Poncy singlespeed - Cooper Spa?

[Sway]

As above really. Just joined new firm so able to get a new bike on C2W.

Have a decent mtb from last firm (Boardman HT pro), and won't have the time to get back into proper road riding, so was thinking of a nice village bike.

This looks nice, British componentry as much as seems possible, motorsport connection appeals.

Whaddaya think? Anything else for similar money?

(Am set on a retro-ish singlespeed, can't be arsed with people that don't realise others have different needs/tastes)

[Sway]

swerni said:

I've had the championship 50 for a couple of years and love it.
Great firm to deal with, when I had an issue I dropped a mail to sales@cooperbikes and got an email back later that day from Mike Cooper ,lovely Bloke.

Sorted. That statement alone regarding their customer service means decision made.

Just got to order voucher and see if my LBS can get it in (think he mentioned Cooper earlier today when I went to see him).

Cheers fella.

[Pulse]

You've just got me looking at these. Really quite like the look of the Cooper T81 on their website, and (converse to what normally happens) it's actually the cheapest one they sell... Currently £650 on Evans Cycles. A bit rich for me still, but what a lovely looking bike!

[Elise18S]

Have you had a look at Pashley bikes?

[Sway]

Cheers Elise - had forgotten Pashley, but they don't have anything that really floats my boat. Moulton does, but not at a price I can stomach!

Just trying to decide which Cooper. Spa is lovely, particularly components, but not sure about rocking a chrome frame.

The Sebring is very nice, like the cowhorns. Reims is stunning. T81 is cool, but flat bars and brakes would be changed.

The whole bloody range is stunning! Seems to be based on decent engineering rather than simply pure ponce...

Brooks finishing kit makes me happy.

[Pulse]

The T81 is cool with the kickback I think!

[Sway]

Mixed reviews on the kickback, think it may be a bit marmite.

Really poncy I know, but aheadset does detract from the 'hybrids' in their range...

[Sway]

Stunning. Really bloody nice. Is that the biggest frame? I'd be going for the medium.

Notice that the tubeset has changed from 531, don't suppose it'll make much difference as it's still double butted.

Seems the Reims is the closest relation to yours, but with the 5 speed Sturmer Archer.

[anonymous-user]

Love that bottle holder, reckon you could recreate this during the Paris-Amsterdam?

or this?

[okgo]

I have a genesis flyer - retro looks with modern parts. It's great.

[Pulse]

OP, have you considered a Pashley? Seriously nice stuff and 'proper' British.

[Jimbo.]

okgo said:

I have a genesis flyer - retro looks with modern parts. It's great.

Seconded. Jolly nice bikes

[anonymous-user]

I was looking at these myself, but couldn't find out much about the Britishness of the bike. Is it really British, or is it made in Taiwan like the rest!!

[Pulse]

Jimboka said:

I was looking at these myself, but couldn't find out much about the Britishness of the bike. Is it really British, or is it made in Taiwan like the rest!!

I believe it's Taiwan they're made in, yep.

[Pulse]

swerni said:

Go on twitter and ask them.

What's twitter?

[Jimbo.]

Here!

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/gunn--co-al...

[anonymous-user]

swerni said:

It's a thought.

Now where do I find the retro water bottle mounts, they are very cool!

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/gunn--co-al...

:-)

[Gizmoish]

I bloody love chrome frames.

That is all.

[Sway]

Bugger. Pashley Clubman Urban has thrown a spanner in the works. A big one.

Now realising that none of the options I've looked at tick all the boxes.

So, with the 'musts' and the 'desires' below, how can I get closest, staying within my grand cyclescheme budget?

Musts:

Classic, lugged steel frame.
Cowhorns
Flip flop rear wheel
As few mounts/guides on the frame as possible.
Quill stem/headset

Desires
Italian running gear (Campag/Ambrosio/etc)
Brooks finishing kit
Chromed lugs, classic paint/logos.

Fussy bugger I know, but hey, it is for enjoying, and it is as simple as they get in terms of amount of components needed!

[Gizmoish]

May be worth looking at Spa cycles saddles if you need to save a few bob to stay on budget