Back in 2016 I fell in love with the original Q36.5 Hybrid Que jersey. While everyone was raving about (and sweating in) the Gabba, many of us were riding around in variable conditions in complete comfort, thanks to the Hybrid Que jersey.
Things have evolved since then and while the original Hybrid Que was pitched as a Jersey, it encroached brilliantly on territory more widely reserved for a lightweight jacket. It is what made it such an incredible piece. Q36.5's introduction of their Cruise Equipment range last year, created a crossover with the Woolf Long Sleeve jersey - which delivers an even broader operating range than the original Hybrid Que.
No doubt with that factored in, Q36.5 set about revising the Que. The latest iteration of this versatile jersey then - the Hybrid Que X, re-establishes itself more squarely in the long sleeve jersey bracket and will work exceptionally well for those that either feel the cold sooner than others in the year, or for those that run hotter and who wish to use lighter weight pieces when the weather is cooler. A verstaile 3-season jersey that delivers unrivalled moisture management, water-resistance and wind-proofing.
Like its predecessor, the Hybrid Que X is in part, created from the company's UF HybridShell fabric - though it is now UF HybridSHell Plus and we'll get to that. UF HybridShell is a non-laminated double-woven fabric that is able to mimic qualities of a shell (laminated fabric with membrane) without many of the associated drawbacks such as limited breathability and long drying times, as well as performing the thermal functions of a fleece material.
The fabric is woven at right angles at such a high density that the finished fabric has technical values within range of materials that use membranes. For example it is twice as breathable as “Windstop” shell fabrics and over 20 times more wind resistant than typical fleece fabrics.
Q36.5 achieve this wind resistance through the density of the material and it is this novel approach that significantly increases the fabric’s versatility making it far more breathable than a shell and as a consequence, it performs better in high-intensity conditions where the rider achieves high body temperatures and significant levels of perspiration.
It is the inner side of the jersey that has seen the biggest change in the Hybrid Que X though and what gives the fabric the 'Plus' suffix that I mentioned earlier. Before, the inside surface was 'brushed' to create a ribbed fleece pattern in order to help stabilise body temperature fluctuations as part of the design remit of Q36.5. The Que X however, uses a new environmentally sound and sustainable 'Heat Fibre' derived from the residue of coffee bean processing. This fibre increases the thermal ceiling of the Hybrid Que X by a full 1oC. That means that you will feel the same comfort as the previous jersey when the temperature outside is a full degree lower. Like the UF HybridShell outer, this fibre is treated before being woven to maximise the breathability. Unlike the majority of manufacturers who apply waterproofing treatments to the finished fabric (usually with the inclusion of a resin or coating that 'seals' the fabric), treating the threads before they are woven allows them to maintain their ‘natural’ structure and this is a key element in helping the fabric maintain a high level of breathability. If you have ever worked hard in a 'Windproof' shell jacket or a Gabba jersey, for example, you will have noted how quickly you heat up and how wet you get from sweat.
Q36.5's objective - as you will know by now - is to stabilise the micro-climate created by the body while riding, enhancing your performance by reducing the energy you put into maintaing the core's 36.5oC optimum operating temperature. Much of this is achieved thanks to fabric blends, placement and cut. Indeed, the Hybrid Que X is RSR Body Mapped to develop patterns and their placement based on sweat rate in order to variably manage moisture over the body's surface. This approach reduces heat loss in order to maintain a more stabile body temperature: Q36.5 call it “Anti-Condensation Development”. This process boasts a high absorption/ emission rate of moisture in vapour form before it has time to change into sweat due to condensation. It minimises the dangerous heat loss that condensation can cause in sub-zero and cold training conditions.
The most noticable change from the original Hybrid Que is in it's feel - both in hand and on the body. It is immediately evident that the Hybrid Que X jersey is lighter and more comfortable. This is the result of the employment of UFL1 Silver Fabric in certain areas that were previously homogenously covered by UF Hybrid Shell; notably the underside of the forearms and the entire back panel. UFL1 Silver is the fabric used in the L1 summer jerseys and is remarkably adept at allowing moisture out of the fabric at a rate that does not cause a 'chilling' effect often suffered by less technical fabrics. It's use assists with the body's cooling at high intensities and also results in a more comfortable and lighter weight jersey.
Users of the original Hybrid Que will be particularly pleased with the use of UFL1 fabric on the lower arm of the Hybrid Que X which, combined with the new pattern shape and cut of the arms, results in a longer, more comfortable and conformable pre-shaped fit - far superior to the predecessor. On the subject of the sleeves, there is also the refinement of the original extra arm pocket. Previously sewn into the fabric, the latest version uses a micro-mesh pocket that is externally bonded and finished with a discreet reflective panel for enhanced safety. The pocket is so light that when empty it is barely noticeable and sits flat against the arm. Q36.5 have also introduced a soft 2-piece Hermetic collar. Extremely gentle on the skin, it sits flush and ergonomically with the neck when in the riding position to ensure that no chill makes it inside.
Further to the refinements in cut, fabric and fit, the Hybrid Que X features 20% more reflective inserts for improved safety in low and flat light conditions. While historically some might baulk at the idea of reflective elements, Q36.5 have added these discreetly and tastefully and the biggest is in the drop-tail if the jersey. Made from a Silver/Black fabric that also serves to grip and hold the jersey in place, it is understated in normal light and is similar to that found on the Seta jersey.
As with all Q36.5 pieces, the Hybrid Que X is pre-shaped for the ultimate fit when adopting a riding position and its minimal look is enhanced with another innovation in an often over looked area – the pockets. Rather than crudely sewing an extra layer of fabric over the back of the jersey to create 3 pockets as is traditional, Q36.5 have integrated the pockets into the design of the jersey leaving 3 subtle openings they dub ‘Invisible Pockets’. The addition of a 4th zippered pocket completes the package and – believe it or not - this design, aside from being far more aesthetically pleasing, offers a small but quantifiable aerodynamic advantage.
The fit of Hybrid Que long sleeve jersey is close and conformable without ever being restrictive. 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-shape cut 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.
The Q36.5 L1 Hybrid Que is a 'quiver-killer' when it comes to long sleeve options - particularly for UK riding - the ultimate of ultimates. It can be worn with the full range of baselayers, gilet and other jackets for real 3-season versatility. The most versatile of versatile garments. New fabrics and construction techniques once again ensure that the product is unique functionally and tactically, a key element of the Q36.5 brand - nothing is ever a gimmick.