Since their inception, the Q36.5 range of bib shorts and jerseys - those manufactured from the densely woven Polyamide yarns - have been well received by our customers for a wide variety of reasons: fit, breathability, thermoregulation, ability to withstand a light shower, low weight, durability etc etc.
In a few notable cases we have received feedback about their performance in crashes. One particular tale involves a group of friends, all of whom ride together regularly and who - bar one Q36.5 clad individual - wore the likes of Castelli or Assos among others. After the group went down to collectively "gather tarmac" on a group ride, the only member of that peloton to come out unscathed and with all his skin attached, was the gent in Q36.5. Suffice to say, he was stoked and his mates are converts to the brand.
The underlying design and manufacture of the Q36.5 range, makes them more durable than most - but there was an element of good fortune in the above tale : slippery roads were both the cause of the incident, but also a reason for less savage damage. It could have been far worse.
While no one sets out to crash, it is a risk that we as cyclists run every time we ride out. A bit of 'loose', a slippery drain cover, an errant squirrel or a touch of wheels on the club ride - all can lead to a bit of 'down time' and you are apt to lose a bit of skin on these unplanned trips to the tarmac.
Q36.5 have set out to help riders minimise the damage should the worst happen through the use of their newest innovation: GRDXKN®
GRDXKN uses a newly developed 4D printing technology to integrate a protective skin into their clothing that can protect you in the case of a crash.
Essentially, The newly developed 4D printing technology facilitates the creation of a protective structure into the fabric of the material.
The fabric reinforced by GRDXKN creates a highly abrasion-resistant cushioning layer, which greatly delays the destruction of the upper fabric, distributes the force exerted by the fall and absorbs energy, thereby significantly protecting the skin behind it. Indeed, the material properties of GRDXKN enhanced textiles have been successfully tested in crash simulations up to 100 km/h.
That's an impressive level of peace-of-mind.
The Grid Skin Bib shorts feature carefully positioned panels of fine textiles that are reinforced and padded through the use of this innovative 4D printing technology. These panels deliver more than 5 times the abrasion resistance of untreated textiles. These GRDXKN panels are used on the outer thigh of each leg - the most common area to suffer from road rash in crashes.
The additional materials (around 10g per panel) help to deliver over 50% more cushioning yet the Grid Skin bib shorts remain remarkably light and flexible. The structures within the fabric also have the added benefit of promoting ventilation through the back side of the printed areas, offering maximum comfort with a significantly higher level of protection and security.
In terms of practicality off the bike, clothing equipped with GRDXKN® can be treated as any other cycling garment and washed normally.
Like all Q36.5 bib shorts the Grid Skin shorts are manufactured with a minimal ergonomic design. Over and above other products in the range, the Grid Skin shorts feature an updated pre-shape cut that provides the most ergonomic fit for the dual advantage of greater performance and comfort.
Q36.5's continued and detailed research into body mapping and a focus on reducing the number of seams, allows placement of panels in ways that support the muscles during the pedal stroke, while a new laser cut finish that further eliminates seams on the waist, improves the fit and feel of the bibs
The raw cut of the leg cuffs adds to the level of comfort thanks to the clever finishing that eschews the use of silicone while still ensuring the leg band stays in place. Not only does this eliminate hot spots and pressure points typical of silicone or stiched grippers, but it helps you maintain a crisp tan line.
The signature lumbar support panel made from high density stretch woven fabric and augmented with silver thread, is again in evidence and actively improves stability and body alignment during the pedal stroke. The bib straps have also been refined to make them lighter and more breathable while still offering proper support, so critical to the good fit and performance of your shorts.
For the saddle / chamois interface, like the new Dottore Clima Bibs, Q36.5 use a new proprietary pattern that eliminates the central seam which typically causes pressure and discomfort while on the saddle. The new pattern replicates the contact surface of the saddle and is made with a molded fabric that adapts naturally to the different typology of saddles. To increase comfort in the pelvic zone, an anti-stress cut allows more freedom of movement and no pressure points.
As with the other high end women's shorts in the range, and unlike the men's short, the Women's Grid Skin uses the company's unique Fusion Chamois, dialled in for the female form and as supportive and comfortable possible.
The Fusion Lady Chamois includes both sewn and thermo-molded padding technologies. The 120kg/ m³ of highest density open cell foam is cut and sewn at the front area where the most flexibility and breathability is required, while ‘smooth’ multi-density thermo-molded pads are used for the rear area where flexibility is less required in exchange for support and padding. This chamois offers all-round support for training, competition, and endurance-oriented rides.
As dedictaed to performance as they are the environment, it will come as no surprise that Q36.5 have contructed the new Grid Skin Bib Shorts from UF Knit44 ECO, a textile created from 100% recycled yarns - both polyamide, and more unusually, elastane. In addition, all components of the GRDXKN material comply with the ÖKOTEX100®, GOTS® and BlueDesign® standards.
Ultimately, if you are looking for the peace of mind that will allow you to push yourself - be that at the top of the sport, tackling you first mountain descent or riding your first group ride - the Q36.5 Grid Skin Bib Shorts and Jersey will deliver the extra protection to do so with confidence. All while delivering the exceptional comfort, thermoragulatory and moisture management properties synonymous with the marque.
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.