You could be wrapped up in bed in a nice big cosy onesie, but no, you are ready to head out in the closest thing to the Arctic circle this side of Watopia. But what if we combined the two? What if there was a nice, big, cosy onesie for outdoor winter training?
That’s pretty much what Q36.5 has created in its Thermobolik Winter Skinsuit, which is, as the name suggests, a one-piece winter cycling skinsuit the brand says is designed to replace conventional cold-weather layering approaches with a single, race-fit, insulating skinsuit covering neck to ankle.
What is the Thermobolik? Think downhill ski suit meets time trial skinsuit and you are not far off. While the Q36.5 onesie does come with a colossal £808 / US$970 price tag, all that has me revisiting a question I’ve long since held: could a thermal skinsuit prove a better solution for winter riding than the traditional thermal tights and jacket two-piece approach, or, in other words is a skin suit the optimal solution for deep winter riding and as such is it worth the money?
The short of it: A one-piece thermal skinsuit for winter riding with an ultra-premium price tag.
Good stuff: Thermal protection and breathability around freezing point, freedom of movement, sense of protection, easy-to-access pockets.
Bad stuff: Versatility, price tag, colour options, zipper.
Price: US$1,122 / €850 / £808
Who is Q36.5, the brand
Before delving into that, as this is our first review of a Q36.5 item, here’s a quick word on who the curiously named brand is. The company was founded in 2013 by husband and wife Luigi Bergamo, former head of R&D at Assos, and Sabrina Bergamo Emmasi, former pro cyclist. Q36.5’s main focus is on creating premium clothing that prioritises thermoregulation, aerodynamics, and minimal weight, but the company also now offers a range of cycling shoes. The brand’s name references the body’s optimal temperature (36.5°C) and is a nod to its temperature regulation focus.
Based in Bolzano, Italy, the brand also touts sustainability as a key focus in its production. Central to this is localised production, with all design, fabric development, and manufacturing conducted within a 350 km radius of its headquarters.
Q36.5 claims this relatively local production significantly reduces its carbon footprint from logistics and ensures compliance with stringent European labour and environmental regulations. The brand also touts the use of recycled materials such as regenerated nylon and other fibres that reduce dependency on virgin resources, and eco-friendly textiles such as fabrics that meet sustainability certifications or are sourced responsibly. However, without exact details on the percentages of each garment made with these more sustainable fabrics, it’s difficult to assess the true impact of these moves.
Furthermore, even if you don’t know the brand from its own products, you probably are familiar with the name, as the clothing company is the title sponsor of Tom Pidcock’s new team following his exit from Ineos Grenadiers. And, one final word of note on the brand, which perhaps should have been the first words: Its kit is 1) extremely expensive and 2) some of its naming for said kit make Assos’ sound normal.
Brrrrrr-beating science
With that, onto the Thermobolik, which takes inspiration from the downhill skiing and the Descente thermo-combi body suits of the 1980s, with the same goal of improved heat retention combined with freedom of movement and breathability. As such, the Thermobolik is presented as an alternative to layering, the practice of using multiple layers of various technical garments to protect against the winter elements.
Personally, I am a proponent of layering, the idea being that various layers of clothing, each intended to provide a different function, combine to keep the rider warm and dry and can be added or removed as needed. Q36.5 claims layering is much more cumbersome and can cause unwanted pressure points that can result in reduced blood flow and promises the benefits of layering in a single garment.
In case you haven’t already gathered it, the Thermobolik skinsuit is not a racing skinsuit; it is rated for use between -5°C and +5°C (23°F to 41°F), and thus, it goes without saying its target usage is winter conditions. Despite that winter garment status, the skinsuit is still designed to offer a “race fit” with an emphasis on non-bulky thermal protection.
Q36.5 claims this is made possible by combining a densely woven material that insulates and breathes equally well with its “intelligent shell” for improved wind blocking. Up front, the jacket combines what it calls “UF Hybrid Thermic Fabric”, a “high-density woven construction” that acts as a wind blocker. It’s water repellent thanks to a DWR treatment, but has no waterproof-breathable membrane. Inside, there is a recycled polyester fleece that Q36.5 claims creates an air cushion-like effect designed for insulation during high-intensity activity in cold conditions. This UF Hybrid fabric is made with a bio-based polyamide made with charcoal from coffee bean shells. Q36.5 claims this bio-based polyamide is better at retaining heat than typical polyamide, pointing to its own testing that it claims demonstrates a 1°C increase in temperature.
Finally, there is a distinctive pinstripe-looking silver thread running through these UF Hybrid zones. As classy as a pinstripe suit may be, Bergamo explained this has little to do with style. It is claimed those silver threads offer increased thermal protection and anti-bacterial properties along with, again, as claimed by Q36.5, “anti-static and anti-magnetic properties offering better protection from the much debated electromagnetic fields emitted by modern electronic devices and wireless technologies.” Say what now?
This thread is visible on the inside face of the side panels and on the integrated legs/tights of the lower half, where Q36.5 also uses what it calls “UF Thermo Plus,” another high-density woven fabric combined with a “heat fiber” which the company claims provides additional warmth by harnessing far-infrared rays (FIR) from the environment and using them to heat the body. FIR is a type of electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye that lies within the infrared spectrum.
Infrared radiation is often associated with heat, as it is the same type of radiation emitted by warm objects. “The Far infrared are electromagnetic waves that interact with human body by the strong interaction with water molecules, which represent 70% of human body mass,” Bergamo told Escape. “The fibre interacts with skin without any chemical action, and infrared energy emitted by the human body and infrared absorbed by the yarn and reemitted to the body,” Bergamo continued when asked if any benefit of FAR might be marginal at best.
If this sounds like marketing gobbledygook, it might be. That said, Q36.5 is by no means the first to incorporate FIR into a sports garment. Some performance apparel incorporates ceramic nanoparticles or minerals embedded in the fibres. It’s claimed these particles have the ability to absorb body heat and re-emit it as far-infrared radiation. Then, when body heat warms the fabric, e.g. during exercise, the ceramic particles re-radiate that energy as FIR, or so the theory goes. Some studies suggest this heat can penetrate a few millimetres into the skin, generating a sensation of warmth and potentially improving microcirculation.
That said, the jury is still out as the same physiological benefits of FIR textiles are modest at best and depend on factors like ambient temperature and individual physiology; arguably, that marginal heating effect is quickly lost to the winter chill, especially at cycling speeds. To that point, while there are studies on FIR fabrics for general sports recovery and medical use, there’s no peer-reviewed research specifically on FIR cycling garments and their effectiveness in maintaining warmth during rides.
TL;DR: I can’t measure if the FIR in the Thermobolik actually works as intended, and in any case we are talking theoretical marginal gains here at best. Any benefits, like the perception of warmth, may be influenced by subjective factors. Still, as I’ll get to in a bit, it is an impressive winter garment.
But wait, there’s more. Q36.5 has also integrated what it calls “UF Air Insulation” and that “UF Hybrid Shell” into specific spots like shoulders and sleeves for added wind protection in areas particularly exposed to cold. Given the sheer volume of jargon so far, you probably aren’t asking: what is UF Air Insulation? But briefly, for those who are, according to the Q36.5 website it is a 3D-structured fabric designed to trap warm air for lightweight thermal insulation while maintaining breathability for temperature regulation. Q36.5 integrates this into the inside of the shoulders and sleeves of the suit. In adding in that UF Hybrid Shell, Q36.5 is effectively claiming that this combination provides a balance of warmth and protection like traditional layering might but in a single garment without the added bulk.
Quickly wrapping up the features, there’s a thick elasticated waistband around the front of the jacket portion, and three rear pockets featuring a lighter fabric reinforced by a similar elastic collar along the top to allow for plenty of storage capacity without adding a bulky additional fabric layer in a location where typically we want more breathability.
A mini-zip pocket on the forward-facing side of the left shoulder houses an “integrated wind shell membrane.” This additional layer of wind protection stows away inside the pocket, ready to fold out when an extra layer of wind protection is required. Think stuffing a newspaper down the inside of a jersey before a descent, but with the Thermobolik this wind shell sits outside the jacket, with two magnetic buttons to secure it at the waist, keeping it in place over the chest. In reality, the shell is fiddly to fix in place on the go, even more fiddly to fold away, and I found the magnets are not strong enough to hold it in place on a fast descent. Whatever the merits of the rest of the Thermobolik, this shell is a gimmick in my book.
Finally, on the jacket section there are reflective bands which follow the contours of the upper body for improved visibility, but, as is often the case with winter garments, and always a gripe of mine, the Thermobolik is only available in black. I know I am a broken record, but all black and only black makes no sense to me when it comes to winter garments that typically see most use on the shortest days with the lowest light. The Thermobolik is supposed to eliminate the need for layers, but time and time again, I felt compelled to add a hi-viz layer above it just to feel visible on the roads.
As for the tights, at first glance, and in comparison to the upper half, these are a relatively simple-looking and feeling affair, but on closer inspection I lose count of how many panels go into each leg. There is definitely one behind each knee that wraps around the joint similar to the elbows on the sleeves – but not quite as complex – and one main panel covering the front of the waist before wrappping under the crotch and up to the lower back where it meets the jacket again.
There is also a panel under the chamois pad itself which Q36.5 says is separate from the other panels in order to “eliminate the traditional central seams and have a better link/allocation/match between saddle and chamois” and features that silver thread lining mentioned above, plus Dyneema and other robust fabrics to reduce wear and tear from contact with the saddle. There’s a reflective panel on the calf running down to the ankle. Finally there is the main leg panel that twists and weaves a combination twin and single layer through the length of the leg.
So, is it worth it?
Everything I just said could be summarised by saying there’s a lot going on with the Thermobolik. The key question, though, is if all that stuff translates into performance on the road and if it in anyway justifies that price tag. The other question is whether a skinsuit – any winter skinsuit, not just the Thermobolik specifically – is the true optimal winter garment?
First things first: does the Thermobolik deliver on cold winter days? It sure does! Q36.5 set about creating a replacement for layering, and that they did. We don’t often get much riding in sub-zero temperatures here in Ireland; the roads are simply too icy when the temperatures do plummet that far, due to the wet climate we “enjoy.” As such, I can’t comment on riding in sub-freezing temps, but the Termobolik is truly exceptional at anything below 6°C/42°F.
As mentioned earlier, I like layering, especially for the versatility a wardrobe full of garments suitable for layering provides versus a single garment like the Termbolik. But I can also recognise that Q36.5 has hit the nail on the head here. The Thermolik alone provided me with enough thermal protection even on the coldest, snow-lined-road days with just a light base layer beneath. While this thermal protection was impressive, the freedom of movement that comes with such few layers provided is a stark contrast to the similarly priced Assos Johdah, which, while similarly performant (and expensive), is designed as a layering item with much of its thermal prowess stemming from the mid-layer designed to be worn beneath that jacket.
I was reminded of all this recently when setting out for a three-hour ride that started around freezing point, hovered there for the first 90 minutes or so, and then quickly rose to mid-single figures Celsius. The Thermobolik was somehow perfect throughout that temperature span with just a lightweight sleeveless base layer beneath.
Even before getting on the road, it was pretty obvious that the Thermobolik was pretty special. Putting it on I was immediately struck by the seemingly paradoxical sensations of thick, warming protection in a lightweight and free-moving suit.
The thick insulated front with fleece interior feels like adding a chunky, figure-hugging, body warmer-like protective layer, yet it somehow is also light and free. This thick, protective front contrasts the light and thin rear and lower portion which all seems to breathe as well as the front protects.
The overall fit of the jacket is somehow both cosy and yet exceptionally free with very little movement restriction. I am sitting in the suit as I type this, and I could easily spend the rest of the day in it without ever getting on a bike. But that’s me, a little weird. The only hint of restriction I sense is 1) around the neck, where arguably we want a tight fit to prevent warmth exiting or chills entering, and 2) on the shoulder, something I believe stems from the race fit.
Each time I put on the suit I get that same sense of adding a protective layer, like suiting up for battle rather than the flimsy Lycra our kit usually feels like. It’s akin to the similarly priced and conceived Assos Johdah jacket I reviewed a few years back, but where the Johdah jacket shared a protective suit-like feel and race fit to the Thermobolik, it was also much more restrictive.
That chunky, fleece-lined front has the biggest influence on the overall padded sensation, but several other minor details combine for the overall sensation of freedom and comfort.
Those include things like the panel placement and cut on the sleeves, particularly around the elbow, where the upper and lower arms meet with a wraparound-like diagonal intersection. Rather than a single-panel sleeve or even a split upper and lower portion that meets at the elbow, the Thermobolik sleeve is made up of three panels. There’s the shoulder and bicep panel that runs to just below the elbow. There’s also a tricep panel at the rear of the arm, which actually runs from just above the elbow all the way up the inside of the sleeve, down the side of the body to the waist.
Still, the key panel here, in my opinion, is the main forearm panel, which actually wraps from above the elbow on the outside, around and behind the elbow running down diagonally through the inside of the elbow joint, to below the elbow on the outside of the arm again. The entire panel literally wraps around the elbow and the result is a very comfortable sleeve with none of the pull, tightness, or displacement you might find in other jackets or long sleeves – despite the “race fit” style. Where I am forever adjusting sleeves on some jackets and long sleeve tops, I’ve found the Thermobolik’s as close to fit-and-forget as I’ve found. Its figure-hugging race fit means I am always aware of the sleeve’s presence, but rather than being restrictive or annoying it is, again, cosy and protective.
Other minor details include that thick elasticated band on the waist, which I find keeps the front in place without any tugging or tightness, adding to the premium feel without adding any restriction of movement.
Pockets are an area I’ve found otherwise-decent winter jackets can fall short, but no such drama with the Thermobolik. The outer pockets on both sides have a slight angle to the opening which, combined with the exceptional width and good height, makes them easy to get stuff in and out of, even with thick winter gloves. An elasticated band lines the opening of the pockets, and the pocket material is light enough that the pockets don’t inadvertently add an extra insulation layer around the lower back. The material and cut is slippy so the pockets don’t catch or stick on whatever it is I am trying to put into them, but each pocket is tight and robust enough that I never felt like I was in danger of anything falling out.
All that said, the jacket portion is not perfect. As good as the Thermobolik is on the extreme days, it does lack versatility. The few times I wore it out on winter days with temperatures around 8-10°, I quickly started overheating on the upper body. As such, and especially at this price point, I’d like to have seen some zippered vents along the sides for those days when it does prove too warm for such a garment or on climbs when wind chill is reduced. The Thermobolik is best approaching freezing temperatures, and while I’d have liked a taller neck section on my tester for added coverage around this area, that is something Q36.5 has since updated.
Furthermore, and again being picky, I’d like to see the addition of a tiny zippered money/key pocket on one of the sides.
Finally, the zipper itself fell below expectations. It often worked its way open during rides just enough to leave my neck exposed to the cold air. While I’ve had no issues so far, I was also immediately struck by how light the main zip’s slider, elements, and both top and bottom stops are. Given their low weight and overall thin design, I’m concerned they could eventually cause problems. All Q36.5 garments are covered under the company’s warranty and repair policy But that policy wording is quite vague, and explicitly lists failing zips as one area that Q36.5 might consider as evidence a product has seen out its “practical lifetime.” More importantly, though, because the best warranty is the one you never need, Q36.5 has also since updated the zip.
Then there is the bottom half and the integrated tights. Surprisingly, there is very little mention of the tights on Q36.5’s own website, but I have found them exceptionally comfortable and protective on cold winter rides. That said, one place they do fall short on is wet rides. I’d like to have seen Q36.5 take a leaf out of Assos’ book here and make that reflective panel on the lower leg both wraparound and water-resistant, perhaps made of neoprene, to reduce rain and spray seeping down into my shoes.
The pad is also pretty minimal, with none of the bulk or visible features you might find with other brands, but that by no means detracts from its comfort. I personally prefer a more minimal pad, and so no surprises I like that element, but the Q36.5 pad has also withstood a winter and a half of riding so far on road and gravel with countless wash cycles and isn’t yet displaying any loss of shape or structure.
Somewhat surprisingly for such a premium product, the Q36.5 logos dotted throughout are already showing signs of coming loose. They haven’t fallen off yet, but it’s not looking good.
Overall, the tights section is impressively lightweight and minimal, especially in comparison to the upper half, which translates into a free and unrestricted feeling that can be present in overly engineered or protective tights. Most importantly, while the fit wasn’t perfect for me, there is no sense of the tights or chamois getting pulled out of position either by themselves with the flexion on the knee or by that upper body section, which is of course attached.
So, winter suits?
That gets me to the winter skinsuit concept as a whole and if such designs perhaps make more sense than a two-piece jacket and tights. As good as the Thermobolik is, I’ve come to the conclusion it would be better and more versatile as a traditional two-piece.
For a long time I’ve wondered if a onesie-type approach might be better, dating way back at least 10 years to when I got myself a cyclocross thermal skinsuit for winter riding with the theory being a single garment might provide better coverage, with improved heat retention and better comfort. That is certainly the case with the Thermobolik, it performs exceptionally well, but that one-piece design that gives it that edge also compromises it in other ways.
Take the fit, for example: ideally I’d have wanted a different size on the tights, but since they are integrated with the jacket, I’ve got medium top and bottom. Q36.5 does offer a tailoring service for custom sizing on all its garments, but this would add 20% to the already lofty price tag.
Furthermore, as good as the Thermobolik is, as a single garment, I could only use it on the most extremely cold days. If the tights were separate, I’d probably have found myself reaching for them practically every cold or mild dry ride and saving the jacket for the coldest days. But, on cold and wet days, I would have reached for the jacket more often if I’d had the option to pair it with tights better suited to wet-weather riding.
Perhaps the biggest concern for me is the fact that in being a single-piece top and bottoms, I was forced to wash the jacket after every ride when I otherwise might have got another ride or two out had it been a standalone jacket. This is an issue because the Thermobolik relies on a DWR treatment for its water repellency and typically, these highly technical and water-resistant treatments lose performance with successive wash cycles. It also meant I felt guilty using the Thermobolik on anything but the longest or hardest winter rides. There were plenty of shorter rides I’d have loved to have used it, but I couldn’t justify washing it all again after just 60 minutes of ride time.
Nevertheless, the Q36.5 Thermobolik winter skinsuit is undoubtedly an exceptional piece of winter kit and while I can’t recommend anyone save all year to get themselves an £800 winter skinsuit due to this lack of versatility and durability concern, given how well it performs within its target conditions, I will keep reaching for it on those bitterly cold winter days. That is a kind of a roundabout way of saying it so I’ll spell it out: It’s nice to have, but the traditional two-piece approach wasn’t broken, and a thermal skinsuit doesn’t fix it.
A two-piece Thermbolik doesn’t exist; Q36.5’s Termico jacket and tights seem to be the closest, and I haven’t had a chance to test it if such a two-piece provides the same thermal protection and breathability as the skinsuit. But it does nevertheless get to the crux of the question here.
It strikes me that the Thermobolik, and more specifically, the question of a thermal skinsuit, is akin to the mechanical versus electronic shifting debate: they both do the same thing, just differently. Both can provide fantastic shifting, crucially, and though we didn’t need electronic shifting, but we got it anyway. It costs more and it is a lot more complicated, especially when things go wrong.
The Thermobolik is the same; it’s a costlier and overcomplicated means of achieving the same result as conventional two-piece setups and layering. Now, much like electronic shifting, it does work fantastically well. It’s more expensive, and I am worried it might not last as long, but damn, it is kind of cool. In the opening paragraphs of this review, I asked if it was worth the price tag, I can’t answer that because I couldn’t justify spending £800 on a winter outfit. So, switching that question around a little: if I had to choose between the electronic shifting-esque Thermobolik skinsuit or a traditional “mechanical” two-piece Thermobolik for the same money, in this case, I’m choosing mechanical.
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