Aero socks?

Mar 4, 2011
8,424
11,150
23,180
Curious what everyone thinks about the latest aero gimmick by the cycling industry? Obviously Will Jones loves this stuff but I remain sceptical. The industry deserves kudos for being creative in finding new ways to lure people to part with their cash.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/wind-tunnel-tested-aero-socks-2025/

The last paragraph is where I sit.
I hate them for the professional peloton, because so many are just white and the exact same height. Visually boring—bland instead of every team having different colored socks and slightly different heights.
And, of course, once everyone has them they provide no advantage whatsoever.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cookster15
Sep 14, 2009
6,300
3,561
23,180
I am pretty sure that every masters racer on the west coast of North America has them. They feel a bit weird and the color selection is, well, there really isn't any.

OK, perhaps it is just most masters racers (and throw in the odd retro grouch who wears ankle socks, a flappy jersey, and has hairy legs, but when he shows up still rides most of the peloton off his wheel)
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Cookster15
Apr 10, 2019
12,075
15,988
23,180
I am pretty sure that every masters racer on the west coast of North America has them. They feel a bit weird and the color selection is, well, there really isn't any.

OK, perhaps it is just most masters racers (and throw in the odd retro grouch who wears ankle socks, a flappy jersey, and has hairy legs, but when he shows up still rides most of the peloton off his wheel)
Now that's how you should ride!
Nah, I think they work (at least partially and at higher speeds) and you can actually gain a bit of time at high speeds (long downhills on mid gradients and false flat downhills) without any downsides (wearing an aero helmet might result in you overheating on longer climbs, especially in hot weather) but I can't say that I actually like the look. They are a marginal gain, but it does come down to how fast you ride.
 
Sep 14, 2009
6,300
3,561
23,180
Now that's how you should ride!
Nah, I think they work (at least partially and at higher speeds) and you can actually gain a bit of time at high speeds (long downhills on mid gradients and false flat downhills) without any downsides (wearing an aero helmet might result in you overheating on longer climbs, especially in hot weather) but I can't say that I actually like the look. They are a marginal gain, but it does come down to how fast you ride.
And I can only speak for Decathalon's brand, but they are comfortable in hot weather!

BTW, what is the verdict from all the testing?
 
Apr 10, 2019
12,075
15,988
23,180
And I can only speak for Decathalon's brand, but they are comfortable in hot weather!

BTW, what is the verdict from all the testing?
Ah, is the Decathlon aero helmet still comfy on longy climbs in the heat?
 
Jul 1, 2015
6,087
5,389
23,180
Did they say their drag grows with the number of wash cycles so we have to buy a new pair for every ride?