October 31, 2012

Cooper Oporto City Bike Review

Momentum Mag reviews the Cooper Oporto.

Written by: Tania Lo

Review

Price $1,700 USD

Find it at cooperbikes.com

Available in select us shops and online in US and CAD at shop.cooperbikesusa.com

The Cooper Oporto is classically styled yet features modern technology and engineering. The features on this steed include a stepthrough Reynolds 520 lugged doublebutted steel frame, Sturmey Archer 5-speed internal gear hub, rear carrier rack, chrome mudguards, a Brooks B17S Lady saddle and matching Brooks leather grips. At 22.7 lbs (10.3 kg), the Oporto is one of the lightest upright bikes on the market. Available in 3 sizes – 48, 52 and 57 cm.

Tell Your Friends

If you thought sitting upright meant having to ride slow, you were wrong. Quick up hills and along straightaways the Oporto is responsive, flexible and strong. Once you try this bike, every other bike will have a lot to live up to. The Oporto strikes a perfect balance of style and performance.

Wish List

An option for a hub dynamo lighting system and a kickstand would be my first two wishes and if I were granted another, I’d wish for a belt drive to make this bike near maintenance free.

Ideal Rider

If you love to go fast and want to enjoy the benefits of upright riding then this is the bike for you. The Oporto is light enough to carry up a flight of stairs. I am 5’1” and the 48 cm frame fit like a glove.

Overall

The geometry, high-end components and lighter weight set this bike apart from the pack of upright bikes. A sleek and speedy lightweight dream.

This bike was generously put together by JV Bike in Vancouver, BC. jvbike.com

1 Comment

Rum
March 24, 2013
I bought a Cooper Oporto bike from Evans in the uk and it looks great and rides nice. But if you get a puncture in the back tyre, you need a degree in engineering to get the back wheel off. I went on a long cycle with a group of experienced riders got a puncture and out of 15 people not one had a clue at how to take the back wheel off. It should not be that hard – after about an hour of wiggling it about, managed to get it off and fix the puncture but then spent another hour trying to get it back on. Once on, I just settled for having the back wheel – the gears no longer worked.
I’ve had many bikes all of which I’ve been able to change my own tyres etc. I wish someone at Evans had told me this before I bought the bike. I’ve also asked Evans to show me how to do it. But its obviously a closely guarded secret as they they just tell me I need to pay for a £40 service of the whole bike just to fix the tyre… I don’t want to do this every time I get a puncture.
Many thanks Rachael (who currently has another flat tyre)