The case for black socks...and orange patent leather shoes.
[rule number=28/]
Science has proven that people who wear crazy socks are smarter than those boring snooze factories who wear simple plain socks. I know the data supporting the claims is legitimate because I read it on LinkedIn. Also, when I say “read”, I mean that I glanced briefly at the title while simultaneously performing several other critical activities like checking YouTube for videos of uncoordinated animals and what the weather is like on Mars.
Rule #28 stands out amongst the others as a particularly vague swan for the reasons outlined in the above article, which I assume are that in a world of limited and regimented acceptable conventions in gender style choices, socks present an opportunity to fly our Freak Flag and throw in a few pieces of flair without upsetting the boss, partner, or parents. Even though every Velominatus, the most dedicated and elite of the Cycling Aesthetes, holds white socks in the highest regard, there should always be room for other choices within the Cyclist’s daily style program.
Despite the implication on my intelligence, my own sock choice is rather understated and dictated in part by the employment of the Orange Damsels – my beloved custom orange patent-leather Bont Vaypors. These shoes already make a bit of a statement themselves, so my sock choice needs to be solid and carefully coordinated in order to avoid a conflict between my ankle and foot decorum. For instance, the orange hi-vis DeFeets I ride on the road in bad weather don’t quite match the orange of my shoes, pulling the choke on the ol’ OCD engine. I have therefore allowed myself to wear socks in any color so long as they are either black or white.
The case for white socks is already clear and does not need to be revisited. The case for black socks, however, begins with the principles laid out by Rule #8, wherein the colors of satellite components should normally be matched to their nearest adjacent contact point on the frame. It then follows by extension that the same is true for kit: assuming the mandatory black bibs, black socks bridge the gap between them and whatever shoes you might be wearing. Much like matching the cuffs to the collars, matching the socks to the bibs to black provides a uniform platform from which to build your style program.
Go bold with the choice of socks if you must, but remember to always keep it classy. And, if in doubt, build a solid foundation of color from which to build.
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@frank
It's the only appropriate eyewear to pair with black socks. Given the over-abundance of flashing lights on your bike, though, maybe you'll like these, too. I can have a pair sent out for you to try and write about. Although I'm guessing you've probably already gone down this rabbit hole. Looking forward to the article.
@Haldy
Dude! Is Frahnk paying you to put up posts like this? I still think that this entire thread has to be a hoax and this is the punch-line.
Either that or you are one of those "Super Colour" vision people that see the world in totally different hues than all of the rest of us.
http://www.popsci.com/article/science/woman-sees-100-times-more-colors-average-person
@Buck Rogers
I actually think the basis of this article was formed in @frank's head when I was calling his splits at the Improbable Hour. Every lap, lap after lap..as he was staring down hammering away...he saw my :mismatched" but carefully styled to go with my kit..socks..as I was yelling at him and his mind must have tucked away the formations of the article as he blazed through the pain of the Hour.
Paid..Ha! I just like to be the Dark Side( or is it the colorful one?) of the Force in his world. He likes to call me a savage when he sees some of my habits( since things in the world of the trackie..where I am the Keeper to his Pedalwan) are not always to his liking. :-)
I mean let's talk sock length...in the world of the trackie...no socks or very very low ankle socks is the long standing tradition....I can see the twitch developing now on @frank's face...
@Rick
Which is why I keep an "orphans and widows" sock-box
OK, mates. I ride white shoes with black socks for all my kits except for the Bontrager that has neon yellow accents, so I opt for the matching neon socks. I ride black shoes with any damn color I want as long as it is in OCD keeping with the kit and the bike (I have four: white, yellow, red, and black). However, the "Bontrager" rule also applies should that be the "kit de jour."
I no longer wear white socks. It was cool when I wore Bass Weejuns in the '60s; but no more.
And by the way, you should always match your shoes to your belt and purse. Just sayin.
@Haldy
Ha! I just KNEW that you were a bad influence on him!!!
But I am mostly with you on sock length, shorter, not too long!
Hey, guys! EPMSs are cool now. So long as they're black. Dutchmen can totally rock do-rags on the bike—so long as they're boss orange. Also, Frank's had a change of heart. His n+1 will be a 68cm frame. And, actually, bigger bikes and less seatpost are the way to go. Also: spacers (lots of 'em) are awesome! Up is down.
Black is white.* Everything you thought you knew is wrong.*White remains white. Only sock colour.
@KogaLover
With my system, I never have more than one orphan or widow.
I'm a very big fan of basic, plain bibs and jersey with some colorful socks. But, I also love white socks too. For college sports...all white low top cleats with all white mid-calf socks. Oh man, so pretty.
I wear black socks for all cross/mtn/off road riding. I also wear black socks for Rule 9 rides. White socks, never, ever get as white as they were after a few hours absorbing road grime and various petroleum products. I'm not about to ruin some nice socks by riding in white in hammering rain. Besides, riding in those conditions already means I'm a badass, so I'm not worried about sock color.
Black shoes for cross/mtn. White or white/silver for road riding. I've never liked black cleats for any sports I played and I don't like black road shoes.
Who is riding Fizik shoes? Saw a riding pal in some nice looking ones, but they looked pretty wide. I have very narrow feet. Wondering if they tend to run a bit wide. I currently ride in Sidis.