2011 Cooper Bikes
The makers of the Mini, Cooper Bikes introduces its 2011 bike range which comprises of three new models, the T25 Aintree, T100 Spa and the T100 Zandvoort available between September to November. The T100 Zandvoort is a cutting edge bike for the aggressive cyclist. It has a three speed Sturney Archer hub with straight bars and Reynolds 520 frame. It features Brooks Swallow saddle and a gun metal gray finish with black and silver trim.
The T100 Spa is for fixed gear aficionados. It can be made to run on singlespeed and has unique track handlebars. It features Reynolds 520 frame, Sturney Archer crankset and Brooks Swallow saddle. It also uses Alex R475 rims and Continental tires. With Tektro brakes, the T100 Spa comes in a chrome finish.
The T250 Aintree is a five speed bike in light blue color. It features Reynolds 531 tubing, Tektro brakes and Mavic Open Sport rims. Brooks Swift saddle and leather bar tape makes the bike elegant and classy.
So, seriously, these are made by BMW? That is owns Mini, right?
Ok, let’s think our way through this. We would guess these bikes are using a Cooper Licensing Agreement with a marketing company and/or Asian manufacturer. We know Reynolds 520 is a generic butted cro-moly tubing, usually drawn in Asia using the Reynolds labeling through licensing.
The 531 tubing my actually be of English manufacture but not necessarily true.
Nevertheless, we do like the Commuter emphasis, the fixie is cool the three speed is becoming a great gearing for commuting. We will have to see how these price out and really check the quality for what looks to be interesting to say the least.
Cooper Bikes are produced in Taiwan by Maxway (see the rear drop outs for manufacturer verification). The Sturmey Archer brand name is now owned by Asian manufacturer Sun Race. The Sturmey Archer components are now produced in Asia by Sun Race and its assignees, for example the front hubs are most likely manufactured by Formula of Asia. The Sturmey Archer labeled crank sets most likely are produced by Sun Race or one of its assignees and again of Asian origin. The Reynolds 520 tubing is an entry level, butted cro-moly tubing about the same quality as any other Asian produced butted cro-moly tubing. The Reynolds web site states: “The Reynolds ’520′ range uses the same alloy, made under license for us in Taiwan and subject to the same quality standards.” There are other Maxway produced bicycles with similar (if not better) specifications and leather saddles, including Brooks branded saddles, for around the $850 to $900 price range by such brand names as Raleigh and Torelli in the US which is below the $1175 target retail price. Our industry insights lead us to speculate that the higher pricing may be due to an additional profit layer in the US distribution channel.
The Cooper T 100 series geometries are longer wheel based, longer top tube geometries configurations so they can not considered purely as track bikes but more as slacker geometry track styled commuter bicycles. The lack of rack and fender braze on fittings limits the use of such accessories to seat post clamped racks and brake bolt mounted mini fenders instead of the full on rack and fender applications preferred by most commuters. That being said it is not a full on track bike or commuter bike but something in between, therefore, it is difficult to define Cooper’s design goals for the T 100 offerings. The short stack height of the ahead stem/headset system also diminishes this bikes ability to adjust the handle bar height for a more relaxed commuter setting which further inhibits this bikes comfort and adjustability factors since a complete stem change is necessary for higher handle bar positioning.
We do not know how much of the Mini Cooper automobile production is done in England but we can say none of the Cooper bicycle T100 series production is done there except for possibly the saddles!