Winter Cycling with Shutt Velo Rapide
by Robert Thorpe
If you’re looking for good value, reliable and comfortable winter cycling clothing, then Shutt Velo Rapide may be just what you’re looking for. this young U.K. based clothing brand keep things simple, but with a drive to ensure that simple is effective. Their latest offerings for winter are testament to their quality and style, and are targeted at a price point that makes them accessible for all. Now, what’s not to like about that.
First off all, I ride mainly in the North Yorks Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, and kit that looks fancy but which doesn’t really perform, is easily identified. Rapha might suit you in the Home Counties, but here in the wilds of North Yorkshire our kit has to first of all perform well, then be great value for money; and in truth, that’s even more important these days, with a dramatic cost of living crises that none of us can ignore. It’s unfair and unnecessary to show you kit that costs the earth, and in truth, which really isn’t worth paying the extra for.
On the other hand, it’s always a pleasure to test kit from a brand like Shutt Velo, where they’ve clearly taken time to think about what’s needed, how it should perform and how it should look. Everything about their latest autumn-winter jersey is just kind of sensible.
Designed with a stylish but simple, navy blue palette, this modern cut jersey is a great choice for long rides in the intermittent conditions of winter. Whilst it’s not waterproof, nor made from the heaviest of fabrics, it is well thought out, with a race fit design, using a high quality Roubaix fabric that stretches to fit you perfectly, and allows that necessary freedom of movement on the bike. It’s a thermal long sleeved jersey, handmade in Italy from lightweight and resilient MITI Thermal Green Super Roubaix®, which is internally fleeced and fast wicking to keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. Best of all, it actually works, and when I’ve been riding here in the cold Yorkshire winds, it’s kept them at bay and kept me comfortable. The fabric weight seems heavier where needed, and overall, the design and cut is very sporting, and feels like a warm second skin. It’s one of those jerseys that you don’t feel you’re wearing, due to the anatomical and athletic cut and the superb stretch fabric, that simply clings to you in a relaxing way.
According to Shutt Velo Rapide, their Thermal Green is a high-end Bluesign certified fabric, brush back warp knit fabric made with recycled polyamide and Eco-Smart elastane. What we know is that it’s a quality fabric that works, and it’s super comfortable.the sleeves are cut just right, and finished nicely with narrow cuffs. At the waist, Shutt have used my own personal favourite hem, a good quality wide and elasticated fabric band that adds to the modern look and holds things in place perfectly. The collar is more of a sporting design, and whilst not overly high, it does it’s job as expected. Importantly, the rear pockets and deep and made from a strong and heavy fabric, with a good elasticated edging to keep things firmly in place. There’s no zipped pocket for keys, but overall, it’s a minor point on what is otherwise a top notch winter cycling choice for all riders.
Bib tights are always a mixed bag. Often too long, sagging behind the knees or simply too heavy, it’s always nice to find a pair that once on, simply feels nice and makes you want to go cycling. It’s easy to forget that you need to dress for your actual activity level, and in practice that means wearing kit that will keep you warm… but not too warm. These race cut bib tights from Shutt Velo Rapide are, like their matching jersey, a perfect choice for a winter spin.
The Super Roubaix thermal fabric is of a good quality, and definitely works well in the northern hills, whilst still allowing your body to breath and not overheat. The panelling is well designed too, so that they fit where they touch, and the rest is simply up to you. There’s not a great deal of compression, but it’s not really needed. The fit is close, without being tight or restrictive, allowing good movement. I do really like the wide fabric straps, that sit nicely over the shoulders. The ankles are finished with a simple silicon gel, and the pad is an Italian made, multi-density foam and gel pad that seems to work well in long days out in the hills, which is always a good test.
Shutt Velo Rapide are a brand that we’ve been keen to test for some time. They’re a group of real cyclists, who instinctively know what’s necessary and at what price point. With this Tourmalet winter jersey and bib tights, they’ve hit the mark, producing a stylish and modern look that dies it’s job really well. The overall finishing is top quality, and at it’s a winter outfit that any cyclist would be happy to have in their wardrobe. In fact, it’s kind of like that ‘little black number’ that suits every party. The Shutt Velo Rapide Tourmalet winter jersey and tights are in that VW Golf category – simply designed, high quality and performance orientated, at a price point that everyone can enjoy.