One of the most peculiar pieces of cycling apparel has to be leg warmers. I don’t deny their usefulness when it comes to the in-between seasons, or for warmer winter days, but I’ve found the suspender-like legwear particularly comfortable.
Yet to go directly from a pair of the best cycling shorts to even the best cycling bib tights will often feel too extreme a swing in clothing choice. So when the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights promised to be that sweet spot between shorts and full winter tights, I was keen to find out how they would stack up.
Construction
The big deal with all Q36.5 clothing is the brand’s aim to ensure core temperature remains as close as normal, around 36.5°C (97.7°F).
With that in mind, the preparatory fabric used in the construction of the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights is designed to not only act as a thermal wind block, but to also offer a high degree of breathability, as well as UV protection and sun deflection.
Reminiscent of Schoeller’s ColdBlack, mostly found on some of the best cycling jerseys in the summer months, Q36.5 says that its version will assist in the reduction of heat build-up by up to 1.5°C compared to similar, regular black fabric. I’m wondering if this will mean, as someone who often gets chilly on a bike, I’ll see any thermal benefit from the bib tights at all? Especially as I’m promised a ‘body temperature stability guarantee’ down to 12°C / +54°F.
The crossover design holds the straps flat to my stomach.
(Image credit: Future)
The Q36.5 also promises to be made of 100% polyamide and elastane yarns from recycled sources, although I’m as yet unable to verify this with its own or any independent sources.
With body temperature control fabrics taking the main stage with all Q36.5 clothing, the brand is keen to reiterate that the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights are more than a one-trick pony.
At the rear, a lumbar support panel augmented with silver thread claims to actively help improve stability and body alignment when in the saddle.
The X-shaped panel is made from another proprietary fabric that, according to Q35.5, has a greater woven density (Modulus Force warp 510, weft 620) than the rest of the bib tights, which, in its compression creates a zone of support for the lumbar and gluteus musculature.
The brand believes this helps to ‘provide the rider with improved stability, orientation, balance and proprioceptivity [awareness of what your muscles are doing]’.
However, we can’t let these claims distract us from the importance of the tight’s chamois, and its importance to rider comfort.
At this stage, it’s worth noting that I was testing the women’s Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights. This version uses an Elastic Interface seat pad, I’m still awaiting confirmation as to the exact version.
The men’s pair comes with an Elastic Interface Super Moulded (SM) chamois. which uses variable densities and thicknesses of padding. Q36.5 says the construction process is a unique moulding technique to create smooth variations in the thickness of padding, improving the contact with the rider’s skin.
Holding all this together is the bib element of the tights. Q36.5 has opted for a lightweight elastane double cross-over design. The front keeps the fabric flat to the stomach, while the back cross sits much higher to prevent the bibs from slipping off the shoulders.
Elsewhere raw-cut hems and no ankle zips reduce bulk and the chances of sock/ overshoe seam irritation, while reflective panels are sewn into the calf panels.
The ride
The mixed and muddled temperatures of the cooler seasons can be tricky to dress for. Here in the UK, we’re well past the shorts stage, but daily temperatures can still fluctuate greatly. Much of my riding in the tights was around the magic 12°C/ +54°F mark that the brand mentioned in its temperature guarantee.
Stepping into the tights Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights it was obvious from the outset that they are made from a lightweight fabric especially when compared to the thickness of a traditional pair, such as the Rapha Women’s Pro Team Winter bib tights.
Extremely pliable, the tights were a snug fit, without any over-compression. Like a pair of gym leggings, I felt supported and held together yet without restriction my movement.
The cross-over design does create a slight gap between straps and my lower back.
(Image credit: Future)
The upper bib element held the tights secure, and I was able to instantly forget about the shoulder straps as soon as I had them on. The fit at the upper rear isn’t ideal for me, with a gap at my lower back created due to the cross-over design. That said, it didn’t detract from the tights’ overall comfort, even when wearing a backpack.
There are no complaints about the seat pad from me. It’s a simpler design when compared to some, but this keeps it malleable and provides just enough seat protection to be comfortable without being overly bulky.
While they are noticeably cooler than any other pair of bib tights I’ve worn, the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights do just enough to knock the cold out of the wind off my skin, and on my knees especially.
I’ve found them perfect to team with a pair of gravel over-shorts, when I need a little extra warmth but don’t want a thick double layer on covering my thighs and glutes.
I’ve always had a mental block of racing in tights, as I know many riders do, but the distraction of leg warmers falling down mid-race is frustrating. Curious to know if the temperature-controlling and maulable attributes of these would be up for race pace, I gave the Gregarius tights a whirl on a very hilly off-road bike race. I can confirm that these had me pretty close to forgetting I even had them on.
My only small want for the tights is increased reflective detailing, especially if riding on the road with shorter daylight hours. The small panels on the calves are mostly covered by my choice of long socks.
Value and conclusion
This freedom of movement is something that often draws me to bib shorts and leg warmers until I’m truly defeated by the cold. Having this range of motion in a pair of tights feels revolutionary.
As someone who struggles to find leg warmers that either stay put, don’t over-constrict on the thigh, or rub – I found these an ideal option. I was just able to ride and not be distracted by my cycling wardrobe choices.
The other perk of the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights is the distinct lack of seams. Leg warmers will inevitably rub behind my knees on longer rides, or when I get sweaty, but these prevent any friction rubbing.
At the time of writing this, the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights are priced at £200/ $277, which seems to be at the upper price point compared to other lightweight bibs on the market.
However, Q36.5 sustainability claims of ‘hyper-local production within 350km of its headquarters Bolzano, in the heart of the Dolomites, and made of up to 100% recycled yarns’ it’s easy to see why the brand believes you should pay a premium.
If you do decide to splash out, you won’t be disappointed.
Specifications
- Fabric: 63 % Polyamide 6.636 % Elastane, recycled, UV protection and sun deflection
- Seat Pad: Elastic Interface
- Gender: Female, Male
- Size: Womens: XS – L Mens: XS – XXXL
