Was unsure what these would be like as I’ve always gone with a certain other brand for bibs. But I am absolutely delighted with these. Been out on club rides just above freezing, wet roads but not in the rain yet, and they’ve performed fantastically. Firstly, let’s talk warmth. I am a cold old sole who generally freezes even on fast rides. So I wore these, a base layer and a club winter jacket. I felt very comfortable temperature wise. I didn’t overheat either, which was a concern. For me, I reckon I’ll be happy using these up to 9 or 10 degrees. Secondly, I want to mention comfort: my main concern was that the pad would be rubbish. Have had a few bibs over the years with awful chamois pads. Rest assured, this one from Spatz is very comfortable indeed. I rate it up there with the ludicrously expensive one from Tom Pidcock’s new team, my preferred pad. This is that good. As for the comfort of the material, what is not to like? It’s got the layout of the layers absolutely spot on. Thirdly, what about the integrated gillet vest instead of straps? Bloody genius I reckon. It’s easy to put on, comfortable when on, regulates heat efficiency, is no issue when you need the loo. Love it. Downsides: only one for me: they roll up when you try to pull on your Spatz long overshoes and are really hard to pull down. Would be good to have some kind of stirrup to keep them in place. Spatz has put a neoprene-esque fabric at the bottom of each leg but less skinny ankles are needed to hold them in place when pulling the covers on.
So on a nutshell: what do I think of these winter bibs? Absolutely bloody brilliant. It’s like having a winter skinsuit in many ways just with a jacket on top. Keep up the good work lads but let’s think about a stirrup or something!
