Four brands. Four completely different philosophies. One decision.
MAAP, Rapha, Castelli, and Pas Normal Studios are the four most-researched premium cycling apparel brands among Indian cyclists right now — and the most common question we get at Cobbled Climbs is some version of: "I want to invest in premium kit. Which brand should I go with?"
The honest answer is that there is no universally correct one. Each brand is built on a distinct design philosophy, targets a different type of rider, fits differently, and performs differently in Indian conditions. Buying the wrong one — even at the same price point — means kit that does not suit your riding style, does not fit your body, or does not perform in Indian heat the way you expected.
This guide is the decision framework that prevents that mistake. It covers all four brands across every relevant dimension for Indian cyclists — not just jerseys, but the full kit: bib shorts, jackets, accessories, fit, Indian climate performance, and value. And for riders who want a personalised recommendation built around their specific riding and budget, CC-360 — Cobbled Climbs' AI cycling shopping assistant — does exactly that.
The Four Brands at a Glance
| Brand | Origin | Founded | Core Philosophy | Rider Profile | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAAP | Australia | 2013 | Performance-first with premium aesthetics — built for serious riders who also care about how they look | Committed road and gravel cyclists, 60-150km rides, warm-weather focus | Premium (₹6,000-18,000 per piece) |
| Rapha | United Kingdom | 2004 | Cycling culture and community — gear as an expression of the cycling lifestyle, not just performance | Cyclists who value the culture and community of riding as much as performance metrics | Premium (₹7,000-20,000 per piece) |
| Castelli | Italy | 1876 | Race-proven performance — the brand that has been dressing WorldTour teams for over a century | Performance-focused cyclists who want race-grade technology at every price point | Mid-Premium (₹3,500-16,000 per piece) |
| Pas Normal Studios | Denmark | 2014 | Radical minimalism — the anti-logo, anti-loud-colour brand that treats cycling kit as considered design objects | Design-conscious cyclists who want the absolute best quality with zero visual noise | Ultra-Premium (₹9,000-25,000 per piece) |
Brand Deep Dives: What Each Brand Actually Stands For
MAAP: Performance Without Compromise, Aesthetics Without Apology
MAAP (Melbourne Australia Apparel and Performance) launched in 2013 with a proposition that was genuinely new at the time: cycling kit that performs at the highest level and looks genuinely considered — not as an afterthought, but as an equal priority to technical performance.
Before MAAP, the premium cycling apparel market was split between performance-first brands (Castelli, Assos) that treated aesthetics as secondary, and lifestyle brands (Rapha) that treated community and culture as the primary value. MAAP occupied the space between them — race-grade technical performance with the visual language of contemporary design.
The Australian origin matters for Indian cyclists specifically. Australia's climate — intense UV, high heat, long rides — is the closest analogue to Indian cycling conditions of any major cycling market. MAAP's fabrics are engineered for hot-weather performance in a way that European brands are not, because the founders ride in those conditions themselves.
MAAP's technical signature: Schoeller fabric technology, used across their mid and upper range, is one of the most technically advanced cycling fabrics available — excellent moisture management, UV protection, and durability. Their Evade range (the summer-specific line) uses open-mesh construction that is among the most breathable available at any price point.
Rapha: The Brand That Turned Cycling Into a Culture
Rapha did something no cycling brand had done before it: it made cycling aspirational to people who were not already cyclists. Founded in 2004 by Simon Mottram in London, Rapha built a brand around the idea that cycling is not just a sport — it is a way of life, a community, and a set of values worth belonging to.
The Rapha Clubhouse concept — physical spaces in major cities where cyclists can meet, watch races, drink coffee, and buy kit — is an extension of this philosophy. The brand's storytelling, photography, and editorial content set a standard that the entire cycling industry has tried to replicate.
Technically, Rapha's fabrics are excellent. The Pro Team range uses proprietary fabric blends that perform at WorldTour level. But the Rapha premium includes a significant brand and community component — you are buying into an identity as much as a piece of kit. For Indian cyclists, this is worth understanding clearly: Rapha's price premium is partly technical, partly cultural. If the cultural component resonates with you, it is worth it. If you are purely optimising for technical performance per rupee, other brands offer better value.
Rapha's technical signature: Proprietary fabric blends across their Pro Team range, excellent chamois quality in the Pro Team Bib Shorts II, and the most comprehensive cold-weather and rain gear range of the four brands — relevant for North Indian winter riding and high-altitude routes.
Castelli: 150 Years of Race-Proven Performance
Castelli is the oldest brand in this comparison by a significant margin — founded in Milan in 1876, it has been making cycling clothing longer than any other brand in the world. This heritage is not just marketing. Castelli has been supplying WorldTour teams continuously for decades, and the technical innovations developed for professional racing filter down through their entire product range.
The Castelli proposition for Indian cyclists is straightforward: the best technical performance per rupee of any premium cycling brand. Their entry and mid-range lines — the Prologo, Competizione, and Free ranges — deliver chamois quality and fabric technology that rivals brands charging 40-60% more. The race-cut fit is not for everyone, but for performance-focused Indian cyclists who want WorldTour-level technology without the ultra-premium price tag, Castelli is the most rational choice.
Castelli's technical signature: The Progetto X2 Air Seat chamois — used across their mid and upper range bib shorts — is widely considered the benchmark chamois at its price point globally. Prosecco Tech fabric (used in their summer jerseys) is among the most moisture-efficient fabrics available. Their Gabba jacket is the definitive rain cycling jacket, though this is less relevant for most Indian conditions.
Pas Normal Studios: The Anti-Brand That Became the Most Coveted Brand
Pas Normal Studios launched in Copenhagen in 2014 with a deliberate rejection of everything the cycling apparel industry stood for at the time: loud colours, aggressive logos, performance-as-marketing. The name itself — French for "not normal" — signals the intent.
PNS makes cycling kit in muted, sophisticated tones — dark greens, burgundies, navy, black, stone — with minimal branding and a construction quality that is genuinely exceptional. The Mechanism bib shorts, their flagship product, are widely regarded as among the best bib shorts available globally at any price point. The T.K.O. jersey is similarly benchmark-setting.
For Indian cyclists, PNS occupies a specific niche: riders who are deeply committed to cycling, riding 80km+ regularly, want the absolute best quality, and actively do not want to look like everyone else in the peloton. The aesthetic is immediately distinctive in an Indian cycling context — where MAAP and Rapha logos are increasingly common, PNS's minimal identity stands apart.
PNS's technical signature: The Mechanism bib shorts use a proprietary chamois developed specifically for PNS — the most technically advanced chamois in this comparison. The T.K.O. jersey uses a Schoeller-based fabric blend with construction quality that is the closest to couture that cycling apparel gets. Everything PNS makes is designed to last significantly longer than industry standard.
Head-to-Head: Indian Climate Performance
This is the dimension that matters most for Indian cyclists and is least covered in international brand comparisons. Here is how each brand performs across the specific conditions Indian cyclists face:
| Climate Factor | MAAP | Rapha | Castelli | Pas Normal Studios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-42°C summer heat | Outstanding — Evade range specifically engineered for extreme heat | Good — fabrics perform well but optimised more for cooler conditions | Excellent — Prosecco Tech and summer range handle Indian heat very well | Very Good — premium fabric management, but limited summer-specific range |
| High humidity (coastal cities) | Excellent — open mesh construction excels in humid conditions | Good — moisture management is solid but not the strongest in this comparison | Excellent — Castelli's moisture transfer technology is industry-leading | Very Good — premium fabrics handle humidity well across the range |
| UV protection | Excellent — UPF 50+ across summer range | Good — UPF protection varies by product line | Excellent — UPF 50+ on summer jerseys | Very Good — UPF protection built into core range fabrics |
| North Indian winter (Dec-Feb) | Good — limited cold-weather range | Outstanding — most comprehensive cold-weather range of the four brands | Excellent — Gabba and cold-weather range are industry benchmarks | Good — growing cold-weather range, limited compared to Rapha and Castelli |
| Monsoon riding | Good — water-resistant options available | Excellent — most comprehensive rain gear range | Excellent — Gabba jacket is the benchmark monsoon cycling jacket | Good — limited monsoon-specific range |
| High-altitude routes (Spiti, Ladakh) | Very Good — layering range handles altitude well | Outstanding — most comprehensive range for variable mountain conditions | Excellent — full range from base layers to wind jackets | Good — limited range for extreme conditions |
Summary for Indian conditions: For the majority of Indian cycling — hot weather, high UV, humid conditions — MAAP and Castelli are the strongest performers. Rapha leads for cold-weather, monsoon, and high-altitude riding. PNS performs excellently across conditions but has the most limited range of the four brands.
Head-to-Head: Fit and Sizing for Indian Cyclists
Fit is the dimension most international brand comparisons ignore entirely. For Indian cyclists — who cannot easily visit a brand store to try kit on before buying — understanding each brand's fit philosophy is critical.
| Fit Dimension | MAAP | Rapha | Castelli | Pas Normal Studios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cut | Race — lean through torso and shoulders | Relaxed Race — slightly more forgiving than pure race cut | Race — close fit, Italian cut | Race — very lean, Scandinavian proportions |
| Shoulder width | Narrow — runs lean across shoulders | Medium — more accommodating than MAAP | Medium-Narrow — Italian cut, slightly fuller than MAAP | Narrow — leanest shoulder cut of the four brands |
| Chest and torso | Lean — designed for slim, athletic builds | Medium — most accommodating of the four for varied body types | Lean-Medium — Italian proportions, works for most athletic builds | Very Lean — Scandinavian proportions, leanest of all four |
| Arm length (jerseys) | Standard — consistent with international sizing | Slightly long — may need to size down for Indian arm lengths | Standard — consistent with international sizing | Standard — consistent with international sizing |
| Bib short leg length | Standard | Slightly long — may need to size down | Standard — works well for most Indian leg proportions | Standard |
| Best for Indian body types | Lean, athletic builds — slim through shoulders and chest | Widest range of body types — most forgiving cut | Athletic builds — works for most Indian cyclists riding regularly | Very lean, slim builds — challenging for broader shoulders or fuller builds |
Sizing recommendation for Indian cyclists: If you are buying MAAP or PNS for the first time, consider sizing up from your usual international size — especially if you have broader shoulders or a fuller chest. Rapha's relaxed race cut is the most forgiving starting point for Indian cyclists uncertain about sizing. Castelli's Italian cut works well for most regularly riding Indian cyclists without significant sizing adjustments.
Head-to-Head: Full Kit Range Comparison
| Kit Category | MAAP | Rapha | Castelli | Pas Normal Studios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer jerseys | Outstanding — Evade range is best-in-class | Very Good — Core range performs well | Outstanding — Prologo and summer range excellent | Very Good — T.K.O. and summer range exceptional quality |
| Bib shorts | Excellent — Alt Road and Pro range | Excellent — Pro Team Bib Short II is benchmark | Outstanding — Progetto X2 chamois is industry benchmark | Outstanding — Mechanism bib shorts are globally regarded as the best |
| Rain and wind jackets | Good — growing range | Outstanding — most comprehensive range | Outstanding — Gabba is the definitive rain jacket | Limited — not a strength of the brand |
| Base layers | Good — summer mesh base layers available | Excellent — most comprehensive base layer range | Excellent — Prosecco and summer base layers outstanding | Good — limited but high quality |
| Accessories (caps, gloves, socks) | Very Good — full accessories range | Outstanding — most complete accessories range | Very Good — strong gloves and socks range | Good — limited but considered accessories |
| Women's range | Excellent — full women's range with same technical spec | Outstanding — most comprehensive women's range | Excellent — full women's race range | Good — growing women's range |
| Gravel and off-road | Excellent — Alt Road range specifically for gravel | Very Good — Explore range for off-road | Good — some gravel-specific pieces | Good — limited gravel-specific range |
Head-to-Head: Value for Indian Cyclists
| Value Dimension | MAAP | Rapha | Castelli | Pas Normal Studios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price point (jersey) | ₹6,500 - ₹8,000 | ₹7,000 - ₹9,000 | ₹4,500 - ₹6,000 | ₹9,000 - ₹12,000 |
| Entry price point (bib shorts) | ₹8,000 - ₹11,000 | ₹9,000 - ₹13,000 | ₹6,000 - ₹9,000 | ₹12,000 - ₹16,000 |
| Performance per rupee | Very Good — premium quality at premium price | Good — brand premium included in price | Outstanding — best performance per rupee of the four | Good — exceptional quality but highest price |
| Durability | Excellent — fabrics maintain performance over time | Very Good — solid durability across range | Excellent — race-grade construction throughout | Outstanding — designed to last significantly longer than industry standard |
| Resale value in India | Good — strong brand recognition | Very Good — highest brand recognition in India | Good — strong recognition among performance cyclists | Excellent — scarcity and quality drive strong resale value |
| Range of price points | Medium — limited entry-level options | Good — Core range offers more accessible entry | Excellent — widest range from entry to ultra-premium | Narrow — consistently at ultra-premium price point |
The Decision Framework: Which Brand Is Right for You
Use this framework to identify your brand based on what matters most to you as an Indian cyclist:
| If you are... | Your Brand Is... | Start With... |
|---|---|---|
| Performance-focused, riding 60-150km, want the best technical performance per rupee | Castelli | Castelli Prologo 7 Jersey + Free Aero Race Bib Shorts |
| Riding in Indian summer heat, want maximum breathability, care about aesthetics equally with performance | MAAP | MAAP Evade Pro Jersey + Alt Road Bib Shorts |
| Value cycling culture and community, ride year-round including North Indian winter or high-altitude routes, want the most comprehensive range | Rapha | Rapha Pro Team Jersey + Pro Team Bib Short II |
| Committed cyclist riding 80km+, want the absolute best quality, prefer minimal aesthetics, willing to pay the premium | Pas Normal Studios | PNS T.K.O. Jersey + Mechanism Bib Shorts |
| New to premium cycling apparel, unsure of fit, want the most forgiving cut across Indian body types | Rapha or Castelli | Rapha Core Jersey + Castelli entry bib shorts — best fit coverage for first-time premium buyers |
| Gravel cyclist, mixed-terrain riding, want kit that works on and off road | MAAP | MAAP Alt Road Jersey + Alt Road Bib Shorts — purpose-built for gravel |
| Monsoon or rain riding, high-altitude routes, North Indian winter | Rapha or Castelli | Castelli Gabba jacket + Rapha Pro Team Thermal Jersey |
Can You Mix Brands? The Case for a Multi-Brand Kit
The most experienced Indian cyclists almost universally mix brands — and for good reason. Each brand has a specific category where it leads, and building a kit from the best piece in each category across brands is a smarter approach than brand loyalty for its own sake.
The most common and logical brand combinations for Indian cyclists:
| Kit Combination | Jersey | Bib Shorts | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance + Aesthetic | MAAP Evade Pro | Castelli Free Aero Race | MAAP's heat management + Castelli's benchmark chamois at a lower combined cost than two MAAP pieces |
| Best-in-class everything | MAAP Evade Pro | PNS Mechanism | The best summer jersey + the best bib shorts — for riders who want the absolute peak of each category |
| Value Performance | Castelli Prologo 7 | Castelli Superleggera | Full Castelli kit — best performance per rupee, race-grade throughout, consistent fit across pieces |
| Culture + Performance | Rapha Pro Team | Castelli Free Aero Race | Rapha's brand identity + Castelli's chamois quality — a common combination among experienced Indian cyclists |
| Minimal Aesthetic | PNS T.K.O. | PNS Mechanism | Full PNS kit — the most distinctive and considered aesthetic in Indian cycling, exceptional quality throughout |
Where to Start: First Purchase Recommendation by Brand
If you are buying from one of these brands for the first time, start with their bib shorts rather than their jersey. Bib shorts are the piece where brand differentiation in chamois quality is most immediately felt — and the piece where buying the wrong one has the most direct impact on your riding experience.
- First Castelli purchase: Castelli Superleggera bib shorts — the chamois quality at this price point will immediately demonstrate why Castelli's reputation is built on bib shorts
- First MAAP purchase: MAAP Evade Pro Jersey — the summer jersey is where MAAP's Australian-engineered heat management is most immediately apparent
- First Rapha purchase: Rapha Pro Team Bib Short II — the benchmark Rapha product and the piece that best justifies the brand premium
- First PNS purchase: PNS Mechanism Bib Shorts — the product that built the brand's global reputation. If you are going to spend PNS money once, spend it here
How CC-360 Helps You Choose
Even with this framework, the right brand decision depends on variables this article cannot know: your exact body measurements, your specific riding routes, your budget, and the precise combination of performance and aesthetic that matters to you.
CC-360 — Cobbled Climbs' AI cycling shopping assistant — handles exactly this. Tell it which brands you are considering, your riding style, your budget, and your body type — it will recommend the specific products and brand combination that suits your situation, drawing from our full catalogue of all four brands and 250+ others.
Available free at cobbledclimbs.com — no account required.
Related Guides from Cobbled Climbs
- Premium Cycling Jerseys for Indian Climate 2026: Rapha vs MAAP vs Castelli — jersey-specific deep dive with fabric technology analysis
- Castelli vs Assos: Which Premium Brand Is Right for Indian Cyclists? — head-to-head on two performance-first brands
- Best Cycling Gear for Indian Summer 2026 — summer-specific gear guide across all categories
- Best Cycling Gear Under ₹25,000 India 2026 — complete kit at this budget including premium brand options
- How AI Is Changing the Way Indians Buy Cycling Gear in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Indian conditions — MAAP or Rapha?
For Indian summer conditions specifically, MAAP edges ahead of Rapha on heat management. MAAP's Schoeller and open-mesh fabrics are engineered for maximum breathability, and their Australian heritage means the brand is genuinely designed for hot-weather riding. Rapha's fabrics are excellent but optimised more for the British and European climate — cooler, wetter conditions. For year-round Indian riding, MAAP is the stronger choice. For cooler Indian winter riding in North India, Rapha's range is more comprehensive.
Is Castelli or MAAP better value for Indian cyclists?
Castelli offers better value per rupee for performance-focused Indian cyclists. The entry and mid-range Castelli lines deliver race-grade chamois and fabric technology at prices 20-30% lower than equivalent MAAP pieces. For riders prioritising performance over aesthetics, Castelli is the stronger value play. For riders who want the full premium aesthetic and are willing to pay for it, MAAP justifies its price point.
Is Pas Normal Studios worth the price in India?
Pas Normal Studios is worth the price for Indian cyclists who prioritise minimalist aesthetics, are riding 80km+ regularly, and want kit that performs at the highest level while looking unlike anything else in the peloton. The Mechanism bib shorts in particular are widely considered among the best available globally at any price point. For cyclists in their first year or riding under 60km regularly, the price premium over Castelli or MAAP is harder to justify.
Which cycling brand fits Indian body shapes best?
Castelli and Rapha tend to fit Indian cyclists most consistently. Castelli's Italian cut runs slightly fuller in the shoulder and chest than MAAP's Australian race cut. Rapha's relaxed race cut is the most forgiving for a wider range of Indian body proportions. MAAP and PNS both run lean — Indian cyclists with broader shoulders or fuller builds may find these brands less comfortable in standard sizing.
Can I mix brands in my cycling kit?
Yes — mixing brands is standard practice among experienced cyclists. The most common approach is to choose one brand's bib shorts and another brand's jerseys. Many Indian cyclists pair Castelli bib shorts with MAAP or PNS jerseys. CC-360 can help you build a mixed-brand kit optimised for your riding style and budget.
Which brand has the best cycling bib shorts for Indian riding?
For Indian riding conditions, Castelli's Progetto X2 Air Seat chamois is the benchmark at its price point — excellent heat management and proven comfort to 150km+. At premium price points, Pas Normal Studios' Mechanism bib shorts are widely considered the global benchmark for chamois quality and overall construction. Rapha's Pro Team bib shorts are excellent but run warmer than Castelli equivalents — a consideration for Indian summer riding.
Ready to Choose? Start with CC-360
The right brand is the one that suits your riding — not the one with the most Instagram followers or the highest price tag. Use this framework to narrow your choice to one or two brands, then let CC-360 find the specific products within those brands that match your budget, riding style, and Indian conditions.
For independent brand reviews, see Cycling Weekly's independent jersey reviews and GCN's comprehensive bib shorts guide for third-party performance data on each brand.
Need personalised advice? Contact our team or browse our full article library for more brand and gear guides.