Identical to the Q36.5 Salopette Lady L1 with the exception of longer legs for more coverage over the knee and the use of ergonomically paneled waist in the place of braces.
One of the defining features of the Q36.5 range is their pioneering and innovative approach. It is this, backed up with over 20 years of cycle-clothing engineering that has allowed them to literally re-invent key aspects of cycling clothing and they can confidently say 'Unique' and 'Word's First' numerous times when referring to their L1 Essential range.
Read the background on the brand and you will appreciate the Q36.5 approach to maintaining the optimal operating temperature of the human body whilst also simultaneously offering a targeted approach to muscular support and body stabilisation whilst riding. This focus means that Q36.5 shorts and clothing are far more versatile than most of the other competing brands and do far more than simply clothe the rider.
The fundamental difference between the Q36.5 Trequarti Lady 3/4 and the Salopette L1 is the obvious absence of the braces and the slightly longer leg. Aside from this, the Trequarti L1 uses the same exceptional, proprietary UniqueFabricL1. Typical of Q36.5 - nothing is 'normal' including the waist construction which avoids the use of the standard circular elasticated panel in favour of a shallow contoured shape. This design places less pressure on the rider’s waist while improving the stability of the short.
The Trequarti Lady L1, like all Q36.5 L1 shorts, is cut according to a precise Ergogenic Pattern. The shorts have targeted support for different muscle groups during cycling and minimal panels and seams - none of which face forward in an effort to minimise aerodynamic drag - and the L1 shorts are adapted and tuned specifically to the female anatomy. Rather than simply re-shaping a men's short, the particular EMANA® weave used for the Half Short Lady L1 in the main leg panels is made from a distinctly softer version of material used in the men’s model. This fabric, in addition to its softer feel, has a unique polyamide formula designed to improve circulation.
This unique polyamide formula is the key to the Trequarti knicker. They are made entirely of 6.6 Polyamide fabric woven in 4 different densities for maximum performance gain. The greatest density is also the most obvious and is in the lumbar panel at the lower part of the back of the knicker. Here it is employed to maximise body alignment throughout the pedal stroke. This area is important as many of the larger muscle groups meet here. In addition, the support offered through this higher density area also serves to reduce muscle fatigue and you can literally feel the assistance as you ride. Q36.5 refer to this as Vectorial Elasticity and it continues throughout the 3/4 knicker with the varying densities of polyamide and the minimal number of panels in the design.
Contrary to most traditionally knitted high-end shorts and knickers, the use of high density woven Polyamide also lends a far greater robustness to the shorts without in any way altering the feel against the skin and with no weight penalty. Indeed, the durability for the weight is unmatched and the shorts will continue to serve long after the competition are thread-bare.
The most important element of any cycling short is of course the pad. The Trequarti Lady uses a female-specific version of the world-first fusion chamois technology system employed in the Salopette L1 Essential: it uses both sewn and thermo-moulded padding technologies in a single chamois, fusing the best of both into a single design: 120kg highest density open cell foam is cut and sewn for the perineal (front) area, where the most flexibility and breathability is required while ‘smooth’ multi-density thermo-moulded pads are used for the ischial (rear) area, where flexibility is tempered in favour of support and padding.
If you ride in the UK, there is an extremely high chance that you will - at some point - get caught in the rain. The good news for riders in the L1 shorts is that the fibres used in their construction undergo a water repellence treatment before being woven, this not only maintains their natural structure but improves their drying time making them a particularly sensible choice in wet weather.
All in all the Q36.5 women's Trequarti 3/4 cycling knickers offer the versatility of use for 3 seasons and a guarantee of body temperature stability above 18oC. Combined with unmatched comfort and muscular support, the durability belies their low weight and ensures that they will continue to perform for years.
Available in Black with Q36.5 signature Green detailing for understated style.
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.