MAAP Contour Jersey, Team Bib Short and M.A Vest

MAAP has built a cult following in Australia over the past 9 months. Their top-end, performance oriented kit is made in Italy and looks fantastic with its understated styling.

We test MAAP’s Contour Jersey, Team Bib Short and M.A Vest to see if they live up to the hype.

---

Words - Mike Boudrie   Photography - Andrew Clifforth and Jeff Curtes

ABOUT

Melbourne based MAAP hit the market in October 2014 across a select network of cycling boutiques as well as a dedicated online site.

If you're out riding, you'll likely see someone in the distinctive range of MAAP socks and now they are really making a name for themselves with an extended range of cycling kit.

MAAP has sent us their Contour Jersey, M.A Vest and Team Bib Shorts. Made in Italy, race cut and billed as performance orientated we’ve got high exceptions.

CONTOUR JERSEY

QUALITY & STYLE

MAAP has done a great job with the styling and construction of the Contour Jersey. The Italian made jersey is really nicely finished and there’s no doubt that it has been put together using some quality materials.

Attention to detail is high, with wide and super comfortable sleeve ends, well finished and deep pockets that did a great job of holding their shape when carrying spares, nice neck hight with a really cool contrasting coral/black polka inner neck and high quality zip. To finish, the jersey is held in place around the waist with a silicon gripper.

We love the styling of the Contour Jersey, with the lines apparently representing the contour lines of the the 1 in 20 in Melbourne's awesome Dandenong Ranges.

RIDE

On the bike the Contour Jersey performed strongly, it’s comfortable, with no pulling on the neck, even when the back pockets are jammed full. We really liked the longer sleeve length, the jersey worked well when paired with a quality base layer, doing a good job of wicking moisture.

The Contour Jersey is a lightweight offering, best suited to summer conditions. We have been testing through some of Melbourne’s colder weather and found that it acted well as a mid layer.

Fit of the Contour is ‘pro’ so if you like a bit of room go up a size. However at La Velocita we were happy to go with MAAP’s size guide and loved the fit.

TEAM BIB SHORT - BLACK/WHITE

QUALITY & STYLE

MAAP has pulled out all the stops with their Team Bib short, marketed as ‘our ultimate bib short’. Making claims like that we’d expect these shorts to be nothing short of amazing.

The list of materials used is certainly up there, made in Italy using high compression, double bonded lycra and featuring a 3D pad, MAAP are off to a good start with the specifications. There’s also super wide leg grippers and extended leg length and laser cut legs.

RIDE

The first thing we noticed when pulling on the Team Bib Short was the level of compression. They really do feel firm, almost to the point where you think you have got a bit ambitious on the sizing. But no need to panic, once you get moving the compression comes into its own and keeps the bibs in place and your legs feeling good.

We really liked the super wide grippers that keep things in place and don’t pull on your skin. The 3D pad, as expected, does a great job of keeping you comfortable, with our longest 5 hour test ride in the Dandenong Ranges causing no discomfort in those critical areas. The bib section is really comfortable with no pressure points.

We went with the MAAP size guide and were happy with the fit. All up a quality pair of bibs that are the real deal.

M.A VEST - BLACK/WHITE

QUALITY & STYLE

Classic styling means that this MAAP windvest works with all of the other MAAP kits and also some other kits to, something that’s pretty useful when you’re spending $190. Like the other MAAP kit on test the M.A Vest is well constructed, nicely finished and looks the goods.

The M.A Vest is designed to be packable and fit into a jersey pocket. The material is coated with an ‘air-resistant’ coating… we assume this means it’s wind proof.

RIDE

The M.A Vest does what it’s supposed to do, it blocks the wind, provides some protection for your core from rain and can be used to effectively control your temperature in changing conditions.

We were interested to find that MAAP had elected to give back pockets a miss from the M.A Vest, given the top end pricing we’d expect pockets. We missed having pockets, as trying to get at your jersey pockets while riding with a vest can be problematic.

Overall as a lightweight vest option that looks nice and won’t date any time soon the M.A Vest does a good job at keeping the elements a bay.

SIZE

All the MAAP kit tested comes in five Sizes - XS, S,  M, L, XL

Our 188cm / 78kg / 99cm chest tester wore a size medium in all three items.

PRICE

At $620 in total for the three pieces, the MAAP kit is not for the budget conscious cyclist. For your dollars, you’ll get a performance inspired kit, made in Italy, that can mix it with some of the best kit out there.

Contour Jersey - RRP - $170

Team Bib Shorts - RRP - $260

M.A Vest - RRP - $190

WHERE TO BUY 

Head to www.maap.cc to check out the kit.

OVERALL

We really like the styling of the MAAP kit, the guys have done a great job in putting together a high quality offering. The bib shorts were a highlight for us and come highly recommended. We’re interested in the decision to give pockets a miss on the wind vest, but if you are after a no compromise option it could be just what you’re after. 

SPECIFICATIONS

CONTOUR JERSEY

• Made in Italy
• Signature race fit intended to be worn slim.
• Longer sleeve length.
• Side panels for contoured fit.
• High-wicking, Italian made fabrics.
• Micro mesh back panel, underarm inserts and collar for enhanced breathability. 
• Uni-stretch material used for rear pockets to prevent sag.
• reversed YKK zip with camlock puller.
• SPF 50+ sun protection factor.

TEAM BIB SHORT - BLACK/WHITE

• Made in Italy.
• Signature fit developed by MAAP.
• Highly compressive main body fabric.
• Moisture wicking.
• Market leading 3D endurance pad.
• Matte fabric for a modern look and feel.
• Bonded hem for secure fit.
• Flat lock stitching.
• Reflective tape for added visibility at the back of each leg.
• SPF 50+ sun protection factor.

M.A VEST - BLACK/WHITE

• Made in Italy.
• Highly wind resistant to 15mm/s.
• Highly water resistant to 500 g/m2 per 24 hours.
• Breathable.
• YKK zip with camlock puller & internal zip guard.
• Internal hem silicone gripper.
• Machine washable.