Q36.5 Summer Kit Review

After mid-season and rain gear, this is a complete summer outfit from the Italian brand Q36.5 that allowed us to rack up the kilometers. Aesthetics, comfort, fit, performance, and durability were put to the test on the road over many months. And once again, Q36.5 products delivered on all their promises.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: 3bikes.fr, Q36.5

As a reminder, the transalpine brand Q36.5 (named after the ideal body temperature during exercise, in degrees Celsius) is a young brand, relatively unknown to the general public, and which always focuses on the quality of its products, with a permanent search for efficiency, even before thinking about aesthetics or luxury. A more detailed presentation was previously made here.

More recently, Q36.5 has brought Vincenzo Nibali on board as a brand ambassador. This collaboration goes beyond simple sponsorship and the cycling champion has already put his technical signature on some products, notably those called “The Shark”, in reference to the nickname that followed him throughout his career.

Furthermore, professional cycling fans will undoubtedly have seen that Q36.5 now has its own team, certainly an effective way to quickly expand the brand’s notoriety.

Pinstripe Pro Jersey

Weighing 115g and made of a thin fabric, this jersey is designed for summer but can be used from around 15/18°C, when combined with arm warmers or even a sleeveless vest to further lower the optimal temperature range. Conversely, for even more extreme heat well above 30°C, the Cima jersey is more suitable.

In this case, the Pinstripe Pro jersey stands out for its very pleasant fit, which the user notices as soon as they put on the jersey. The absence of seams on the front and the presence of pre-shaped sleeves suggest that the garment will be forgotten during effort. The sleeve length is average, by today’s standards: neither too short nor too long. This aspect should thus satisfy proponents of all lengths.

The jersey’s texture is pleasant on the skin and allows you to do without a technical base layer if necessary. Q36.5 indicates that it has paid particular attention to the rapid drying of the garment and announces a drying time 50% faster than the old version of the same jersey and even faster than any other polyester-type fabric.

Regarding the choice of the correct size, the brand’s guide seems to indicate the right values. In this regard, it is preferable to rely on chest circumference rather than any other value. For a chest circumference of 94 cm, which is exactly in the middle of the suggestion between S (92 cm) and M (96 cm), personal considerations prevail. In the case of the test, size S was chosen, but size M could also have been suitable with a slightly looser fit.

The back of the jersey also draws attention due to the very construction of the pockets, whose top is “hidden”.

While riding, the Pinstripe Pro jersey proves to be ideal in every respect: for example, the fit is close to the body without being restrictive, both at the shoulders, sleeves, and torso.

The rear pockets are judiciously placed, and the fact that the jersey fabric is sufficiently “rigid” prevents the structure from sagging once the pockets are generously filled. All the cargo is therefore well in place and does not move, even during efforts out of the saddle.

It is difficult to verify Q36.5’s claims about faster drying times than the competition, but the Pinstripe Pro jersey perfectly accommodates high temperatures and even heatwaves.

L1 Essential Vest

The vest uses the same hybrid fabric as a jersey (Hybrid Que X) already tested on 3bikes.fr: it is the Hybrid Shell. As a reminder, unlike all manufacturers who use a windproof membrane, here the process used is a fabric that does not normally cut the wind but is woven so tightly that the effect obtained is theoretically the same, while ensuring better breathability because, inevitably, a membrane added as a first layer would by definition limit the evacuation of perspiration even if immense progress has been made since the famous K-Ways.

The fit of the vest is similar to that of the jersey, rather snug but not restrictive, also in size S for the test. The fabric used in the back allows for a good fit regardless of the pocket load. There is no fabric flapping in the wind, as is sometimes noticed with this type of garment.

The verified weight of 125g does not classify this model among the lightest on the market, which also translates into a slightly larger bulk than minimalist models around 70/80g, but the thermal protection is increased and in any case, this garment can easily be placed in a back pocket of a jersey or jacket.

Accessibility to the jersey’s back pockets is made possible through openings, but it should be noted that a new version of the vest with a double zipper slider makes the operation even easier.

While riding, the impression left by the L1 vest is that Q36.5 truly masters its subject and that the discourse on its Hybrid Shell fabric is not marketing: when riding in cool or even cold weather, and unlike a classic windproof vest that blocks all air entry, the cyclist here feels an extremely attenuated, small amount of air passing through the fabric. Not enough to harm the garment’s effectiveness against wind and speed of movement, but conversely, the gain in breathability is perfectly palpable: it is still possible to make intense efforts without having to fully open the zipper. Thus, the cyclist does not feel the need to constantly maneuver the zipper slider to adapt to the environment or effort.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fabric proves to be thicker than a thin membrane, to the benefit of maintaining body temperature when conditions are colder.

Finally, a special mention for the collar, with its very well-designed shape. The material rises very high around the neck, without hindering movement or bothering the trachea.

L1 Dottore Bib Shorts

Among the extensive range of the Q36.5 brand, the L1 Dottore model is not among the most expensive. However, the impression left by the product indicates a high-end orientation: the fabric used is very pleasant to the touch, which will later be confirmed on the road in contact with the thighs. The straps are very light and the whole allows for regulating high temperatures. The fit is average, which should encourage the cyclist to choose their usual size.

The chamois pad has been chosen to allow for long-distance use.

In use, the product is extremely comfortable, both in terms of fit, material, breathability, and chamois pad. Indeed, the cyclist feels very little need to reposition themselves on the saddle after long periods of riding on the flat. Rides of more than five hours pose no problems. With no band at the bottom of the thigh, the overall fit does not show any pressure points, so the feeling is like riding with a second skin effect.

Ultimately, the entire Q36.5 outfit deserves nothing but praise. The specifications that any cyclist can expect from a summer outfit are perfectly met. The materials are quality to the touch and effective on the road, the aesthetics are understated (which will prevent it from quickly going out of style, justifying the investment over several years), the comfort is high-level, and sweat regulation is perfectly effective. This is a flawless performance for the transalpine brand, once the absolutely high price is considered. However, as mentioned, the visual aspect should withstand the seasons without damage, not to mention that resistance to repeated washing suggests excellent wear resistance.

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