The Termico - in both its previous iterations has been an absolutley standout product. Easily the best Winter jacket I have owned and used. It is a master at delivering the delicate balance between warmth and breathability all while being very low volume and also serving almost as well as the company's dedicated waterproof jacket in the rain.
The new and improved Dottore Termico is set - once again - to elevate every aspect of the Jacket it replaces and deliver even greater performance so we can enjoy our cycling when the weather challenges our motivation.
More than an evolution of the Termico, the Dottore Termico has fantastic new developments and features that promise even greater flexibility and performance.
The key element in designing a cold weather cycling jacket - rather than say, tights - isn’t keeping you warm (like tights do) but rather it is essential to maintain a stable body temperature that remains balanced throughout your entire ride. Regardless of your level of output, whether you are coasting or climbing, you don't want huge swings in temperature that sap your energy or make you uncomfortable.
Q36.5 are the absolute kings of the craft when it comes to assisting the natural thermoregulation of the body. The Dottore Termico Jacket uses 11 proprietary fabrics strategically placed to maximise thermoregulation. It does this by trapping warm air between layers when you need it and releasing it when you don’t, so you’re always at the right temperature for the road.
Thanks to this complex structure and the compay's signature process of Advanced RSR Body Mapping, the Dottore Termico is more than simply a warm Winter jacket. While it fulfills this function impeccably it is also a smart, technical piece of kit that, with its Best in Class breathability, is ideal for high intensity training and riding as it never allows you to overheat.
Rather than the single-skin construction of its forbear, the Dottore Termico jacket was designed using a multilayering construction, by-passing the traditional concept of winter jackets made with soft shell materials.
This multilayering system allows the different fabrics to trap the warm air that is in direct contact with the skin resulting in the maintaining of a stable temperature no matter what the intensity of output is from the rider.
The exterior shell is constructed from the same new lightweight 2-layer fabric (UF 2L) as used on the BAT SHELL - this is a microporous membrane emplyed for the front panels and rear side panels to protect from the wind while the inside lining is constructed using Q36.5s UF Air Insulation to capture the body’s microclimate and maintain the core temperature. UF Air Insuation is a brushed loft knit jacquard with incredible moisture vapour management and thermal capabilities. Moisture is effectively dispersed over the surface of these hexagons of material to allow more rapid movement and emission through to the outer layer where is is dispelled in controlled fashion, keeping you dry.
In the centre of the rear of the jacket and in line with the vertebral column, a single layer of Hybrid Shell Plus fabric has been inserted in order to offer a higher breathability rate in this critical area - this effectively acts as a venting area to draw heat and moisture away from the body.
Entirely novel for Q36.5s new Winter jackets, is the introduction of extra thermal protection and control by way of a minimal internal vest that is sewn-in to the jacket behind the shell layer. Constructed from a blend of a polyester and polyamide that is brushed for a fleece-like finish and tightly woven for better moisture management and warmth, this vest provides a zip-controlled windproof barrier. This new double-coat construction allows the rider to open the outer shell jacket without risking over exposure to cold air during long climbs, interval training or any time the rider needs to increase ventilation.
Collar design in a long sleeve winter jacket is of the utmost importance since it stops the chill air and rain from penetrating your weather defence. It is a strategic and fundamental element of the piece. As with previous versions, the new Dottore Termico uses Q36.5's Hermetic barber collar. Normally the collar is made with only one solid piece of fabric, limited in its ability to form a close seal around the neck. However, Q36.5s barber collar is designed with four different pieces. The objective is to have a collar that follows the line of the body perfectly and ergonomically when in a riding position on the bike. The result is a zero pressure and hermetically sealed collar that creates a barrier to the chilly wind. The internal first piece is thin and extremely soft brushed fabric for the contact at the neck while the 3 external elements are cut and overlapped so as to form a conformable barrier that doesn't interfer with your comfort as you move your head or change position on the bike.
As well as the collar, the jacket is finished with 3 storage pockets on the back, plus a safety pocket closed by a zipper. The frontal cam-lock zipper is waterproof and windproof to increase hermetic protection too.
Q36.5 focus on safety too - but in their own unique and understated way (just check out their Super Termico gloves!). The Dottore Ternico jacket employs their Road Safety System comprising tactically positioned reflective inserts on the Lumbar drop-tail, side panels and centre pocket. In adddition, the sleeves have a strip of reflective detail running from cuff to along the shoulder blades for greater visibility from side and rear and these are particularly beneficial when signalling in low light.
The fit of the Termico is close and conformable without ever being restrictive and this new version feels more comfortable than the original thanks to the refinements and lower bulk. Once you have worn it on the bike you will understand the fit even more. The proprietary fabrics used in Q36.5 clothing function optimally when the fit is snug against the body and it is an inherent design element of the brand. This closeness and pre-shaped fit lends the ergogenic qualities that enable the fabrics to better support and stabilise the body, but this closeness is never at the expense of comfort and there is a notable freedom of movement when adopting the riding position.
Overall the new Q36.5 Dottore Termico jacket delivers high thermal protection with extremely low volume that can adapt to the different demands of high intensity winter training whether sub zero or above. If, like me, you find that less-is-more and you grimmace at the prospect of spending 20 minutes or more prising yourself into the various layers that often seem necessary in order to brave the worst conditions, then the Dottore Termico - nay, every aspect of Q36.5 - is for you. Awful out? Base layer + Dottore Termico. Job done.
As a huge fan of Q36.5, there isn't much - if anything in the range I haven't either worn or own!
As with all cycling apparel, in order to do its job effectively : keep you warm or cool, dry, comfortable and aero, it has to fit correctly. All too often we see riders in clothing that is far too big, flapping around or with gaping sleeves.
We get it, some people don't want to 'look silly' in tight fitting lycra - the stigma for many remains. To these folk I say consider this: most of those who'll be paying you any mind while you ride around will be other cyclists; they will almost certainly think you look silly if you're riding around in loose, ill-fitting kit! Besides, you want to get the best from your investment so who cares what people who aren't part of the cycling fraternity think - if it fits properly, it works the way it's designed to.
Q36.5 is highly technical kit; regionally sweat-mapped for optimum moisture management; ergogenic pattern cuts for best possible form-fitting and aerodynamics; not to mention the thermal conductivity that helps stabilise your body temperature, freeing up energy for riding. Fit is key and often at odds with your civvies.
We recommend purchasing and wearing your Q36.5 garment or shoes ‘true to size’ - if you are usually a Medium, purchase a Medium; 43.5 shoe then 43.5. However, when trying on a Q36.5 garment for the first time please keep in mind that cut and fit is designed for on the bike comfort and performance, indeed it is a pre-shaped cut meaning and the user may feel a minor degree of strain (eg. in the shoulder and chest area of the jersey / jacket or the bib short braces) when standing upright - this is totally normal and preferred, since you don't ride standing upright!
Try adopting a tucked, cycling position when trying kit on - all cycling clothing of any note is pre-shaped or cut in this position in order to deliver the technical benefits of the piece. When on the bicycle, any feeling of restriction should literally disappear and be replaced by a snug fit yet with excellent ease of movement, comfort and stability. With shoes, you want a small gap between your toes and the end of the shoe. As you ride, your feet swell and your arches collapse slightly causing your feet to 'creep'. Most of this movement is lateral but there is some longitudinal movement also. If your toes are at the end of the shoe to begin with - you will suffer with numbness and pain.
If you are ever unsure of sizing - maybe you have no frame of reference or you've tried 2 sizes and both seem to fit - the recommendation is to size down! Better to have your cycling kit tight than loose. Materials will give out slightly too and in the case of bibshorts, you want the pad firmly against you so you are stable in the saddle and so there is no rubbing of material or shifting of the pad - this only leads to bad places; saddle sores and ultimately, quicker wear in your kit.
If you are between sizes or already borderline on a size (close to it being too small), you may wish to size up one. Similarly, if you are not quite 'racing snake' and the size chart suggests you are a particular size - if you are close to the upper most extreme of that measure - you may wish to size up (it's how it works for me!).
Overall, the jerseys seem to be smaller / tighter than in previous seasons so this may also factor if you are used to the brand. Ultimately if you really don't like tight fitting cycle kit, then focus on the Gregarius range and consider a size up . Use the charts as a guide.
For the latest seasons (2024 ->) there have been some changes to short leg length. In much the same way that the Pinstripe Pro (now Dottore Pro) jersey had an additional 2cm added for better overall fit, the Dottore and Unique bib shorts now have legs that are 2.5cm longer to better support the full length of the muscle. I would expect to see this creep into all shorts moving forward. Remember - there are rolling changes made where necessary during the 4 year development cycle of Q36.5 clothing.
There are also some changes to the structure of the range - at least in name. Collections are split by tech and fit: Democtratic Fit / GREGARIUS (Essentially KNITTED Fabrics with a more forgiving fit), Ergogenic Fit / DOTTORE (WOVEN Fabrics that fit close and are semi-compressive) and Skin Fit / UNIQUE (A small grouping, of UNIQUE Pro products that are second-skin). We separate them out in the menus on the site if it helps!
A note on socks : Q36.5 socks are supremely comfortable, easily the best I have ever owned. They last too and that feeling continues wash after wash where others become crisp and scratchy. If you are between sizes or unsure then I suggest you size down. There is plenty of stretch in Q36.5. With some models - notably the Be Love 0 and Be Love Seta - it is recommended that you cold-wash them before first use; they will shrink ever so slightly but not enough to warrant buying a size up.
Base layers are critical to the performance of anything you layer over the top. They should absolutely be a second skin or they don't do their job. If it fits like your favourite Sunday afternoon baggy T-shirt, bin it! Always buy the size that fits closest without any pinching under the arms or restriction at the cuff. Again, size down if you are unsure or between prescribed sizes. You may find that for the UK climate you can survive the winter in a short sleeve Q36.5 Base (Base Layer 2) - though this will depend on how you feel the cold. During summer, a base layer is still beneficial, helping to move moisture off the skin - where the temperature exceeds 24oC, you may find that a Clima or Dottore PRO jersey are fine next to the skin but both (and all other jerseys) will perform better when the Zero Mesh base layer is in play.
Get a Vest / Gilet! If you don't own one, this is the single piece of equipment that offers the broadest range of benefits. A good gilet offers wind protection on chilly mornings, late evenings, descents after hot and sweaty climbs and core protection in sudden downpours - it is virtually indispensible year round. Not sure where the weather will go an any given ride? Stuff it in a jersey pocket and your core will always be protected, extending the operating temperature of the rest of your outfit; be that in summer or winter.
Q36.5 make numerous vests - one uniquely for potentially wet rides but that also serves to keep the wind off (Rain Shell Vest); the all-round Vest L1 Essential / Hybrid Vest that offers both thermal stability, insulation and weather protection; the Air Vest, the ultimate in low bulk emergency wear that will keep the wind and showers from ruining your ride and that packs down incredibly small - it weighs just 69g; and the Adventure Insulation Vest developed for lower intensity and more adventurous forays off the beaten track in a design that weighs in at just 115g & packs away easily.Remember - the fit needs to be close, particularly when layering.
Be smart with your Q36.5 clothing. Wash it without softener at cold temps - preferably as soon as you get in from your ride. And use their Tech Wash - it will make your kit last longer and perform the way it is supposed to.