Review: Spatzwear takes a stab at building best-ever winter base layer

Previously devout to merino layers under jackets and jerseys almost exclusively, the Basez 2 caught our attention in December after a colleague with whom we ride often recommended it. It is feature-rich with a woven fabric across the chest and arms and designed specifically to trap warmth during cold weather road rides.

Upon receipt (thank you Spatzwear for supporting this blog with product), expectations were high. The raised neck is outstanding and almost negates the need for a buff entirely; the fabric (a synthetic blend) is soft to the touch; the cut specifically in the torso and arms are the kind of details you want in winter kit; the weave (seen on other base layers, for sure) traps heat when worn. However is it one of the best base layers (as some recent reviews indicate), particularly in a kit market spoilt by choice?

Monikers like “best” are always hard to substantiate IMO, as diversity of kit in 2021 is never-ending. In Spatzwear, however, founder Tom Barras is on to something. He conceived the base layer with input from Alistair Brownlee; the company says pros now use it under official team kit for training — a Gabba-ish tip of the cap and statement to its quality.

“I designed the Basez 2 to be different to anything on the market - a garment to replace 2-3 other layers but offer the same warmth,” Barras explains in an interview done over email, himself a former professional. “When you add this to the long neck, dropped rear and thumb loops, you have what we think is the best base layer on the market.”

To create something that supersedes everything that arrived before is difficult, but not impossible. What is evident in the Basez 2 is a clear vision. The performance cut is sublime (we’re 185cms and 170 lbs and took a M/L) and a welcome and warm addition to rides in temperatures as low as -8C. We did not find it warm enough as a stand-alone under outer layers (as claimed), but this is entirely subjective.

What is undeniable is the commitment to solving the problem of cycling in cold, which is the inability to stay warm without unnecessary bulk. In this, Barras and the Spatzwear squad have made great strides. We definitely look forward to seeing which directions the company explores moving forward.

Spatzwear’s signature product however is their road shoe cover — the Roadman II — with its length, premium neoprene, taped and welded seams, thermal fleece lining, kevlar reinforcement and silicone water sealing just some of its features. We were sent this product too upon request for the base layer.

We’ve used a variety of shoe covers in the past. Some warm, some waterproof, but to find both is rare - till now. To give these a proper go, we wore them overtop a summer road shoe — the Giro Prolight Techlace. While aesthetically underwhelming, performance and quality of the Roadman II is of little doubt. Two to three-hour rides in temps between 0-5 degrees were realistic and did not end with a dash indoors (as is customary) to thaw out. Breathability was a little suspect, as by the end some moisture had built up inside the shoe. But if it’s a trade, we’ll opt for warmth over insubstantial moisture every time.

Almost makes winter cycling shoes obsolete.