Unless you're involved in the exciting world of textiles (excitement assumed), GRDXKN® printing technology might have passed you by. Developed by a German company of the same name, GRDXKN® allows the printing of protection into the fabric of the material, helping to prevent or minimize abrasions resulting from a fall or dragging on the road at high speeds. Ideal, then, should you take a tumble while traversing an unfamiliar descent, navigating a wet road or rolling over an oil patch.
Recognizing the potential of the new technology, apparel meisters Q36.5 partnered with GRDXKN® to develop a capsule collection they call 'Grid Skin' comprising a bib short and jersey that integrates printed protection on the outer sides of the bib body and the shoulders of the jersey.
As mentioned, the Q36.5 Grid Skin Jersey boasts GRDXKN® protection on the outer arms, tracing upwards to the shoulders toward the upper back, an area Q36.5 recognized was vulnerable to abrasion in a crash situation.
In the event the rider, rather than the rubber meets the road, the fabric reinforced with the GRDXKN® Technology creates a highly abrasion-resistant cushioning layer, which significantly delays the destruction of the upper material, distributes the force exerted by the fall, and absorbs energy, thereby protecting the skin underneath it. In testing, Q36.5 took the technology to the limit, simulating crashes up to 100 km/h, so it should easily handle day-to-day mishaps. However, your pride might still get hurt. Keep working, Germans!
Underneath the new tech, the jersey silhouette comes equipped with the Italian brand's Pinstripe X fabric, a cooling, fast-wicking material that moves moisture away from your skin 50% faster than any other polyester. But should the skies darken, the jersey's HeiQ Smart Temp hydrophilic treatment will help water bead away.
In keeping with the other jerseys in the Q36.5 range, the Grid Skin sports a smooth-running front zipper, smart laser-cur sleeves, and an assortment of rear pockets, including three top loaders and a zippered side for valuables. Welcome touches of reflectivity complete the piece.
