As with all Q36.5 cycling apparel, the company have taken no short-cuts with their new Adventure range. While many may modify an existing product, tweaking it for a new task or audience in order to minimise delay to market and -of course - costs; Q36.5 do not. They understand that specific terrains, environments and riding styles have a bearing on material selection and present unique challenges to the rider and therefore unique demands on the clothing equipment deployed to deal with those specific conditions.
The Adventure Range is a concise selection of clothing that has been developed from the ground-up to meet the needs of riders taking the trails less ridden; for the growing number of Gravel and Adventure riders who are focused as much on exploration and fun as they are on performance.
It is equipment designed for all riders, Globetrotters, rather than being race-oriented and yet it is unrestrained in functionality. Low volume, protective and low weight, it cleverly registers the external environment and manages the internal micro-climate between rider and clothing, to deliver perfect comfort - both in terms of fit and function - and protection from the environment.
Notably, while they have already taken steps in their core range of clothing and as is the drive from the company, the entire Adventure Equipment range has an Eco-sustainable approach. All the pieces in the range are made in line with the company’s E2 approach : 100% made in Italy for a reduced carbon footprint and manufactured from organic yarns or fabrics derived from recycling and reclamation.
The Women's Adventure Bib Tight is designed to work in a host of terrains and environmental conditions and is made from 100% recycled micro-fleece fabric with a durable weather resistant treatment. Called UF Knit FleeceEco, it is a double faced construction that delivers a robust water repellent external face and an insulating thermal, micro-fleece inner face, for warmth and comfort.
The front of the Women's Adventure tight also features Q36.5's now signature female specific pattern, that differentiates it from the men's range and that signifies it's dedicated female specific development.
Like the Dottore X bib short, the Adventure tight employs Q36.5’s C-Interface. The crotch area has a forgiving Anti-stress cut and comfort is augmented by removing the central seam so common in other bib shorts and that often results in discomfort. The new cut replicates the contact surface of the saddle and is made with a UF Hybrid Shell fabric (like the Hybrid Que jersey) that adapts naturally to the different typology of saddles and offers improved durability and better thermoregulation thanks to the conductive properties of the silver thread.
For additional durability as may be required on off-road trails, Q36.5 have introduced an Extra Value Power Mesh fabric insert on the Quadriceps and Knees. Should the worst happen, these additional inserts (that also serve as pockets) act as a second layer of extra protection and move over the fabric to avoid skin abrasion in the event of a crash or spill.
While the tight’s construction is entirely made from new fabrics specifically engineered for their designated task, there are some common elements shared with other pieces in the Q36.5 line-up. The Lumbar support panel is a key one and delivers lower back and leg support throughout the pedal stroke.
While the Men's Tight features the Super Moulded chamois, the Women's version benefits from the more padded Fusion Insert that features an Elasticated rear element to the pad, for imprved comfort and a Foam front element, for lower bulk. Like the Super Moulded, it is a pad designed for all-round support and supreme comfort regardless of where you sit on the saddle and for how long.
Similarly to other tights in the range, the new Adventure tights also feature carefully placed reflective inserts that deliver highly visible, yet discreet safety on the calves and these are now more comfortable than ever with a new laser-cut, raw finish.
If you are a keen roadie and a rider who also likes to take to the gravel, then these could well be the choice for your winter riding. Their versatile design makes them the ideal choice for both disciplines and environments with the knowledge that they are bound to keep you warm and comfortable for years to come.
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.