The thermal bib-short is becoming more and more widely used during the off-season, particularly in recent years where Winters have been that much milder, or - like this season - Spring that much less friendly. The original Woolf Hybrid thermal bib-short was derived from the company's Gregarius bib short but the new Woolf 2.0 is a step change in the short's evolution.
Part of the Cruise Equipment range of clothing designed to bridge the gap between seasons and to save decision making time in changeable weather the Woolf 2.0 Thermal bib short features a completely new proprietary pattern. The Woolf 2.0 is more comfortable than ever and features a new bib (brace) construction and more importantly, an improved pad with anti-stress panel for reduced pressure in the crotch and increased overall mobility.
Like theHybrid Quejersey that is constructed from the same Unique Fabric Hybrid Shell, it will keep you warm anywhere between 5-15°C (probably lower based onmy experience), it will protect you from the rain and it weighs just180gwhich is less, probably, than your current favourite bibs. Its ‘race feel’ is the embodiment of a true cross-over product which not only allows you to maintain high intensity throughout the winterbut also to improve your comfort and enhance performance in a range of other conditions such as cyclocross, orcooler or poor weather race days and so on.
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 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 DWR 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 water repellency treatment and extremely high-density woven outer surface of the Woolf 2.0 bib shorts makes them more than capable of fending off light showers and they dry very quickly, unlike the traditional knitted bib shorts usually found in this temperature range.
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.
This new Super Moulded (SM) pad made by CyTech is an extremely high-performing chamois designed for a solid and substantial feel and all-round riding support: from more upright ‘amateur rider’ and climbing positions to the ‘road riding’ position which places pressure on the perineal area all the way to the extreme angles of a Time Trial position.
Ultimately, the Salopette Woolf 2.0 is a hugely versatile bib short. In the UK it is valid from early autumn all the way through to late spring, offering riders the option of usingkneeorleg warmers to tailor their wardrobe to the conditions and providing weather resistance not otherwise available with the same levels of breathability and insulation. If recent winters are anything to go by - and depending on how much winter riding you do - it is quite possible that the combination of Woolf 2.0 Bib Shorts in combination with Q36.5's range of other Cruise Equipment, plus matching Woolf knee/leg warmers, is all you will need to keep you on the roads. If it gets really cold then you simply reach for yourTermicaLong Salopettebib tights.
* While it would be easy to characterize the UF Hybrid Shell fabric by describing its silver or bio-ceramic thread content, or its exceptional water repellency treatment that the fabric undergoes when still in thread form (so as to not affect the natural breathability of the final woven fabric), the truly unique value of the fabric lies in the techniques of high-density weaving, which Q36.5 was the first to employ extensively in cycling clothing to the point that it has become an invisible signature of the entire collection. By exploiting the technological limits of high-density weaving Q36.5 are able to produce a highly compact outer face for the fabric that replicates the windblocking capabilities of a 2-layer shell fabric, without the use of a membrane, thus maintaining the exceptional natural breathability of the weave. This extremely compact surface, beyond producing a startlingly low volume fabric, also greatly increases the effectiveness of the water-repellency treatment rendering it far more windproof than a regular knitted cycling fabric with WR treatment. The inner face of the fabric is instead fleeced for thermal protection.
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.