Interbike Ambush: Darn Tough Vermont!

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 10, 2011 1:53 PM EDT in Techs-Mechs & Gear

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I love this segment. In part because it is officially socks weather in Seattle. Like, durable wool socks weather. I also enjoyed talking to these guys as a different kind of Interbike attendee -- the newcomer. Darn Tough Vermont have been in the sock business for three decades, catering to the slushy, crusty, muddy misery that is nine months of the Green Mountain State's year. Trust me, I know. I've cleaned enough ski bindings that look like the underside of my Cross bike.

Anyway, what makes them unique to the Interbike experience is that they're the company who most of the attendees don't know yet. Sure, their socks are at REI and other retailers nationwide, but the sock business is a small and crowded niche in the bike world. DTV are coming from the hiking world (primarily) looking to make a splash in cycling. And they're relying on Interbike (as well as their high-quality products) to muscle their way onto the scene.

Here's their head honcho Mark Comcowich, explaining what the company, their products, and their Interbike experience is all about:

I've got a couple pairs of DTV socks and they feel great, perfect for Seattle slop and Cross season. Of course, the real test will be whether they are still springy and intact a year from now, though aside from the usual danger of my kids leaving sharp objects around for me to step on, I like their chances. Darn Tough, check em out.

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Will try them out

I was actually in the market for some new socks, and I see they have some 3/4 length all white socks to go with my new all white SIDI’s (KoS approved).

"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton

by sminer on Oct 10, 2011 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Switzerland is full of expensive socks that promise some sort of benefit, whether its cross-country skiing, cycling, skiing, hiking, etc.

Is there really any benefit support wise, benefit wise, etc. In other words any benefit other than say warmth or long-lsting.

Open-minded but slightly skeptical?

moo

by Willj on Oct 10, 2011 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

Well

I think they talked about the loops staying intact longer, which provides more of a soft squeeze rather than the sensation of wearing paper between you and your shoe. I’d imagine there’s a slight performace benefit there.

De cross gaat out that door.

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 10, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

so I'd climb faster ?

moo

by Willj on Oct 10, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

That's

what they told me. Guaranteed or my money back. All I’d have to do was prove that my own lack of fitness played no role in the lack of progress.

De cross gaat out that door.

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 10, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

darn nice sox..

Really. I have a couple pair in the drawer.

~ The photographer formerly known as Fred

by Christopher See on Oct 10, 2011 5:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Lets be clear....

“Pete has cleaned enough of my ski bindings that looked like the underside of my cross bike…”

"In road cycling tires 25mm is the new 22mm"
-Chris Fontecchio, PdC April 2011-

by Mr Van P on Oct 10, 2011 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

I never thought I'd care about socks

When we started riding, I thought ‘oh I’m never gonna spend money on those silly jerseys, and I’ll never need padded shorts, or cleated shoes’ All that quickly fell by the wayside and we’ve become total suckers for kit. But I was sure socks would never matter to me.

How wrong I was. They’re now the first thinkg I look for when I go in a bike shop. How many pairs with the Lion of Flanders on them does a man need? Many, apparently. Compared to $100 plus shorts or jerseys, socks seem like such a bargain.

The picture above is sending me straight to REI after work. Cause I need more socks.

by bdr on Oct 10, 2011 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

+1

After watching "Sound of Music " several hundred times, my son asked me: “What’s one of your favorite things Dad?”, I told him: “Putting on a new pair of socks.” We went out and bought a nice expensive pair of socks together and came home and put them on… he agreed.

"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton

by sminer on Oct 11, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions