The difference in clothing by Q36.5 begins with its appearance. This includes visible texture or pattern within a fabric, the shape of the garment, combined with a modern, minimalistic look.
The light weight and feel of each item is also a trait of Q36.5. These features are apparent throughout their collection, and they are particularly noticeable in the products designed for cooler temperatures. Historically, cyclists had to rely on heavy, bulky and restrictive clothing during late Autumn, Winter, through to early Spring. Thankfully, this has all changed.
As mentioned in the earlier article, Mario Kummer of Q36.5 was visiting Swinnerton Cycles to present the new Summer and Winter products. Mario had numerous items with him which were due for release for Winter 2019.
First up was the Long Sleeve Hybrid Que X. The previous version has been a big favourite of mine for Spring and Autumn, so I was eager to learn what had changed. The appearance of the new garment is slick and purposeful, and features such as pockets and reflective inserts are discretely integrated. The sleeves are formed from a combination of fabrics, which create an efficient, close fitting cuff and forearm, with windblock protection on the upper arm. The new arm pocket is an excellent feature, constructed of mesh fabric with a reflective trim, it’s perfect for carrying energy bars or gels. A new collar design has also been introduced. This provides improved on bike comfort, whilst its close fit prevents cooling. Having used Jersey Short Sleeve Seta which also has this collar design, I can certainly vouch for its comfort. The technical fabrics provide higher thermal efficiency and improved vapour transfer, giving additional warmth, with reduced potential for cooling.
The Hybrid Que X is available is a number of colour options, including a stealth black, and brighter shades such as blue, orange, and green. Where possible, I prefer to use clothing which potentially enhances day and night time visibility, This is made easy with the Hybrid Que X, as the main colour of the garment is present throughout its front and rear panels, and a reflective inserts are placed in key areas.
When the Winter really begins to bite, the Termica Jacket has been my “go to” item for all weather protection. The new Termica Jacket X is packed with features to assist the winter cyclist to perform at his or her best.
The difference between the first and second generation jacket becomes apparent as soon you pick up the Termica X. The reduction in weight is noticeable. The collar of the new jacket has certain traits of the Hybrid Que X: its outer is formed in three overlapping pieces of fabric. This serves to improve on-bike comfort, and provide a resilient seal from cold air. A fourth item of fabric is located on the interior of the collar, which really locks out the winter elements.
Q36.5 have used their advanced design methods, combined with new technical fabrics to increase the performance of the jacket. The fabrics are highly resilient to winter conditions, and their overall breathability has increased. The mid layer of the fabric is an active membrane which responds to temperature change, varying the potential for heat retention and vapour transfer.
When using clothing by Q36.5, I find the need regulate heat build up via the main jacket zips is extremely rare, as is the presence of condensation, and the consequential cooling it can create.
Other visible advancements are the laser cut cuff to the sleeves. This contributes to reducing the weight of the jacket. For me, the reflective inserts to the rear hem and lower arm are an excellent feature, as they are sized and located to maximise visibility in low light. Q36.5 include their signature, invisible pocket system to the back panel, plus a forearm pocket. This combination ensures ample cargo capacity for food, essentials and mobile phone.
The Termica X is offered in black or silver colour options, and it has a modern, almost futuristic look (particularly in the silver option).
Q36.5 cover the clothing requirements of a cyclist from head to toe, and their tights (for winter riding) are captured in the X re-design process. A number of brands offer winter tights, and at a glance, it would easy to assume they are all similar.
The L1 Salopette Long and Termica Salopette Long by Q36.5, incorporate densely woven fabrics, which feel different to the touch, and this translates into a high performance garment when in use. I can confirm that the first generation of L1 and Termica Salopette Long both provide superb comfort and highly efficient protection from the elements.
Something that really differentiates them is their function when in use. In the upper area of the garments, the fabric, panel shape and layout, assists in stabilising the upper body. In the leg area of the Salopette Long, the fabric is orientated to ensure the fibres offer the least resistance to the downward movement of the pedal stroke, but optimum retraction, to support the leg through the upstroke. Q36.5 include this feature to reduce fatigue, and it really is something to be experienced.
As part of the evening with Mario, we were able to check out the X version of both the Salopette Long L1 and Termica Long Salopette L1. Design expertise and developments in fabric technology have contributed to the increase in performance of these products. The new Long L1 (for mid- season, early winter) and Termica Long L1 (for winter) both provide increased thermal properties. Comfort and performance has also increased due to a reduction in seams, and panel layout. The seams have actually been omitted from the saddle area and replaced with an anti-stress panel. I have experienced this design detail in other Q36.5 products, and I can vouch for the improvement it provides in both stable contact with the saddle, and all day comfort.
Other optimising features are the laser cut finish at the base of the leg (reducing seams), and the reflective panels which are eye catching as well as a helpful safety feature.
Within the items on display were current products such as the Air Insulation Jacket, and Salopette Wolf 2 Bib Short. If you have not already done so, both of these products are really worth checking out.
During the evening Mario also gave a brief insight into a couple of exciting developments which were not available to view, They included new Overshoes and Gloves.
Since Mario’s visit, I have had the opportunity to use products such as the Hybrid Que X, Termica Jacket X, and the new Overshoes and Gloves. More detailed insights into these products will be coming in future, but for now, if you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line at grant.williams1973@ntlworld.com or head to the Q36.5 website.
Still biking? Definitely... 