Silca Aero Socks

Become more Aero, thanks to Socks

by 24

Want to become more aero? Fancy saving up to 8 watts with some aero socks? The new Aero Socks from Silca promise to help you make significant gains. Socks, you say? Socks, we said. When it’s all about the gains, anything is worth a try, right? I mean, if you’re into that kind of thing. Either way, socks are pretty good anyway.

Two years in development, you can get your hands on Silca’s Aero Socks for around €26. But what’s so special? Here’s what the company has to say:

The press release reads:

SILCA is proud to announce their new Aero Socks with significant gains in aerodynamics by on average 8 watts, depending on your speed. The technology has been developed by SILCA’s performance division Aeromind, which does performance consultancy for pro teams, hour records and the Olympics. Together with the pro teams, they set out to design the most comfortable, reliable aero socks in the market. After two years of development, the product is now ready for everyone who’s interested in having comfortable socks and the best aerodynamics while riding.

Silca Aero Socks

Josh Poertner, CEO of SILCA, worked with a team in Italy that are quite famous for making the finest socks in the world. They also have some of the most modern knitting machinery in the world. The goal was to make a knit sock that won’t fall down. The sock has a combination of smooth and rough texture to trick the air into flowing around the lower leg more efficiently. The result is a sock that matches the aerodynamic performance of ribbed lycra cuff socks while retaining all of the features you demand from a cycling sock.

The Technology

Custom knitting machinery allows SILCA to produce a sock with a smooth frontal surface where the airflow is laminar, with the addition of 3 rows of triangular turbulators starting just ahead of the flow separation zone. These turbulators introduce small vortices in the boundary layer which energize the flow and promote flow attachment further around the leg. More attached flow means a smaller pressure wake behind the leg, less wake equals less drag, resulting in an average of an 8-watt drag reduction when compared to standard socks and equal to ribbed lycra socks of similar height.

Silca aero socks are knit from Q-Skin. A silver-ion infused polyamide which is anti-bacterial, odour resistant, and more importantly, has better softness and moisture control than any of the yarns commonly used to knit socks. Not only are these socks fast, they’re the most comfortable sock you’ve ever worn.

To check them out, head to the Silca website.


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Not too good about writing about myself, but not so bad at writing about other things. There was a time that I hated bikes, but then they became my life. Wouldn't be the person I am if I hadn't been on this journey. Here's to bikes, drinking tea and everything that comes with life on two wheels. I'm Lauren, I like bikes and writing about them. Always trying my best and up for adventures.

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Home Forums Become more Aero, thanks to Socks

Viewing 24 posts - 1 through 24 (of 24 total)
  • Become more Aero, thanks to Socks
  • matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    The result is a sock that matches the aerodynamic performance of ribbed lycra cuff socks while retaining all of the features you demand from a cycling sock.

    I for one wear ribbed lycra on all my rides.

    sharkattack
    Full Member

    This crap was worth reading just for the phrase “triangular turbulators”.
    Absolute gold.

    ChrisL
    Full Member

    I’ve heard terms like laminar airflow and vortex generators in descriptions of aircraft wings before. I can’t say that I ever expected them to be used when describing a pair of socks.

    thols2
    Full Member

    Bud Haggert on the job?

    Garry_Lager
    Full Member

    Currently sold out in Belgian colours 🙁

    IHN
    Full Member

    “Triangular turbulators?”

    “No, it’s just the way I walk”

    desperatebicycle
    Full Member

    Adverts are the new news

    richmtb
    Full Member

    Yeah, but are they Zwift compatible

    Blackflag
    Free Member

    Ive seen significant gains using these on muddy switchback climbs. So much so I bought another pair.

    True story (said in an Eddie Izzard way)

    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    I’ve just checked.
    It’s not April fools Day.

    eddiebaby
    Free Member

    So a large part of these socks life is spent moving tangentially to the airflow. Makes me wonder how confused those turbulators will be.
    Are roadies shaving aero patternsi8nto theirnkeg hairs now?

    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    Are roadies shaving aero patterns into their leg hairs now?

    Subcutaneous aero shapes ftw.

    jonba
    Free Member

    Aero socks have been around for ages.

    It’s all about taping your shins now. It’s big in Denmark.

    Watty
    Full Member

    I’ve just checked.
    It’s not April fools Day.

    Except it most definitely is! 😂

    jameso
    Full Member

    Has anyone ever taken all these 5W saving jockey wheels, 12W saving lube, 8W socks etc until they got to 50W or so total, then gone and ridden their normal 250W output to feel that 20% gain?

    Probably not as
    1) I expect it’s optimistic marketing (polite term) and
    2) all these marginal gain gems would cost more than a really quick bike, a training plan and 6 months of good food.

    Great marketing though, got my attention. I might buy some to offset how my riding shirt flaps in the wind costing me approx 20W at 35kph.
    .

    chipps
    Full Member

    “I might buy some to offset how my riding shirt flaps in the wind costing me approx 20W at 35kph.”
    Surely you duct tape them to your shorts like everyone else?

    slowpuncheur
    Free Member

    ^…heads to patent office to secure the concept of the aero cummerbund. In ribbed lycra. Natch.

    molgrips
    Free Member

    all these marginal gain gems would cost more than a really quick bike

    Not necessarily. IIRC the biggest gains per £ (talking about road biking here) are shoe covers, a skinsuit and an aero helmet. It’s enough to knock a noticeable amount off your TT times and those things aren’t that expensive.

    slowoldman
    Full Member

    I’ve heard terms like laminar airflow and vortex generators in descriptions of aircraft wings before. I can’t say that I ever expected them to be used when describing a pair of socks.

    They apply to any object subjected to flow of a fluid.

    gazzab1955
    Full Member

    Did I fall asleep and wake up on 1 Apr 2022?????
    Actually not as I am listening to TMS and England’s bowlers destroying the Indian batting line up or line down as they are now 🙂
    Haven’t noticed it anywhere else in the thread yet, but “£30 for a pair of socks!!!!!” you’re having a Giraffe.
    What next?
    I have a slip streaming buff with special rib sections to use under my helmet that reduces drag and causes the resulting slipstream to give me more down force and corner much faster. True story (another comment from Eddie Izzard)

    salsaboy
    Full Member

    Do they make riding more fun?

    For the people laughing at you for buying them, yes.

    chipps
    Full Member

    Does it work if I wear shorter socks and draw triangles on my calves with a pen instead?

    matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    I’ve decided to make my own aero socks.

    Rubber_Buccaneer
    Full Member

    Have my efforts to develop an ‘aero’ teardrop shaped midriff been a waist of time?  Should I have bought a pair of socks instead of cake?

Viewing 24 posts - 1 through 24 (of 24 total)

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