The Gregarius bibs from Q36.5 have been the entry point short for Q36.5 customers with a preference for traditional knitted construction since the brands inception. But there is nothing basic about them. The road specific model - the Gregarius Pro delivers a range of technical and performance features derived from the more technical Dottore and UNIQUE shorts.
With the growing popularity of Adventure and Gravel riding, Q36.5 have created the Adventure Cargo bib short that draws on Q36.5's experience in road short creation, but with some unique features for the rigours and demands of trail and off-road riding.
The Adventure Cargo is pitched as an all-round cycling short, as much at home on the tarmac as it is on the trail. Fit for every riding occasion, no matter what the distance or intensity, it is designed for the most adventurous of cycling activities in all environments and climates.
One key development in the Cargo Adventure shorts is the additional pocket provision.
The most obvious is the multi function Power Mesh Pocket. These provide not only added space but protection as well. Like MIPS inside a helmet, the Power Mesh insert on the quadriceps increases protection in case of a crash as the two layers of fabric roll against each other, resulting in less direct friction on your skin. The added bonus is the added capacity of the external pocket that can comfortably accommodate a gel, phone, tool, satsuma or a bar on your ride.
Further to the Power Mesh Pocket is the extra Invisible Back Pocket above the lumbar support. This is minimalistic and remains invisible when not in use.
Beyond the obvious external features, the Gregarius Cargo Adventure shorts also feature slightly more padding than their road focused counterparts, giving you improved comfort for longer adventures and over uneven ground.
The technology of the Gregarius Pro remains:
The new pre-shaped ergonomic cut is the result of detailed research into ergogenics undertaken when Q36.5 developed their Elite bib short. The Adventure Cargo short uses a similar construction based on minimal seams and strategically placed panels for additional support through the pedal stroke. The higher density, woven polyamide lumbar support panel with silver thread - found in all the company’s bib shorts - remains and works actively to improve stability and body alignment during the pedal stroke. This is augmented with the new cut and also the new UF Knit44 ECO fabric, developed originally for the Gregarius Ultra.
UF Knit44 ECO is a new, 100% recycled, high density fabric (44 stitches per cm2) that forms the basis of the new Adventure Cargo bib short and provides increased muscle support for the same garment weight. The robust construction lends greater durability, as well as offering UV protection and sun deflection that generates 1.5°C less temperature build up than a similar regular black fabric, thus better managing your body temperature and expanding the temperature range in which the short performs optimally.
The cut is completely updated too and - like the Dottore - the Adventure Cargo short dispenses with the elastic silicon grip band of the classic version, in favour of a proprietary leg finish that eliminates hot spots and relieves pressure on the area, thanks to the raw cut at the bottom of the leg panels that keeps the shorts in place.
Much of the refinement in the design is centred on the Crotch / pad and saddle interface.
The crotch area features a new proprietary cut with real consideration given to the placement of the chamois. It features an anti-stress cut for the genital area, allowing more freedom of movement as well as increased comfort in the pelvic zone that offers a degree of comfort missing in many shorts and that will be of particular benefit on longer rides. Furthermore, Q36.5 have removed the central stitching that is present in most other shorts on the market and that joins the short together along the undercarriage. Understandably, the placement of this stitching has never been ideal and can be responsible for irritation and discomfort in lesser shorts - particularly on longer rides. It's removal in the Adventure Cargo short is testament to Q36.5's focus on the rider and reinventing products rather than simply re-hashing.
The Super moulded pad itself is designed to mimic the variable densities of the flagship Fusion pad : the foam padding has been calibrated according to the same scheme of variable densities and thicknesses in the perineal, ischiatic, genital and gluteal zones for an extremely sophisticated tuning of rider comfort. The chamois, as with the rear part of the FUSION, uses a unique moulding technique to present smooth variations in thickness of padding, markedly improving the contact with the rider’s skin. The Super Moulded is, like the FUSION, an extremely high-performing chamois designed for a solid and substantial feel and all-round riding support regardless of situation and it is suitable for training, racing and long distance riding: typical of Luigi and the company’s belief that - if a product is developed correctly - it doesn’t need to be pigeon-holed into a specific riding niche.
The final development in the Adventure short is the adoption of a new strap construction that is both light and breathable, and that eliminates the need for additional material on the rear thoracic panel. This further enhances the thermoregulatory aspect of the shorts while maximising support and comfort.
The Adventure Cargo Bib short, with its novel construction, materials and additional features, is a robust, versatile bib short with dramatically improved comfort and support in critical areas that are key to a comfortable, stable ride - on or off the road.
Available in Black, Olive Green, Navy and Langhe Red
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.