Product news: With a jointly developed shoe-pedal system, Q36.5 and SRM aim to noticeably improve power transfer, riding comfort, and control on the bike. At the heart of the Q36.5 X SRM shoe-pedal system is a concept that offers a significantly reduced stack height and an increased contact area between shoe and pedal.
Q36.5 was founded in 2013 in Bolzano, Italy, and positions itself as a manufacturer of technical cycling equipment with a strong focus on materials research and thermoregulation. The brand name refers to this commitment to research ("Q" for quaerere) and the ideal body temperature of 36,5 °C.
Q36.5 X SRM Shoe-Pedal System: Shoe and pedal as a unit
The system consists of the SRM X-Power Direct pedal and the new Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 road shoe. Both components are designed to only reach their full potential when used together. According to the manufacturer, the goal is to increase the efficiency of pedaling and make power transfer more consistent.
By reducing the stack height by 6 mm compared to conventional systems, the pedal stroke is intended to become more direct, the riding position more aerodynamic, and the handling more precise. The manufacturer promises increased stability and control, especially with short cranks and on descents.
The pedal: Modified geometry, larger contact area
The SRM X-Power Direct pedal is made of die-cast, then anodized aluminum. The manufacturer states the weight as 311 grams per pair, including cleats and screws.
The main innovation lies in the geometry:
- The cleat mechanism is moved to the rear and placed behind the actual contact point.
- This reduces the distance between the shoe sole and the pedal axle by 6 mm.
- At the same time, the contact area increases to 1.653 mm².
This design aims to improve biomechanical efficiency while also providing greater stability and more even power transfer. It requires a special cleat, which necessitates an additional hole in the shoe sole. According to the manufacturer, currently only the Q36.5 Unique Pro models come standard with this hole.
The shoe: New carbon sole, low profile
The Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 is designed as an all-season shoe. It continues the brand's signature focus on thermoregulation, comfort, and a precise fit. A new feature is the handcrafted carbon sole, for which a patent application is currently pending.
A wider metatarsal zone (forefoot area) is designed to improve the fit and increase comfort. The shoe's stack height is 4,4 mm. According to the manufacturer, when combined with the new SRM pedal, the overall stack height is reduced by 11,9 mm compared to an average system, which has a reference value of 17,8 mm. This brings the foot closer to the pedal axle, resulting in a more direct and "natural" pedaling motion.
Q36.5 claims to be the world's first shoe manufacturer with a compatible model for this system.
Q36.5 X SRM Shoe-Pedal System – Biomechanical and Driving Dynamics Advantages
From the manufacturer's perspective, the lower profile offers several advantages:
- Biomechanics: The foot is positioned closer to the pedal's axis of rotation, reducing the distance between the shoe sole and the center of motion. This is intended to increase the efficiency of the pedaling motion and minimize "dead spots" in the pedal stroke.
- Pressure distribution: The close integration of shoe and pedal distributes pressure more evenly across the entire contact area. This allows power to be transferred across the entire sole of the foot, resulting in a smoother pedaling motion, especially under heavy load.
- Driving dynamics: The lowered center of gravity is intended to improve balance and allow for a more aerodynamic riding position. The manufacturer also promises better control, even under high load and in technical situations such as fast descents.
Q36.5 X SRM Shoe-Pedal System – Availability and Pricing
According to the manufacturer, the SRM x Q36.5 shoe-pedal system is now available online at q36-5.com and in selected specialist shops.
Non-binding price information:
- Pedals: EUR 550,00
- cleats (−1,2°, 0°, 3°): 40,00 euros
- Unique Pro 4.0 shoes (white checkered or blue checkered, sizes 37–48): 550,00 euros
This means that the new Q36.5 X SRM shoe-pedal system is part of a broader innovation strategy in which Q36.5 and SRM specifically target the interface of biomechanics, aerodynamics and riding comfort.