The Shutt Velo Rapide Sportive jersey is a classically-styled jersey with a modern twist, best suited for rides when the weather’s not too hot – and it’s made in the UK.
The homegrown tag is a powerful marketing tool and Oxfordshire-based Shutt are proud to support UK manufacturing where possible. It’s an honourable philosophy in an age where manufacturing if normally outsourced to the Far East, even if it may add a few pounds to the price tag, and the quality is excellent.
There’s an old-school edge to the Shutt Velo Rapide range and the Sportive jersey is modeled on the classic club jersey of the 1940s. It was originally designed for the White Rose Classic sportive but now sits as part of Shutt’s permanent range.
While the styling is classic, the fabric from which the jersey is made is thoroughly modern (at least as far as Merino is concerned). It’s a Merino Perform Sportwool material that’s made up a 60 per cent polyester and 40 per cent merino mix, and therefore designed to offer the best of both fabrics.
Does it work? Well, the Sportive jersey is certainly comfortable next to the skin, and it breathes reasonably well, too. Plus it doesn’t stink to high heaven after a couple of outings without going in the wash. However, the fabric is fairly heavy compared to a lightweight polyester jersey so it’s best saved for days when the temperature is hovering in the mid-teens.
Much more than 20c and the merino is too warm and the fabric struggles to move moisture away. Polyester is king in the heat of summer – and for good reason – but on spring, autumn and cool early morning summer rides, the Sportive jersey does a good job of being both insulating and breathable.
The quarter-length zip (protected at the top by a soft zip garage) is a bit too short for our liking and offers little in the way of ventilation. We’d like it to be a little longer, although Shutt’s Classic jersey has a full-length zip if that’s a deal-breaker. Otherwise, the jersey has three well-proportioned rear pockets and an additional waterproof pocket, although that can get a little clammy on the inside.
As for the fit, Shutt clothing is generously sized (it’s one of the few brands where I take a small) so consider ordering down a size, but the cut is otherwise excellent: close without being restrictive.
Shutt’s range is inspired by riding in the Yorkshire Dales and Oxfordshire, and that’s reflected in the Sportive jersey. It’s a piece well-suited to British conditions, when the weather is rarely too extreme, rather than the often sweltering summers of the continent. The Merino fabric lends itself to classic styling, while the jersey can be described as a two-and-a-half seasons piece, good in spring and autumn (often paired with arm warmers) and for the luke-warm rides of late, although you may find yourself reaching for something lighter when summer finally arrives.
Sizes: S-XXL
Price: £89
Website: Shutt Velo Rapide
