Shutt Velo Rapide Elite Jersey

Thanks to its mesh back and side panels, the Shutt Velo Rapide Elite Jersey is a great choice for when the temperature starts to ramp up. It's comfortable too, but at £110 it's priced a little high against some of the competition.

• Pros: Breathable fabrics, quality finish
• Cons: White panels get grubby quickly, pricey

The sun has been out for well over a week here while I'm writing the review, and with the temperatures hanging around 18-25°C the Elite jersey has been getting a lot of use.

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Shutt VR has used a combination of materials from Miti Spa, one of the most highly regarded fabric developers in the business, and it gives the jersey a top quality feel and performance.

Around the front and over the shoulders, the smooth material has plenty of stretch for freedom of movement and its softness against the skin is one of the best I've worn. It provides a small barrier against a cool breeze, making the Elite ideal if you start a ride early in the morning or finish late in the evening but when the sun is out it doesn't struggle to keep you cool.

This is helped by the back and side panels which are made from a wide section mesh type fabric. It really lets the heat and moisture escape, especially as the wind whips over your back when you're down on the drops.

As a jersey it's not quite as cool as a full-mesh design like Castelli's Aero Race 5.1 Jersey FZ, but like I say, it's a good compromise if the temperature drops off mid-ride.

Round the front you get a full zip, though oddly no zip garage at the neck. I didn't get any irritation but some might from a neckline that sits reasonably high up.

The tail is dropped at the back although not by as much as some jerseys I've tested, and it's held in place by a silicone gripper which runs just along the rear section. It does the job and I never found the Elite riding up.

The Shutt VR comes with three traditional pockets which use a heavier weight material than the mesh they are attached to. They are sturdy enough to carry a multi-tool or phone without sagging and they are deep enough to keep everything secure.

Sizing is quite generous compared with Shutt's website. I was assigned this medium as that is the size I take in the majority of brands and it was great: a close, race-style, form fit with no excess material or restriction, even though I did find the sleeves a little more roomy than I'm used to. Shutt's size guide, though, would have me in either a large or even extra large, so if you want a close fit like the jersey deserves, size down.

As usual from Shutt VR, the Elite is a quality garment and very well made. All the stitching is neat and tidy, and I like the addition of the clear soft plastic label inside – no chance of irritation from it.

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

You do pay for it, though, at £110. That Castelli Aero I mentioned is £100, as is the excellent Morvelo EFX Nth Series. Another thorn in its side is the Craft Monument jersey, which has many of the same characteristics but is £85.

Overall, I really like the Elite for its performance, but if it was my own money I'd be shopping around.

Verdict

Impressive warm weather performance and quality, but you pay for it