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review
Socks
Chapeau Cycling SocksChapeau Cycling Socks

Chapeau Cycling Socks

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 16, 2013

2
£9.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Thicker and warmer than most summer cycling socks; suitable for wearing on days when you're both on and off the bike.
Weight: 
50g
Contact: 
www.chapeaucycling.co.uk, www.velobrands.co.uk
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Chapeau's wool Cycling Socks are thicker and warmer than most summer cycling socks and, being grey, they don't look out of place when worn off the bike.

They're mostly wool (70%) with nylon and Lycra making up the remainder. The upper section of the foot is fairly thin although it's not a mesh weave like you get with some sports-specific socks. The sole, the heel and the toe are much thicker, so you get quite a bit of cushioning here along with plenty of moisture absorption.

The cuff section, which in traditional style extends just a couple of inches above your ankle, is double thickness and it stays in place without any noticeable pressure. The same goes for the foot section that has an elasticated band running around the arch.

These are designed as summer socks but they offer more warmth than summer socks from the likes of DeFeet. For that reason, they're best suited for those who don't tend to get hot feet whatever the weather, and for people who aren't likely to head off on high intensity rides in the sun.

The grey colour (they're only available in grey) makes them particularly suitable for wearing off the bike too, so they're good for people who commute into work, for example, and other urban riders.

The wool can bobble a bit with wear, but that's not a problem in terms of performance... and you can always de-bobble them if it bothers you.

Verdict

Thicker and warmer than most summer cycling socks; suitable for wearing on days when you're both on and off the bike.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Chapeau Cycling Socks

Size tested: 40-43

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?

Chapeau say, "Ah socks. Often overlooked in the grand apparel scheme of things, but a good pair can really make the difference between a good ride and bad one – ever ridden 40 miles with stone cold feet? Then you know what I mean!! A good riding sock should give a bit of support in the right place, some padding where needed and wick moisture away from your skin so the air flow doesn't magnify the chilling effect of damp feet. Our socks are a wool blend and do all of the above. You will love them and the old cotton socks will never see the cycling light of day again.

* Wool blend cycling sock

* Summer weight

* Padded heel and cleat sections

* Soft seam to remove irritation

* Short ankle style

Materials

70% Wool / 27% Polyamide / 3% Elastane"

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

They're really well made with a padded sole/toe/heel and an elasticated arch.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

A great option if you want a little more warmth than usual in your summer socks.

Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

They're very comfy thanks to lots of sole padding, but don't go for these if your feet tend to get uncomfortably hot in normal riding socks because they're warmer than most summer options.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

They perform well as long as you're after summer socks with a little more warmth than usual. They're not ultra-lightweight.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The padded sole

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

Chapeau Cycling Socks
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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2 comments

Avatar
Mat Brett | 11 years ago
0 likes

The evidence suggests otherwise.

Avatar
crikey | 11 years ago
0 likes

Um, cycling socks are many things, but they are never, ever grey.

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