5 Years ago, at the genesis of the Q36.5 Brand, Luigi Bergamo - whose company it is - released a super-concise range of essential clothing designed and constructed with cutting edge fabrics and using technology at the forefront of textile production in order to deliver the best possible product for the job of cycling.
The L1 Essential jersey was born.
Woven rather than knitted and constructed from Polyamide rather than Polyester as was the norm in both instances, the L1 Essential immediately redefined the performance cycling jersey. The combination of advanced proprietary fabric and novel construction, coupled with research into sweat rate mapping and ergogenic cut yielded a jersey that enhanced a rider's performance through a stabilising of body temperature when the ambient conditions or the rider's output changed. In addition, the L1 provided superior drying, moisture management and offered a natural windproofing without compromising the former, thanks to the nature of the densley woven material.
A year later, Q36.5 introduced Silver Thread into the weft of the jersey (now called the L1 Pinstripe) to improve thermal stability even further while also inhibiiting bacterial growth.
Q36.5 invest heavily in R&D in order to develop the most advanced and well considered product possible and then repeat the process over a 4 year Olympic cycle, rather than simply re-releasing the same product with a new name, a different colour and a price increase
For 2020, the end of that Olympic development cycle, Q36.5 have launcehed the L1 X Pinstripe jersey. More than simply a name change, The L1 X is an entirely new product and is the result of 4 years intensive research and advancement in textiles and construction, pattern cuts, aerodynamics and Sweat Rate mapping.
The L1 X Pinstripe jersey is constructed from a revolutionary 3-dimensional fabric UF Lx. Made with polyester micro-filaments that are structured into a 3D surface. This increases the surface area and thus moisture transport thanks to the push-pull natural construction and the selectively chosen fibres. These features combine with a new pattern cut that further minimises seams over the preceding L1. Those who know the L1 will notice the absence of the shoulder pleaton the front too, this removes the historic flap suffered by some and improves the aerodynamics as well.
All together, these developments yield a jersey that is extrremely responsive to the environment and the personal micro-climate of the rider, in variable conditions. It quickly reacts to increasing or decreasing moisture levels both from within and without, helping to stabilise the users body temperature and minimise the energy required for thermoregulation. The 3D surface and 'rough' (it is still exceptionally soft in hand) texture, in combination with the new L1 X cut, also makes the jersey aerodynamic at speeds above 40kph (25mph).
Like the L1 before it, the L1 X benefits from Q36.5's continued use of ergogenic patterns that are tuned to support specific muscle groups during cycling activity and offer a snug but unrestrictive fit, with incresed stability during the pedalling motion for reduced fatigue. The L1 X also retains the Invisible pocket system that reduces excess fabric and makes for a discreet, low profile pocket system. The new colour-matched drop tail (as developed for the Seta jersey last season) creates a slim yet stabilising panel that keeps the jersey from riding up and that supports the shape of the pockets above, even when brimming with kit and supplies.
The Pinstripe L1 X jersey now features laser cut sleeves that are of a more modern length and afficionados of the brand will be pleased to see the use of neutral colour zips, badges and pocket detailing (much requested by dealers and consumers) which elevates the aesthetic of the jerseys.
Like all Q36.5 clothing, the L1 X is remarkably light too. Despite this low weight (just 115g in a medium), the unique construction also makes the L1 X Pinstripe incredibly durable, so you can be sure that your jersey purchase is a sound investment.
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.