Well That Socks...

In keeping with theme of footwear, we'll be highlighting on footwear. No, I do not have a fetish with feet, I just really like shoes and all things related to them. The topic this week is socks. They're a minor component in terms of cycling apparel, but they could define or erase the word "stylish". An ideal pair of socks would be high top socks that approach 2cm to the bulge of the calves; anything longer or shorter are frowned upon. (OREC #6) Here is a series of pictures for reference:

Appropriate pair of socks, demonstrated by David Millar.

These socks are way too short. (Tyler Farrar)

Black socks are ok if the shoes aren't black too. (Bradley Wiggins)

As mentioned two weeks ago, black shoes + black socks = no go. (Lance Armstrong)

Riding sockless is banned!

Sorry to bash on our multisport brethren, but socklessness is as shameful as riding jersey-less; it's simply unstylish.

Faux Pas Friday: Cotton Socks

In keeping with the topic on shoes, here are some cotton socks with cycling shoes. Those sexy* Shimanos, ruined!!

*Sexy because these shoes have been donned by some of the most legendary cyclocross and mountain bike riders.

OMG Shoes

I think you have too many shoes... except if they're cycling shoes. By now, you should know why white is the color of choice for many cycling items, including shoes. There's no denying that white shoes are stylish, period. You may see some bright yellow shoes in the peloton occasionally, which are pretty cool, but black shoes are a no-go*. For today's entry, we'll look at what's hot and what's not in a series of pictures:

Lance Armstrong, the only one wearing black shoes with black socks, when everyone else is wearing white shoes.

Armstrong (right) in black shoes again. Notice Levi Leipheimer (left) was in white shoes, until...

...the 2011 season, when Leipheimer (left) started wearing black shoes too. 

Mark Cavendish also used to wear white shoes.

But then he downgraded to black shoes ( though he still won, just not in style).

These yellow Mavics are pretty sweet too.

Stick with white to be safe, and stylish.

The lesson is to get white shoes. Studies have shown that people wearing white shoes tend to win more often because they look better. Looking good is the equivalent of winning; it's science.

*Look out for an entry regarding shoes for off-roading (mountain bike and cyclocross) in the near future, where black shoes might be acceptable!

Faux Pas Friday: Function vs. Fashion

Let's see, where to start. Stem is backwards, handlebars are reversed and upside down, shifters mounted the other way to accomodate the bars, aerobars are useless, t-shirt plus shorts, rear rack, helmet straps over hideous sunglasses, rear rack, etc. I could go on, but you get the point. I don't know why they didn't choose another picture to advertise their ride...

Tour de France 2011 Special

*Spoiler alert if you haven't watched stage 19*

In the Tour de France, the leader of the overall competition (also known as general classification, or GC) dons the yellow jersey, or "maillot jaune" in French. This jersey has been to known to give its wearer a pair of wings, which was proven true in this year's edition. It has been action-packed in every stage for three weeks; names were proven, revelations were made, but also, hearts were broken, tears and blood were shed. Nowadays, yellow jersey wearers are typically outfitted with distinct yellow equipments like bikes, helmets, bibs, etc. Below are some examples from this year:

Philippe Gilbert in yellow in the stage 2 TTT. The Belgian-colored sunglasses go well with the yellow skinsuit, and check out the matching yellow watch!

World champion and sprinter, Thor Hushovd, climbed alongside some of the best climbers to hold on to the maillot jaune for a week. Must be because of the matching hoods and bar tape.

Probably the most defiant yellow jersey wearer, Thomas Voeckler wouldn't go down without a fight, even though he says he doesn't expect to keep it until Paris. Great bib and sock lengths.

Unlike in the Giro d'Italia special, there was no worst or best yellow jersey wearer; all three of these riders have done the yellow proud and in style. Tomorrow, Andy Schleck will start in yellow in the Grenoble time trial. We'll find out if he will be able to keep yellow, and more importantly, if he will show up on a stylin' yellow Trek Speed Concept.

New Cycle of Style feature teaser, guess what that is.

Faux Pas Friday: Podium Guys

Photo by Lyne Lamoureux.

As opposed to podium girls, Samantha Schneider gets kisses from podium guys. She looks really comfortable.

V for Victory

What better way to celebrate one's race win than having both arms in the air? The header of this blog says "looking good= winning", but one day, you might actually win a race. When that happens, you better be prepared to look good while winning! Until then, read on to get some tips on how to celebrate your race win in style.

Cyclingtipsblog actually showcased a good list of victory salutes, so it would be redundant for me to repeat what was already mentioned. Instead, I will review some of the most stylish victory salutes in the 2011 season.

The jersey kiss by Belgian national champion, Philippe Gilbert.

To show everyone how much you love your team (or your country in Phil's case), pull up your jersey and give it a kiss. Preferably after slaughtering everyone else on an uphill finish. Gilbert can do no wrong.

Tyler Farrar's "W".

Farrar's surprisingly Euro victory salute. He shines a big "W" to commemorate his training partner and best friend, Wouter Weylandt, who sadly passed away this May.

Borut Bozic with the "Prom Date".

This is an excellent victory salute because you can make fun of it, but at the same time shows genuine emotions. In this picture, Bozic looks like the girl of his dreams just asked him to be her prom date, hence both hands clutching his chest in joy, but he is obviously very happy to have crossed the line first.

Cadel Evans barely broke a sweat.

Evans won this tough uphill finish, but to show how easy it was for him, he nonchalantly wipes his forehead, as if that was the only drip of sweat he broke in the race. Very well done Cadel. p/s: Don't make fun of him, or he'll cut your head off.

The first Faux Pas Friday was very well received, so instead having them on last Friday of the month, FPFs will be featured on Fridays in between style tips. That means there will be a new post every Friday!