Australian cycling apparel brand MAAP has launched its 2022 Alt_Road collection which features new colors, a half-zipped short sleeve, and packs an adventurous punch with a collection of matching bikepacking bags in collaboration with Apidura.
The majority of MAAP's gravel biking kit hasn't changed in design and is still made from Naturalmatch wool which was developed by MAAP in partnership with Italian specialist Miti Spa. Still sporting MAAP's distinctive styling, MAAP's best gravel bike clothing range consists of cargo bib-shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve jerseys, socks, thermal vest and jacket, and casual cut short and long sleeve tees. New to the range is a half-zipped jersey which MAAP says offers a more casual look while still allowing the jersey to be opened on hot rides. MAAP has also added a Legionnaires Cap with a neck shade panel to keep the sun out of your eyes and off the back of your neck.
The big update is MAAP has collaborated with Apidura, manufacturers of some of the best bikepacking bags, to add a front bag and rear bag to the existing Alt_Road frame bag.
Up front is a 9L waterproof handlebar bag with double-ended roll-up closures. The bag looks to be roughly based on Apidura's existing Expedition handlebar bag, swapping out the bungee cord on the front for a Velcro accessory pocket and front bike light attachment. There is also a hands-free air release valve so you can get your soft items really compact for efficient packing.
The waterproof saddlebag also looks to be based on the Expedition but offers a more streamlined 7L of storage, rather than the 9L Apidura model. Rather than the roll-top fastening down the side of the bag, it clips to itself in the standard dry bag fashion. There is a bungee for quick storage and an air-release valve too.
Finally, the universal fit 4L frame bag uses Velcro and buckles to attach to your frame. The zip has a large flap that covers a waterproof YKK zipper so it should be decently weatherproof. There's a protected electronics port in case you need to charge GPS or lights from a battery pack on the move.
The bags will retail for $175/£115 for the frame bag, $195/£135 for the seatpack, and $200/£140 for the handlebar bag.
As to be expected from MAAP, the Alt_Road ranges clothing pricing is on the premium side with the bib shorts costing $335/£235, jerseys starting at $195/£150, and the thermal jacket costing $295/£210.
The new range is available now, for full product details, head to maap.cc.
