The original Termica jacket was a master at delivering the delicate balance between warmth and breathability and it did so whilst being very low volume and also serving as well as the company's dedicated waterproof jacket inthe rain. If you have worn one, you might find it difficult to imagine that it could be improved upon.
But they have.
Q36.5's new Termica Jacket X is designed with a special construction that incorporates different fabrics throughout the jacket – all strategically placed based on their new body mapping thermo-hydro comfort analysis research. Their UF Thermal Shell 400gr/m2 is used for the chest and shoulder areas as it was on the predecessor while their newly engineered UF Thermo Light 250gr/m2 is employed on the sleeves. The use of the Thermo Light, further reduces bulk and improves the comfort on the arms.
Both fabrics use an 18 micron hydrophilic porous membrane that allows vapour to get out but also protects from wind and water. Compared to the original Termica, already excellent at heat management, Q36.5 have greatly improved on the thermoregulation, allowing the jacket to react to the surrounding environment and respond to the reactions of the body. The adaptable and flexible barrier of the membrane adjusts intelligently and the insulating properties respond to temperature changes for optimum comfort no matter what the environmental conditions. This versatility means that your body remains more stable and is able to adapt more quickly to the conditions you encounter.
An important job of the Termica Jacket is to control heat loss. By choosing specific fabric blends placed strategically as well as focusing on proper cut, Q36.5 have successfully managed to reduce heat loss and maintain a more stabile body temperature. This is achieved with their breakthrough “Anti-Condensation Development” and is a feature of much of the X Genertaion products. The process boasts a high absorption and emission rate of moisture before it has time to change into sweat by condensing. The Anti-Condensation Development minimises the dangerous heat loss that condensation can cause in sub-zero and cold training conditions by moving the moisture away from the body before it has time to bead and affect the body. Since the body generates natural heat during physical activity, creating a microclimate - the objective is to to keep this microclimate stable and use it, increasing the exchange of vapour before it turns into sweat.
Collar design in a long sleeve winter shell jacket is of the utmost importance since it stops the chill air and rain from penetrating your weather defence. It is a strategic and fundamental element of the piece. Given this, Q36.5 have focused on designing a specific, innovative collar with a unique construction. Normally the collar is made with only one solid piece of fabric, limited in its ability to form a close seal around the neck. However, Q36.5 has designed the Termica X Jacket’s collar with four different pieces - even more than the original. The objective is to have a collar that follows the line of the body perfectly and ergonomically when in a riding position on the bike. The result is a zero pressure and hermetically sealed collar that creates a barrier to the chilly wind. The internal first piece is thin and extremely soft brushed fabric for the contact at the neck while the 3 external elements are cut and overlapped so as to form a conformable barrier that doesn't interfer with your comfort as you move your head or change position on the bike.
Like the original Termica jacket, the Termica X also features the Q36.5 proprietary invisible pocket system that includes a 4th zippered pocket as well as an extra upper forearm pocket that has been refined over the original and now sits more closely against the sleeve when empty. It also features a reflective panel for improved visibility and a mesh-like construction to keep bulk at a minimum.
Q36.5 have listened to feedback on the aesthetics too and have removed the Green panelling that adorned much of the original range. Instead, those panels have been replaced with black fabric and the Jacket is augmented with a reflective black-silver drop down tail, reflective sleeve panels - ideal for signalling - and additional reflective tabs to the side of the pockets and front zip to ensure you stay visible in bad light; all while maintaining a subtle form on the wearer.
The fit of Termica X is close and conformable without ever being restrictive and this new version feels more comfortable than the original thanks to the refinements and lower bulk sleeves and neck. Once you have worn it on the bike you will understand the fit even more. The proprietary fabrics used in Q36.5 clothing function optimally when the fit is snug against the body and it is an inherent design element of the brand. This closeness and pre-shaped fit lends the ergogenic qualities that enable the fabrics to better support and stabilise the body, but this closeness is never at the expense of comfort and there is a notable freedom of movement when adopting the riding position.
If, like me find that less-is-more and you grimmace at the prospect of spending 20 minutes or more prising yourself into the various layers that often seem necessary in order to brave the worst conditions, then the Termica - nay, every aspect of Q36.5 - is for you. Awful out? Base layer + Termica. Job done.
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.