Saikel Chevrons Socks

While not the most exciting of kit, a bad pair of socks can really put a dampener on any ride. New brand Saikel has thrown its offering into the mix in the form of these Chevrons Socks. Comfortable and colourful, there's not a lot to dislike, other than that they're a little on the pricey side.

• Pros: Comfort, colour scheme
• Cons: A little pricey, colour scheme

Saikel doesn't give too many details about the materials used, but they feel comfortable against the skin and are super-quick drying. They have a mesh style material covering the top of the foot for plenty of ventilation while the underside, heel and toe are slightly thicker. The cuff is thicker again and more elasticated to hold them in place around even the sweatiest of calves.

> Buy these online here

As is popular with many cycling socks these days, the Saikel Chevrons feature a compression band around the centre. It isn't especially tight but feels comfortable and supportive.

I wore a S/M which is a shoe size 4-7. I'd say they are pretty true to size, easy to get on and off and a good fit.

Now we come to the endless debate: sock length. Get this wrong and your riding mates will never let you live it down. Saikel's offerings are 18cm from the heel to the top and sit around the lower calf. For those who care deeply about these things, they are possibly a couple of centimetres shorter than current fashion dictates. If this doesn't bother you, all you need to know is that they are a decent length and stay in place well while riding.

The packaging instructions suggest a 30-degree wash. I put these through both 30 and 40-degree cycles and they returned from both looking pleasant and smelling packet fresh.

Designed in a striking mint and red pattern, they match the Saikel Chevrons jersey and shorts which I have also been testing (shorts review to come). The pair on test were the predominantly 'mint' version but they also come with the colours reversed in a mostly red design, as well as other patterns.

> Buyer's Guide: 12 of the best summer cycling socks

Although I enjoyed riding in a totally matching kit from head to toe, I am generally a fan of white socks and can sympathise with those of you who are put off by the colourful design.

You can pay more and more for a good pair of cycling socks these days, so in terms of value, £10 makes these pretty average in price and isn't extortionate for a colourful and comfortable pair. The Altura Dry Elite Socks are in the same ball park for price and a little less 'out there' with their colour choices, but for a little less you can get the Galibier Pro Lite Socks which received a rave review from Stu. And, of course, you can get road.cc socks for £6.99 a pair…

Verdict

Comfortable and colourful, they're just the job, with other designs available if these don't suit