#SockDoping

Anyone who follows Vamper.cc knows that we’re pretty obsessed with socks. In this week’s edition of Interview with the Vamper, we’re thrilled to welcome the King of #SockDoping to the hotseat, Sean Sakinofsky of Sako7. One of the coolest cycling brands around, Sako7 isn’t only about socks: you’ll find men’s and women’s cycling kits there, too.

Sean, what is it about cycling that makes you happy?

Well, it is a place where I can find solitude. There’s nothing better than escaping from it all on a ride. Also, the feeling of propelling yourself – that self-powered acceleration. I think the bicycle is the only machine in the world that can offer you this. Also, it is the best anti-depressant out there.

If you could cycle anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Well, I have ridden the Alps in France and the amazing flat roads of Belgium.

I think I have my sites set on riding in Japan. There is a certain mysticism and magnetism about Japan that I really want to experience by bike.

Which other brands do you admire? Who’s producing exciting kit in your opinion?

This is a good question.

I think there is a lot of AWESOME stuff out there. We are entering exciting times and there is a myriad of new and young exciting designs hitting the market.

I think to be honest when I see stuff I like regardless of the brand, I would wear it. I love bright and daring colourways, but at the same time I also have a tendency towards the more subdued and refined colourways and stylish patterns. I love it all. The more diversity the better – how boring it would be if we all liked the same thing.

So which brands? Well, Pedalharder, Cadence Collection, Hunters Bro Cycling, PEdALED and Dubloon all spring to mind. And more.

What is your current favourite ride?

My current favourite ride? Out and back to Noordhoek in Cape Town with my bru riding Chapman’s Peak from Hout Bay and from Noordhoek side. It’s amazing, as the light changes during the course of the day and it always leaves you breathless – along with the effort of going up hill. The views are majestic.

If you could go for a bike ride with anyone at all, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Well, I have been fortunate enough to ride with my childhood hero Greg LeMond. I wouldn’t mind a ride with Anquetil. Most of all, even though he wasn’t a cyclist, I wish I could ride with my late father.

What song is guaranteed to get you in the mood for a ride, no matter what time you went to bed?

NOW THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION!

I have a very diverse taste in music, so I just can’t answer that as it varies so much. I find a song sometimes and play it until I can’t bear to hear it again.

Sorry that I can’t give a more definitive answer.

However, I am one of those that plugs music in for most of my rides.

What has been your cycling highlight of 2016 so far?

Wait and see 😉

And finally: what’s in store for Sako7? What can we look forward to seeing from you in the coming year?

I like to shock people and keep them guessing. I always go against the trend and that is what I’m going to continue to do.

We’ve been indulging in some #sockdoping lately, courtesy of boutique cycling brand Victory Chimp who sent us some of their new Hill Repeat Socks in glorious Celeste.

Call us judgmental, but we believe socks say a lot about a cyclist. While we don’t generally go in for The Rules – nobody likes being dictated to – we do believe that a cyclist’s sock game is important. This is one area of cycling apparel that we’ll get bossy about.

The Vamper.cc Sock Rules are brief but important:

1. Thou shalt not wear those ghastly concealed socks, which poke out around the ankle in an embarrassed, undignified fashion. Have the courage to wear your socks long, loud and proud.
2. Thou shalt take pride in one’s sock game and coordinate one’s ankles with the rest of one’s kit.

The new range of Victory Chimp cycling socks will definitely help you to up your #sockdoping game. With a wavy stripe design inspired by undulating training roads and the uniform profiles of sets of intervals, the Hill Repeats cycling sock is particularly sharp, as well as being wicking, lightweight and breathable. It has a 6″ cuff, too, so there is plenty of pattern on show.

They’re really soft, with a breathable mesh upper and a super comfy padded footbed. When you pull them on, it feels like your feet are being hugged. It’s a rather nice sensation.

From their first outing, they became our sock of choice. And as they’ve already been washed and worn more than a dozen times, we can attest to the quality, too.

Why did I look so happy cycling up Box Hill? Probably because my feet looked so good…

Victory Chimp cycling socks are available for £10.00.