In my opinion, the Gilet or vest is an absolutely essential piece of cycling kit for any rider. It protects you in the summer months on long descents and on early starts and it extends the wear-time of your summer wardrobe, from early spring into late autumn. It does all this while remaining stowable and needs no more than a jersey pocket to keep it out of the way when not in use.
With the advent of laminated 'shell' fabrics back in the 80's, the first cycling Gilets began to appear. Developed specifically for Professional riders as the ultimate expression of versatility and essentialism, capable of offering a broad range of protective features with minimum volume. Since then the Gilet has diverged into two distinct categories: the windproof/rainproof Gilet and the thermal Gilet, used as protection against the cold. This is largely a result of the employment of specific fabrics with particular beneficial traits that lend themselves to one or other application.
The Q36.5 gilet eliminates the distinction between the two categories with their hybrid 4-season 137g Vest, the L1 Essential. This is achieved primarily through the use of the UFHybridShell material that they have developed in-house. As with all their products, they have retained their design goal of ensuring optimal body temperature stabilisation and guarantee 4-season Body Temperature Stability.
UF HybridShell is a non-laminated double-woven fabric that is able to mimic qualities of a shell (laminated fabric with membrane) without many of the associated drawbacks, as well as performing the thermal functions of a fleece material.
The fabric is woven at right angles at such a high density that the finished fabric has technical values within range of materials that use membranes. For example it is twice as breathable as “Windstop” shell fabrics and over 20 times more wind resistant than typical fleece fabrics.
Q36.5 achieve this wind resistance through the density of the material and it is this novel approach that significantly increases the fabric’s versatility making it far more breathable than a shell and as a consequence, it performs better in high-intensity conditions where the rider achieves high body temperatures and significant levels of perspiration.
The inner side of the fabric is brushed to create a ribbed fleece pattern. The ribbed pattern enhances the thermal properties of the material by creating microclimates, much like hairs on the skin and in combination with the Hollow fibre threads used for this inner side, further improve insulation, helping to keep the rider warm when the temperature falls or when descending after climbing.
To further refine the L1 Vest's functionality, the threads that are used for the UF HybridShell fabric are treated for water resistance before being woven. Unlike the majority of manufacturers who apply waterproofing treatments to the finished fabric (usually with the inclusion of a resin or coating that 'seals' the fabric), treating the threads before they are woven allows them to maintain their ‘natural’ structure and this is a key element in helping the fabric maintain a high level of breathability. If you have ever worked hard in a 'Windproof' Gilet or a Gabba jersey, for example, you will have noted how quickly you heat up and how wet you get from perspiration.
You can immediately appreciate the advantages on long descents, where a sweat soaked jersey is able to wick through the gilet and properly dry, an entirely novel sensation for riders used to the gilets currently available on the market. The improved drying times are again, thanks in part to the pre-treatment of the fibres.
The Q36.5 Vest L1 Essential is cut on the same fit block as the Short Sleeve L1 jersey, there are no rear pockets but the provision of 2 invisible slits provides easy access to the rear pockets of the jersey or jacket worn underneath.
To finish the L1 Vest, Q36.5 have used a 4mm Riri Aquazip. Often found adorning products from Hermes (among notable others) these are recognisable from their striking appearance - the teeth are visible unlike most - but they are much more than a cosmetic touch. The Aquazip is water-resistant and Riri’s plastic moulded teeth, injected directly onto the tape, create a highly water-resistant seal without the need for further protection. The result is a cleaner and more minimal jacket design as well as a moderate weight saving.
The Q36.5 L1 Essential Vest is the ultimate of ultimates. The most versatile of versatile garments. New fabrics and construction techniques once again ensure that the product is unique functionally and tactically, a key element of the Q36.5 brand - nothing is ever a gimmick.
Available as a unisex piece in 4 designs
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 5 key vests - one uniquely for potentially wet rides but that also serves to keep the wind off (R.Vest Protection); the all-round Vest L1 Essential that offers both thermal stability, insulation and weather protection; the new 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; the new 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 - and lastly the Woolf Bombardino - a versatile gilet that can serve as a layering piece or an external weather defense during rides in changeable conditions - it's small too, so ideal for summer trips to the mountains where temperature can vary sigificantly with elevation. 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.