Just in from Shutt Velo Rapide: the British firm’s Performance winter jacket.

The jacket is made from a three-layer, bonded fabric from Swiss firm Eschler, which is said to be windproof, waterproof, breathable and insulating. That’s all boxes ticked, then.

It’s a heavy duty fabric with a light fleece lining and a little stretch in it. This is proper winter jacket, one you’ll wear for the ride in its entirety, rather than a lightweight shell you’re able to take off on a whim, so it looks a piece for some of the worst conditions we’re likely to encounter through winter.

While the fabric is deemed to be waterproof, the jacket on the whole can’t have the same rating by virtue of the fact the full-length zip is not taped, and the seams are only stitched. Shutt say that prolonged downpours may see some water getting in, though the zip is covered by a large storm flap held in place by two generously-sized velcro patches.

Features include three rear pockets: two open pockets on either side of a zipped waterproof pocket. The central pocket only has a small zipper so we’ll see how easy that is to open when wearing winter gloves.

The elasticated hem has a light silicone gripper at the rear and the cuffs are also elasticated to provide a snug fit over gloves. The collar is high but not fleece-lined and the large zip garage is designed to stop it scratching your chin in chilly conditions.

There’s no getting away from the fact this is a predominantly black winter jacket with two white panels on either side, but there’s a generous amount of reflective detail, with piping on the shoulders (front and rear) and arms, and two horizontal reflective stripes on the rear, above and below the pockets.

Shutt clothing is cut for British riders, who typically have a larger frame than those racing snakes over on the Continent, and that’s reflected in what they describe as a “flattering” fit.  I don’t carry a great deal of weight so am required to move down a size to a small from my normal medium.

First impressions suggest the Performance jacket provides a snug-but-not-too-close fit around the body, though the arms are a tad short when stretched out on the bike and it’s a little close around the neck when the zip is done up – perhaps a by-product of moving down a size. We’ll see whether that’s an issue on the road. Check back soon for our full review.

Five sizes are offered, from small to extra large, and the jacket retails for £149 through the Shutt website.

Price: £149
Sizes: S-XXL
Colour: black
Website: Shutt Velo Rapide