Q36.5 Gear

[CyclingGiraffe]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses on experiences with the new-tech "unique" gloves. I wish I could try them in person before laying out that cash. In the end, I was on the Q36.5 website, and saw they still had a few of the summer L1 gloves in what should be my size (according to the size chart), and on sale (for about half the price of the "unique" gloves), so I decided to give them a try. Should be delivered before the end of the week. In the meantime, I will be keeping an eye out on the new glove tech, maybe for next year; I burned through my last pair of Castelli gloves in a matter of months (though I hope that these new Q36.5 gloves last longer than that). BTW, I saw that DeMarchi is launching a glove with the same or similar EIT palm as the Q36.5, too, though the pricing is about the same, and I've no experience with DeMarchi clothing at all.

[Ypuh]

DeMarchi is a few levels lower is my experience (from 5 years ago). Nowhere near Assos/Q36.5, more like Pearl Izumi or something.

[flashmatt]

Im looking to buy 2 pairs of Dottore's in a large and a medium and then return one pair for a refund dependent on which fits best. However their website only seems to talk about "exchanges" (no mention of straight returns at all) which is worrying. Has anyone returned a piece of Q36.5 kit for a straight refund and if so did you experience any problems? Thanks

[flashmatt]

In case anyone is interested, Q36.5 have confirmed that they do free returns on exchanges but if you wish to send something back for a refund you will hve to pay the postage back to Italy. I think thats a bit disapointing as it rules out buying 2 sizes to work out which one is best. Maybe though Ive been spoiled by companies like Patagonia and Arcetryx recently who ship from Europe and offer free returns

[synchronicity]

I love new cycling kit (who doesn't ) and was searching for something different and unique for my winter/spring riding this year.
I stumbled upon Q36.5, a small Italian company run by the former head of R&D at Assos, through Above Category and ordered some pieces a few months back.
In particular, their Hybrid Q long sleeve jersey, the L1 Vest, their funky looking base layer and a pair of their premium bibs. I have to say that this stuff is absolutely like nothing I've worn before! I've been using Castelli, Rapha and Assos over the years and the quality and uniqueness of the materials Q uses (I believe they're proprietary to them) is unparalleled IMO. The gear weighs half of what a typical garment from the big brands weighs (a plus for us weenies), fits like a glove and most importantly keeps you dry and warm (something that was hard to believe when you first put it on as it's so lightweight). Yes the price is premium, but I firmly believe that you get what you pay for!
I just wanted to share my experience with fellow weenies on here that are looking for something fresh to wear this year.
I am based in Canada and until now had to go through AC or Italy for this but it looks like there's a shop out in Toronto, Alpha Velo (alphavelo.cc), that now sells this online and offers free shipping too (will give them a go for the summer stuff as going through Italy or US you get hit with FX charges and duties).

Cheers

Thanks for this.
Looks like the bibs... are overbudget for me...
I'd like to try the base layer and the socks though.

[velov]

In case anyone is interested, Q36.5 have confirmed that they do free returns on exchanges but if you wish to send something back for a refund you will hve to pay the postage back to Italy. I think thats a bit disapointing as it rules out buying 2 sizes to work out which one is best. Maybe though Ive been spoiled by companies like Patagonia and Arcetryx recently who ship from Europe and offer free returns

You're comparing two giant apparel companies with a small boutique cycling brand.

[MarkoP]

Just FYI for the Canadian Q36.5 buyers, I get my gear from www.roadkit.com. I have no personal connection but really great customer service.

[scb]

Great experiences with Q36.5 clothing for 4 years now--most consistent fit and comfort for me. I have had a few warranty issues over the years, and Bolzano customer service was fantastic. Super pleasant to deal with and really responsive. They really went the extra mile to make me happy. I wish there were more places to buy in US.

[CyclingGiraffe]

Just FYI for the Canadian Q36.5 buyers, I get my gear from www.roadkit.com. I have no personal connection but really great customer service.

I believe that they ship to the US as well.

I purchased a Q36.5 jersey a little while back, and while its okay, I'm not bowled over. I think the problem, in part, might be my sizing, as I seem to fall between an L and an XL on the Q36.5 chart. At a bit over 6' tall, I weigh between 185 and 190, with an actual measured 41.5" chest and a 35" waist, I'm pretty much smack in the middle of the two sizes. It does seem a little odd, as I feel like my size/weight is not that unusual. I feel that the jersey (I got XL) is a bit loose, particularly in the upper chest when in the riding position.

However, I'm also not a huge fan of lycra-type jerseys as I don't like the feel of them and how they stick to my skin when wet, and the "Pinstripe" jersey is not that different in this regard from other lycra jerseys (like Santini). I prefer the more "mesh" type jerseys, like the Giordana FR-C, which I find fits me perfectly in an XL other than maybe being a little tight in the sleeves.

I do like the Q36.5 gloves/mitts I bought (the older style, not the new EI ones), as they seem very well made and are comfortable and fit very well.

[waltthizzney]

Just FYI for the Canadian Q36.5 buyers, I get my gear from www.roadkit.com. I have no personal connection but really great customer service.

If you are in Canada buy from Alpha Velo..... They are basically responsible for bringing Q36.5 to North America and their customer service is beyond anything you will find anywhere else as you are dealing with actual passionate, practical and talented cyclist who can give you actual user experience advise on every products.

https://www.alphavelo.cc/

[topt]

Ok, he he; got the baselayer 3, Que jersey and termica jacket; I dont even know what to say not to sound like propaganda. Today I did about a 100km quite hard ride with only baselayer and Que jersey and this is so fu..ing good I am shocked, temperature averaged 3 degrees celsius and I am sure it would be no different down to 0. I dont think you even need the Termica until - temp. You just feel like a light spring breeze that is cooling you down. I just wish they made some aero jerseys so I switch completely.
Also, the baselayer is so stretchy I am sorry I didnt take the S/M and I am not exactly Quintana 182cm 86kg 104cm chest; If you want close fit I suggest you take the S/M. Everything else size L fits perfect

[steveadore]

Does anyone have any first-hand experience with the Termica (or the updated Termica X) jackets in silver colour? I'm really tempted to buy one, but some reviews mention that the silver fabric is rather too delicate and prone to wearing off due to rubbing/scratching, or even washing. If that is indeed the case, I guess I'd be better off going for the Termica in black perhaps.
And does it have any kind of fleece-like layer on the inner side? I tend to run cold in winter and only go for low-intensity rides, so I wonder how warm this jacket actually is around freezing point.

[topt]

Hi, I have it in silver the regular termica and yes its delicate and silver scratches of. Yes, it does have fleece like material on the inside but not all over. I ll send you the pictures tommorrow, I just have it in wash. No problem with it around zero.

[steveadore]

Hi, I have it in silver the regular termica and yes its delicate and silver scratches of. Yes, it does have fleece like material on the inside but not all over. I ll send you the pictures tommorrow, I just have it in wash. No problem with it around zero.

Thanks so much, looking forward to the pictures.
So does the silver scratch off even just with regular wear and wash? That doesn't sound too promising

[topt]

Hi, I have it in silver the regular termica and yes its delicate and silver scratches of. Yes, it does have fleece like material on the inside but not all over. I ll send you the pictures tommorrow, I just have it in wash. No problem with it around zero.

Thanks so much, looking forward to the pictures.
So does the silver scratch off even just with regular wear and wash? That doesn't sound too promising

No, it sometimes scratches if you rub against something but for me I would not change it for black despite that; it just looks so futuristic