SQUIRREL_13211957
The Maap Team Bib Evos are race-worthy bib shorts that impressed me in testing.
While the slightly seam-heavy aesthetic might not appeal to some, it delivers on performance with good compression and a particularly supportive-feeling chamois.
The nine colours on offer also offer a deeper element of outfit customisation. Maap's bib shorts will set you back £225 / $295 / €250.
Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts details and specifications
The Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts feature a long leg design, with a deep hem section at the bottom of the leg. This is underlaid with a low-profile textured gripper.
The seams are notably visible, offering something of a retro look to my eye, but the design is intended to offer a compressive fit – on paper, good for promoting circulation and, possibly, aerodynamics.
Up top, the bib section has a thin, striped mesh-like fabric in the centre back to promote breathability, with sturdy elasticated straps that are joined to the leg section at two points (the upper waistline and a lower interior join).
The leg section and lower back join neatly, extending upwards to help support the lower back.
Overall, the cut is said to be designed to fit like a second skin (with male and female versions available). The leg grippers are textured and cover almost the full length below the lower seam.
The Elastic Interface-made chamois pad is split into a large winged rear section and two front strips.
Between these front strips is a cut-out for perineal pressure relief – something some riders may need more than others.
Maap says the bib shorts are suitable for use in “hot” weather, offering a 15-40℃ (59-104℉) suggested temperature range.
At £225 / $295 / €250, the Team Bib Evo bib shorts are on the pricier end of the spectrum, but are outpriced by the similarly pitched Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III (£240 / $295 / €260) and Q36.5 Dottore bib shorts (£250 / $340 / €250). Castelli’s Free Aero Race S Bibshorts (£199 / $229.99 / €199.95) are cheaper, though.
The shorts are available in nine colourways – among the most I’ve ever encountered in off-the-peg bib shorts.
Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts performance
The Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts impressed in testing, exhibiting the kind of performance fit and quality you would expect from premium-priced bib shorts.
The legs were notably compressive in the tested size large, lending the shorts the locked-in feeling many racers prefer.
The bib section complements this – the broad straps distribute pressure well and the rear section covers the hindquarters up a little.
I felt a good sensation of support for my glutes, although it’s worth noting that much depends on individual fit.
Objectively, the Maap Team Evo bib shorts feel slightly tighter compared to the Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III (and a little less generous around the waist).
This is borne out by the slight overhang I experienced with the low-slung waist cut. This is great for quick toilet stops, but feels a little unflattering otherwise. If you’re conscious of such things, it might be worth considering bib shorts with a taller-cut waist.
The chamois is notable for its cut-out, and many may discover a real benefit here versus other pads.
While I don’t need one, I didn’t find it a problem – in fact, for stints spent on the rivet of the saddle, I found myself liking the sensation of two strips of support rather than a full-coverage pad.
Sat up in a more relaxed position, the chamois also felt well-graded and supportive over the sit bones.
It's a little bulky towards the rear relative to some, but nothing to be concerned about – I didn’t feel as though I was straddling an oversized pillow.
I’ve seen no instances of seam fraying or stitch weakness, boding well for the shorts’ ultimate lifespan.
How we tested | pro-level bib shorts
For this test, we focused on the latest generation of pro-level bib shorts.
I tested the shorts on shorter control loops, plus at least one longer ride. With chamois comfort so subjective, I focused on identifying more objective differences between the shorts, including sizing, feature positioning and quality.
I had brands submit medium and large samples for testing, enabling me to comment on relative fit and sizing. In the end, size large fitted my 188cm (6ft 2in) frame best across the board – although, of course, your mileage may vary.
Testing was carried out on a Fairlight Strael 3.0 road bike with a Pro Griffon saddle, and a Scott Addict RC fitted with a Syncros Belcarra R perch.
Each pair of shorts was put through 40℃ (104℉) wash cycles with standard non-biological detergent, rather than a sport-specific wash.
Shorts tested
- Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III
- Maap Team Bib Evo
- Castelli Free Aero Race S
- Q36.5 Dottore Pro
Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts bottom line
The Maap Team Bib Evo bib shorts are very good and extremely competent for their intended use.
Naturally, the chamois might not suit everyone, but I got on well with the cut-out design, despite not needing it in the past.
Generally speaking, it lends itself well to the kind of aggressive riding position that might require more pressure relief.
A well thought-out design elsewhere, at a price that's on a par with many rivals, means these bib shorts are well worth shortlisting.
SQUIRREL_13211957
Product
| Brand | Maap_cycling |
| Price | A$355.00, €250.00, £225.00, $295.00 |
Features
| Gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: XS-2XL Colours: Black/Black, Black/White, Navy/White, Bronze Green, Shadow, Dark Ore, Celestial Blue, Vivid Pink, Deep Lagoon |
