What dictates sock height in cycling?

[texasbbq]

Is it the obvious trend of fashion or is there an actual difference?

[rwsaunders]

If you’re talking about pro cycling, the UCI dictates sock height…see page 54.

https://archive.uci.org/docs/default...ng_english.pdf

[texasbbq]

Originally Posted by rwsaunders

If you’re talking about pro cycling, the UCI dictates sock height…see page 54.

https://archive.uci.org/docs/default...ng_english.pdf

So, back to my question. Why aren't we wearing ankle high socks anymore?

[steelbikerider]

Dork fashion has no explanations.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by texasbbq

So, back to my question. Why aren't we wearing ankle high socks anymore?

Current fashion (it's what the pros wear). And who says we aren't?

[Buzz Killington]

Take your average speed for a fast ride. Divide by 10 and then square that number. Result is your optimum sock height above ankle.

[novacyclist]

I got back into cycling earlier this year and was wondering the same. I have both but still wear angle length (or shorter) unless it's cool out. I don't want to add more weird tan line locations.

Back to the why. I was assuming those socks have an aero advantage, kind of like the rest of the clothing? For example, as anyone noticed how long the short sleeves are these days? They cover the entire upper arm. Same for the shorts, they are just above the knee now.

[benb]

We've had threads about this before.

There *are* socks that are claimed to have aero advantage now, for example Silca markets them.

So there has been a trend towards longer and longer socks to maximize whatever advantage is there, so the UCI has a sock height rule.

You win some, you lose some. As much as I find Rapha pretentious they changed the entire cycling fashion scene, and other than weird/long socks I think most of our kits now are a heck of a lot nicer looking than they were 20 years ago when everything was super loud and tacky.

Now you just need to make sure not to wear muted colors to excess since all those hideous old kits from 20 years ago might have made you a little more visible to cars.

[klasse]

No socks has never failed me.

[deluz]

I hate socks that extend into my calf muscle. 9 to 13 cm is ideal.

[SlowPokePete]

and here I thought it was leg length.

SPP

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by klasse

No socks has never failed me.

Flip Flops

[sg8357]

Originally Posted by texasbbq

Is it the obvious trend of fashion or is there an actual difference?

Per UCI regs,
Sock height is based on the color of the year Pantone value
modified by mean skirt length at Fashion Week and
the number of French stage wins in the last 3 TdFs.

[pys]

Y’all wear socks!!??

pys

[Turkle]

I am going to hope that you all are actually kidding about riding a bike with no socks. Yikes.

As the years go by, I find myself preferring taller socks every season. Better dirt protection, better sweat management, warmer in the wintertime. Seems like a win all around.