Made from a 48% merino 52% polyester content Sportwool fabric, the Signature offers the excellent temperature management and anti-bacterial anti-whiff properties of merino, with the faster drying time and better moisture management of polyester content. Washable at 40, the jersey should stay nicely odour free for a long time too. The fabric may not feel as sumptuous as higher merino content, but it is beautifully soft to the touch and next to skin, and the polyester does reduce that ‘wet sheep’ smell when wet as well as drying more rapidly. The density of the weave of the fabric means that while it’s not windproof, it does prevent excessive cooling from chilly breezes, and with the addition of a long sleeved base layer, it even does the job quite happily on genuinely cold rides. Or as a base layer itself with bib tights. I was quite comfortable in a variety of conditions, with just minor tweaks of base layer choices.
With a full length zip, great sleeve and body length, coupled with a neat (bit not tight) fitting high collar, the cut is ideally suited to year round use as well, with plenty of scope for ventilation in warmer weather, although it would be on the hot side for full summer conditions. The cuffs wrap neatly around the wrists to keep drafts out, but are stretchy enough to be pushed up the arm if necessary. The cut is unisex but actually one of few designs that I’ve come across that do genuinely suit both sexes, with the flattering fit more on the relaxed than racing side. The size medium I tried equated to about a 12-14, with enough torso length to suit tall or short riders.
The three rear pockets are a useful size and depth, with one also featuring a generous zipped security pocket. The central pocket is also finished with a reflective strip for visibility.
Styling is attractive and accessible- not too geeky, not too sporty, nor too plain and just cool enough for the ‘in’ crowd. The bold test-card like pattern will appeal to both sexes equally.
Whilst £89 marks a reasonable investment, you’re getting a good looking, hand finished, British-made garment that you’ll wear happily all year round and will last a good while. In my book that’s £89 well spent.
Well made, extremely comfortable and versatile year-round riding wear. A sound investment.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Shutt VR Signature Training Top
Size tested: Medium, white
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Shutt VR say: Jersey for all seasons- essential wear for all types of road riders and racers, and also proving popular with MTB and Cyclo Cross communities.
Versatile cut and looks mean it suits many different cycling styles, while the fabric and design make it versatile for year round use.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
48% merino/52% polyester Sportwool fabric
Sightly relaxed rather than racy fit.
Good torso and sleeve length.
Gripper at rear hem.
3 elasticated rear pockets, 1 zipped security pocket at rear.
Reflective trim at rear.
Full length front zip, with chin guard at top.
British made, hand finished.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Extremely well finished except for rough finish to bottom of zip which could easily snag on delicate technical fabrics.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Comfortable in a variety of temperatures and conditions, with tweaking of base layers etc to fine tune temperature.
Kept temperature stable when riding.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Some 'bobbling' on the interior surface of the fabric as time goes by, but nothing to be overly concerned about.
Merino content and washable at 40 means that it should stay odour free for longer. Smooth face to fabric makes for less chance of 'bobbling' on outside.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
very light for its warmth.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Extremely comfortable. Maintains a steady temperature.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Good investment. Cost per wear would be quite low due to year round practicality and longevity.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Style, fabric, cut, British Made.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Finish of zip at bottom.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Well made and nicely thought through. A genuinely useful 'go to' jersey.
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
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4 comments
They are a great jersey, got mine through the Friday Scwag and it's really toasty!
I have the white one and agree it is rather nice. Quality and detailing is good and I like the styling as well. The sportwool is the best element of it though and I would really not like to ever have to go back to pure manmade jerseys if I could.
Sexy jersey, been looking at getting a new one for winter/spring! FG
Lovely looking jersey.