Craft Zero Bike Sock

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.