Q36.5 Cold Weather Jacket, Tights & Base Layer Review

It’s early March, but there is still cold weather around, so we explore the third generation of Q36.5’s most intensely versatile light winter gear that pioneered the use of breathable high-density woven fabrics to create garments with a previous unimaginable range of uses. PEZ tests the Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que long sleeve jersey, Dottore Hybrid bib tights and short sleeve Base Layer 2.
Blue sky, but cold (for me)
Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve Jersey – Navy Blue – EU€250/GB£250/US$340
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que long sleeve jersey is made of a mixture of different materials: The chest and shoulder are wind protected and then there is thinner cloth on the stomach, back and back of the arms. Then down the middle of the back there is a breathable panel so you don’t sWeat up too much.
Wind protection where needed
The jacket has a ‘proper’ collar and full zip, which is covered down to the stomach section. Three rear pockets and with that must, a small zipped pocket for your valuables. At the base of the pockets there is an elastic gripper strip to hold everything in place. Safety is also high as there are reflective strips on the chest and on the right sleeve and on the right side on the back. Also a nice touch of an Italian flag on the back of the collar.
So how does the jacket perform? The first question, is it a jacket or a jersey? I would say it is a jacket, but you would wear it as a jersey, not like a jacket you would put in your back pocket, wear it like a jersey on colder days. Comfortable on the bike as it has been cut for the cycling position. The wind-proof sections give good protection and different materials are more like a normal jersey, also back is long enough to keep you warm. All the stitching and finishing is robust and well done. A very nice piece of clothing.
3 rear pockets
Q36.5 sez: The 3.0 version of a quintessential Q36.5 icon. The new Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve is the ultimate hybrid winter jersey/jacket, designed to offer maximum versatility across body temperatures and weather conditions meaning you’ll end up wearing it more than any other item in your winter wardrobe. The new Hybrid Que employs an even more nuanced body mapping with the use of three fabrics, pinstripe material on the back panel for ventilation, the signature UF Hybrid fabric for the chest and outer arms for wind control, and a softer insulating fleece fabric for the inner arms and stomach. This newly tuned body mapped mix of materials results in extending the jersey’s overall temperature range deeper into winter.
Warmth and ventilation
Version 3.0
By uniting everything we have learned about body mapping and the best use scenarios for our advanced proprietary materials, we have developed this third generation of our most iconic and profoundly versatile long sleeve jerseys. Its versatility and wide range of temperature suitability make it a key component of any winter wardrobe.
Advanced Body Mapping
We’ve focused on more aggressive body mapping for this revised version to create the ultimate jacket-jersey hybrid. The strategically placed highly technical materials provide insulation, wind protection and breathability where needed, extending the jersey’s versatility and temperature range.
The most important zip pocket
UF Hybrid Shell
The unique properties of the UF Hybrid Shell revolve around the materials dense weave which allows it to provide exceptional wind protection without the use of a synthetic membrane. The material’s lightweight combined with its breathability makes it an essential component of garments meant for high intensity riding.
Hermetic Seal
The dual nature of the hermetic seal enhances the overall effectiveness of the garment’s thermoregulation by using the tailored, snug fit to retain heat while the fabrics work together to transfer and expel excess moisture even in damp riding conditions.
Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Bib Tights – Black – EU€280/GB£280/US$380
Warm and comfortable
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: My first impression was of warmth. The bib tights use the same wind-proof material on the body and upper legs. On the calf the cloth is thinner and more elasticy (is that a word?), as there is no angle zips. There is a panel on either calf which looks reflective, but feels rubbery, so might be to repel water. there is a reflective strip on the right leg.
Strengthened seat area
The back is high for warmth and protection for the kidney area. The bib straps are nice and wide for security and comfort, with a breathable section between the straps and the body at the back. The important pad seems to be under the fleece material, which feels very warm against the skin. The pad itself, feels thicker where you want it and tappers towards the edges. On the outside of the sit area there is tougher material, so you don’t wear them out.
Shaped for riding
The bib tights are shaped for cycling, not standing around, although quite comfortable sat in the cafe. Warm and comfortable, tailored to fit and with a top chamois pad – All you need for rides in colder temperatures.
The winter athlete
Q36.5 sez: The Long Salopette L1 is an Essential and iconic product in the Q36.5 Equipment line. This tight is the proper “weapon” of choice for high intensity training in mid-season and early winter.
UF-Hybrid Shell PLUS
UF-Hybrid Shell PLUS is a super high-density woven proprietary fabric now augmented with an extra warming effect thanks to a smart fiber on the inside face called the Heat Fiber, which is produced from the residue from coffee bean processing. The fiber attracts far-infrared rays from the environment and uses them to heat the body.
Chamois Super Moulded
This new pad, the Super Moulded (SM), has the same dimensions as the FUSION and its foam padding has been calibrated according to the same scheme of variable densities and thicknesses in the perineal, ischiatic, genital and gluteal zones for an extremely sophisticated tuning of rider comfort. The chamois, as with rear part of the FUSION, uses a unique moulding technique to present smooth variations in thickness of padding, markedly improving the contact with the rider’s skin. The SM is, like the FUSION, an extremely high-performing chamois designed for a solid and substantial feel and all-round riding support: from more upright ‘amateur rider’ and climbing positions to the ‘road riding’ position which places pressure on the perineal area all the way to the extreme angles of a Time Trial position.
Powered by Elastic Interface® CyTech Italy.
A warm and comfortable pad
Pre-Shaped Fit
A pre-shape fit garment is cut to have the least resistance to the athlete’s body when in the position it assumes while riding. Riders will notice that pre-shaped garments will, when hung unworn from a hanger, naturally fall towards a riding position. This means that while the wearer may feel a minor degree of strain or notice small creases in the garment when standing upright and not on the bike he or she will be most comfortable and aerodynamic and have greatest ease of motion when riding.
Wide straps
Q36.5 Short Sleeve Base Layer 2 – Ice Grey – EU€80/GB£80/US$110.00
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Base layers have come a long way since the cotton T shirt or the woollen vest we used to wear when cycling. The Q36.5 Base Layer is also a combination of materials, the front is warmer and the rear is more ventilated. The many different panels stretch for a very good body fit, no wrinkles or creases. You feel warm and dry, without feeling tight or constricting. The wicking of the sweat is as good as I’ve ever had from any other base layer.
A perfect fit
Q36.5 sez: Focusing on optimal thermoregulation on rides with warmer than 15°C temperatures, the Q36.5 Base Layer 2 enhances moisture management thanks to the seamless, tubular construction made possible by the cutting-edge Karl Mayer Seamless knitting machines. It’s an essential base for mid spring till early summer riding to help your core feel well aired.
Dry and warm
Advanced Body Mapping
The Base Layer features different levels of breathability and varying densities resulting in an ultra-low volume garment for maximum performance and comfort. The back is thinner than front resulting in advanced moisture wicking according to sweat zones.
Rear ventilation
Seamless Construction
Significantly greater elasticity and lower resistance to movement in all directions makes this base layer feel like an intelligent second skin. It results in total frictionless comfort thanks to the seamless, tubular construction.
A mix of fabrics
Ultra-Breathable
Our Base Layers are designed to help your core stay cool thanks to the dual-material composition which introduces a micro layer between skin and jersey material to facilitate ventilation and moisture evaporation.
Present time – Like getting a new Apple
The overall impression
Warm and comfortable with all the things you need for cold weather cycling. All that with Italian style and tailoring. I’ve no idea how it performs in the wet, but the material passed the shower test. Yes, very nice.
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