MAAP Pro Aero Jersey Review: a proper race day specialist

Evolving from the Pro Race line of MAAP kit, the Pro Aero has come into existence from the brands work with the GreenEDGE cycling teams. As road racing speeds have jumped to 40-45kph average for even the whole duration of a Grand Tour, a need for faster, more aerodynamic kit is needed.

Construction

Enter AARTERO™ Flyte, MAAP’s "hyper-light fabric", which it says is "precision-engineered for measurable drag reduction and aerodynamic advantage". It has been developed in the wind tunnel as well as via practical feedback from World Tour riders to provide a piece of kit that is not only fast in simulation, but comfortable for the demands of racing in the 'real world'; both Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco have certainly been able to take some good wins this season donning the technology.

This fabric is incredibly thin and highly breathable, but features the raised strips that have become somewhat synonymous with World Tour cycling jerseys in recent years. That’s due to that fabric pattern often performing well in the wind tunnel at speeds of 40-45kph, while being more breathable than dual-layered systems often reserved now for time trials.

Paired with this are silicone grips on the end of the sleeves to keep them in place to optimise aerodynamics, while a silicone hem is used around the waist to stop the body of the jersey from riding up. A dedicated race fit is used, which is a little higher at the rear, which in turn raises the pockets slightly. These pockets are bonded to the jersey and sit flat to the back.

For comfort, raw cut hems are used on the sleeves and the neckline, as well as a zip guard to avoid potential irritation. At present just a Neptune Green and Cosmic Purple colour options are available, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL.

The ride

Given MAAP is an Australian company, the release of this jersey in Australian summer and UK winter does make sense. However, it certainly does not present the greatest opportunity to test breathability features. Luckily, there have been a few spates of weirdly high 17˚C plus weather recently where I’ve been able to where the jersey on some extended rides.

As far as aerodynamic performance goes, I could say it ‘feels fast’ and it would mean nothing. It’s been designed for 40+kph, and on my solo jaunts I am not averaging that speed. I don’t doubt that it performs well at those speeds given the design principles and its use for World Tour racing where equipment that isn’t up to scratch is a massive handicap.

But how does it fair for everyday users? Putting this jersey on this is the most ‘race fit’ jersey I’ve worn since the Rapha Pro Team Aero and Rule28 One jerseys. They both shrink-wrap you somewhat but without excessive stretching and pulling on the fabric. Funnily enough the only part of the MAAP Pro Aero jersey that doesn’t pull in are the sleeves, but this is good. If the fabric is stretched excessively, friction often increases, making it more draggy and slower. To keep the jersey sleeves in place some incredibly effective silicone grippers are used. No twisting, no hiking, no bunching for the entirety of each ride.

This fit is not without its niggles though. As with previous Race Fit MAAP jerseys, I do find the pockets can be difficult to reach in to while riding without a certain level of contortion. This may just be down to my personal flexibility though. As for the pockets themselves, they sit beautifully flush with the jersey, so when not in use won’t capture any air acting like mini-parachutes. Minimal fabric here also makes them less inclined to build up with heat, and the seamless tops are not difficult to access. Normally a big proponent of zip-up valuables pockets, I can forgive race jerseys for forgoing this.

My favourite feature of the jersey though is the breathability. Aerodynamics are vital for performance and I will always suggest aero socks over cotton socks if you want to go faster, for example. But that’s an easy win as you are very unlikely to overheat wearing either, whereas jersey choice can impact body temperature. If you get too hot, the performance losses can be far greater than aerodynamic penalties of more breathable equipment. So a jersey that balances the two, and performs very well when it comes to moisture wicking and breathability, is ideal.

It's a balance that reminds me of the Castelli Aero Race 8S, which I gave 5 stars to. MAAP uses a base fabric that feels similar to the Rapha Pro Team Ghost jersey, which is again very good in dry heat at wicking sweat moisture away and managing temperature well. Although I couldn’t test in high 20˚C+, the jersey dealt well with some muggy high teens temperatures. It’s also been very comfortable for long rides, which is aided greatly by the lowered raw cut neck and secure fit. One thing I can’t stand is a baggy waist on a jersey where having pockets packed with food and spares results in a sagging and swinging when out of the saddle.

Value and conclusion

The price of cycling jerseys is getting ever higher and higher. Indeed it is now common place for an aero jersey to be in the £200 bracket. The likes of the Rapha Flaero (£200 / $280), Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pro (£195 /$325), Rule28 One (£180) all hover around this mark. However at £210 / $265 the MAAP Pro Aero exceeds it.

Admittedly, the MAAP Pro Aero does use up to date aero methodologies, as does the Rule28 garment. However, the MAAP is more breathable, which for warmer weather does make it preferable. The closest in terms of functionality I would say is the Castelli Aero Race 8S, which I absolutely loved and comes in at £169.99 / $180.

Comparing the two, the MAAP performs similarly in most performance aspects with breathability and promised aero appearing to be on par (as much as you can measure aero performance without a wind tunnel). However I prefer the Castelli for casual training, mainly as the fit is a touch more relaxed. But this in itself makes the MAAP Pro Aero potentially a better option for the faster paced group rides or races. The pockets lie flatter, the hem is less heavily constructed, and the fit a touch more race focussed without being constrictive.

The MAAP Pro Aero jersey is a brilliant race day or fast paced ride jersey. It’s been designed for speeds of 40kph+, so races and faster bunch rides are where it will perform best, slower paced rides will not have the same advantage over the competition. However it also performs well when it comes to factors like breathability and comfort over longer durations, making it more practical than just a race day item. The tighter race fit may not suit everyone, likewise the higher positioned pockets, but it’s still a jersey I can happily wear for long days in the saddle. It is however on the higher side of pricing even within this category.