Back at the company's inception a decade ago, Luigi and his Q-collective released a super concise 'Essential' range of apparel that set about changing the approach to performance cycling clothing. The focus was on the product - not the logo or branding. The message was clear: Function over form.In that collection - that remains the backbone of the Q36.5 project and from where all else has its genesis (and not just within the Q36.5 range...) - sat the L1 Essential Jersey. This masterpiece of super durable, lightweight thermoregulatory magic has evolved just twice, each iteration delivering refinements and improvements that yield greater rider benefit across aerodynamics, comfort, fit, thermoregulation and weight.The latest version, the Pinstripe PRO Jersey, features a completely new fabric that is made with micro-polyester filaments, super-fine threads that are woven into a 3-dimensional surface that greatly increases moisture management through a greater surface area - as well as the nature of the selectred threads.This construction makes the jersey extremely responsive in variable environmental conditions. The UF Lx Fabric offers quick drying times - 50% faster than any other polyester fabric.
The UF Pinstripe PRO is a clever refinement of Q36.5's proprietary smart fabric that employs silver threads in the weft. These silver threads are both conductive, anti-bacterial and anti-electrostatic, helping control temperature, reduce biological wear and odours as well as reducing electrostatic noise which can accelerate muscular fatigue. The result is a jersey that delivers even better thermoregulation for energy conservation and faster drying.
These features combine with a new pattern cut that further minimises seams over the preceding jersey. You will notice the absence of the shoulder pleat on the front too, this removes the historic flap suffered by some and improves the aerodynamics as well.
The Women's cut is not simply a scaled version of the Men's jersey. Q36.5's approach is dedicated to producing the best possible product for the rider and they are acutely aware of the need for different cuts - not just for forms sake, but to give the rider the best experience when out riding. To this end, the Women's Pinstripe Pro utilises a G1 or Giro cut. As opposed to the men's Raglan sleeve that terminates at the nape of the neck, the Women's sleeves end at the shoulder allowing greater freedom of movement across the chest while minimising bunching in the upper back. This cut is better suited to the female form from both a fit and function perspective.
All together, these developments yield a jersey that is extremely responsive to the environment and the personal micro-climate of the rider, in variable conditions. It quickly reacts to increasing or decreasing moisture levels both from within and without, helping to stabilise the users body temperature and minimise the energy required for thermoregulation. The 3D surface and 'rough' texture, in combination with the new cut, also makes the jersey aerodynamic at speeds above 40kph (25mph).
Like the L1 before it, the Pinstripe PRO benefits from Q36.5's continued use of ergogenic patterns that are tuned to support specific muscle groups during cycling activity and offer a snug but unrestrictive fit, with incresed stability during the pedalling motion for reduced fatigue. The PRO also retains the Invisible pocket system that reduces excess fabric and makes for a discreet, low profile pocket system. The new colour-matched drop tail (as developed for the Seta jersey) creates a slim yet stabilising panel that keeps the jersey from riding up and that supports the shape of the pockets above, even when brimming with kit and supplies.
The Pinstripe PRO jersey features laser cut sleeves that are of a more modern length and afficionados of the brand will be pleased to see the use of neutral colour zips, badges and pocket detailing (much requested by dealers and consumers) which elevates the aesthetic of the jerseys.
Like all Q36.5 clothing, the Pinstripe PRO is remarkably light too. Despite this low weight (just 115g in a medium), the unique construction also makes the Pinstripe PRO incredibly durable, so you can be sure that your jersey purchase is a sound investment.
In general, cycling jerseys are not particularly robust against abrasion. The Pinstripe fabric although extremely light (100gram/m2) is, as a function of construction and the selection of threads, exceptionally robust and long lasting - it will happily withstand the regular use of a back pack for example, making the Pinstripe PRO a great jersey choice for epic gravel adventures as much as road use.
The new Pinstripe PRO sees the largest colour collection in the history of the brand from pastel tones, classy black and navy to muted and earthy shades, and floral hues!
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.