For their new 4-year development cycle, Q36.5 have introduced a host of new accessories and updated others. Most of these fall in the Autumn / Winter 2019 collection and a particular favourite of ours are these new Hybrid Overshoes.
The Hybrid Overshoes are an essential piece of cycling equipment for cross-over / mid season riding and are extremely lightweight and protective. They are also remarkably comfortable. If you have used a zippered overshoe then you will know that the zips can be more of a hindrance than a help. Often they dig into the calf unless over a long sock - which negates the weatherproofing to some extent, or the zip simply fails or makes the closure a task in itself. While I haven't had these problems with the existing Termica overshoes from Q36.5 - the issues have been a problem with most others!
Velotoze created a 'rubber' swimming-cap style pull-on overshoe a few years back that solved the issues created by zips. At the same time it required that you got up an hour earlier in order to talc your legs and limber up for the donning ceremony - a process that required brute strength and the ability to breath in gulps as you doubled over to encourage the things onto your shoes. While they perform admirably at keeping the rain off, the palaver of putting them on was compunded by their complete inability to breath - giving you wet (albeit hot) feet from within their confines.
The Q36.5 Hybrid Overshoes are the solution to all of the problems I have listed and form part of Q36.5 Wind Control category designed primarily as a windstopper product - but that also offer water resistance while remaining breathable. They achieve this using Q36.5's proprietary UF-Hybrid Shell PLUS. This is a super high-density woven proprietary fabric like that used on the Hybrid Que jerseys and augmented with an extra warming effect thanks to 'Heat Fibre'. Heat Fibre is a smart fibre on the inside of the face, which is produced from the residue from coffee bean processing. The fabric attracts far-infrared rays from the environment and uses them to heat the body and is so efficient that it adds 1oC to the lower operating range of the overshoes or clothing that it graces.
Like the Velotoze, the Hybrid Overshoe is fitted like a sock. It is worn before you don your shoes and then pulled down and over the shoe to protect it and your feet from the cold and rain. The difference is, they take very little effort or time to get in place and slip on easily. The reinforced toe and heel conform perfectly to your shoes with easy fitting around the cleat and heel pads of your shoes. The lack of zip makes the Hybrid Overshoe supremely comfortable and they are less restrictive than the Velotoze by a huge margin, allowing ankling of the foot without constraint, all the while staying put and keeping your feet protected.
Offering low volume, slender fit and durability, the Hybrid Overshoes have more to offer too. Thanks to the characteristics of the fabric, the Hybrid Overshoes are very breathable meaning the build up of moisture often experienced by well sealed / neoprene overshoes doesn't occur. In addition they have excellent water repellency and will protect your shoes and feet from chilly winds and dirty roads. As with all the new Q36.5 products that feature reflective inserts, the Hybrid Overshoes have silver-black fabric detailing that is highly reflective while remaining subtle when riding during daylight hours - keeping you visible when it matters and discreet when it doesn't. Sewn into the top of the overshoe this fabric sits flat and comfortably against the leg. It wraps around and can be seen from all sides.
Suitable for all but the coldest and wettest rides, the Q36.5 Hybrid Overshoe is a product that will bring a smile to your face when you use it - and we're talking about an overshoe!
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.