I just read a study where the finding was that compression socks seem to work for runners by reducing the amount of "jiggle" in the tissue while running, lessening muscle damage and speeding recovery. dont know of this translates to cycling or not. funny, they get used for inactivity (flying, after surgery, etc) and for athletic activity. I recently got some socks and calf sleeves because of a lingering calf strain. dont know if they are helping but they make me feel like I am trying to do something. so they were worth it. warm, too.