Shutt Velo Rapide Women's Elite Jersey

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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