MAAP Mid-Season Kit Test

MAAP is an Australian brand founded in 2014 by people from different backgrounds (graphic design, fashion, technical apparel). Since then, it has been successful, and the range is regularly expanded with new categories, both for cycling and its various disciplines (road and gravel in particular) and for post-ride wear.

The products are generally aesthetically understated, often in solid colors, which does not prevent the use of highly technical materials such as Polartec fabrics.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: www.3bikes.fr, MAAP

It should be noted that the sizes are fitted, even very fitted, similar to some Italian brands. In this regard, for each product on the website, the photos with the model suggest that MAAP sizes normally. However, it often turns out to be preferable to choose one size up, or even two.

While waiting for the review of a more summery outfit, here is a range oriented towards mid-season or early/late winter that has been worn for many kilometers. In this case, we are dealing with a long-sleeved thermal base layer, tights, and a long-sleeved jersey.

Deep Winter Thermal Base Layer

The fabric used by MAAP on this garment is Polartec Power Wool. In terms of cut, the product is excellent in some aspects, with long sleeves that perfectly cover the wrists (even for a tall cyclist) and closely follow the shape of the arms. On the other hand, the overall length would have benefited from being increased by a few centimeters to better cover the lower back and crotch.

In use, and despite repeated washes, the base layer has retained its new appearance. The properties of the material proved very effective with perfectly balanced sweat regulation and an absence of effort-related odors. The fabric is doubled, providing extra warmth for very low temperatures. Due to all these characteristics, this base layer is recommended for a wide range of temperatures, from below zero degrees up to about ten degrees, including with the Pro Winter long-sleeved jersey from the test.

In use, the main regret concerns the absence of a version with a high collar, even as an “option.” Indeed, this garment is so effective at low temperatures that the collar shape, relatively scooped for such a garment, does not provide sufficient protection at this level and often requires the use of a neck warmer, an accessory that is not appreciated by everyone.

Team Evo Thermal Bib Tights

The cut is truly ideal, with a line that perfectly follows the legs and is ideally adjusted, both at the torso and the perineum. However, no seams cause discomfort over the kilometers. The overall comfort is thus perfect, accentuated by a chamois pad that does its job perfectly and by straps that are forgotten over the kilometers.

Here again, the temperature range is wide: while the absence of a windproof membrane on the front makes use around zero degrees limited (depending on cold sensitivity, however), the fabric is breathable enough to allow the use of this garment even when the thermometer exceeds 10°C without feeling overheated.

We are therefore in the presence of a flawless product, with the notable exception of a truly high price, placing it in the very high-end category.

Force Pro Long-Sleeved Jersey

Classified by MAAP in the “winter” category, this long-sleeved jersey nevertheless proved to be more “mid-season.” Indeed, the absence of a windproof membrane requires the additional use of a windbreaker, sleeveless or long-sleeved, to be used below 7/8°C.

Thus, this jersey showed its full effectiveness for the 10-15°C range, combined with a long-sleeved thermal base layer such as the MAAP Deep Winter tested here. While for temperatures between 5 and 10°C, the addition of a sleeveless windbreaker allowed for great versatility, whether for routes consisting of climbs and descents or for interval training sessions (the windbreaker is then opened or closed depending on the terrain or intensity).

The garment’s cut is very pleasant at all levels: for a size M tested here, the sleeves are long enough regardless of the cyclist’s size and they “stick” to the arms. At the torso level, the cut is also adjusted. This forms a “race” ensemble that does not flap in the wind and will be particularly appreciated by rather lean cyclists. Otherwise, it will be necessary to plan for one or even two additional sizes.

A lighter fabric has been placed on the back of the arms and on the sides of the torso. It is difficult to feel their real effect, but the ensemble certainly contributes to allowing the garment to ensure comfort and temperature regulation, in all circumstances for the temperatures mentioned and for very variable intensity levels.

Furthermore, the quality seems to be there, as intensive use and associated washes have not altered the jersey’s fit or shown any wear in the fabric. Enough to ensure many kilometers since the optimal use of the garment covers a good part of the year.

To summarize, this first test of the MAAP brand places the entire collection directly in the high-end category: aesthetics, finishes, cut, fabrics, durability, comfort – these are the qualities expected when the user is willing to pay a rather high price. If they agree to do so, they will not be disappointed, as the positive aspects are numerous. And due to the sobriety of the outfits, the purchase should be considered an investment over several years, as they will not go out of style quickly. In addition, another advantage is that the products are often available in many color options, which should allow everyone to find their favorite combination(s).

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