In the world of cycling, where every second counts and comfort can make or break a ride, the distinction between good and great gear lies in the details. This principle is at the cornerstone of MAAP, the Melbourne-based cycling apparel brand. Its new season road collection is carefully designed to be lighter, more versatile and feature superior protection.
This focus on detail means collections are meticulously planned well in advance. “Typically, we work 18 months to two years ahead of product launch,” says Erin Height, the VP of product at MAAP. “While that might seem like a long time, it’s essential to ensure that every piece we create delivers on quality and performance standards. Each product is made from carefully selected materials, from chamois to leg grippers, with every detail meticulously considered to elevate the rider’s experience.”
Height plays a pivotal role at MAAP, leading the product team from initial concept through to production and quality assurance. She collaborates closely with different departments to ensure that each new product performs at the highest level and aligns with MAAP’s storytelling each season. In overseeing the latest collection, Height has brought to life the new season road range, which introduces new pieces like the Flow jackets and vests, alongside refreshed classics and new graphic capsules – products that have come to define MAAP’s distinctive style.
Tailored for every cyclist
Now available online, the new collection offers men’s and women’s lines designed specifically for their respective needs – an approach central to MAAP’s brand values. Historically, women’s cycling kits were often given the so-called ‘pink it and shrink it’ treatment, where designs were merely scaled-down versions of men’s apparel. In contrast, MAAP ensures that every new piece is developed with a dual focus, featuring separate men’s and women’s designs from the outset.
“For our women’s range, we tailor every product to the unique anatomical needs of female cyclists, considering everything from fit to functional details and support structures across the garment,” adds Height. “I'm a big believer that great product design is a result of thoughtful decision-making – across the entire product development cycle. We ensure that each choice we make is viewed through both a male and female lens. With over 50% of our design and product development team being female, and many of them avid cyclists too, we’ve cultivated an environment that prioritises women.”
(Image by MAAP)
This thoughtful, inclusive approach doesn’t end at design. It extends into the thorough testing process. “All MAAP products undergo multi-level testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and durability,” Height says. The process begins with the prototype meeting the team’s satisfaction after passing stringent quality controls from the brand’s suppliers. It then undergoes extensive real-world testing.
“This testing often begins in-house, where team members will ride with the product to gather initial feedback. From there, it progresses to wear-testing by our athletes, who put the gear through its paces across varied conditions and terrains. For example, when we’re developing a new bib, we might require the testers to log 2,000 kilometres before sharing their insights,” explains Height.
Athlete input was instrumental in the development of MAAP’s latest Flow series of jackets and vests, designed with versatility in mind so they can be layered effortlessly according to temperatures and conditions. The new garments feature an updated fit that contours closer across the shoulders, minimising excess material that could flap in the wind. This tailored design not only is said to enhance aerodynamics but also ensure greater comfort and freedom of movement.
Designing a technical product that caters to a wide range of bodies, especially for women, is a complex and iterative process, however. It involves several rounds of prototyping, wear-testing, and refining – a process that can take a long time, which Height describes as a “good thing”.
Flow Jacket (Image by Alessandra Bucci)
“The key is getting our base size absolutely right. We start by fitting our women’s products on local female ambassadors in Melbourne. Using her in stationary fit sessions allows us to gather feedback that’s specific to a rider’s needs while in motion, whether it’s the leg length and comfort of our grippers or the articulation of the sleeves while in a riding position.”
Fit is the most significant difference between men’s and women’s products since riders of all genders use the pieces in the same way, in the same conditions, meaning fabric and technology remain similar. For example, the men’s and women’s Flow jackets and vests – insulated or uninsulated – are both made using lightweight, stretchy fabric and also feature wind-blocking materials at the front and rear with air-permeable side panels and a laser-cut perforated rear panel on the back of the garments to better the jacket’s and vest’s breathability.
“We prioritise performance, comfort and durability, which means adjusting elements like chamois shape or pocket placement to accommodate the unique anatomical needs of women,” adds Height regarding designing cycling apparel that not only caters to different genders but pushes the performance boundaries for all cyclists.
Elevating standards across markets
While the Flow range introduces fresh innovation to MAAP’s growing collection of cycling apparel, other items in the new road collection feature updated details on beloved classics, developed thanks to valuable rider feedback. Among these updates is the Team Bib Evo Cargo Thermal Tights – MAAP’s first thermal bibs with cargo storage.
Team Bib Evo Cargo Thermal Tights (Image by Alessandra Bucci)
Height’s favourite product from the latest collection, the Women’s Evade Pro Base LS Jersey 2.0 in Epic Pink, has also been refined with input from her team. “It’s the perfect balance of performance and style, which is a key principle at MAAP. This jersey’s innovative design – featuring an Italian knitted sleeve with a 3D texture – enhances breathability and moisture management, keeping riders comfortable during long efforts,” she says.
“The use of recycled nylon also reflects our commitment to creating optimal performance while striving to always realise more sustainable solutions in our products, an essential part of our mission. The colourway, with its bold yet sophisticated contrast between the bright pink body and muted sleeves, showcases MAAP’s distinctly discerning approach to style and performance.”
MAAP has also seen strong interest in Asian markets, where an evolving cycling culture is driving high demand for UV protection – a technology that has now been integrated into the Team Evo Bib’s fabric. Earlier this year, the brand expanded its global presence with its new MAAP LaB retail stores in Seoul, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with plans to open in Taipei this November. Each location will feature an exclusive regional LaB range of designs, including special versions of the Team Bib Evo, tailored to resonate with local markets, Height says.
“The Team Bib Evo franchise continues to evolve year after year, not only in Asia but also across Europe, the UK, and North America,” she adds. “For women, more specifically, the bibs provide targeted compression and support, designed with careful attention to the anatomical needs of female cyclists. The lightweight fabric offers UPF protection and breathability while ensuring freedom of movement – essential for long rides, whether battling the heat in Singapore or pushing through chilly European climates.”
Evolving is what drives Height and her team at MAAP – pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the cycling apparel industry for men and women. While witnessing a collection come to life “is an incredibly rewarding experience”, what really piques Height’s interest is understanding what drew riders to a certain product or colourway from the brand’s diverse ranges. But not stopping in the present for too long, however, the team at MAAP is already thinking two years ahead, with a range of products and stories set to roll out, including the development of a women’s-specific range currently undergoing rigorous testing processes.
Each piece in MAAP’s latest road collection – and those to be launched in the future – demonstrates the same meticulous precision and design integrity that has solidified MAAP as a leader in cycling apparel. From functional upgrades to bold, modern aesthetics, MAAP’s latest road collection embodies the brand’s commitment to transforming good gear into great gear, with attention to detail driving every design decision.
