MTB wind jacket testMaloja MaxM. / SeisM. - stylish light weights for race & trail

Stefan Frey

 · 02.03.2024

MTB wind jacket test: Maloja MaxM. / SeisM. - stylish light weights for race & trail
After wet comes cold, especially when cycling. During breaks or long descents, a sweaty bike jersey makes you freeze faster. A wind jacket protects us from the wind chill effect. We tested 12 models, from super light to extra weatherproof. In this article, we present the Maloja MaxM. - a stylish, chic jacket with a minimal pack size.

Topics in this article

The Maloja is available as SeisM. for women and MaxM. for men
Photo: Christian Kaufmann

Resting sweaty on a draughty summit? Or cooling down on the long descent of a marathon? A wind jacket has saved the day for many a biker. Whether super light or with extra weather protection - we tested twelve models. Here we present the Maloja MaxM. for men and the women's model SeisM., which stood out in the test with its style and minimal pack size.

Maloja MaxM. & SeisM. Wind jacket - Features

Are you looking for a lightweight, racy wind jacket that doesn't come in a classic neon look? Then the Maloja could be an option. Its lightweight stretch fabric reduces the weight of the MaxM. in size L to 119 grams - a very good value. Unfortunately, there's not much more in the way of features at this low weight.

Apart from a series of laser cuts, there is no ventilation option on the MaxM. The collar has to make do without a soft lining. Maloja has cleverly integrated reflective material into the cuffs and there is a small pouch on the inside of the jacket. Good: the Maloja MaxM. is one of the few jackets with an elasticated back to keep the slightly longer waistband in place. Incidentally, the women's model is called the SeisM.

The Maloja SeisM. Jacket is available as a women's version.Photo: Christian KaufmannThe Maloja SeisM. Jacket is available as a women's version.

Weather protection

With the Maloja, the breeze can be a little stiffer: The wind jacket is well protected from the wind and doesn't have any permeable mesh fabric. You can even survive a light shower in the MaxM./SeisM. without getting soaked. The waterproofing works surprisingly well.

The only airy areas are under the arms. Here, laser cuts allow some fresh air to reach the bodyPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe only airy areas are under the arms. Here, laser cuts allow some fresh air to reach the body

Wearing comfort

It's a shame, but the Maloja material is quite fast. It is very comfortable to wear and still pleasant even at high intensity. However, due to the only moderate ventilation, it quickly gets warm on the climbs. Thanks to the stretch content, the Maloja wind jacket sits snugly on the body without flapping too much, and the extended waistband stays in place while riding. With chunky arms, however, the jacket is a little tight. Another pleasant feature is the collar, which is neat and not too short.

Body-hugging and bike-specific cut. Only with thick arms can it be a little tightPhoto: Georg GrieshaberBody-hugging and bike-specific cut. Only with thick arms can it be a little tight

Handling

Thanks to the small pack pocket, the Maloja wind jacket can be stowed away in a jersey or rucksack. The zip is easy enough to operate with one hand while riding.

The small pouch is integrated on the inside of the jacketPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe small pouch is integrated on the inside of the jacket

Maloja MaxM./SeisM. Wind jacket - Price and info

  • Price 140 Euro
  • Weight / Sizes 119.3 g / S-XL
  • Pack size 500 cc
  • Manufactured in China
  • Equipment Stretch waistband with silicone; back zip with zip garage; pack pouch; laser cuts; reflective underarm

Valuation

Good weather protection, pleasant climate and minimal pack size - the Maloja is a top jacket for racers and trailsPhoto: Stefan FreyGood weather protection, pleasant climate and minimal pack size - the Maloja is a top jacket for racers and trails

Conclusion on the Maloja MaxM./SeisM. wind jacket in the test

A functional wind jacket with style? Here you go: the Maloja combines pleasantly stretchy material with a bike-specific cut. Racers and trail bikers alike will love it. The rear stays neatly in place thanks to the silicone tape, the cuffs are equipped with reflective material and laser cuts under the arms provide some ventilation. It's almost a shame to stuff the SeisM (MaxM.; men's version) into the pannier when it's flat.

Share article:

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

Most read in category Equipment