I have long been an admirer of Q36.5. We have stocked it for a decade since their inception - and while other notable brands have come and gone, and despite a dwindelling, ever-diluted and largely "for show" cycling clothing market, I cannot let go of Q36.5. Many many people don't get it - I have had countless conversations about the tech and the benefits and a lot of them have been futile. But that's fine by me. Not everyone is comfortable sitting aside from the tribe. Those that subscribe are lifers - the proof being in the pudding.
The Dottore short is a particular favourite piece of mine. It is an exercise in elegance and simplicity - despite being far from simple technologically. It is neither cheap nor expensive. It is not race or endurance. It is the perfect embodiment of what a short should be.
Built to last, always comfortable and at home on any ride and in all conditions - it is in my view - the only short anyone ever need buy if you are looking for the ultimate all-rounder. There are technically better shorts in the shape of the Unique, there are cheaper options in Gregarius and Essential but nothing quite balances bang-for-buck like the Dottore.
The Dottore is now in its 4th guise : the Dottore PRO. As with all things Q36.5, the PRO suffix signifies much more than the change of model year. The Dottore PRO Bib Shorts illustrate a commitment to research and development, not only in terms of materials, but in fit, aero performance, comfort, and sustainable production.
The advanced Q36.5 Dottore PRO Cycling Bib Shorts are part of the newly termed ERGOGENIC series and have been re-engineered for greater comfort over the long haul. The ergogenic fit features gradual compression developed to offer targeted muscle support and the new Dottore Pro features an new Q LAB developed chamois insert for improved comfort and performance.
As an evolution of the original Dottore Bibs, the Dottore Pro Bibs provide greater muscle support thanks to a new proprietary high density woven fabric that - like its predecessor - is enhanced using silver thread woven into the weft of the material.
Silver thread helps improve performance and recovery thanks to its conductivity. It reduces the negative impact that naturally occurring electric charges produced by the body during exercise as well as boosting the blood flow and increasing oxygen supply to cells. It also protects against environmental electromagnetic smog, reducing muscle fatigue.
The cut of the Dottore Pro Bibs has been refined to increase overall comfort by reducing the pressure on the abdominal and genital area. Attention has been paid to the rear panel to ensure an optimal level of lumbar support which will enhance rider comfort over long hours in the saddle, helping to improve performance. The support and compression combine with a natural freedom of movement to give the bibs a second skin feel - not unlike the Unique Shorts, but with less focus on minimalism - and cheaper to boot!
Q36.5 have spent a good deal of time and research developing key advancements to enhance rider comfort.
The C-Interface is a method of seamlessly inserting the chamois pad to the crotch area. It removes the central and largely annoying seam found in most traditional shorts, and in a way that lends greater stability to the entire contact area between short and saddle.
The latest development is the Q LAB Air Chamois technology which represents a hallmark advancement for the Dottore Pro Bib Shorts. As an essential contact point, the chamois determines the level of comfort in the saddle the rider will experience. This chamois evolution employs different stitching that allows it to be integrated in the pattern of the bib shorts, effectively reducing friction and material overlap.
The design evolution is the result of a decade of experimentation and testing: new materials and the continued refinement of the C-Interface shaping, ensure maximum freedom of movement, breathability, and comfort. The ergonomic shape guarantees an ideal interface between saddle and rider with the sculpted super high density open cell-foam of the pad ensuring cushioned protection from road vibrations and that adapts to the rider regardless of body shape, riding position or cycling style - making it a truly all-round pad.
In addition to the technical improvements, Q36.5 have increased the leg length by 2.5 cm compared to previous iterations. This additional length ensures that the Dottore Pro Bib Shorts are totally focused on muscle support and overall comfort for the rider and are derived from the demands of the pros.
Critical to the stabilisation of the pad and to overall rider comfort is is the support offered by the bib-straps. The strategically deployed elasticated bib straps of the Dottore PRO are designed to be exceptionally breathable and soft, to sit flat - regardless of movement, and deliver invisible support so you can stay focused without distration - even on the longest rides.
Essentially, the Dottore PRO offers pro-level solutions for all our riding.
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.