Cooper UTY 8

Cooper was once best known for its success in motor racing. Now bikes like this utility model are helping continue the company’s legacy

The car brand Mini and the name Cooper have been intertwined since John Cooper first started tuning its engines in the early 1960s. Since then the brand has diversified from motorsport, and the Cooper name can also be found attached to innovative and stylish bikes.

The UTY 8 is one such machine. It’s a style known as a mini velo that has long been popular in Japan and which combines an almost regular-sized frame with 20-inch wheels similar to those found on a BMX. The benefits of the smaller wheels include being easier to accelerate, so the bike takes less effort to get moving, and greater manoeuvrability. They’re also strong enough to support large loads and help keep the bike’s centre of gravity low for increased stability. The robust construction of the high-quality chromoly steel frame further ensures they remain pretty indestructible.

Another benefit of the design is that multiple riders of different heights can use the UTY, even though it comes in a single size. There’s ample standover room thanks to the dip in the top tube. Cooper has also found space to fit the 540Wh battery into the middle of the frame just above the matching Shimano Steps E6100 motor.

Shimano also supplies the gearing by way of a Nexus eight-speed hub. Using a hub-based system means no exposed derailleur at the rear wheel, so there’s less potential for greasy marks on your trousers or damage to the gears.

The UTY 8’s funky design has not come at the expense of practicality, as the bike comes with full-length mudguards, a chainguard, a side stand and an integrated rear wheel lock as standard. If you need more than that, a front rack option makes load-carrying easy if you want to use the bike for commuting duties.

 £2,699

 cooperbikes.com