RCUK readers will be familiar with the work of British clothing company, Shutt Velo Rapide.

The Sportive jersey and Roubaix ¾ knicks were the most recent of the Oxford brand’s garments to pass under the RCUK microscope.

Now Shutt VR, backers of women’s team, Shutt Squadra Donne, and clothing supplier to the Twenty3c-Focus men’s squad, have lifted the lid on their 2013 autumn-winter range, the handiwork of new designer, Lucy Gardner.

Additionally, a prototype of Shutt’s new Lightweight performance jersey is winging its way to RCUK Towers. Watch this space.

Here’s a look at the new additions to the autumn-winter range for 2013-14 before the prototype jersey arrives.

Men’s range

Long-sleeve Sportive jersey

We tested the short-sleeve Sportive jersey in June, and were pleased with what we found: a British made, Merino Perform Sportwool jersey that proved just the ticket up to about 20 degrees.

The autumn-winter incarnation – one with long-sleeves – should find the fabric (60 per cent polyester; 40 per cent merino) ideally suited to the season, and we’re pleased to see a full-length zip – the three-quarter offering on the short-sleeve jersey was one of our few suggestions for improvement.

Elsewhere, the jersey includes the classic (for good reason) three pocket configuration, with an additional waterproof pocket (sealed with a zip) for valuables. There’s a silicone hem, and reflective trim.

The Shutt Velo Rapide Sportive LS jersey is available in red or black, both with a white chest panel, and in sizes from S to XXL. It costs £99.

Performance jacket

A staple of Shutt VR’s range since 2011, the Performance Jacket gets a makeover for autumn-winter 2013/14. Cut from range-topping, three-layer fabric from Swiss firm, Eschler, it’s billed as waterproof, windproof, breathable and insulating, although as a caveat to the first claim, Shutt warn that the stitching is locked, but not sealed.

Features include reflective piping and panels, rain-thwarting elasticated cuffs, zipped pockets, and a storm flap. The Shutt Performance Jacket comes in sizes from S to XXL, and black only. It costs £149.

Active Softshell Jacket

Demand for cycle clothing that doesn’t look like cycle clothing shows no signs of diminishing among those seeking to combine time on the bike with post-ride refreshment.

Shutt’s three-layer, soft shell Active Jacket has a micro-fleece lining, a bonded membrane as a mid-layer, with claims for proofing against water and wind, as well as breathability, and a water repellant outer.

There’s a high collar intended to defeat the wind, and the long arms you’d expect on any cycling garment. Elsewhere, there’s a concealed drawstring at the hem, zip-equipped hip pockets at the front, and front and rear reflective detailing.

The Shutt Active Softshell Jacket comes in four sizes, from S to XL, in black only. It costs £99.

Legwear

You can get the lowdown on Shutt’s Roubaix ¾ bib tights in this review, a garment we found generously proportioned, with a high back to offer plenty of coverage, and a light fleece lining which we considered ideal for temperatures into the low teens. They’re available in M, L, and XL, and cost £79.

The other half of Shutt’s autumn-winter legwear range is comprised of a full-length, water repellent, Thermo Roubaix-lined bib-tight, insert free and intended to be worn over bib-shorts. They’re available in black, in sizes S to XL, and cost £69.

Women’s range

The growth in popularity of cycling among women has been well documented, not least on our sister site, Total Women’s Cycling.

Shutt VR are the backers of the Squadra Donne team, and say their new jersey designs are the result of four years of development with its female riders.

The result is women’s specific versions of three Shutt jerseys: the Classic, Sportive, and Signature.

Each has the same features as the men’s equivalent: Merino Perform Sportwool fabric, three rear pockets, with a concealed, waterproof ‘valuables’ pocket, and a reflective hem. The Classic jersey has a full-length reflective zip. They differ from the men’s jerseys in offering a “closer fitting, women’s specific fit,” according to Shutt.

The long-sleeve women’s Classic jersey is available in black or red with a contrasting white chest panel, in sizes S to XXL and cost £99. The long-sleeve Signature jersey is available in white with contrasting multi-colour chest panel, in white, size large, at a reduced price of £79.

Caps

We’ve yet to see a men’s or women’s specific cap, and Shutt have wisely retained a “gender neutral” approach to cycling headgear.

Their handmade Scottish and Welsh tweed cycling caps have contrasting linings and trims, and several new, limited edition colours, including blue, mint, pale pink, and green. They cost £39.

Website: Shutt VR