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One major issue of apparel designed for cycling is that it often looks like clothing for riding a bike, and nothing else. But many of us want to ride from A to B, look good doing it, and keep looking good when we get there (especially when B stands for "bar"). With that challenge in mind, Australia-based cycling apparel brand MAAP has released a new collection of unisex apparel designed for cycling but styled for everyday wear.
The MTA: MAAP Transit Apparel collection includes all the technical features of its performance cycling apparel—fast-drying fabrics to manage sweat, DWR treatments for foul weather, reflective graphics for improved visibility—with an overall aesthetic that skews car from Tour de France training gear. The result is like streetwear that’s great to pedal in.
For outerwear, the Roam Jacket ($295) boasts waterproof protection with a taped seam, three-layer shell fabric that's windproof and breathable. A specially designed hood prioritizes visibility while riding and features a built-in rain peak that acts as a visor to keep raindrops out of the eyes.
Commuters that ride through winter should be well-served by the warmth the Equip Primaloft Down Jacket ($345), thanks to a Primaloft Gold Blend Down fill that’s high in the warmth-to-weight ratio. Elastic cuffs form a tight seal around gloves, and a fully-lined hood keeps noggins toasty. The Sahara colorway has a pleasant earthy tone that pops nicely against the NYC uniform of all-black-everything, we might add.
On the more casual side, the deep pile Team Hi-Loft Hoodie ($210) is somehow a perfect match for both higher-pace rides across town and cozy fits featuring, say, designer sneakers. The fleece provides mid-layer level warmth with its lightweight Polartec polyester fleece material, which lets excess heat breath free.
Four-way stretch fabrics are at the core of the Shift Dry tops and Motion bottoms from the collection. A blend of 85% recycled polyester and organic cotton make up the flexible body of the Shift Dry Tee ($85) and Shift Dry LS Tee ($95), allowing these low-key basics to take on quick-drying and moisture-wicking capabilities.
With a nod to sustainability, the nylon-eslastane fabric in the flexible Motion Pant ($150) and Motion Short ($130) is Bluesign approved, meaning it was produced in a way to minimize its environmental impact. Snaps at the hem of the Motion Pant are handy for keeping greasy chains away from the technical pant.
It might sound shallow, but we feel better on the bike when we look good doing it. Look good, feel good, ride more. It's as simple as that. And whatever leads to more bike trips is A-OK in our book, even if it is a stylish pant or jacket.
Published 11-16-2021
