What are the benefits of aero socks in cycling?

Question

Aero socks have stirred up quite a conversation in the cycling community, but are there any specifics that set them apart? What kind of performance gains can be expected from integrating them into one’s cycling setup?

Answer 1

During the ride, aero socks are an element which adds shape and texture to the legs and as such has an effect on the rider's aerodynamics. It works in a manner similar to the dimples on a golf ball which helps the air remain attached to the surface for a longer span and in turn reduces the wake behind the leg and therefore the aerodynamic drag. Based on the rider and other factors, good aero socks have the potential to save around 12 to 15 watts at a speed of 30 miles per hour, which it a reasonable figure in relation to upgrading other pieces of equipment.

Comments

I'm sorry Dylan but I'm afraid I won't be sharing any of these excellent contents with any of my friends because I will be racing against them in a few week's time and I need all the watts over them I can get!! Off to order some aero socks now...

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I'm going to wear 10 pairs of aero socks, that should save me at least 50 W.

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Watching this on my CAAD9 on the trainer wearing mismatched socks. Thanks Dylan, I feel inspired.

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Wauw ... will never laugh at my son when he insist having aero socks. I will in fact buy them for him! Great interviews - you are well prepared and good at letting the guest take his time to get to the point, sometimes with a great anecdote included as well. Keep it up. It could be fantastic if you interviewed some of the key stakeholders in the US gravel scene to get POVs on how gravel will develop - in US and globally. Will the same happen to the gravel scene as it did with road racing when UCI wanted control? What about UCI now throwing 1-2 gravel races in the schedule and want ownership of gravel world championship? There is so much to debate for the good of the grass roots in gravel.

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Fascinating.   Can't believe I'm going from here to ebay to look for aero socks.  I'll never roll my eyes again.  Thanks.

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If aero sock help but UCI limits sock height why not wear a full length tight with texture similar to a sock at the  calf? THANK YOU for the What Should Recreational Riders do question at 19 minutes. I seldom ride at the speeds Josh talks about but over 100 miles a few changes are huge.

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This was dope Dylan. Thank u for this. I learned a lot, and I am one of those who were like "...aero socks?" I am now a believer. I'm also gonna just check my clothing to see where I can make some changes.

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I have my first full ironman in 2 weeks, I literally bought aero socks and then aero gloves as I watched this. Already have an aero trisuit (huub aenomi) and an aero helmet (hjc).

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It would have been nice to hear him talk about the aero advantage/ disadvantage of rim brakes/fewer spokes etc  versus disc brakes - more spokes, larger and more brake gear in the air flow.