Cooper Bikes launches at the London Cycle Show

In a move that befits such an innovative family name, The Cooper Car Company has launched a new venture… no, they haven’t developed a line of accessories and conversions for the Fiat 500 (Cooper’s first prototype single-seater was constructed from two old Fiat Topolino front ends), instead they have entered the bike market with a range of classic and modern racing bikes.

Utilising the engineering and technical know-how that has been synonymous with the British Company for 50 years, and with a nod to their racing heritage, the first models code named T100 will be called “Monza” and “Sebring”, after the circuits which saw the Company’s F1 Championship victory in 1959.

Both bikes exhibit the modern aggressive styling of a track bike, with confident and sharp handling out on the road. The T100 Monza is supplied in dark blue with flat bars and the T100 Sebring is finished in silver, and has bullhorn bars. The bikes retail from £595 and are available through selected dealers from January 2010.

“The Cooper Car Company has always had a passion for bicycles and we have been thinking about diversifying the business for a while. We wanted to turn our engineering know how to making bicycles that offer the best possible components for the best possible price” said Mike Cooper.

In addition to the T100 Monza and T100 Sebring, the Cooper range will include the T200 Championship 50 and the T200 Reims 5 Speed. Inspired by the lightweight racing bikes of the 1960’s, the T200 series combines classic styling with modern components and technology.

The T200 Championship 50 is a special edition single-speed, finished in classic Cooper racing green to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cooper Car Company Formula 1 World Championship victory in 1959. The stunning T200 Reims, finished in cream, combines style with the practicality of 5 gears. The T200 bikes, which will be available in March 2010.

All single speed bicycles feature a flip flop hub, which accepts both fixed cogs and freewheel. In addition, all of the bikes will feature Brooks Saddles, Sturmey Archer Cranks, Reynolds Tubing and Tektro Brakes.

You can find out more about Cooper Bikes and explore the history of the Cooper brand over www.cooperbikes.com.