Obviously I'm going to get to the detail of these, it just might be a while with things the way they are - and my distinct lack of time to ride! For the time being I'll leave you with Q36.5's detail and the comforting knowledge that these will - without doubt - be the best bibshorts available to buy.
Done : I delve into these in detail on the blog which you can check out here : UNIQUE BIBS
Dave
The Q36.5 Unique cycling bib shorts are the first three-dimensional SEAMLESS bib shorts.
With the Bib Shorts UNIQUE, Q36.5 have redefined performance cycling wear by introducing the first three-dimensional SEAMLESS bib shorts. The integrated structures are woven without seams in a one-piece garment.
They have been experimenting with this idea for the past few years and have finally developed the next level of comfort, a new, true ‘second skin’ sensation, that they call “Peau d’Ange” feeling. (Punchy right!)
The bib short Salopette UNIQUE is a technological leader made with a three-dimensional construction and without the use of traditional seams. The integrated parts of the short are seamless and no bonding is used. Rather, Q36.5's innovation has been achieved by employing a jacquard double machine that creates a one-piece garment.
THE STRAPS
Minimal tubular strap construction! Most breathable straps which dry quickly and offer amazing comfort thanks to the sartorial reverse tubular construction. The seams are hidden inside and thus have no contact with the skin.
VENTED STRUCTURE
Ribbed construction with different densities, conceived to improve ventilation of the abdominal area and reduce heat generation. The result is augmented breathability.
PRE SHAPED STRUCTURE
The UNIQUE’S structure is skillfully engineered with various densities of construction and pre-formed for the riding position, creating a “Peau d’Ange” (second skin) Salopette that heightens the Q36.5 ergogenic concept to the ultimate level. Every single area is tuned to support specific muscle groups during physical activity.
GRADUAL COMPRESSION
The Pattern on the quadriceps has been designed in shifting levels of density, which correspond to different levels of graduated compression, from the greatest at the bottom of the shorts to the least at the top, thus stimulating and enhancing the venous return during pedal action.
RAW CUT
The bottom of the Salopette UNIQUE has been cut using laser technology and taped to enhance maximum comfort and aerodynamics.
LUMBAR SUPPORT
This area has the greatest woven density and it creates a zone of support for the lumbar and the gluteus musculature. This provides the rider with improved stability, orientation, balance and proprioceptivity in this critical zone in which all the principal muscles used in the pedalling action are connected. Pure silver thread has been introduced in this area, not only for its antibacterial and conductive properties, but also for its electromagnetic field blocking properties, allowing the muscles to work without impediments.
STABILITY AREA
The area in direct contact with the saddle has been reinforced with the introduction of the Cordura® Polyamide that provides more stability on the saddle, prevents loss of power and guarantees durability.
THE CHAMOIS
An innovative 3-dimensional chamois with a proprietary design, the FUSION VENTED offers the ideal protection between the bib short and the saddle. The high density, strategically placed breathable foam was designed using an ergonomic study investigating the contact areas on the saddle in order to find the best way to protect against all friction points on the saddle. The front of the chamois on the genital area present a softer and lighter construction in order to reduce the pressure and increase the ventilation as well.
The Salopette UNIQUE Woman uses a female-specific version of the world’s first fusion chamois technology system: this includes both sewn and thermo-moulded padding technologies in a single chamois, fusing the best of both into a single design. 120kg/m³ 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 at less of a premium compared to support and padding.
Each pad has their distinctive advantages: the sewn pad is more flexible and elastic while the thermo moulded pad is able to use a much denser grade of foam and thus offer more support and padding.
We consider the Techno Fusion Chamois System to be the most outstanding all-round chamois. Every last minute detail of the design is governed by the concentrated focus on support and comfort. The rider will immediately note the distinctively new feeling of substantial support from the chamois.
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.