We’ve been asked many times over the years to review mountain socks bike . Each time, we politely declined. Socks are simple and all the same. We thought so, at least until our research revealed otherwise.
Mountain Socks Bike
Mountain socks bikers used to think that sock selections were limited to matching colors or wacky graphics. But this is no longer true. Quality is key. There’s a sock to suit every ride. We gathered all of the mountain socks bikes we could find and compared them.
We asked readers almost two years ago Stroller to weigh in on their favorite MTB sock height. It seems that most people prefer tall socks for the trail. Although it is possible to get low- or no-show socks for mountain biking, they are not recommended as they can be susceptible to poison oak, poison ivy, or thorns. Short socks can also invite dirt to the shoe and socks. It’s disgusting.
A taller sock will offer greater protection on the trail but it will also be hotter than a low or mid-rise sock. On a cold day, tall socks can be a great choice. However, they are less effective in summer. Some riders don’t like the look if a tall sock is paired with shorts.
Socks often specify the height of the cuff, which allows buyers to choose the coverage they want. Socks that have a cuff height of zero to one inch are known as no-show socks or ankle socks. Conversely, socks with a cuff height between two and five inches are known as quarter-crew or simply crew socks. Tall socks have a cuff of seven inches or more.
Swiftwick names its socks based upon the cuff height. The Vision Five Dash, for example, has a 5-inch cuff. Others like Giro clearly show the height on their packaging (see photo below).
Materials
- Mountain socks bikes can be made from a variety of materials.
- Nylon, also known as Polyamide
Most cycling socks are made from nylon, at least partially. Nylon is an excellent choice for socks and other cycling apparel such as jerseys and shorts. It doesn’t absorb much moisture, is quick drying, light, warm, and lightweight. Some socks, such as the Swiftwick Vision Five Dash cycling socks, are made up of 96% nylon.
Some socks, such as the Gore C3 Optiline’s, list polyamide in the materials list. Nylon is a type or polyamide.
Polyester
Cycling socks can be made with nylon and polyester. Although the two materials look very similar, nylon is slightly more costly to make. Polyester is stronger than nylon, and is also more resistant to UV. Polyester is thought to have a similar insulation value to nylon.
Polyester is often mixed with nylon in smaller quantities than nylon when used together.
Acrylic mountain socks
Acrylic, another synthetic fiber that is used in cycling socks can also be used in jerseys and thermal socks. It has a wool-like texture so it can also be used for making them. Acrylic can be processed to mimic the softness and feel of cotton. The material can easily pill.
