Shutt Velo Rapide was founded in 2009 and, four years later, the 2013 collection includes significant updates across the range.
We’ve just taken delivery of the Oxfordshire-based firm’s new Sportive Jersey and Roubaix 3/4 Knicks and will be testing both in the weeks ahead. First, let’s run through the tech spec before we hit the road.
Shutt Velo Rapide Sportive Jersey (£89)
Shutt have made their name producing classically-styled jerseys and the Sportive Jersey continues that tradition. The jersey is modelled on the classic club jersey of the 1940s and was originally designed for the White Rose Classic sportive, although now it’s part of Shutt’s permanent range.
It’s undoubtedly a stylish piece, also available in black alongside our red test sample. The jersey is handmade in Britain (an increasingly rare selling point among ‘British’ brands) from a Merino Perform Sportwool fabric that’s made up a 60 per cent polyester and 40 per cent merino mix. It’s designed, therefore, to offer the best of both worlds: the comfort, temperature management and anti-bacterial qualities of wool, and the fast drying and breathable qualities of a synthetic fabric.
The jersey has a quarter-zip at the front , with a zip garage at the top to protect your chin. Like all Shutt jerseys, there are three rear pockets, as well as an additional zipped valuables pocket which has a waterproof lining, while the elasticated rear hem has a thick silicone band to hold the back of the jersey in place and reflective trim. Branding is kept to a minimum, with the Shutt logo on the left breast and a cartoon on the right-hand pocket.
Shutt clothing is designed, in their words, to “fit the normal everyday rider”. That translates to a cut which is better suited to the, erm, more generously proportioned British rider, rather than European racing snakes. As a result, it one of the few brands where I require a size small.
On that note, it comes in five sizes (S-XXL) and costs £89.
Shutt Velo Rapide Roubaix 3/4 Knicks (£99)
As an alternative to bib shorts and knee warmers, knicks are a staple part of any British rider’s wardrobe for when the weather’s too chilly for bib shorts on their own and too balmy for bib tights. While Shutt’s merino jerseys and tweed caps are made in the UK, the rest of the range, including the knicks, is made overseas.
These knicks are Roubaix-lined in their entirety (including the bib straps), although, in line with their intended use in the spring and autumn, the fleecy fabric is a little lighter than that we’d expect to find on, say, full winter longs. A high back (again, Roubaix-lined) provides additional coverage and a short zip at the front should make comfort breaks easier.
The knicks have a ten-panel, anatomic construction and flatlock seams, and use a a Pro-Gel anti-bacterial chamois from TMF. Again, an initial test ride reveals sizing is on the generous side, particularly on the bib straps.
The knicks are available in black only (with white bib straps) and come in four sizes (S-XL) for £99. Look out for full reviews of both the jersey and bib knicks on RoadCyclingUK soon.
Website: Shutt Velo Rapide
