The reason I’ve been so remiss in reviewing the Maloja Viagrava jersey ($109) is that I’ve been busy riding in it! Maloja isn’t the first name that comes to mind in cycling apparel but the German brand deserves to be on everyone’s radar. Their product line shows their commitment to the female rider by eschewing the ‘shrink it and pink it’ philosophy common to an industry that thinks of women’s products as more an afterthought.
What I Love
Relaxed fit that is ideal for mountain biking and urban riding. The Maloja Viagrava isn’t form-fitting and it isn’t relaxed. It hits the sweet spot of fitting the way a jersey should if you’re not in the racing or speed mode. To be perfectly candid, this is a jersey that doesn’t make you look or feel like a bike tool.
Rear pockets placement. The two rear pockets are set at an outward angle, instead of straight-up like a lot of jerseys. This makes it easier to access contents on the fly. Since I use this jersey predominately for mountain biking and urban riding, it’s easy-peasy to reach behind and adjust my iPod or grab a packet of Gu without twisting my arm into the Gomukhasana pose.
Odor-free. The Maloja Viagrava is made of 100 percent Polyester. The problem with Polyester is that following any intensive exercise, the fibers in Polyester fabric essentially become a petri dish for micrococci growth which morphs into the odoriferous molecules that offend the noses of all those around you. However, Maloja treats the fabric of their jerseys with Polygiene, an odor-control treatment that neutralizes odor by stopping the growing of the odor-causing bacteria. I have literally worn the Viagrava for a solid week of riding and sweating until it finally needed a wash.
Very breathable and fast-drying. The AirDry Polyester fabric contains millions of tiny perforations, making it feel more like a tight mesh than a piece of Polyester fabric. Since I live in Minnesota and the summers are very humid, I noticed this right away.
What I didn’t Like
Price. While I received this as a sample for this review, its price tag of $109 for a relaxed jersey feels a little steep. But I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. This is a jersey that will last considerably longer than many of its competitors because you simply don’t have to launder it after each use.
Final Thoughts
As I learn more about the Maloja brand, the word “authentic” comes to mind. Maloja creates apparel for those who simply love to ride for the sake of riding. It’s about the journey not the race. They even work that philosophy into each piece with subtle, subliminal messaging. For example, inside the hem is “You Are Never Lost On A Bike”.
Truth.
Another Truth is that the Maloja Viagrava pairs incredibly well with the Maloja Pischa skirt.
