The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve jersey implements the use of several different specific materials to achieve the optimal body temperature of 36.5˚C, as is the brand's prerogative across its range. The Hybrid name comes from the fact this jersey is designed to fall between a jacket and jersey with weather proofing and flexibility. Let's see how it faired.
The construction
Three main fabrics are used in the construction. UF Hybrid is the brand's key weather proof material offering windproofing along with water repellency. This is used across the front panels around the chest and arms where the wind impacts. It provides water repellency via its high-density weave, rather than additional treatments or membranes being applied. Meanwhile at the rear Q36.5 uses its Pinstripe material for ventilation and heat expulsion. This includes silver thread, which has a higher heat transfer rate for aiding temperature regulation. Finally, across the stomach and forearms a lightweight fleece material is used to keep these areas warmer, something we see in some of the best long sleeve cycling jerseys.
Fit wise, Q36.5 has used its own Body Mapping process to design and attach the panels in a way that aims to keep the freedom of movement while still achieving a close and secure fit when in a cycling position. For storage there are three main cargo pockets along with a zip up valuables pocket. Sizes available are XS up to XXXL, while three colour options are available. All feature reflective detailing on the sleeves, and on the front zip guard.
The ride
The Dottore jersey is a blend of a long sleeved jersey and a winter jacket. The fabric feels comfortable against the skin, but more sturdy than traditional jersey materials. This is likely due to the fabric being higher density so feels to have just a little less stretch than polyamide and elastane mixes. It still fits comfortably though, and I’ll get on to how this fabric performs in terms of weather proofing later.
What’s particularly impressive here is the body mapped fitting. The jersey conforms to your body, be it in a more upright position, or hunched over the handlebars. The body is long enough, the sleeves don’t leave gaps with light weight gloves on at the wrists, and the pocket placement makes them easy to access.
Another of its attributes is just how well it performs across a wide range of temperatures. Despite being in Spain during the testing period, the weather swung between 18˚C and 4˚C. In the colder temperatures with a bit of sun, the black material, which there are three areas of, absorbed the sun nicely while the fleece front made a noticeable difference in lower temperatures. I wore it with only a sleeveless mesh base layer and this was perfect for down to around 8-10˚C. Any cooler and a gilet or heavier base layer was required.
However, as the temperature warmed up the jersey still felt comfortable. Its rear uses a lighter construction down the centre to allow for excess heat dissipation, while silver thread is used for faster heat transfer so that in 15˚C it was still a good temperature. The brand’s aim is to keep the body in the optimal working temperature of 36.5˚C, and I have to say this philosophy does seem to be strongly adhered to in the performance of the Dottore LS jersey.
Weatherproofing is another area where the jersey performs impressively. Often, when cycling in Spain in the winter, you warm up climbing the mountains, then have 10-15 minutes of low effort, high speed, and big windchill. Here the Dottore balanced the thermoregulation and insulation brilliantly with the wind proofing performance of the high density material doing wonders. When it needs to be, it does perform more like a winter jacket, with water repellency added to that list of attributes.
Other features I really enjoy with this jersey are the raw cut sleeves, which means no seams that can dig in on the wrist when worn underneath gloves. The rear cargo pockets are also nicely spacious for cramming with food and tools. I like the little security flap of material over the top of the pockets which makes them easy to access while preventing items from coming out over rough roads. The slightly higher neck is useful for insulation, while the zips are sturdy and easy to use. Overall, the jersey just performs exceptionally well.
Value & conclusion
This is the area where the jersey does need to be carefully considered, as at £238 it is one of the most expensive long sleeve jersey options that I’ve seen available. Jerseys from the likes of Castelli Espresso Thermal and Rapha Pro Team Midweight are far cheaper at £140 and £165. It puts it in the same price bracket as the PNS Mechanism Thermal jersey at £240, or the Assos Mille GTO LS at £245.
Where the Q36.5 Dottore does excel though is what it offers for that price. It really does fill the gap between a long sleeved jersey and a winter jacket, without much compromise on either side. With a thicker base layer it can perform in 5˚C, while it is also capable in 15˚C and sunny weather. It may be that this single item can be used instead of two separate ones. The level of performance does go quite a way to justifying the value of this jersey.
The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que LS jersey makes a good case for not needing to buy both a long sleeve jersey and a winter jacket, and instead combine the two into this one item. It’s effective at insulating down to quite low temperatures, yet also impressively breathable. It’s not cheap, but it goes a long way to justifying that price with the levels of performance and versatility.
