GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos — 6-3-10

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

I'll be the first to admit it: I like socks. No, not like a fetish or anything. I just like socks.

I like having all sorts of different socks that work with all sorts of different kit. I wore the blue-and-orange Garmin-Chipotle (think 2008 Tour) socks with a predominantly blue-and-white kit last year. And I have way, way too many socks that are white and black or black and white, but they're all different, so it's OK, right?

Right?

While socks with funky patterns and tall cuffs and matching logos are all well and good, they still need to work. And as a key portion of your interaction with the bike, they need to work very well. After replenishing my stock this spring, I have a few new favorites. They're in no particular order, by the way.

1. Castelli Rosso Corsa 9. In terms of looks, these are probably the  sharpest of the bunch. The white-looking section on the top of the cuff is actually silver, and it has a cool glint to it in the right light. The tops are a lightweight mesh that moves air really well.

Like all Castelli gear, the socks are very soft — you pretty much instantly want to put them on. The downside to that, however, is that they can get snagged reasonably easy. For road racers, no problem. But off-road ... yikes. It'd be easy to turn these things snaggly in a hurry. I wouldn't call them delicate, but I doubt they'll last longer than this season. In the meantime, I'll enjoy every ride. ($17)

2. Capo Dryarn Lenpur. Yeah, I don't know what Lenpur means either, but I'm guessing (making it up) that it's Italian for "Holy crap, have you felt how soft these socks are?" And since they're available in white/black or black/white, they pretty much work with everything. Also, they're tall, which is awesome. 

While these socks are super-soft, the initial feel is a bit off-putting. They feel really, really thick. It's deceiving, though, because the socks are quite thin and airy in a couple of key places — around the toes and around the lower ankle. The thick parts go under your shoe buckles, where pressure points are most likely to occur. Despite that thickness, they're plenty comfortable for a long summer ride. Plus, think of the tan lines! ($20)

3. Pearl Izumi Elite Tall Sock. Every so often, Pearl Izumi pulls something out of its hat that's fairly surprising. You know, things like making a $225 bib short in plain black and expecting anybody to notice it amid the field of Assos, Giordana, Castelli and Capo.

But sometimes it's the little things that surprise — like the Elite Tall Sock. It's lightweight, offers solid compression without being too tight, and is pretty durable. I don't think Pearl socks — or the brand itself, really — will ever have the "feel" of a high-end maker, but they'll always have a spot in "great value" category. ($11)

4. Twin Six Deluxe Gray (by SockGuy). I've been in Twin Six socks for a few years now, and the Deluxe Gray, which is wool, has been worn in every condition. Made by SockGuy, the Deluxe is reasonably lightweight on the top of your foot and offers a nice, sturdy six-inch cuff.

And because it's a wool blend, it's pretty versatile. I've worn it down into the 30s, but also for a few summertime crits well into 80-plus territory. If you dig the style, but want something a bit lighter, check out the Deluxe White. Just don't try to wear it down into the 30s — the white one isn't wool. ($12)

5. GamJams (by Defeet). Yeah, I know. I'm playing the company shill here, but the Defeet Aireator sock is a consistently solid performer. It's light, it's durable, it's easy to find. Having super-fancy socks by Capo and Castelli is all well and good, but sometimes you just need something basic and tough. The Aireator would be it.

The meshy part is as light as the Castelli sock, but without the danger of snagging. And the cuff is compressive and supportive, with no danger of sagging. As an extra-special bonus, the Aireator is made of CoolMax EcoTech, which is woven out of recycled materials. That soda bottle you tossed into the bin a few weeks ago could be on your feet right now. ($9)

See? I told you I liked socks. I probably have way too many, but my ankles sure do look — and feel — fine.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

Comments

[Jim]

Performance makes a $5 basic sock with kevlar toes that is comfortable and very long lasting, and decent looking. The $3 Bass Pro lightweight thermal socks are rockstars in the winter - dark gray, calf height, paper thin, soft and comfortable, and very warm. I like the cheap socks because I resent paying $15 for a pair of socks that blow out after 6 rides. That money could have been spent on perfectly good beer...

[Bryan Redemske]

dude, cut your toenails.

[Jim]

Not with my bid for a Guinness Book listing so close to being within my grasp...