As a retailer I am constantly asked to recommend a jacket that is at once, all things to the winter cyclist. Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable and Low Weight. As a cyclist my conscience will not let me simply pick something up off the shelf because, in my opinion, no such jacket exists. Certainly not at the price most people are willing to consider! Indeed, many will have been bored by the lengthy explanations as to why they may have to sacrifice one element (at least to a certain extent), but I simply don't want people riding off in something they later discover doesn't deliver, cursing my name 30 miles from home.
In my experience, most jackets that purport to fulfill all these criteria consistently fail at 'breathable'. Don't get me wrong, I understand that it is exceptionally difficult to create such a garment. Fundamentally, anything that stops cold air and moisture coming in, is going to struggle to let hot air and moisture out - the two requirements are totally at odds with one another. In recent years there have been numerous attempts by companies to improve our lot - recent seasons have seen enterprising pros covertly employing non-sponsor-approved garments in an effort to optimise the breathability - waterproofness balance in wet conditions. Ian Stannard in an unmarked Gabba at the 2013 MSR and Rigoeberto Uran in an Assos sturmPrinz at the Giro to name two notable examples.
I have sampled these offerings and they have certainly improved over the last few years but as one who 'runs hot', have still found my performance suffering as my temperature soars. Consequently I have resorted to either opening up these jackets in order to literally let off steam, in the process getting wet or, in other cases, to simply wearing a gilet and dealing with the rain!
Enter Luigi Bergamo and the Q36.5 R. Insulation Jacket
In the era of marginal gains riders are demanding closer fitting, more aerodynamic and thermal wet-weather solutions. The rain jacket is changing. The R.Insulation jacket is Q36.5’s ALL-DAY rain and inclement weather jacket, designed to be worn from beginning to end of high-intensity rides in foul weather at temperatures anywhere between 5-15° C. It is, simply put, the jacket for those who MUST RIDE at all costs, even in extreme conditions. The R.Insulation is made entirely from a proprietary three-layer waterproof fabric, thus dispensing with the multiple fabric body-mapping concept employed on the Hybrid Que and Termica jackets, in favour of producing a totally protective, hermetic garment.
The outer layer of the jacket is made from a high-density woven polyamide-polyester, “frost” dyed rather than coated or printed, in order to maintain the natural breathability of the weave. This is a key design element. Densley woven polyamide - when woven in the correct way, has startling waterproofness - better than the likes of treated fabrics found in garments like the Gabba - whilst having twice the breathability and moisture managing properties.
The middle-layer is an avant-garde Japanese hydrophilic membrane with extremely high-breathability (RET value of 3) and 18,000 mm/l waterproof rating. Q36.5 favour the use of hydrophilic (water-loving) over hydrophobic membranes (such as Goretex™), as they best allow for the body to transpire and remain dry whilst maintaining an optimal body temperature during intense athletic activity. The hydrophilic membrane offers the most suitable combination between thermal insulation, vapour permeability and waterproofness for high intensity cycling in cold and wet weather. The polymer molecules of the membrane have a predetermined activation point at which they ‘open’ and increase permeability (allowing the body to transpire more efficiently at high temperatures) and ‘close’ at lower temperatures allowing for an increase in the insulation properties when the body temperature is lower.
The inner layer is a low-volume polyester mesh with excellent stretch and wicking qualities allowing for immediate and efficient movement of moisture away from the body, keeping the rider drier from the inside.
So while the cut and paneling of the R.Insulation emphasizes full-body protection (note the particular attention given to the collar area - often the Achilles heel of rain jackets – with its high, ergonomic cut and second, internal ‘barber’s’ collar like that found in the Termica Jacket), its proprietary fabric has been engineered with extreme sensitivity to the high levels of breathability and low volume demanded by riders in intense riding conditions.
By exploiting the technological limits of high-density weaving, Q36.5 are able to produce a highly compact outer face for the fabric that replicates the windblocking capabilities of a 2-layer shell fabric, without the use of a membrane, thus maintaining the exceptional natural breathability of the weave. This extremely compact surface, beyond producing a startlingly low volume fabric, also greatly increases the effectiveness of the water-repellency treatment rendering it far more windproof than a regular knitted cycling fabric with water resistant treatment. The inner face of the fabric is instead fleeced for thermal protection.
The R. Insulation jacket is 320g of foul-weather protection that can absorb whatever conditions you demand to ride in and its extremely close, aerodynamic fit means it is most effective when worn with nothing but a thermally appropriate base layer beneath.
For a jacket this technically advanced and with such a novel approach to it's engineering to enter the market below the price of it's competitors is something of a statement. Yes, it isn't cheap but it really does deliver so if you want the performance it is best to take the long-view; how many winter jackets do you own and how many years use are you likely to get out of one? They aren't socks after all.
It is an immense garment and I am yet to trip it up.
Finished with a 3mm reflective camlock zip for safety and secure closure.
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.