I have always worn socks on bike AND, changed into clean running socks in T2. Trying to really trim down T times . You sub 6 minute T1 & T2 guys…How do you do it?
I go without socks on the bike, then put a pair on for the run. Making everything as simple as possible is what works best for me for both keeping my times down and not screwing something up…
I put a pair on for the bike - takes what twenty seconds?- and if they are dry when bike is done I keep them on, if wet, put on new pair. Any loss in time is more than made up for in comfort.
If it’s cold, I wear one pair for the ride and run. If warm, I ride without and put 'em on in T2.
Depending on the location of T1, you might want to put a small towel in your T1 bag to wipe off any sand or grass on your feet before putting on socks for the bike if you choose to wear them.
I trained both bike and run with no socks. In my first IM (CDA) a few weeks ago I put socks on for the bike since it was pretty chilly. Didn’t need them after about 10 miles but left them on. No socks for the run. No blisters or chafing, but two lost toenails in the week after. I had an 8 min T1 and 3 min T2.
No need for socks on the bike. For a marathon I would use socks.
+1
Biking should be fine w/o socks. Running through T2 will mess up your socks (asphalt, grass, mud, spilled energy drink, etc.), so you’d probably want new socks in T2 anyway.
I also put some bodyglide on my arch and between toes before the run, so starting barefoot going into T2 makes sense.
If it’s cold, use toe covers on the biking shoes (no T1 time required).
No socks on the bike, get tri bike shoes instead of regular bike shoes.
On the run, even though I train about 50% time sockless, if I run more than about a 10k, I start getting blisters. So, half iron or greater, I were socks, olympic or less, no socks for the run.
The extra 30 seconds for socks in an IM will not prevent you from going to Kona… But if you do not use socks and get blisters on either the bike or run, that can end your day! Take the extra 30 seconds, you will be glad, it is a long day even for the fast guys.
Roll your socks so you can roll them onto your feet, I can put socks on in less than 15 seconds! I do not mind wet socks for the run so I reuse the cycling socks for the run.
The extra 30 seconds for socks in an IM will not prevent you from going to Kona… .
I believe we have seen many stories on here of missing Kona by 30 seconds or less…I would agree with your comment about not using them and getting blisters can cause you the race.
OP- If you are looking to improve you transition times, practice…practice…practice. Flying mount, flying dismount, slip into shoes while moving on the bike, strap helmet on while running from tent to bike. Put glasses on your bike before hand and put them on once you get going on the bike. All the little things can add up, it just depends how much time you are looking for.
I tried to race IMLP sockless on the bike and run in 2009…The bike was fine as I put some power in their and no worried. The run was another matter all together and after losing two toenails and having blisters a plenty despite adequate foot powder, I won’t make that mistake again. Wear the footwear (shoes and socks) for the marathon as you would a stand alone race.
Bob
race as you train! If you can not consistenly ride a 100 without socks, I would not try it in an IM.