Product presentation: During the last season, pictures of professionals who are out and about with a new type of overshoe have been appearing again and again. These pictures have accumulated over the winter and into the current spring time and these overshoes also flash out again and again in the spring classics. Anyone who has dealt with it more closely will quickly come across the Spatzwear brand. But what is spatzwear anyway and what are the products really like? We have tried some highlights for you.
Spatzwear is the brainchild of former professional cyclist and NFTO team manager Tom Barras. Living near Yorkshire, Tom needed a solution to cold, wet feet while cycling. In the winter of 2006 he took this project into his own hands and developed his own prototypes, but at that time there were still some problems finding the right material. A full 10 years later, Tom Barras met a successful triathlete in Ilkley, Yorkshire for a regular Wednesday bike ride. However, it was freezing cold and pouring. The triathlete's feet were wet and cold and the splash from the front wheel in particular bothered the companion as it ran down his shins and into his shoes.
Since Tom Barra's feet didn't cause any problems, the triathlete became curious and wanted to be part of Spatzwear immediately. Using a sewing machine and special glue, they developed prototypes and, after 10 generations, received the product that we know today and that makes the wet and cold days much easier not only for professionals, but also for amateur athletes.
Spatzwear Legalz 2 overshoes
The origin and the highlight of Spatzwear is certainly the Legalz 2 overshoe. This is just high enough that you don't come into contact with the UCI regulations and still have a well-protected shin. A tight, slim fit and a Kevlar-reinforced toe area give you the best protection against bad weather and cold. The waterproof neoprene provides the necessary warmth and also offers aerodynamics, fit and comfort. In addition, all seams are extremely well sealed and welded, so that no water can penetrate here either.
Even after 4 hours of driving, we didn't have wet or cold feet with the Legalz 2. It's also very comfortable to put on and put on over the shoe, so you don't have to do your first workout before driving. The Spatzwear Legalz 2 overshoe is available for 74,99 euros.
Spatzwear Thrmoz gloves
Whoever says cold feet usually also says cold hands. But Spatzwear also has something suitable for that with the “Thrmoz” Deep Winter gloves. These gloves were designed together with a reigning Olympic champion.
These gloves keep your fingers warm and dry even in wintry temperatures. They have the same sporty shape as the Spatzwear Race Glove. An additional cover is hidden in a small, invisible pocket on the back of the hand. In the most adverse weather, the windproof outer shell can be pulled over at any time and offers additional weather protection. The fingers are always guaranteed to stay warm right down to the tips, without losing the feeling of a 5-finger glove.
The soft thermal material is very comfortable to wear thanks to the fleece inside and the 4-way stretch. Thanks to the extra-long collar, the blood doesn't cool down on the way into the hand and the fingers stay warm even better. The robust prints on the palms guarantee grip and thus reliable operation of the brake and shift lever, especially in the wet. For 89,99 euros you can get the Spatzwear glove in sizes from 19 cm to +24 cm hand circumference.
Spatzwear Basez 2 undershirt
It doesn't matter whether it's winter or summer, the undershirt is one of the most important parts of a cycling outfit, because it's the only way to get everything you need out of the jersey on top. The Basez 2 undershirt by Spatzwear combines high functionality with a chic design.
The first highlight is certainly the clever fit, because with its high neckline, thumb loops and an extended back area, all transitions are well protected. The moisture-regulating fabric combined with the separate thermal layer prevent excessive sweating while keeping you warm. Even in cold temperatures, we were able to spend a good few hours in the saddle with the Spatzwear undershirt and didn't get cold. The ideally processed seams, which would never have rubbed or disturbed, were particularly pleasant. The Basez 2 undershirt is available for 89,99 euros.