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Teko M3RINO Pro Ultralight MTB Socks

Teko MTB socksTeko Socks celebrate their tenth birthday this year and Cyclo thought it a fine idea to celebrate by putting their brand-new M3RINO Pro Ultralight MTB Socks to the test.

 

Anatomically designed for left/right foot the Pro Ultralight MTB socks are cut long for the demands of MTB and proved wonderfully comfortable on the ride and crucially don’t bunch or sag thanks to a well-judged elasticated cuff that ensured they stayed put even after a soaking. They feature the ‘New Wrap System’ construction, which is designed to hold the sock onto the foot around the Achilles and over the instep, this both increases comfort (noticeably) and prevents the sock from slipping inside the MTB shoe to avoid chafing or the causing of blisters – again this was noticeable even when everything had enjoyed a good puddle soaking (just the time when the danger of blisters is highest.)

 

The Pro Ultralight MTB sock utilises high merino wool content (42% and Bluesign chlorine-free certified), which makes them soft and comfortable with the added advantages that merino brings: great temperature regulation, good wicking and breathability, plus natural anti-microbial properties that keeps away smells and should extend the product life too. The Lycra arch band supports the underfoot well and there’s light cushioning through the heel and toe (the latter seamless to improve comfort) as well as in the shin to prevent discomfort from leg guards.

 

Also newly available is the Teko M3RINO Light MTB, with broadly similar features but with slightly increased underfoot padding – enough to take out the shock and vibration of the ride, but not too much as to pad out the shoe unnecessarily.

 

If you’re looking for eco credentials (and if not, why not?) Teko offer these in spades. Their socks are created using renewable and sustainable materials and energy sources and even the packaging is printed on recycled paper and uses soy-based ink. It’s all to be applauded especially when the socks themselves also deliver where it really counts most – comfort and fit.

 

The Teko M3RINO Pro Ultralight MTB socks are available in black/red at £14.95 and the M3RINO Light MTB in black/lime at £15.95 – there’s a lifetime guarantee too. Further details and online purchase at tekosocks.co.uk

 

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Apparel Reviews

Falke Socks

Falke Socks

Long synonymous with quality and luxury, particularly with both running and skiing socks, Falke are less known in the UK for their cycling range, but with a heritage dating back more than 100 years and the same level of excellence clearly demonstrable across their full range, it’s high time to redress the balance. Cyclo took a look at the BC3 (All Mountain), BC5 (Race) and BC6 (Pro Cycling), putting them through their paces whilst the vagaries of a British spring served up the full gamut of meteorological conditions.

 

First on the feet (thanks to a surprise sunny day) were the minimalist Pro Cycling socks; these are truly lightweight, designed for full power transfer rather than to pamper the foot with excessive padding and unnecessary detailing. However, despite the lack of ‘pamper’, the BC6s proved silky smooth and delightfully comfortable and, assuming your race shoes are appropriately fitted, the lack of extra volume shouldn’t be an issue. Like all socks in the range these are ergonomically designed for left/right foot and use the bespoke ‘smartcel clima’ technology to regulate temperature – a system that worked well on test and also proved efficient at wicking away moisture.

 

A change in the weather and a change of sock (and indeed bike) to try out the BC3 All Mountain socks. Higher cut than the BC6 and with excellent padding through the Achilles, heel and toe box, these are perfectly suited to MTB or if, your road shoes allow, for colder regular rides. Again featuring thermo regulation and excellent wicking these are tough, durable socks that felt comfortable on long rides without the slightest sign of hot spots and the division of the sock into panels (by more open mesh structures) distinctly felt as if each part worked both independently and (paradoxically) in harmony with each other. Not over engineered, just very well engineered.

 

Finally to the BC5 Race socks – something of an everyday (though far from average) cycling sock that delivers light to medium cushioning and the same attention to detail as the rest of the range. Cool enough for summer rides and seemingly good enough at regulating temperature for some shoulder-season sessions, the BC5s deliver what they promise.

 

The Falke Ergonomic Sports System range (to give them their full title) were a joy to ride in and deserve far greater recognition here for their unparalleled degree of both manufacture and performance; and at £12 a pair stack up well in the wallet department too.

 

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Apparel Reviews

SealSkinz Waterproof Thin Socklet

SealSkinz Waterproof Thin Socklet

Keeping feet dry in unforgiving British weather is no easy thing, but after an unprecedented dry winter, Cyclo has finally been able to take to the saddle in some proper foul conditions to put the SealSkinz Waterproof Thin Socklet through its paces. The things we do for you…

 

Made with a fine Merino wool lining with excellent wicking properties the socklet certainly eliminates sweaty or clammy feet, despite its middle waterproof membrane keeping more metrological moisture on the outside – the only slightly disconcerting aspect being that it crackles like a crisp bag when you slip it on. But once in place (crackle no longer audible) it’s one of the most comfortable socks we have tested; initial concerns about the seam – which runs down the middle of the sole from toe to heel proved unfounded even against the inner pressure of rigid ride shoes and the elasticated instep provided a good degree of support.

 

On the ride these undeniably kept the feet bone dry from both spray and torrential conditions and those that prefer a longer sock can also look to either the ankle- or mid-length option, the latter also available in a thicker version for all-season cycling. Easy to see why SealSkinz appeal to even top-flight cyclists with Bruno Reverberi, Manager of Colnago-CSF Inox, stating: ‘We use SealSkinz products because they offer the best protection from harsh weather conditions. The Italian winter weather is very unpredictable and we need the best kit available to make sure that our riders are comfortable and focused on the task in hand…’

 

Priced at £22 for the socklet and rising to £30 for the mid and available in sizes from UK 3 to 14 (EU 36-49). These do their job so well it almost makes you pray for rain.

 

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Apparel Reviews

B.Sock ProRacingSock

B.Sock ProRacingSock

CompresSport have been making steady inroads in the world of compression technology race kit over the last couple of years. Increasingly a brand seen at triathlon and particularly Ironman events throughout Europe and beyond (the likes Chrissie Wellington and Tim Berkel sport them), the initial range – including quad and calf guards – has begun to grow and now includes their first foray into cycling specific kit in the form of their B.Sock ProRacingSocks. Whilst the name might seem a little cumbersome the product itself is an excellent blend of tech and style that builds on the brands reputation.

 

Light and comfortable in the extreme the B.Sock holds, indeed almost cradles, the foot whilst providing a well judged degree of compression that delivers posture-holding support and improved circulation – which works to advance performance and, arguably, speed recovery post-ride. Despite the wide toe piece, the B.Sock sits comfortably with the range of shoes that Cyclo put through their paces.

 

The ‘3D dot’ technology that covers sections of the sock isn’t just for show either; the dimples are intended to work as tiny shock-absorbers and whilst it’s been tough to either prove or disprove the idea in testing, feet have certainly felt relatively fresh after some good long rides with little or no ache. The circulation of air is also improved by their inclusion and the further addition of a silver ion treatment to the fabric holds bacteria at bay if things do get sweaty.

 

With a two year guarantee and a price tag of £15 these inarguably represent good value for money and their range of sizes (all the way down to a UK Women’s 2.5) is a bonus. More information and online retail at www.compressport.uk.com

 

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Apparel Reviews

Nike Dri-Fit Knee Highs

Nike Dri-Fit Knee Highs

Nike Dry FitEver thought about adding a little compression recovery to your training rides or races? There’s certainly plenty of evidence to support (forgive the expression) the fact that a little tight squeeze goes a long way both in terms of promoting performance and aiding faster recuperation, but with pro kit often flirting with the upper reaches of extortionate Cyclo was pleased to find a budget option to bring you. At just £12.00 the Nike Dri-Fit Knee High socks are as far from a thing of beauty as they are from being technologically advanced, but crucially what they do deliver is the basic compression dished up by even the most expensive of alternatives. Anatomically designed for left/right foot they are missing the arch support of compression socks like those made by Compressport (£35.00) but do have a little lateral squeeze along the length of the outer plantar to add to their beneficial purpose.

 

We certainly didn’t find these comfortable enough to actually saddle up in – nor in fairness are they particularly designed to be – but as post-race/exercise options they are hard to beat for the money. Apart from cases where you are clearly paying for a brand name (though Nike’s pretty big, right?) there is always an element of getting what you pay for with compression kit and these socks are never going to replicate the excellence of techie high-end solutions. But if you want to add a bargain recovery element to your kit bag (Cyclo recons you should) then this could really be the place to start. Slipping a pair on after your training brings comfort and stability to fatigued muscles all for a price you could barely get a good pair of non-compression socks for.