Shutt Velo Rapide entered the market in 2009 with a range of retro-inspired clothing and the Training Jersey epitomises the collection.
Retro jerseys have returned to the fore, dominating the catalogue of top-end manufacturer Rapha and the more affordable Torm range.
Shutt VR’s offering is a longsleeve, full-length zip piece made from Sportwool – 48 per cent Merino, 52 per cent polyester. Sportwool combines the comfort and softness of Merino on the inside with the wicking qualities of polyester on the outside. In other words, as you sweat, it passes through into the polyester outer shell and the ‘moisture management’ really kicks in. This helps keep the jersey dry as you ride or after you have stopped for a cuppa.
That means it does a great job of locking heat in during cold rides, but also allows sweat to wick away from the body during tougher efforts. It’s not windproof, of course, but the Training Jersey is a versatile item when combined with the correct layering – just a Merino base layer on warm winter days, for example, or as a mid-layer on cold, wet rides.
Available in black, blue or red, the classic design is simple and subtle, with Shutt’s signature rainbow logo on the rear. The overall sizing – across the chest and on the arms – is spot-on, with the medium tested fitting just fine.
We found a couple of loose threads on the jersey and it’s fair to say the finishing isn’t what we’ve come to expect from Rapha but, at £89, it’s also more than 40 quid cheaper than the RRP for Rapha’s Long Sleeve Jersey.
As with Shutt’s Race Lite Gilet (tested last week), details and features are kept to a minimum – although that’s no bad thing. Three large pockets on the rear provide ample space for stashing a waterproof jacket and energy bars, with the rainbow logo and a small strip of reflective piping on the middle pocket. A small zipped pocket is perfect for storing your house keys but it’s not lined, unlike the water resistant pocket on Rapha and Torm’s jerseys. The jersey is made in Britain – which is always a bonus – and comes with a logo on the inside promoting the fact.
Silicon grippers on an elasticated rear aim to keep the jersey locked in place and work just fine when travelling lightly. When the pockets are packed on a long ride, however, the elastic is not quite tight enough to prevent the back of the jersey sagging a little.
But all things considered, Shutt Velo Rapide’s Training Jersey provides a style, and more affordable, entry into the Sportwool jersey market, which is comfortable, warm and versatile.
Shutt Velo Rapid Training Jersey, black, blue or red, sizes S-XL, £89
