Mix and Match for Road, Gravel, or MTB
Recently, I discovered a new brand of active gear called Maloja. Founded in 2004, this German-based company’s sportswear and streetwear clothing aims to link function with style. Maloja sells clothing for women and men, guaranteeing you’ll find something to add to your outdoor wardrobe. Their rep recently sent me three cycling items to test: a jersey and two pairs of shorts. Due to a similar color palette, I could mix and match the three pieces depending on if I was riding road, gravel, or MTB.
Price: $89.25 (on sale)
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: Variety of 5 colors
Fit: True to size
Availability: Online
How obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
The Rubiniem.AOP is lightweight and perfect for a hot summer ride. Along the back of the neck, there’s a mesh insert to keep you cool. The Cord Stretch fabric is quick-drying and has a high spandex content, making it stretchy, giving the rider unrestricted movement, especially ideal for mountain biking.
The Core Stretch fabric has a Polygiene treatment, which neutralizes odor by stopping the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi. According to the company, Polygiene is safe next to the skin, eco-friendly, and allows clothes to be worn several times before laundering. After a few sweaty rides, I did not notice any odor, and I sweat!
Other features of this jersey are a silicone rear waistband and three rear pockets. The ¾ zip was one drawback for me. I prefer a full zip, especially when wearing bibs.
The variety of five colors, all with the “woodpieces” design, are very feminine without being overly girlie. I prefer some of the Rubiniem’s brighter color choices for road riding for added visibility and the earthy tones for mountain biking.
Price: $104.25 (on sale)
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Variety of 3 colors
Fit: True to size
I tested the Rubiniem shorts both on the road and under MTB shorts. The women’s PEAK chamois was very comfortable, which I assume can be attributed to the bi-stretch properties, perforated foam material for ventilation and moisture-wicking, and bonded seams to reduce friction.
The laser-cut leg hem uses the same “woodpieces” print found on the Rubiniem jersey and uses silicone grippers to keep the shorts in place. Personally, I would prefer a wider hem for a more flattering transition from shorts to leg.
Any of the three colors of these shorts would go great with the Rubiniem.AOP jersey, giving the option to mix and match.
Price: $74.25 (on sale)
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Variety of 5 colors
Fit: Run small around the thigh in the leg
By having the same color palette as the Rubiniem.AOP jersey, the Azaleam multisport short coordinates easily, and you can’t go wrong mixing and matching. Made from Polystrech, a 100% recycled polyester, it has a water-repellent finish to protect from humid conditions and dirt.
For a customized fit, these shorts have velcro-like side waist tabs that allow for size adjustment and a stretch insert by the small of the back to provide freedom of movement.
The longer inseam offers greater coverage, making it perfect for mountain biking or hiking. Two side zip pockets keep valuable secure. I’d prefer to have a leg and/or rear zip pocket for oversized items (e.g., phone) as not to impede pedaling. In addition, I’d like to see these shorts be made from a four-way stretch fabric to enable better freedom of movement. While everyone has a different build, I suggest adding a little more room in the hip/leg areas for the curvier figure. The current cut of these shorts is more for a woman without curves. By adding stretch and roomier legs would make it more comfortable to pedal and hike.
One last note, embroidered across the rear is the Maloja brand. While I think it is funky and fits with the MTB vibe, some women may prefer not to add attention to their butt—all personal preference.
Bottom Line
Maloja offers unique designs for men and women. If you are bored of the same old same old, check out their style, earthy vibe, and a different take on gear. While you’re on their website, watch a short video about how the company started and took its name from Maloja in the Swiss Alps.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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