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Shutt Velo Rapide Women's Elite Jersey

7
£110.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Very good short-sleeved summer jersey with fabric that wicks well, but a pretty expensive option
Weight: 
126g
Contact: 

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The Shutt Velo Rapide Women's Elite Jersey is a great classic-looking top with a slim fit. It's lightweight and breathable and will keep you cool in the summer, but it doesn't come cheap.

  • Pros: Breathable wicking fabric
  • Cons: Expensive

At first glance, the jersey looks really nice – and it has the performance to match. I have had the pleasure of riding in this lovely summer weather and this was my jersey of choice.

> Buy this online here

It's made from two types of premium MITI fabrics: the back and sides are a textured mesh Lycra, giving a high level of breathability and wicking, while the front and shoulders are smooth Lycra.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_sleeve.jpg

On warm days I had no issues with moisture control, the jersey doing its job well. On cooler early mornings, when I wore a gilet for a bit more wind protection, I still remained comfortable all ride. Going up hills I did get warm as I was working harder, but the jersey wicked well and it wasn't a problem.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_back.jpg

The medium size came out as expected, fitting comfortably. Though described as a 'pro fit' it wasn't skin tight, just figure hugging in a mostly good way. You may want to try a size down if you want a tighter fit; I wear a medium in most kit and this was a little roomy across the chest. (It's not me in the pics.)

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best summer cycling jerseys

The sleeves hug the arms without grippers. In the jersey spec it mentions 'laser cut arm grippers' but there are no grippers. It wasn't a problem as they fitted well.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_riding.jpg

The jersey has a full zip, which I always find preferable in summer for temperature regulation, though it's missing the detail of a zipper chin guard at the top, which you might expect to see on a £110 jersey. I didn't find it a big problem, but if you want to zip up fully it might be.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_collar.jpg

The tail is dropped slightly at the back, and the hem has a silicone gripper that keeps the jersey in place well.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_gripper_front.jpg

On the back is the classic layout of three large pockets in which I was able to get all the usual tools, snacks and phone, no problem. There's no zipped valuables pocket, though. The right pocket has a tiny reflective detail on it, but as a summer jersey we should have enough daylight hours so a bit irrelevant – though it all helps, I guess.

shutt_velo_rapide_womens_elite_jersey_-_pocket.jpg

Although I enjoyed riding in the Elite jersey, its £110 price tag seems a bit excessive. You can get extra water-repellent features from, for example, Castelli's Imprevisto summer jersey for £90. Then again, you can pay more: Rapha's Souplesse Lightweight jersey got a great review from Ashia, and that's £120. But when you can buy the Lusso Stripes 'performance fit' summer jersey, which I reviewed last year, for £65, it makes it hard to justify shelling out so much for the Shutt VR.

Verdict

Very good short-sleeved summer jersey with fabric that wicks well, but a pretty expensive option

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Shutt Velo Rapide Women's Elite Jersey

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

This is a pro-fit lightweight jersey for the summer.

Shutt VR says, "A luxurious pro-fit jersey constructed constructed from the finest Italian fabrics for an unsurpassed fit while protecting the wearer from extremes of temperature offering superior insulation and breathability – keeping the rider dry and at optimum temperature.

"A silicone hem provides a secure fit around the waist with a full front zip and reflective highlights keeping you easily seen in low light conditions. Of course it wouldn't be Shutt if we didn't also add an array of features and details, such as silicone grippers, reflective tab and three generous reinforced rear pockets."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

* Race cut from premium MITI fabrics

* High level of breathability and exceptional moisture transfer

* Sleek, contemporary design

* Anatomically designed

* Textured Lycra back and sides

* Full length zip

* Laser cut arm grippers

* Silicon elastic hem

* Three large rear pockets

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Really well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

As a lightweight jersey it performed very well in hot conditions.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

After a month of testing and washing it is fine so far.

Rate the product for fit:
 
6/10

Slightly generous across chest in my usual size medium.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
6/10
Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10

Lightweight material.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

It is a comfortable jersey to wear.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

I think it is a bit expensive for £110.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washing was no problem, although the white can get dirty (a bit of Vanish does the trick).

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

As a summer lightweight jersey it performed well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

I like the design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

A slightly roomy medium fit.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's a very good jersey but taking the price into account I'd say it's a 7 overall.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 168  Weight: 60

I usually ride: Genesis Croix de Fer Ti  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking

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