The Q36.5 Unique Pro Bib shorts are the latest item to yield the Unique moniker from Q36.5. It's a label given to items that make up the brand’s experimental products that are the culmination of its technological pursuits. These are the ‘high end’ items that shoulder the development costs and will trickle down some of that technology across the lines. Let's see if they have what it takes to be regarded alongside the best shorts for cycling.
The construction
The bib shorts are primarily constructed of a similar material to the brand’s Dottore Pro shorts. This is a high-density woven fabric aimed to improve blood flow and reduce fatigue with a compression designed to offer supportive compression without restriction.
Silver thread is then woven into this for its fast drying, heat conductivity and antibacterial properties, as well as a claim to protect against 'electro-magnetic smog' (electromagnetic field definitions extend from static electric and magnetic fields, through radiofrequency and infrared radiation, to X-rays).
This fabric is then mapped and tailored to specific zones, as the brand refers to them as its 4-zone body mapping. This changes the weave density and pattern to provide cooling, support, or additional compression across different areas.
Reflective panels are placed on the outside of each leg for visibility, while the hem is bonded to prevent fraying or the use of silicone grips.
Q36.5 has updated the chamois to the new Unique model. Similar to the Q Lab Air, it features an additional foam pad layer to conform to both the shape of the saddle and the rider independently, allowing them to remain in contact without causing any friction. The outer layer is a slightly brushed material designed to reduce friction further and allow some breathability. The shorts are kept in place with a lightweight mesh fabric for the straps.
Sizes come in XS to XXL. Q36.5 also prides itself in making all its clothing in Italy and sourcing all materials from within a 350km radius of the factory to reduce carbon footprint as well as using natural, recycled, or biodegradable fabrics where possible. They also offer a warranty and repair scheme on their clothing items.
The ride
Putting the Unique Pro shorts on, they are quite notably different to most pairs of bib shorts that I’ve tried over the years. The papery thin yarn used to make them is very similar to the Rapha Powerweave shorts, as well as the Q36.5 Dottore Pro which uses a similar material to the Unique Pro. Where the Unique Pro differs is that near enough the entirety of the shorts uses this material. The brand’s 4-Zone body mapping means that there are several areas of the shorts that bunch up and wrinkle when standing, but become smooth once you get into a riding position.
There is an incredibly limited use of seams, with two large panels for the main part of the legs used, with two attachment points either side. There are no flat-lock seams, but the material being so thin means this doesn’t really have an impact on comfort at all. These panels are also woven to different densities to provide either compression on the legs, support around the lumbar spine, or longevity around the seat area. It’s an impressive feat of fabric engineering that’s for sure.
The real star of the show however is the chamois pad. Dubbed the Unique Chamois, it does appear to be just that. Rather than the single layer of padding found in the Dottore Pro Q Lab chamois, the new one uses a dual layer system. This results in a system designed to hug both the saddle and the body, to avoid movement and friction which can cause discomfort. Add to that the brushed upper layer that is antimicrobial and very low friction, and the system is impeccable.
The chamois is certainly higher volume than I am used to riding, but this also comes with an incredible level of vibration dampening. So much so that over rougher road surfaces, where I felt the vibrations significantly more in my arms than I did the seat area, whereas normally it feels fairly consistent between the two. Over longer duration rides this also has a positive effect with regards to comfort; it’s a tactic that is employed in the new MAAP Aeon line where it has used its gravel seat pad in its road shorts.
I was already a big fan of the Q Lab Air chamois in the Dottore Pro shorts, and this updated Unique Chamois builds on that pad and improves it. These are possibly the most comfortable pair of shorts for really long slogs in the saddle. But that’s not solely down to the chamois. Another key benefit of the woven material is that it has an exceptionally high level of moisture wicking. A key cause of both saddle sores, and heat buildup, is the inability for sweat to dissipate. Having very fast drying materials that allow for greater rates of moisture transfer and wicking means you cool down faster, and the chamois stays fresher, ideal for longer rides in the summer. The use of silver thread in the weave is apparently another key factor responsible for this greater exchange of thermal buildup, allowing for faster cooling levels.
While the level of compression delivered isn’t as powerful as the Rapha Powerweave’s vice-like grip, it does result in a pair of shorts that feel more supportive as the ride goes on as well as during some harder efforts.
Another great improvement are the new straps. Made from a thinner material, the breathability has been greatly enhanced, an issue I’ve sometimes had with more compressive design shorts from Rapha, Q36.5 and MAAP. These new straps are still just as supportive, but reduce the buildup of heat nicely, while a cut-out rear allows for a good level of heat exchange. There is also the low pressure waist, where the fabric weave is less dense so as not to put any pressure around the gut and allow for easy nature breaks.
Elsewhere zero silicone on the leg grippers results in zero irritation while also staying securely up even on hairy legs. There are also reflective rear leg panels. I can’t comment on how the silver thread deals with electromagnetic smog however. The theory is that the huge amount of electronic devices has an impact on our muscles’ contractile function, but the thread works well enough for temperature regulation to warrant its inclusion.
Overall these are just an exceptionally well performing and comfortable pair of shorts that are as close to perfect as you could want for long warm days in the saddle. But there is one massively glaring issue. The price.
Value & conclusion
The £300 barrier is well and truly broken here. In fact for US customers the price is $470. Similar shorts such as the Assos Equipe RSR, Rapha Pro Team Powerweave, and Castelli Premio Evo bib shorts are still at least £50 / $50 cheaper. While the Powerweave shorts are designed in a similar manner with a more paper like woven material, the Q35.6 Unique Pro does a better job and provides greater comfort all round, as well as being cooler.
The Powerweave still offers the highest levels of compression I’ve used, but the thick straps detract from the performance a fair bit by getting very hot in warm weather. For long duration rides and especially rough road surfaces, the Unique Pro are the best performing shorts that I’ve used with second to none vibration dampening and brilliant moisture wicking.
However, the price does mean that there are plenty of shorts that perform not too dissimilarly, but for a relatively far lower price and offer much better value. The Q36.5 Dottore Pro bib shorts for example use many of the same materials and technologies but for £100 cheaper. £350 for a pair of bib shorts will never be good value, unless they pedal for you frankly. Even with all the additional technologies and features.
The Q36.5 Unique Pro bib shorts are a technological marvel and a statement as to just how comfortable a pair of bib shorts can be when every element of them is heavily thought out and engineered for an exact purpose. The chamois is the best I’ve used for long hot weather rides, while the material is compressive yet comfortable. There is just one glaring issue that cannot be avoided, and that is the price tag. A pair of shorts this price will never represent good value, not given how much less you can spend to get a pair of shorts that do most things almost as well. Where the Unique Pro shorts excel is as an experimentation into what’s possible, and I look forward to seeing the technology trickle down. If you can’t wait for that though, and the price doesn’t scare you off, then you won’t be disappointed by these shorts
