Product description
Season : SS21
Code : 080.14.
Weight : 0KG
There are currently 2 base layers that (in this man's view) stand head and shoulders above those offered by the competition. Those produced by X-Bionic and the latest seamless pieces from Q36.5. Although similarly constructed there are obvious differences.
Both are knitted on special machines and both - to all intents and purposes - are seamless.
Q36.5 employ the world's most advanced, Karl Mayer Seamless knitting machines, and have developed a technologically extreme vision of the traditional seamless base layer.
Even if you are familiar with high performance seamless base layers you will immediately be able to notice the difference with Q36.5, not least in terms of comfort and minimalist bulk.
The Sleeveless Base Layer 1 has a significantly greater elasticity and lower resistance to movement in all directions thanks to the machine’s ability to construct multiple tubes without any seams (most ‘seamless’ base layers still feature seams sewn around the armhole, for example). The removal of all seams (with the exception of two short joining stitches at the shoulders) greatly increases the comfort of a garment that is worn so close to the skin as a base layer.
In addition, the construction method also creates a far more durable, less fragile material, a true rip-proof mesh. The base layer’s fabric is left un-hemmed, which further removes stitching from the garment: in fact it can be cut and modified as the user wishes, without compromising the durability of the product and no risk of unraveling threads. - If you would prefer a shorter sleeve for example, simply cut some off!
The ‘honey-comb’ pattern of the knit is deployed in various different densities, along with open-mesh sections (notably on the back), mapping the thermal requirements and regional sweat rates (RSR) of an athlete’s body. Not only does this allow for the best rider comfort and protection, it also allows for the volume of the product to be significantly reduced when compared to competing products.
The result is a startlingly pure and minimal base layer whose low bulk and close fit will be welcome, especially in the summer and whose thermoregulatory properties will assist in maintaining the body's optimal performance temperature.
The Sleeveless Base Layer 1 has a weight of just 75g and is best used above 22°C.
Buyers Guide
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 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.
Exceptions to this are rare but recent style and cut changes to the patterned jerseys in the Q36.5 range have yielded some minor size changes. The original patternedR1 jerseys (eg Vaccaboia) that featured a Raglan sleeve cut, have now evolved into the G1that features a new anatomical pre-shaped sleeve design for superior ergonomics. While the fit overall is improved, these G1 jerseys I find to be slightly shorter and a smidge tighter. 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!)
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 an L1 Pinstripe Essential or Seta jersey are fine next to the skin.
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; core protection in sudden downpours and 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 4 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 bilk emergency wear that will keep the wind and showers from ruining your ride and that packs down incredibly small - it weighs just 69g; and theWoolf 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.