Aero Sock Testing

When it comes to $ per Watt saved, Aero Socks are THE most cost effective performance upgrade you can make in the whole of cycling. The drag savings are equivelant to a top of the line aero wheel set forf less than 1% of the cost.

In 2017 with the launch of our first Aero Socks we changed the game. Since then, out socks have been adopted by World Tour Teams, World and Olympic Champions. Now in 2024 we bring you not one but two new versions of our aero socks. 

In this post, we’ll share the insights from our latest round of wind tunnel testing, where we compared our current Aero Socks to two new prototypes: the One Aero Socks (single layer aero technology) and the Neo Aero Socks (double layer aero technology).

The Test Protocol: Precision and Consistency

Testing was conducted in the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub Wind Tunnel. Both One and Neo Aero socks were compared to our current Aero Socks as a baseline. For these tests, we wanted to ensure the most accurate and repeatable results possible. We conducted the tests using a rider pedalling at a constant cadence of 90 rpm, with a static riding position to eliminate any variables other than the socks themselves. The testing was run at speeds ranging from 25 kph to 50 kph in increments of 5kph to capture the majority of speeds seen in real-world cycling conditions.

Comparative Test Data

Here’s how the different socks performed in the wind tunnel:

Key Findings

1. Reduced Drag at All Speeds:

   • The One Aero Socks (single layer) consistently showed lower power requirements across all speeds compared to our current socks. For instance, at 45 kph, the One Aero Socks required 10.45 Watts less power, which is a substantial saving in a competitive setting.
   • The Neo Aero Socks (double layer) performed even better, requiring the least power at all tested speeds. At 45 kph, these socks saved 12.11 Watts compared to the current Aero Socks.

Real World Savings

Over a flat 10-mile time trial at 45 kph, the difference in aerodynamic efficiency between our socks becomes even clearer.

One Aero Socks (Prototype): These would save you 11.29 seconds compared to our current Aero Socks over the course of a 10-mile TT. This means a rider in the current socks would be approximately 141.18 meters (463.12 ft) behind you by the time you cross the finish line.

Neo Aero Socks (Prototype Double Layer): Offering even greater aerodynamic savings, the Neo Aero Socks would save you 13.11 seconds. A rider in the current socks would trail by 163.84 meters (537.26 ft) when you finish.

These significant time and distance savings highlight the benefits of upgrading to our new sock designs, especially in competitive time trials where every second counts.

Why Upgrade to Our New Aero Socks?

Our wind tunnel testing demonstrates that both the One Aero Socks and the Neo Aero Socks offer clear advantages over our current Aero Socks. The One Aero Socks are perfect for riders who want a simple, high-performance upgrade, while the Neo Aero Socks are ideal for those who demand the absolute best in aerodynamic efficiency.

With the development of these new socks, we’re proud to continue our tradition of innovation, offering products that help you achieve your best possible performance. Whether you’re racing against the clock or the peloton, the drag savings these socks provide will provide you with an unfair adavntage agains the rest of the field.