We love these tights. The Q36.5 Termica Long Salopette (or bib tight) combines everything a rider could possibly need; from protection against the elements; warmth and comfort, to performance enhancing muscular support and body temperature stabilisation; for the rigours of winter training and riding.
One of the defining features of the Q36.5 range is their pioneering and innovative approach. It is this that has allowed them to literally re-invent key aspects of cycling clothing and they can confidently say 'Unique' and 'Word's First' numerous times when referring to their L1 Essential range.
Read the background on the brand and you will appreciate the Q36.5 approach to maintaining the optimal operating temperature of the human body whilst also simultaneously offering a targeted approach to muscular support and body stabilisation whilst riding. This focus means that Q36.5 clothing does far more than simply clothe the rider. The Termica Long Salopette shares the performance-tuned feel of the Salopette L1 Essential and extends that into sub-zero temperature suitability. This piece of riding equipment is a reflection of a very contemporary idea of winter training in which the rider does not ‘slow’ during the cold season so much as research their position, work on their cadence and continues to focus on their output. Gone is the thick, heavy, simple and relaxed feel of the traditional winter tight, in its place you now find what Q36.5 call a 'leg weapon'.
As with much of Q36.5 clothing, the immediately noticeable trait of the Termica bib tights is that of low weight and at 275g, the Termica Long Salopette is the lightest weight product on the market for its thermal range. This low weight however, is a side effect of unique, innovative fabric development and application and the emphasis should be placed - above all - on the unique feel of the tights. The feel is achieved through the re-utilization of the key concepts of the Salopette L1 Essential bib short; from the tubular bibs, to the lumbar support panel, to the vectorial elasticity and the use of proprietary Unique Fabrics.
The Termica bib tights combine the technologies and fabrics from my 2 favourite pieces in the range : the L1 Esential bib short and the Hybrid Que Jersey
Like the Hybrid Que, the outer part of the salopette has been constructed entirely from the UF Hybrid Shell. UF Hybrid Shell 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 such as limited breathability and long drying times, 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 and dries significantly faster to help keep the rider comfortable in changeable conditions.
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. Additional internal panels around the knees and thighs are made from the same ribbed polyamide- polyester fleece used in the Q36.5 knee warmers. This strategic placement of additional thermal panels minimizes additional weight as well as allowing the enhancement of the unique feel, which is at the heart of the Salopette project.
To further refine the Termica Long Salopette'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. while additional internal panels around the knees and thighs are made from the same ribbed polyamide- polyester fleece used in the Q36.5 knee warmers. This strategic placement of additional thermal panels minimizes additional weight as well allowing us to enhance the unique tactility which is at the heart of our Salopette project.
Like the L1 bib shorts, the Termica bib tights are cut according to an entirely new Ergogenic Pattern to offer targeted support for different muscle groups during cycling and minimal panels and seams for comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.
The Ergogenic cut is possible thanks to the novel construction material and technique. The Termica tight is made predominantly of 6.6 Polyamide fabric and is woven (rather than knitted) in differing densities for maximum performance gain. The greatest density is also the most obvious and is in the lumbar panel at the lower part of the back. Here it is employed to maximise body alignment throughout the pedal stroke. This area is important as many of the larger muscle groups meet here. In addition, the support offered through this higher density area also serves to reduce muscle fatigue and you can literally feel the assistance as you ride. Q36.5 refer to this as Vectorial Elasticity and it continues throughout the tight with the varying densities of polyamide and the minimal number of panels in the design.
Contrary to most traditionally knitted tights, the use of high density woven Polyamide also lends a far greater robustness to the bibtights without in any way altering the feel against the skin and with no weight penalty. Indeed, the durability for the weight is unmatched and the tights will continue to serve long after the competition are thread-bare.
If you ride in the UK, there is an extremely high chance that you will - at some point - get caught in the rain. The good news for riders in the Termica is that the fibres used in their construction undergo a water repellency treatment before being woven, this not only maintains their natural structure but improves their drying time making them a particularly sensible choice in wet weather.
Another feature unique in the industry and shared with the L1 shorts is the bib or braces. Constructed in a proprietary new Tubular Brace System, the bibs are far softer both as a result of the fabric choice but also because the construction is seamless. In addition the fit is more ergonomic leading to a sense of the bibs disappearing when you adopt the riding position.
The Termica Long Salopette is available in two iterations: with or without Insert (chamois pad)
These tights - which have no insert - will be used by the rider who prefers to simply wear them over the top of their bib-shorts.
A true winter piece, the Termica bib tights are designed for use in cold conditions, they will perform optimally from -5oC upwards, with Q36.5's Body Temperature Stabilisation Guarantee in place, but will likely serve well below it too. For the UK rider, the Termica bib tight is likely to be the only tight you will need (warmer temperatures of 5-15oC will likely be served by the Wolf Hybrid Bib short and the rider's choice of knee or leg warmers) and their unique, robust construction will mean that they will still be in use years down the line, long after the competition have dissolved!