One of the most quirky items in cycling apparel is leg warmers. I won’t deny that they are useful during the turn of the seasons or during the warmer winter months, but I find suspender-style tights to be particularly comfortable.
However, switching directly from the best cycling shorts to the best cycling bibs can often feel like a too extreme swing in clothing choice. So when the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light Bib Promised to be the perfect choice between shorts and winter tights, I was curious to see how they would go together.
put up
The best feature of all Q36.5 garments is that the brand aims to ensure that the core temperature remains at normal levels, which is around 36.5°C (97.7°F).
With this in mind, the prep fabrics used in the construction of the Gregarius Hybrid Light Bibs not only provide warmth and wind protection, but also provide a high degree of breathability, as well as UV and sun protection.
Reminiscent of Schoeller’s ColdBlack, a fabric found on some of summer’s best cycling jerseys, the Q36.5 says its version will help reduce weight by up to 1.5% compared to a similar plain black fabric. °C heat build-up. I’m wondering if this means that, as someone who often gets cold on my bike, I’ll see any thermal benefit from bib tights? Especially since I promise a “body temperature stability guarantee” down to 12°C/+54°F.
The criss-cross design keeps the straps flat against my belly.
(Image source: Future)
The Q36.5 also promises to be made from 100% polyamide and elastic yarn from recycled sources, although I haven’t been able to verify this either on its own or from any independent source.
With body temperature control fabrics taking center stage in all Q36.5 apparel, the brand is keen to reiterate that the Gregarius Hybrid Light Bibs are more than just a one-trick pony.
At the back, a lumbar support panel reinforced with silver wire claims to actively help improve stability and body alignment while in the saddle.
The X-shaped panels are made from another proprietary fabric that has a higher weave density (modulus warp 510, weft 620) than the rest of the bib bodysuit according to Q35.5, creating an area against the waist when compressed and gluteal musculature support.
The brand believes this helps “provide the rider with better stability, direction, balance and proprioception.” [awareness of what your muscles are doing]’.
However, we can’t let these claims distract us from the importance of leggings chamois and how important it is to rider comfort.
At this stage, it’s worth noting that I’m testing the women’s Gregarius Hybrid Light overalls. This version uses an elastic interface saddle, I’m still waiting for confirmation on the exact version.
The men’s version comes with Elastic Interface Super Molded (SM) suede. It uses fillings of varying densities and thicknesses. Q36.5 says its construction process is a unique molding technique that creates smooth changes in the thickness of the padding, improving contact with the rider’s skin.
What ties it all together is the bib element of the tights. Q36.5 chooses a lightweight elastic fiber double-cross design. The front keeps the fabric flat against your belly, while the back cross sits higher to prevent the bib from slipping off your shoulders.
A raw hem and ankle-less zipper elsewhere reduce bulk and the potential for irritation at the sock/shoe seam, while reflective panels are sewn onto the calf panel.
riding
With temperatures changing during the cool season, getting dressed can be difficult. Here in the UK we’re past the shorts-wearing stage, but daily temperatures still fluctuate wildly. Most of my riding in the leggings was around the magic 12°C/+54°F mark the brand mentions in its temperature guarantee.
Walking into the Gregarius Hybrid Light Bib Tights, it’s obvious from the start that they are made from lightweight fabric, especially compared to the thickness of traditional tights, such as the Rapha Women’s Pro Team Winter Bib Tights.
The leggings are very flexible and fit perfectly without any over-compression. Like a pair of workout leggings, I feel supported and secured without restricting my movement.
The crossover design does create a slight gap between the straps and my lower back.
(Image source: Future)
The upper bib element holds the leggings in place and I can instantly forget about the straps once I put them on. The fit in the upper rear wasn’t ideal for me, creating a gap in my lower back due to the crossover design. That said, it doesn’t affect the overall comfort of the leggings even when wearing a backpack.
I have no complaints about the seat cushion. It has a simpler design than some, but this makes it malleable and provides enough seat protection to be comfortable without being too bulky.
While the Gregarius Hybrid Light Bibs are noticeably cooler than any other bib-style leggings I’ve worn, they were more than enough to keep the wind chill off my skin, especially on my knees.
I find them perfect paired with a pair of gravel shorts when I need a little extra warmth but don’t want to cover my thighs and buttocks with a thick double layer.
I’ve always had a mental block about racing in tights, as I know many riders do, but having leg warmers that fell off mid-race distracting me was frustrating. I was curious to see if their temperature control and breakability would be suitable for race pace, so I tried the Gregarius Tights on a very rough cross-country bike race. I can confirm that these make me almost forget I’m wearing them.
My only small wish for the leggings would be to add reflective detailing, especially when riding on roads with shorter daylight hours. The nub on my calf was mostly hidden by the stockings I had chosen.
Value and conclusion
This freedom of movement often tempts me to throw on bib shorts and leg warmers until the cold really gets the best of me. Achieving such a range of motion in leggings feels revolutionary.
As someone who struggles to find leg warmers that stay put without overly constricting or rubbing on my thighs, I found these to be an ideal choice. I was simply able to ride without being distracted by my riding clothing choices.
Another great thing about the Gregarius Hybrid Light overalls is the apparent lack of seams. Leg warmers inevitably rub the backs of my knees on long rides or when I’m sweating, but they prevent any rubbing.
At the time of writing, the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light Bibs are priced at £200/$277, which seems to be at a higher price point compared to other lightweight bibs on the market.
However, Q36.5 Sustainability claims to be “hyper-locally produced within 350 kilometers of its headquarters in Bolzano, in the heart of the Dolomites and made from up to 100% recycled yarn” , it’s easy to see why the brand thinks you should pay a premium.
If you decide to splurge, you won’t be disappointed.
Specification
- Fabric: 63% polyamide 6.636% elastane, recycled, UV protection and sunlight deflection
- Seat cushion: elastic interface
- Gender: Female, Male
- Sizes: Women’s: XS – L Men’s: XS – XXXL
