MAAP Training Collection Jersey and Bibshorts Review

By Brandon Bilyeu

Cost:

Training Jersey: $125

Training Bibshorts: $190

How obtained: review sample from company

Available: online, retail

Colors:

Training Jersey: Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Pink, Green, Brown

Training Bibshorts: Black, Dark Blue

Website: Training Jersey, Training Bibshorts

RBR Sponsor: no

Tested: 15+ hours

Sizing:

Training Jersey: XS-XXL

Training Bibtights: XS-XXL

Reviewer Measurements: 5’10” (178cm), 150 lbs (68 kgs), 33″ (84cm) waist, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 37″ (94cm) chest.  Size Medium fit me well and the size charts seem true to size.

MAAP Uses bluesign Approved Fabric

Before diving into the reviews I wanted to note that both the Training Jersey and Bibshorts are made with Italian fabrics that are bluesign approved.  MAAP’s website explains this succinctly:

“bluesign APPROVED label ensures that our goods are made from materials that are produced only using chemicals and processes that are safe for people and the environment, minimizing the impact on air and water emissions from the manufacturing processes.”

I’m sure we can all agree that cleaner manufacturing practices are a good thing, especially for those of us who still ride our bikes outside where we come into contact with air and water quite frequently.

Training Jersey – An Everyday Jersey That is Still Fast

Hot!

• Good selection of colors available
• Contrast stitching looks nice
• Excellent stretch and snug fit
• Thin, soft material is SPF 50+ rated
• Elbow length sleeves
• Three rear pockets
• Men’s and Women’s versions available

Not!

• Second skin fit won’t appeal to everyone

What differentiates a ‘training’ jersey from a ‘race’ jersey?  There are no hard-set rules but, in general, a race jersey will use high-end fabrics strategically placed for optimal performance (aerodynamics, venting) and cost a small fortune.  A training jersey simplifies the equation to improve durability for everyday use and reduced cost.  MAAP’s Training Jersey embraces this approach, but still feels like a race jersey.

The jersey construction is relatively simple and consists of a single material throughout that is thin, stretchy, and silky soft on the skin.  There are lots of color options and the contrast-colored stitching adds character to the otherwise mono-color jerseys.  The ‘Team Fit’ is supposedly a step back from their ‘Pro Fit’ for racing, but their team must like to go fast as the jersey fits like a second skin.  The generous stretch should accommodate different shaped bodies well, but while not see-through the tight fit and thin material leaves little to the imagination.

Up front is a small MAAP logo and a full-length zipper that is effortless to operate with one hand.  Out back are three standard pockets (no zippered pocket), a pinwheel of MAAP logos, and some reflective elements.  The two outer pockets are angled at the top for easier access and the ample stretch can hold lots of gear securely.  A robust waistband with grippers is used to keep everything in place and support the pocket contents so the gear weight is not hanging on the shoulders.

On the bike the tight fit keeps the jersey material from flapping in the wind, but does not feel constrictive thanks to the stretch.  The closed material helps achieve the SPF50+ rating and breathability is decent but lacks the cooling airflow of jerseys made with mesh.  The full zip is great for dumping heat, but the tight fit restricts air movement around the torso.  The result is a jersey that is perfectly comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, but is not ideal for the hottest days.

I like the modern elbow-length sleeves, and while there are no grippers there is minimal riding up.  The front waist is a moderate cut that is long enough for full coverage when standing but short enough to avoid a large bunch of material when bent over the bars.  Size medium was about perfect for me and so the size chart seems accurate.  The strong waistband is certainly the most restrictive part of the jersey, so be attentive to the Waist measurement when choosing a size.

Bottom Line – The Training Jersey straddles the line between everyday comfort and race day fast, which could help simplify the ‘what-jersey-to-wear-today’ indecision.  Best for those that want a skin-tight fit and understated styling.

Training Bibshorts

Hot!

• Good leg support
• Comfortable chamois
• Flatlock stitching on legs
• SPF 50+ protection
• Reflective tabs
• Black or Navy versions
• Men and women versions available

Not!

• Torso cut is a little loose

The MAAP Training Bibshorts use classic multi-panel construction and sewn on elastic leg bands to increase durability and hit a price point.  Though $190 bibs don’t exactly fall into the bargain category, they are very good at their job of providing comfort in the saddle.

The chamois plays the biggest role in comfort and MAAP’s feels great for hours on end.  I prefer a relatively thin and dense chamois so it’s no surprise I got along well with the chamois in the Training Bibshorts.  A low-density center channel helps minimize any perineum pressure and the chamois placement is dialed putting the padding right under the sit bones.  The thinner construction also means no extra fluff pushing up into unwanted areas. 

Where ‘race’ bibs tend to be designed for a high compression fit the Training Bibshorts strike a nice balance of moderate support with lots of forgiveness for different body sizes and shapes.  I have large thighs and a fairly trim waist and found the legs fit great but the torso was cut a little big for me.  While the torso fit was slightly loose it did not present any comfort issues and this cut should work well for those who carry a little extra weight in the middle.

The bibstraps are made with a very lightweight and breathable open mesh with hemmed edges.  This thin material covering the back is appreciated on hot days as heat escapes easily, but has also proved very durable.  The straps offer a soft touch on the skin and a good combination of stretch and support.  When standing the straps were never too harsh on the shoulders and also still supportive enough when bent over the bike.

The panel construction is well designed for on the bike fit and moves smoothly with the body through the pedal strokes with no bunching.  The flatlock seams in the legs are a more premium addition to avoid any pressure points or irritation and make for a very clean look.  The elastic leg bands with gripper dots do a great job of keeping the shorts in place without the sausage-leg effect.  Leg length is a more classic 2/3 to the knee instead of the current knee-length trend and reflective tabs at the back of each leg are nice for added visibility.

Bottom Line – The Training Bibshorts are a solid piece of kit.  The chamois is super comfortable and the cut is relaxed just enough to fit well for those who don’t win mountain top race finishes for a living.  Though at this price point there is lots of competition that is just as good.

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Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.