Q36.5 are continually developing their range of proprietary Smart Fabrics to offer exciting innovations in the textiles field. Having introduced Merino wool into the UF Active fabric used in their AW18 Cruise Collection, Q36.5 have gone on to employ more natural fibres.
2019 sees the introduction of UF Seta. This is a new, ultra-lightweight fabric with a high silk content and added silver thread to give maximum results in the area of thermoregulation and the woven structure of the material has a high UV protection of +50SPF. The outcome of Q36.5's application of their research and development of the Seta fabric is an ultra-lightweight jersey: Jersey Short Sleeve Seta. The Seta works extremely well in hot, humid conditions but like much of Q36.5’s range, is remarkably adaptable thanks to it’s woven structure, to the cool mornings of summer. It debuts in “Tiffany”, a colour that lends a very fresh look and that is devised for summer temperatures. It is also available in Anthracite for those who prefer a more understated look!
The aim of the Q36.5 brand - as you will most probably know by now - is to perfectly balance the body's temperature while riding in variable conditions at changing outputs. Achieving this goal is central to the ethos of the brand as it serves to conserve energy for the rider while reducing physical strain on the body. It is Q36.5's continuing development of proprietary fabrics and ergoenic cuts, along with studies into regional sweat rate mapping, that serves to drive their product design and deliver exceptional cycling clothing for riders; clothing that offers genuine performance and enhanced rider comfort - regardless of conditions or style of riding. A by-product of this approach is almost always reduced bulk and garment weight which - while not a requirement - is a welcome bonus, and one which Luigi Bergamo (Mr Q36.5) has long been the pioneer.
The Q36.5 Seta Jersey then, represents the ultimate achievement in terms of thermoregulation and even the most sensitive of riders will notice that the fabric doesn’t give the sensation of being wet on the skin even when it has reached the maximum level of saturation. Aside from the fabric itself, the jersey employs a completely new construction. Similar to that of the newer G1 Jerseys (Vaccaboia / Dragon and Panama) in that it has a more ergogenic cut, with anatomical pre-shaped sleeves, it is made in what Q36.5 call 'Monocoque'; that is, the Seta uses a single piece of material for each of the front, the back and the shoulders to give a closer more refined fit. On their proprietary invisible pocket system - that eliminates extraneous fabric and integrates the pockets into the jersey's construction - they have added a shallow, drop-tail reflective panel allowing for more visibility on the roads but without detracting from the overall aesthetic of the jersey. Similarly, Q36.5 also employ 3mm reflex (reflective) zips throughout the jersey for subtly enhanced visibility.
Silk is commonly used in luxury garments and the lightweight, natural fibres offer excellent low heat conductivity properties that result in superb performance in terms of moisture management, drying time, and 'lightness' during high intensity activities, or in hot and humid environments. Combined, this results in better thermoregulation. In addition to the natural properties of silk, Q36.5 continue to employ pure silver thread, though in the case of the Seta, it is introduced into the weft of the fabric, thus replicating the pinstripe effect that was first introduced in the Salopette Dottore L1 and has since become a true signature of the brand. The benefit of Silver Thread is 3 fold as it boasts not only antibacterial and anti-odour protection, but also increases thermoregulation and creates an antistatic barrier against electromagnetic fields which can increse the speed of muscle fatigue.
In the hand there are 2 immediately noticable traits to the Seta. First is the ridiculously low weight - just 100g and the second is the 'crunchy' tactile sensation. I have to admit to being sceptical when I first felt it, but rest assured the jersey is super comfortable - even when worn directly against the skin (see my 'opinion' below)
Fit is as you would expect in that it is close yet conformable. The cut is slightly shorter than the L1 jerseys and the new sleeve design eliminates any 'flap' around the shoulders that you may have experienced with other jersey cuts. I am a medium in most things and find the Seta fine in a medium when I'm at or around my target weight of 74kg (I'm 5'9" / 175cm). Arguably I could wear a large but - as per the Buyers Guide below - opt for the closest fitting kit in order to reap the benefits of the tech!
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.