Revised and renamed for the 2024 season and building on its previously updated form, the Gregarius PRO bib shorts feature a revised construction that includes the use of sustainable fibres.
In our opinon the Gregarius bib shorts from Q36.5 are one of the finest value shorts on the market. Perfectly balancing more traditional construction methods with modern, proprietary fabrics and one of the finest chamois pads in the world, they deliver exceptional performance, comfort and quality.
The name is chosen by Q36.5 to epitomise the brand's 'basic' short:
Miles Gregarius was the name given to Roman foot soldiers in the Legion. Before being accepted into the Roman Legion, these soldiershad to be to able cover 24 Roman miles (36 km) in under five hours carrying at least 30kg of weight. In sandals! The analogy is drawn not because of the basic nature but because of the minimum standard required whilst remaining exceptionally functional.
The Gregarius represents Q36.5’s re-construction of the traditional modern bib short feeling to produce a best-quality and high value essential for riders who like their equipment simple and effective. As many will know, Q36.5 operate a rolling 4 yearly development cycle with their products, with minor updates being applied to the range on a rolling basis. Larger changes or product revisions only come when deemed necessary or in the face of newly developed and proprietary fabrics. As a consumer this helps to keep your wardrobe current for a longer period of time as Q36.5 do not believe in ‘creating’ a product again and again simply to sell more numbers. This means that their equipment is the best it can possibly be at any given time - both in terms of technical functionality and materials - since the goal is to deliver product that is just that - the best, hence ‘Absolutely Equipment’.
One of the original pieces of the Q36.5 range, the Miles Gregarius bib short was developed to complement the company’s original L1 Essential Short (which gave rise to the incredible Dottore). The Gregarius is part of the Democratic collection and offers much of the technical innovation, but in a more traditional knitted feel. Q36.5 are quick to point out that they do not believe that the Gregarius is more suitable to certain riding conditions or distances than their flagship Unique or Dottore shorts. All three are constructed as bib-shorts to be used in the full range of ride distances and types, be it racing, endurance or leisure riding. The difference lies in their relative fitted feeling and we recommend that the rider choose according to this criteria. After all, comfort and fit will be judged by the wearer.
The pre-shaped ergonomic cut is the result of detailed research into ergogenics undertaken when Q36.5 developed their once range topping Salopette Elite bib short (now replaced by the UNIQUE). The Gregarius PRO 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 in place and works actively to improve stability and body alignment during the pedal stroke. This was augmented with a new cut and also the UF Knit44 fabric, developed expressly for the Gregarius.
UF Knit44 is a high density fabric (44 stitches per cm2) that formed the basis of the Gregarius ULTRA and provides increased muscle support for the same garment weight. In 2021 this fabric morphed into the UF Kit44 ECO. Ultimately, in their more ecological approach to garment production, Q36.5 now use a 100% recyled material that delivers the same benefits of the original fabric. 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 - like the Dottore - dispenses with the elastic silicon grip band of so many shorts at this price, 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 of the Gregarius PRO is centred on the Crotch / pad and saddle interface area and again is the direct result of research and development carried out for the development of the Elite Bib short (now deprecated).
The crotch area features a proprietary cut with real consideration given to the placement of the chamois. Q36.5 have also introduced a Dyneema thread* panel where the shorts meet the saddle that offers greater wear resistance while simultaneously improving thermoregulation and moisture management in this critical area. As an added bonus, the Dyneema also stops the rider sliding around on the saddle, keeping you stable and efficient as you ride.
In addition to the Dyneema panel, the crotch area 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 Gregarius PRO 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 PRO 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 Gregarius PRO bib short, with its new construction, materials and refinements, is a robust all-round bib short with dramatically improved comfort and support in critical areas that are key to a comfortable, stable ride.
The use of cutting edge materials and construction methods derived from the company’s flagship products, are testament to Q36.5s continued commitment to the quality of your ride, regardless of where in the range you buy.
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-shape cut 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.
The Q36.5 Gregarius Ultra Men's Bib Short is best suited to riders who prefer a familiar, traditional, bib short model (but are uninterested in the decadent extras or ‘fashion- fee’ that other high end brands constrain their customers to pay for) together with a comfortable, good quality, no-nonsense bib short - which in reality is all they actually want.
*Dyneema is an exceptionally robust thread that weighs very little, indeed it offers an unmatched strength to weight ratio and is 15x stronger than steel!
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.