Editorial project Mental Athletic has been instrumental in crystalising that blurry space where sport, fashion and culture collide. But while running has always been the backbone, another sport seems to have caught its attention lately. In the space of just a few weeks, the independent sports platform has unveiled two cycling collaborations – first with Berlin bike maker Standert, and now with Melbourne performance label MAAP.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But taken together, the two projects suggest Mental Athletic is embracing cycling culture with renewed enthusiasm, bringing its distinctive visual language to both the bikes themselves and the clothes worn to ride them.
The latest link-up is with MAAP, and it arrives as a limited-edition capsule spanning technical riding kit and casual off-bike pieces. The collaboration is pitched as an exploration of cycling's changing identity – less a sport that exists in isolation and more a meeting point for performance, fashion, art and wider culture.
That idea comes through loud and clear in the collection. Shot against the visual clutter of New York City, the campaign swaps cycling's traditionally restrained palettes for electric greens, acidic yellows and synthetic magentas.
The technical side is built around MAAP's Pro Air Jersey 3.0, offered in short- and long-sleeved versions, alongside Team Bib Evo Cargo bib shorts, a Mesh Short Sleeve Tee and an all-new Lightweight Vest. Away from the bike, there are hoodies, tees, caps, socks and accessories, allowing the collaboration's aesthetic to carry over once the cleats come off.
First MAAP, then Standert
The MAAP project follows hot on the heels of METAL STANDERT, Mental Athletic's recent collaboration with Berlin-based bike brand Standert.
At its centre is a limited version of the Pfadfinder, Standert's handmade European all-road bike built around Columbus steel tubing. Mental Athletic's version leaves that steel exposed, with faded, 1990s-inspired blue detailing concentrated around the welds to draw attention to the construction rather than disguise it.
The familiar Pfadfinder geometry and generous tyre clearance remain, but the build is finished with custom Campagnolo wheels, Fizik components and a pair of titanium bottle cages. There's a small accompanying clothing collection too, including T-shirts and a baseball cap.
Unlike the MAAP collection, this isn't something you'll be adding to your basket on a whim. The bikes are made to order, with pre-orders open until 30 October and shipping scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Cycling's cultural moment
The timing makes sense. Cycling has been drifting steadily beyond the boundaries of traditional roadie culture for years, with the lines between performance kit, fashion, design and lifestyle becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
These two collaborations approach the sport from opposite ends. Standert provides the machine itself: steel, welds, Campagnolo and all. MAAP handles what goes on the body, translating Mental Athletic's aesthetic into highly technical riding apparel and the casual pieces surrounding it.
Two cycling collaborations in a matter of weeks doesn't necessarily constitute a complete change of direction, but it certainly feels significant. If Mental Athletic is making a more deliberate move into the world of bikes, consider our interest officially piqued.
The MAAP x Mental Athletic collection launches on 15 October via MAAP, Mental Athletic and MAAP LaB stores worldwide. The METAL STANDERT Pfadfinder is available to pre-order until 30 October, with deliveries beginning in January 2027.
