It was only a matter of time.
Since Q36.5 first made noises to dealers 6 months ago about the future release of their new Unique Shoes, we took the decision to reduce the stock levels of premium shoes that we held in stock in order to ensure we had a prime spot for the UNIQUE. The reasoning will become clear.
As a long standing and indeed reverred member of the cycling apparel fraternity, Luigi Bergamo, along with his dedicated team of cycling apparel engineers at Q36.5, were destined to end up at this point.
As most will now know, Luigi is basically a deity in cycling clothing design and engineering. His product development and inginuity is of some renown and if you own any of his products - either through Q36.5 or before - there is an extremely high chance that you love them. They are designed to push the boundaries; to be more than 'just' a jersey, short, glove, sock, base layer etc. Rather they are created to allow you to perform at your best, without distraction, regardless of conditions and to do so year after year with the proper care. He continually innovates and changes the way products are made - he is absolutely the tip of the spear.
Last season saw the release of 2 key products in the short but rich history of Q36.5: the Unique Bib Shorts and the Unique Glove. These pieces raised the bar of innovation in the industry offering the ultimate in avantgarde 3-Dimensional, seamless construction technology to deliver discerning cyclists a revolution in breathability, comfort, physical sensation and performance. At the time of their release I remember thinking, "that's 2 of 3".
That thought occured because there are only 3 key points of contact between rider and machine : backside, hands and feet and with the release of those 2 pieces back in September of 2019 to us in the trade, March 2020 for consumers, it was fairly predictable where Luigi would turn his attention next.
Given their position in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by a network of specialists in the sports shoe field - from outdoor, mountaineering, climbing, ski, cross-country and trail running - Q36.5 have a rich source of expertise in both design and production of sport shoes.
The UNIQUE Shoes were developed through an amalgamation of this expertise along with a clear vision of the requirements for the perfect shoe in the context of a broad and dynamic cycling shoe market. Add to this Luigi's dedicated, scientific approach and his need to ignore the status-quo in favour of perfection and you can see why I left the top step of the podium clear for their release.
The introduction of the Unique Shoes completes Q36.5's trifecta.
The UNIQUE are the first body-mapped cycling shoes. Q36.5 are no stranger to body-mapping and have built their impressive portfolio around a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between rider, machine and apparel. Their experience has allowed for the development of a novel fitting shoe that offers the perfect balance between support, comfort and breathability.
As with their bib shorts, Q36.5 designed the Unique Shoe as an integrated system : Last, Footbed, Upper and Outsole.
The Last is the foundation of any shoe. While tech and science are advancing, many shoe manufacturers are still using generic Lasts rather than dedicated cycling lasts. Very few are doing it the Q36.5 way. That is by means of thorough studies of Foot Dynamics that analyse the optimal curvurture in order to deliver optimal power transfer whilst minimising fatigue. The result is a modern, considered Last that yields a snug hold of the heel and mid foot (waist diameter and instep) with precise contouring; coupled with a comfortable toe-box (critical for overall performance and comfort) that augments the dynamics of the forefoot through the pedal stroke.
Luigi's relationship with Elastic Interface is long standing and it continues in a new form with the Unique shoes. Using knowledge gained from years of chamois pad development, Q36.5 have developed a lightweight, elastic and supportive proprietary high-density foam footbed. Effectively memory-foam for your feet, the Unique Footbed reduces road vibrations to significantly reduce fatigue and increase comfort over longer distances.
The Upper is where things begin to get more complex. As you can see from the exploded diagram, there is a lot going on under the surface. First and foremost, the upper uses a one-piece construction for the enclosure system, doing away with the traditional tongue design in favour of a more comfortable and conformable sock-like fitting. Similar to a boot-liner for snowboarding, this seamless piece envelopes the foot for supreme comfort and serves to help ventilate the foot through careful zoning whilst removing pressure points associated with traditional shoes.
The proprietary Microfibre construction of the upper is just 1mm thick and with minimal mechanical elasticity. It is designed to maximise breathability - beyond that of traditional PU uppers - and serves to adapt to the specific shape of each riders' foot for an almost custom feel.
While the upper is extremely thin it has a powerful but discreet core devised as a support system to maximise the power transfer to the pedal by wrapping the instep. The upper is lined with a thermoplastic material that is molded for a snug fit while, at the same time, reinforcing the microfibre within the upper. This Power Wrap Support surrounds the instep and holds the foot in place, providing ergogenic aid during the pedal stroke and insuring zero wattage waste.
The Outsole is where Q36.5 invested considerable time and resource. They undertook an indepth study dedicated to the degree of stiffness that both the sole and shoe - as an integral part of the entire bike system - should have.
While they put a high value on material (an aerospace carbon compound) Q36.5 were careful to ensure that the significance of the geometry and structure of the sole was paid due attention. Inspired by biomimetic engineering, the Unique shoe allows for maximum performance and rigidity at the front of the shoe (pedal/cleat area), while the rear part of the structure is built like a vertebral column allowing for a minimum of flexibility. This consequently creates an effect of elastic return (a rebound effect) in the vertical plane.
Ultimately these innovative designs result in greater comfort, less tendon and muscle overload, and an increase of the blood flow in venous return.
The construction - like many of Q36.5 products - also has the added benefit of being lightweight as a by-product of design. A size 42 weighs just 250g.
Q36.5 have partnered with the innovative BOA Fit System. BOA have worked closely with the Development Team at Q36.5 to help carefully select the components and expertly configure the shoe to achieve a perfect wrapping of the foot, eliminating the pressure points experienced with traditional lacing systems. The Unique feature 2 BOA dials for optimum closure and comfort. Their common goal: to create the best fit, functionality and end-user performance.
The Unique Shoes are available in 2 iterations. The Unique ROAD and the Unique ADVENTURE, with the Adventure's off-road Mountain Bike and Gravel sole design & tread pattern, the only difference in their construction.
Both are available in White, Black, Silver or Fluro Green colourways and feature reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low light conditions.
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!).
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.