The Things We Do... & Why They Matter

Cycling is full of traditions, trends and rituals. We do things that seem silly to non-cyclists, but make perfect sense to men and women in Lycra and baggies. These rituals are passed down from cyclist to cyclist until we can’t remember why we do them – if we ever learned that in the first place.

- Jonathan Anger

All we know is that we do them because they connect us to cycling and its rich history. Bicycling presents 11 cycling traditions – and the reasons we do them.

RIDERS SPEND MANY HOURS DEBATING THE PROS AND CONS OF 26ERS VERSUS 29ERS, AND THE BEST GEAR RATIO FOR CLIMBING, BUT PERHAPS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, THEY SPEND TIME TALKING ABOUT SOCKS – SPECIFICALLY, THE MYTHICAL PERFECT SOCK HEIGHT.

Back in the 1940s, Fausto Coppi, Italy’s Il Campionissimo (‘champion of champions’), wore white socks, with the cuff sitting just above the ankle.

The classic ankle-grazing sock left several time zones of leg exposed, and more or less stayed there until Lance Armstrong arrived on the scene five decades later with long shorts and long, black socks, ushering in a new, permissive era for sock height.

Pro Continental team United Healthcare conducted a poll recently in which riders voted for their preferred sock height – from 2.5cm (which barely makes it out the shoe) to 17.75cm (tights, basically). The most popular height was 12.5cm.

Performance-wise, whether long socks are a benefit or a hindrance is still a matter that is fiercely debated; but style-wise, the consensus seems to be that socks worn mid-calf are the bomb.

On the other hand, tall sock supporters argue that longer socks are more aesthetically appealing, and make your legs appear better proportioned. As yet, no scientific research has been done to verify this.

Socks have also moved on from the black days of Armstrong, with sock aficionados claiming that the more colourful the better, because colours keep your kit looking fresh.

Give it a go – socks are a low-ticket item, and a great way to set yourself apart.