Cycling has evolved significantly over the years, and so has the equipment cyclists use. One brand that has stood out in recent years is Q36.5. This Italian brand has made a name for itself by creating innovative and high-performance clothing and equipment for cyclists. In this blog article, we take a closer look at Q36.5 and what sets it apart from other brands.
Q36.5: The Vision
Q36.5 was founded by Luigi Bergamo, a passionate cyclist and clothing engineer with over 20 years of experience in developing sportswear. The name Q36.5 is a combination: The Q stands for the Latin word for research – quaerere. 36.5 represents the ideal body temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius, which should be maintained even during the highest exertions on the bike thanks to modern clothing. Since its founding, Q36.5 has been steadily working to revolutionize cycling clothing by using advanced materials and technologies.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
At a time when the sustainability of products is becoming increasingly important, Q36.5 focuses on environmentally conscious and regional production. The brand uses recycled materials and is working hard to minimize the ecological footprint of its production. By manufacturing durable and high-quality products, Q36.5 also promotes the reduction of waste and the conservation of resources. Q36.5 produces 99% of its products in Italy. Within a 350 km² radius of the company's headquarters in Bolzano, resources, development, and production are sourced and carried out to ensure a sustainable approach.
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team
The Q36.5 brand is known not just for its products but also for its commitment to professional cycling. The Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is sponsored by the brand and benefits from the state-of-the-art equipment and clothing that Q36.5 develops. A prominent member of the team management is former professional cyclist Vincenzo Nibali, who brings his extensive experience and expertise to the team. Under his leadership, the team aims to compete at the highest level, using Q36.5's innovative products. The team's feedback is crucial for the continuous improvement and development of the brands products, ensuring that the clothing meets the highest standards and is constantly optimized.
It is from this context that the Q36.5 Nibali Shark Line was created - this line was developed in close collaboration with the professionals and is explicitly designed for performance-oriented road cyclists who want to wear aerodynamics and performance at a professional level.
A Holistic Concept for Cycling Equipment
Q36.5 offers a holistic concept for cycling equipment. Founder and CEO Luigi Bergamo explains why Q36.5 always focuses on the overall concept when developing highly technical cycling clothing: "The goal is to develop thermoregulating products that are very active and suitable for different situations."
However, Bergamo emphasizes that Q36.5's approach to materials goes beyond thermoregulation: It is about compression, protection, and the overall comfort of the cyclist. Advanced products like the Pinstripe Pro Jersey or the Dottore Pro Bib Shorts embody this holistic approach. When cycling, one must constantly adapt to changing weather conditions - unlike when running, for example, where the body usually maintains a more consistent temperature more easily. When cycling, we either need to carry equipment for all situations or wear clothing that can handle everything.
Innovation in Material Usage
A hallmark of Q36.5 is the use of innovative materials. The brand uses exclusive fabrics specifically developed for the needs of cyclists. One example is the "UF L1" material, which offers exceptional lightness and breathability while providing the necessary robustness for intensive use in cycling. These materials are developed in close collaboration with Italian textile manufacturers to ensure the highest quality and performance.
Ergonomic Design: The Three Contact Points
The fit and ergonomics of the clothing are crucial for a cyclist's performance and comfort. Q36.5 places great emphasis on the anatomical fit of their products. Every seam and detail is designed to optimally support the body and provide freedom of movement. The minimalist design and precise craftsmanship ensure that the clothing fits like a second skin and improves aerodynamics.
The scope of Q36.5 also extends to shoes, for which the same philosophy applies: always keeping the body in focus. "We saw a very interesting correlation between the pressure points on the saddle and on the shoes," says Bergamo. "So we started conducting further tests with different people and types of shoes and found that the pressure on the feet changed when we changed the seat pad, and the pressure on the saddle changed when we made adjustments to the shoes. This inspired us to consider all three contact points – handlebars, saddle, pedals – together in our product development to offer cyclists a completely new approach to overall comfort."
Conclusion
Q36.5 has quickly established itself as one of the highest-quality brands in cycling by continuously working on improving their products and putting the needs of cyclists at the forefront. Through the use of advanced materials, ergonomic designs, and environmentally conscious production, the brand sets new standards in cycling clothing. For passionate cyclists who value quality, comfort, and performance, Q36.5 is a brand to watch.
Whether you are an ambitious racer or a recreational cyclist, with Q36.5 clothing you can be sure that you are equipped at the highest level and can achieve your best performances.