The Q36.5 Termico long finger winter gloves are an exercise in creating the optimal balance of protection against the elements and low bulk dexterity. If you have read some of my other reviews and write-ups you will know of my dislike of gloves in general and particularly of the winter glove. This is down to the simple fact that hand protection is often at the expense of the ability to control the bike, particularly in very cold conditions, thanks to the usual requirement of bulky insulative fabrics which require additional layers if they are to be wind and/or water proof.
In recent years numerous companies have attempted to remedy the problem using the range of fabrics on the market - often at phenomenal cost.
Bravo then, once again, Luigi Bergamo. Rather than try to re-create a product with a different name, Luigi and Q36.5 have taken their considerable knowledge and development and have created a proprietary fabric fit for purpose.
If you take a look at the Termica Winter Jacket description you will see mention of the Q36.5 Unique Fabric (UF) ThermalShell. This proprietary fabric was developed for use in that particular product as it deftly balances the need for high breathability and quick drying times with the low-bulk waterproofness requisite for intense riding and training in the worst winter conditions. Fortuitously, it also makes for an exceptional winter glove that still permits the wearer a sensible level of dexterity and control - particularly useful for Di2 users!
ThermalShell is a laminated polyamide-polyester with a micro fleece backing and an extremely technical middle layer - a Japanese-made hydrophilic 18 micron non-porous PU membrane. Q36.5 favours the use of hydrophilic (water-loving) over hydrophobic membranes (such as Goretex™), as they best allow for the body to transpire and remain dry during intense athletic activity. The hydrophilic membrane offers the most suitable combination between thermal insulation, breathability and waterproofness for high intensity cycling in cold and extreme cold weather. The polymer molecules of the membrane have a predetermined activation point at which they ‘open’ and increase permeability (allowing the body to transpire more efficiently at high temperatures) and ‘close’ at lower temperatures allowing for an increase in the insulation properties when the body temperature is lower.
The laminated, fleece-lined fabric provides excellent waterproofing and thermal qualities and in the case of the Termico Gloves, this means that as well as keeping the rain out, when the glove does get wet it dries extremely quickly, permitting optimal function for as long as possible. All the while, the improved breathability of the fabric means that your hands stay dry inside the glove which in turn leads to a comfortable, stable temperature.
Like much of the range, the Q36.5 Termico winter gloves feature the pre-shape fit. Observable off-the-hand in the way in which the glove curls forward in the wrist and thumb-forefinger areas, the cut mimics the riding position of the hand and results in minimal tension in the glove’s fabric (and subsequently also the hand within it) while in a riding position. This more considered fit allows for optimised fabric lay-up for reduced bulk and optimal performance and you will note in the Termico, a considerable drop in both volume and weight when comparing to similarly pitched gloves from others.
While the 42g Hybrid Que glove can be considered a windproof / shower proof glove that performs down into single-digit temperatures; the Termico - despite it's relatively low bulk at just 82g the pair - is a tougher proposition altogether and will protect against not only the wind but also the rain whilst adapting to your effort and the conditions. Q36.5 put a floor of 5oC on the Termico gloves but I would not be surprised to see some riders using them at 0 or below. It should satisfy most riders for 95% of winter riding in the UK
The gloves are available in Black, with Silver due in Autumn 2016. They feature lateral reflective panels for visibility when signaling, palm padding (but not too much) for nerve protection and Japanese Micro-suede inserts for wiping your eyewear / nose!
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!).
Overall, the jerseys seem to be smaller / tighter than in previous seasons so this may also factor if you are used to the brand. Ultimately if you really don't like tight fitting cycle kit, then focus on the Gregarius range and consider a size up . Use the charts as a guide.
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 numerous vests - one uniquely for potentially wet rides but that also serves to keep the wind off (Rain Shell Vest); the all-round Vest L1 Essential / Hybrid Vest that offers both thermal stability, insulation and weather protection; the 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; and the 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.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.