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review

Craft Zero Bike Sock

7
£11.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Very comfy spring/autumn socks - our tester would have preferred a longer cuff, but you might not
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.craft.se

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Craft's Zero Bike Sock is their 'most comfortable, best performing bike sock to date' if they do say so themselves. A sock for fair to cold conditions, it is certainly very comfortable, but if you don't like draughts around the ankle - especially if you are a longer legged type you might want something with a longer cuff.

As far as bike socks go, this sock ticks many boxes. Stitching density varies, the upper is thinner and ribbed for your pleasure... in terms of cooling. Thicker stitching at the toes and heel provides cushioning and should prevent holes forming too quickly; none appeared during testing and my big toe seems to have a taste for socks. And the cuff is a slightly wider, Lycra composite for ease of getting them on and off. The cuff is too short for my liking however. I like my colder weather socks to be slightly longer, so that when worn with leg warmers or tights, no skin is left exposed. On these socks the cuff is just up to the ankle, which can leave you prone to drafts.

In terms of warmth, the sock's heavier weighting does a good job. The aforementioned ventilation panels prevent it from being one for the deepest of Winter but as an spring/autumn sock, they fit the bill. And if you share my views on cuff length the draft issue could be dealth with in spring/autumn by pairing them with a set knee warmers and oversocks, to bridge the sock-leg gap (or you could just man up and enjoy the spring/autumn breeze - ed).

Verdict

If you are looking for a set of spring/autumn socks, Craft's Zero bike socks are a sound choice. The £11.99rrp is expensive compared to more basic offerings but competitive for this type of sock. What you get for your extra money is a technical design, offering breath-ability and cushioning in the right places. The cuff my be slightly on the short side for this tester's preference but you may not consider that a problem, especially if you like a bit of flesh showing to dissipate heat.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Zero Bike Sock

Size tested: Black - 43-45

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The 'most comfortable, best performing bike sock to date' according to Craft. It is comfortable and does perform well but is let down by cuff length to be the perfect sock for chillier rides.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Varied stitching density: ventilation panels in the upper section, thicker cushioning at the heel and toes, Lycra cuff.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Well made, didn't fall foul of my big toe.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

They are warm but breathable as intended, I'd just like a big more cuff for added insulation between clothing layers.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Lasted well throughout the test and haven't developed any noticeable wear indicators.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10

In terms of material weight for insulation, I've had thicker socks.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Did their job well as a performance sock, didn't notice any pressure points.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

A bit pricey in some eyes but in the performance sock league it is competitive

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Good: padding in the right places, ventilation in line with shoe vents, kept my feet toasty.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The Lycra widened cuff, making them easy to put on!

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The short cuff: needs more length to fill the gap between leg warmers.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? I'd probably go for a longer cuff sock

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 23  Height: 184cm  Weight: 66kg

I usually ride: Orbea Onix (Carbon) - Summer, Orbea Asphalt (Alu) - Winter  My best bike is: Orbea Alma G10

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Semi pro

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, club rides, mtb,

 

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1 comments

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ragtag | 12 years ago
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"thinner and ribbed for your pleasure" chortle... sorry.

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