Based in the Ticino region of southern Switzerland just across the border from Italy, Luigi Bergamo has been working with high-end road clothing for more than 20 years. After 13 years as director of R&D at Assos, Bergamo set out on his own with Q36.5, a boutique brand that produces only high-end road wear. We've now had the chance to take a look at a few of his pieces.
Q36.5 is a concept brand as much as a retail line; Bergamo is an active consultant for brands like Giro. You'll notice similarities in theme, fabric and construction between some Q36.5 pieces and Giro's new Chrono road line, most notably the lower back support panels on the bib shorts that Bergamo says works like kinetic tape, guiding proprioception (the body's ability to sense movement within joints, and joint position) and helping alignment.
The fabrics are all noticeably lightweight and soft, with water-resistant treatment applied to some of the bib shorts and tops. The fit is race-tight but surprisingly pliable, and some of the garments have wind protection thanks to dense weaves instead of hard shells, so the breathability is great.
ADVERTISEMENT
Made in Italy, all the pieces are pricey. The Salopette L1 Essential bib shorts, for example, are €300 ($319 / £211).
Oh, and what the heck does Q36.5 mean, you ask? Quaerer is Latin for research, and 36.5 is the optimal body temperature in Celcius. The brand name is Bergamo's mission statement, to make technical clothing that keeps you comfortable regardless of conditions or effort level. And if the clothing also happens to look good, well, Bergamo is Italian: what did you expect?
Long Sleeve Hybrid Que
Salopette L1 Essential
Vest L1 Essential
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
via BikeRadar All the latest from BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/1PXBrht
No comments:
Post a Comment