a layer of almond butter on my feet instead of socks. Having spent close to a year's worth of time scouring the net for every single photo including the feet of a track sprinter, I'm pretty well qualified to speak on what every single pro in the world does, too. At this time, my conclusion is that you'll have to decide for yourself.

Quinn- I don't understand why Carleton is arguing. We're saying the same GD thing. Why doesn't anyone take me seriously?

Carleton- ;)

Carleton- Here's an obscure blog post from a very recently retired World Cup coach that outlines a few basics about socks.

Baby Puke- I play it by ear. I like training old-school without socks like we did in keirin school, but whatever floats your boat. These days, I'm just satisfied if I have *time* to put socks on. You know, the baby puking and all.

Carleton- Awesome one-liner about socks.

Carleton- And here're about 40 pictures of Team GB testing socks vs. no socks

Carleton- And here's a graph that has something to do with socks

Quinn- Great. In the time you did that research, I trained enough to. . . well, I trained a whole lot.

Brian Ratliff- According to some crazy engineering law, it's obvious that socks are considerably more efficient than going barefoot. It essentially boils down to heat dissipation and energy use. Simple, really.

noglider- I just love you guys, I love track bikes, and this whole thing is just really really cool.

JMR- Socks are quite comfy, keep the shoe-stench down, and generally provide a greater aesthetic. I'm a fan, as are many of my mates down here where the weather is fading into autumn.

Carleton- Here's a pic of a race at Dick Lane. Steve Hill has socks, I don't have socks. One of us won, but I don't think it was because of the socks. :D

Kayce- Socks hurt technique. Work your technique.

xengravity- Oh crap. I think socks might be a problem for me. I've bought the perfect track socks, but I'm not sure I have them set up correctly. Help?

Alleghenyjet- At my age, the socks just keep wrinkling around my ankles. But I'm gonna race like hell this weekend!

Trackliche- Wait, what?

-TC

haha nice.

The only people who don't wear socks are nasty triathletes who like to pee all over their saddle and tape their lunch to every corner of their bike.

This is awesome. And I actually have an opinion: Road, socks. Track, no socks. Why? Bobby Walthour, that's why.

Hahahahahaha!!!! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. You got us all just right!

I'm still confused, though...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/...90_468x345.jpg

http://kirklandcoaching.files.wordpr.../chris-hoy.jpg

Both are Hoy :(

The bottom picture is Jason Kenny, blue Bonts with the Logo covered up. Also double strap, think Chris always used a single strap and either black or white Bonts

HAAAHAHAHAHA! :roflmao2:

this is ******' terrific*. almond butter killed me. multiple sequential carleton posts killed me. so dead-on! chapeau, sir.




*even though i take umbrage at my exclusion. :50:

Aces. Nailed it!

oh wait! haha - and don't forget that if you do decide to by socks, fit is critical. No point in spending xxx on fancy socks if they don't fit perfectly

:p

I stand corrected!

**** Socks!

Hilarious ;).

No socks for me - ever . not on track , road or mountain bike (I have 11 4E feet and haven't popped for full custom shoes yet is why)

---looks like you put a lot of thought into this thread though, i busted out 3 sets of deadlifts and 1 set of zercher squats in the time it took you to write it :thumb:

I have lurked and pored over every thread in this forum over the last couple weeks and this. is. hilarious. I lost it at Carleton's emoticons.

http://atomicss.com/wp-content/uploa...isane_6095.jpg
http://m6.i.pbase.com/o3/11/664411/1...TheoBos.jl.jpg

socks of the correct length!

UCI Banned Socks that cover the Shoes :(

(Unfortunately, this is true.)

We can't do this anymore:

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/135/36...d6a86dfbb3.jpg
(Michael Creed)

Source: Men's Points Race | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I think I have a photographic memory...not sure why or how I remember these images or their sources :(

UCI also banned socks that go higher than mid calf. I think they are working on a 3:1 rule - foot length must be at least 3 x sock height with measurements required unless using UCI certified socks.

Really? So UCI would have an issue with this?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MYVVbdiYW...0/DSCF7073.jpg

Tall socks, no sleeves - that must be a triathlon.

So glad you all enjoyed it. Also so glad the thread descended into nudity. Nice work!

-TC

I feel left out. Make fun of me too, damnit!

That's a double strap on Hoy's set up in that picture.

But that's not Hoy, it's Jason Kenny.

True. I was speaking of how Hoy is usually seen wearing only a single strap. Just pointing out that he does use doubles as well.