Are aerodynamic socks worth the investment for cyclists?

Question

Aerodynamic socks have come to my attention, but I remain skeptical. Is there any considerable time gain for cyclists with them?

Answer 1

It has been noted that aerodynamic socks save crucial time. Silca Aero socks in wind-tunnel tests saved 1.6 watts and that is time saving of 1 min. 11 sec over 200 miles, the Rule 28 Aero socks saved 4.8 watts which is 3 minutes and 34 seconds. When considering the price-to-aerodynamic performance ratio, Aero socks remain one of the most cost-efficient pieces of equipment for the amateur seeking an edge.

Comments

Aero socks, check. Funky smooth helmet, check. Top tube bag, frame bag, check. Water bottles everywhere, check. USWE pack, plus a hip bag, check. Didn't register, so no number plate. Being that I only usually pedal at about 50 watts on most rides anyway, I now expect the bike to accelerate on its own because I'm implemented so many watts savings.
Thanks, awesome content.

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It's not quite about keeping air attached when we're talking about cyclists, it's simply about filling the void (though attachment has to do with it). You have high pressure up front, and low pressure out the back, drag mostly boils down to that (the pressure differential). So there are two strategies you can use. First is texture so that air sticks to the body longer and creates a smaller low pressure zone behind you (hello aero socks). And second is stuffing. Yes, stuffing. Just put stuff in low pressure areas. It's that simple. Oh and helmets are not individual dependent, they're largely position dependent, people often mix up the two because everyone has a slightly different position (torso angle, head angle, neck angle and shoulder shrug).

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Even though I'm one of these Roadies you speak of I still watch all your vids. Great content and really insightful.

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Money saving tip on aero helmets: Lazer offers an "Aeroshell" for a lot of their helmet models, which is a a plastic shell that clips onto the helmet to cover most of the vents and basically makes it an aero helmet. So for example if you buy the Lazer Strada plus an Aeroshell it's around half the price of the dedicated aero helmet model they offer.

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I am suprised by the difference between a real areo socks and Silca knit aero socks

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There's a (small) caveat for the aero socks, that is, this is almost a recurring cost. Once it's loose its grip to the calves, you have to buy one more pair. For the other equipment (helmet, tyre, etc.), you just by them once.

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Awesome content. Like you said, it is surprising to have that much new knowledge about effective changes for gravel racing come to light. Now I got to go get by aero gravel socks ...

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excellent excellent content @dylanjohnsoncycling. I'm considering many aero upgrades to shorten my time on the 100 mile White Rim trail in a day on a full sun mountain bike. Would the socks, non-sci leg warmers, an aero bottle help in that case?