It was a viewer's recommendation of Spatz that led to this video. If there's anything you think more cyclists should know about, by all means suggest it and we'll do our best to shoot a feature.
Great video as always. I use a pair of BBS overshoes and they have lasted around 3 years. They are starting to tear but I do have another new pair ready. This year I cut a template of my insole out of foil and put them in my shoes to cover the holes and then my insole on top, lovely and warm feet. Just a tip.
I really love your channel, I live in western Oregon. This was an outstanding review of those SPATZ over shoes. I commute to work often for about an hour each way and it rains a lot hear in western Oregon. I will have to get a pair of them.
Thanks Michael. Just be careful with the width of your shoes. The MTB shoes were too wide and the Spatz rub on the cranks. If I was still commuting - and I have a safe place to leave the bike - I’d look at these. ua-cam.com/video/6UpDLqQsCPQ/v-deo.html
Thanks Suresh - I looked at those but I think the waterproof Neoz gloves might be more useful for the UK. also, they look a bit weird in photos (like sausage fingers) and I am on a quest to find 'waterproof' gloves that really are waterproof, so I think I'll try those.
Great review...Spatz are definitely on my wishlist.. I have chunky calves, so I'm hoping the Spatz overshoes won't be too tight as most overshoes seem to be made for people with extremely skinny legs.. If you are having issues with crank rub, I would suggest slightly longer pedal spindles on your pedals.. I've seen some aftermarket + 5mm spindles for look pedals.. I use Speedplay pedals with longer spindles, and they have really increased my comfort level while cycling dramatically, plus a side benefit is I no longer destroy overshoes and cranks..
They might be out of stock of the Roadman 2 in some sizes, but they restock quickly. Alternatively (and I wish I’d tested these) their short versions also look good Richard.
Excellent review! Honest and open and therefore trustworthy. Your comment that the Spatz are expensive but essentially convert a summer shoe into a winter one sells them to me. They have gone on the kit list! Cheers chaps.
One extra thing about converting summer shoes into winter Hugh. My summer shoes are needing replaced - the soles are starting to come away - but the snugness of these overshoes means they should just last the winter. Every little helps!
Thanks for taking the time to do this review, very helpful. My main concern is rubbing nearer the heel, not at the front of the shoe since I cycle with my knees slightly out that turn my heels in.
Great review, I was looking at many brands of overshoes but this review has convinced me it is Spatz Roadman. They look extremely well made and robust. I also like your cycling glasses in the video, what brand are they?
Superb review! Many thanks guys. But I wonder how your Spatz review would come out had you not have your mud guards attached? Do you think they would still keep your feet dry?
Hi thanks for review , think a lot of people r ip the velotoes , due to the way they put them on , the way you done the spatz , on the leg first and roll them onto shoe is the easist way .cheers
Just ordered, then returned, as there was no way to get them over my 43cm calves. Quality looked great, but big-calf “clearance” needs a re-think. A shame; they seem tremendous otherwise.
I think the tennis shoes would need a stiff base or they might be pulled out of shape. Endura make a MTB shoe gaiter that works with flat pedals (ie no SPD) which might suit better. I've filmed with an Endura sponsored rider and she was wearing them.
In pairing the Spatz to your Lake winter shoes were the Spatz sizing true to size? Or did you have to go above? Also, do you have a suggested low temperature rating for Spatz with summer shoes, and separately Spatz with winter shoes such as Lake? I live in the US and plan to ride in 30°F with the Spatz. My summer shoe is Bont vapor S and my winter shoe will be the Lake cx 146.
Hi Frankie - no problem pairing with Lakes, which are regular width, both the wide. Too wide and they can rub against the cranks, unless you increase Q factor with spacers. But the rubber is very stretchy and fits snugly - winter boots and summer shoes. As to the temperature rating, I’d suggest checking with Spatz. They’re introducing new items all the time including (I saw on Insta) some extra warm sock (Sokz I think) which would increase temp rating all round. For me they make winter much more bearable.
Did the combination of wearing bib longs *and* the Spatz cause any circulation issues in the lower leg? Just curious whether people with larger than normal calves would struggle to get them on.
Hi Del. I was worried about this but didn't really have an issue. I did make sure I pulled them up to where the calves narrow below the knee rather than mid calve. Before doing so I needed to pull them over my shoes and secure the velcro on the sole. Definitely a bit of faff in putting them on but a winter without faff means a winter indoors IMO! Should also say my calves are not particularly big. Hope that helps.
They do look good. However I ALWAYS wear a hole through on the (left first) toe when the overshoe touches the ground, and for that reason, I'm reluctant to spend £85.
Hi Adrian - that's exactly one of the reasons I like these. The gravel around our house rips the toes out of normal shoe covers, but because they fasten at the back, you can't pop off the toes without removing the whole thing. The Spatz don't work like that. They have enough stretch in them that you can pop off the toes as soon as you need to walk anywhere. In fact, during the Festive 500, I drove to the start of my rides with the Spatz already on my legs and tucked into my wellies, so all I needed to do was put my shoes on, pull the toes into place and fasten the velcro underneath.
Hi Neil - these are the Roadman 2 but Spatz have a big range of products now, bigger than I’ve tried, so probably best ask them. They are very stretchy and there’s some force behind that neoprene - it’s what keeps them tight to the leg and show. So that might bend normal trainers which don’t have a stiff sole.
You mention that they’re “£85” and then put a link to them being £130 - now we’re into the realms of a reasonable dedicated winter shoe. Is there a hefty discount code somewhere I’m missing? They do look reasonably good and thank you for the review, but where £85 is “stretching it” (sorry!), £130 is a no-no for me.
Hi - I'm not sure where in the world you're watching from, but the Roadman 2 are £85 in the UK. This link takes me to the Spatz page with that price. www.spatzwear.com/collections/spatz-overshoes/products/spatz-roadman-2-super-thermo-reflective-overshoes-with-kevlar-rdmn I agree £85 is pricey, but if they do away with the need for winter boots, it makes them better value for money. That said, I know a lot of people have been hit hard by the economics of Covid, so perhaps any extra expense is too much right now.
I think you were looking at a different model of over boots: SPATZ 'GRAVLR' Overshoes. Rugged and warm with a full zipper opening. #GravlR Regular price £119.99 inc UK VAT
@@CastleKnight7 Ah ok - they're not the ones we tested or reviewed. Since they're for off-road use they'd have to be tougher, and I'm not sure whether I'd want overshoes off-road. That would nee a different test/review I think.
@@alwaysanotheradventure oh apologies - they were the first one that popped up on the link - I'd been eyeing them up for a bit but thought the £120 was a bit much. Sadly they've sold out of the £85 ones when I clicked, I guess your endorsement of them worked!! will keep my eyes open for when they're back. thanks though, lovely review as always!
@@ridekernow Ah ok, I get it. Have you tried Sigma Sports - they also stock the Spatzwear products and have (in my view) a better returns policy than Wiggle. EDIT: Just checked for you and they don't have the Roadman 2 either. However, they do have shorter versions of the Roadman (more like regular overshoes) which are quite a bit cheaper: www.sigmasports.com/item/Spatz/Legalz-2-Overshoes/NJZM
It was a viewer's recommendation of Spatz that led to this video. If there's anything you think more cyclists should know about, by all means suggest it and we'll do our best to shoot a feature.
Simon... you guys just keep getting better and better each video. And you started out really good! Thanks for all the great content!
Kind of you to say so Skip
Thanks so much and really great to have the thorough test on the overshoes and how you wear it : )
Great video as always. I use a pair of BBS overshoes and they have lasted around 3 years. They are starting to tear but I do have another new pair ready. This year I cut a template of my insole out of foil and put them in my shoes to cover the holes and then my insole on top, lovely and warm feet. Just a tip.
Thanks for sharing that Chris - good one!
I really love your channel, I live in western Oregon. This was an outstanding review of those SPATZ over shoes. I commute to work often for about an hour each way and it rains a lot hear in western Oregon. I will have to get a pair of them.
Thanks Michael. Just be careful with the width of your shoes. The MTB shoes were too wide and the Spatz rub on the cranks.
If I was still commuting - and I have a safe place to leave the bike - I’d look at these.
ua-cam.com/video/6UpDLqQsCPQ/v-deo.html
Good report Si. Spatz also make deep winter gloves. Would love a review of their gloves if possible.
Thanks Suresh - I looked at those but I think the waterproof Neoz gloves might be more useful for the UK. also, they look a bit weird in photos (like sausage fingers) and I am on a quest to find 'waterproof' gloves that really are waterproof, so I think I'll try those.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks Si I will look at those as well.
Great review...Spatz are definitely on my wishlist.. I have chunky calves, so I'm hoping the Spatz overshoes won't be too tight as most overshoes seem to be made for people with extremely skinny legs.. If you are having issues with crank rub, I would suggest slightly longer pedal spindles on your pedals.. I've seen some aftermarket + 5mm spindles for look pedals.. I use Speedplay pedals with longer spindles, and they have really increased my comfort level while cycling dramatically, plus a side benefit is I no longer destroy overshoes and cranks..
Good video, I was away to buy another pair of Endura over shoes, but I'll give these a look now. cheers
They might be out of stock of the Roadman 2 in some sizes, but they restock quickly. Alternatively (and I wish I’d tested these) their short versions also look good Richard.
Excellent review! Honest and open and therefore trustworthy. Your comment that the Spatz are expensive but essentially convert a summer shoe into a winter one sells them to me. They have gone on the kit list! Cheers chaps.
One extra thing about converting summer shoes into winter Hugh. My summer shoes are needing replaced - the soles are starting to come away - but the snugness of these overshoes means they should just last the winter. Every little helps!
Thanks for taking the time to do this review, very helpful. My main concern is rubbing nearer the heel, not at the front of the shoe since I cycle with my knees slightly out that turn my heels in.
I can see why that might be a concern John particularly if your heels pass close to the crank already.
Great review, I was looking at many brands of overshoes but this review has convinced me it is Spatz Roadman. They look extremely well made and robust. I also like your cycling glasses in the video, what brand are they?
Thanks. These glasses are my old ones - Austin by Sunwise. I've now switched. there are links to videos about both in the video description..
That's another helpful review. I was considering these already
Glad we could help
On my to try list. Great video as always
Superb review! Many thanks guys. But I wonder how your Spatz review would come out had you not have your mud guards attached? Do you think they would still keep your feet dry?
Short answer is yes - I’m sure they would. But you have to block the water coming from below through any clear hole.
Hi thanks for review , think a lot of people r ip the velotoes , due to the way they put them on , the way you done the spatz , on the leg first and roll them onto shoe is the easist way .cheers
Cheers Ozz - I admit to being one of the guilty ones. I'll do it properly next time.
This was a great review! Thanks for the information.
Glad it was helpful Shelley
Very good video, appreciate the honest review with pros and cons. 👍
Glad it was helpful Andrew
Just ordered, then returned, as there was no way to get them over my 43cm calves. Quality looked great, but big-calf “clearance” needs a re-think. A shame; they seem tremendous otherwise.
Great video - I'm also a HUGE fan of my Spatz Roadman 2's. Amongst the best investments I've made for my bike and can't recommend highly enough!
It was comments like yours Eddie which persuaded me to try them and I’m pleased I did.
I have a rain jacket and pants, but I still like to ride with my tennis shoes. These seem like just the thing.
I think the tennis shoes would need a stiff base or they might be pulled out of shape. Endura make a MTB shoe gaiter that works with flat pedals (ie no SPD) which might suit better. I've filmed with an Endura sponsored rider and she was wearing them.
What are the Bontrager over shoes called? Thank you for the review also.
Hi Louie, they're mountain bike ones - Bontrager RXL MTB Shoecover Black
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you! I tried to order the Spatz, but it says that they don't deliver to my state in the US. :(
Hi Simon, where did you have your optical inserts made, for inside your sun visor please. Many thanks in anticipation.
Here you go Gary: ua-cam.com/video/TcN3S67ijJE/v-deo.html 'Austin' by Sunwise, only through opticians
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks Simon,have looked will follow up. Again thanks regards Gary
Fantastic Review alwanted a video on overshoes
Glad you liked it!
Yes agree totally !
That's good to know Stuart.
In pairing the Spatz to your Lake winter shoes were the Spatz sizing true to size? Or did you have to go above?
Also, do you have a suggested low temperature rating for Spatz with summer shoes, and separately Spatz with winter shoes such as Lake? I live in the US and plan to ride in 30°F with the Spatz. My summer shoe is Bont vapor S and my winter shoe will be the Lake cx 146.
Hi Frankie - no problem pairing with Lakes, which are regular width, both the wide. Too wide and they can rub against the cranks, unless you increase Q factor with spacers. But the rubber is very stretchy and fits snugly - winter boots and summer shoes.
As to the temperature rating, I’d suggest checking with Spatz. They’re introducing new items all the time including (I saw on Insta) some extra warm sock (Sokz I think) which would increase temp rating all round.
For me they make winter much more bearable.
Thank you
Thank you for the video! I do have one question though: what kind of soap/detergent do you use to wash neoprene overshoes?
It's in their FAQs along with a joke video www.spatzwear.com/pages/faqs
Did the combination of wearing bib longs *and* the Spatz cause any circulation issues in the lower leg? Just curious whether people with larger than normal calves would struggle to get them on.
Hi Del. I was worried about this but didn't really have an issue. I did make sure I pulled them up to where the calves narrow below the knee rather than mid calve. Before doing so I needed to pull them over my shoes and secure the velcro on the sole. Definitely a bit of faff in putting them on but a winter without faff means a winter indoors IMO! Should also say my calves are not particularly big. Hope that helps.
I must say his socks are bery impressive. :o
They do look good. However I ALWAYS wear a hole through on the (left first) toe when the overshoe touches the ground, and for that reason, I'm reluctant to spend £85.
Hi Adrian - that's exactly one of the reasons I like these. The gravel around our house rips the toes out of normal shoe covers, but because they fasten at the back, you can't pop off the toes without removing the whole thing.
The Spatz don't work like that. They have enough stretch in them that you can pop off the toes as soon as you need to walk anywhere. In fact, during the Festive 500, I drove to the start of my rides with the Spatz already on my legs and tucked into my wellies, so all I needed to do was put my shoes on, pull the toes into place and fasten the velcro underneath.
HI, i read in Belgian review that the top layer looses and comes off. Any evidence to conform this claim?
Hmm thanks Erik. No evidence of that yet, but I've only used them since December. Perhaps I'll know more after another winter?
@@alwaysanotheradventure Cheers!
Hi. Would rhese overshoes be wide enough to fit over normal tainers?
Hi Neil - these are the Roadman 2 but Spatz have a big range of products now, bigger than I’ve tried, so probably best ask them. They are very stretchy and there’s some force behind that neoprene - it’s what keeps them tight to the leg and show. So that might bend normal trainers which don’t have a stiff sole.
You mention that they’re “£85” and then put a link to them being £130 - now we’re into the realms of a reasonable dedicated winter shoe. Is there a hefty discount code somewhere I’m missing? They do look reasonably good and thank you for the review, but where £85 is “stretching it” (sorry!), £130 is a no-no for me.
Hi - I'm not sure where in the world you're watching from, but the Roadman 2 are £85 in the UK. This link takes me to the Spatz page with that price. www.spatzwear.com/collections/spatz-overshoes/products/spatz-roadman-2-super-thermo-reflective-overshoes-with-kevlar-rdmn I agree £85 is pricey, but if they do away with the need for winter boots, it makes them better value for money.
That said, I know a lot of people have been hit hard by the economics of Covid, so perhaps any extra expense is too much right now.
I think you were looking at a different model of over boots: SPATZ 'GRAVLR' Overshoes. Rugged and warm with a full zipper opening. #GravlR
Regular price £119.99 inc UK VAT
@@CastleKnight7 Ah ok - they're not the ones we tested or reviewed. Since they're for off-road use they'd have to be tougher, and I'm not sure whether I'd want overshoes off-road. That would nee a different test/review I think.
@@alwaysanotheradventure oh apologies - they were the first one that popped up on the link - I'd been eyeing them up for a bit but thought the £120 was a bit much. Sadly they've sold out of the £85 ones when I clicked, I guess your endorsement of them worked!! will keep my eyes open for when they're back. thanks though, lovely review as always!
@@ridekernow Ah ok, I get it. Have you tried Sigma Sports - they also stock the Spatzwear products and have (in my view) a better returns policy than Wiggle.
EDIT: Just checked for you and they don't have the Roadman 2 either. However, they do have shorter versions of the Roadman (more like regular overshoes) which are quite a bit cheaper: www.sigmasports.com/item/Spatz/Legalz-2-Overshoes/NJZM
I feel you Brits are more into cycling than us Yanks🧐
Oh I don't know - you have some committed riders
@@alwaysanotheradventure but they don’t do YT videos as you folks.