Lynskey Cooper Review

A very nice review on the Lynskey Cooper. An XL frame built up for Mike with SRAM Rival and a Quarq. Mike was excited for a new bike, like any real cyclist, but was nervous about the stiffness. Debating between a Felt F4 and Cooper, Mike wasn't sure the Cooper would have the performance he was looking for.

I've added a few shots during the build and of the initial fit. Mike has since lowered the stem 2+cm as well as flipped the stem down and even added 10mm to it. The fit has gotten much lower and longer with the added riding, flexibility, and comfort this bike has given Mike.


Read on for his impressions:

I wouldn’t call myself a bike expert, but I have ridden a variety of bikes, from aluminum, carbon fiber and steel frames, with varying degrees of enjoyment. I have never ridden a titanium bike and was a bit skeptical when Brandon and others on the team suggested that I would love riding the Lynskey Cooper. I was planning to get another carbon bike but didn’t want a bike that beat the hell out of me on longer rides (I’m not a crit racer), so I took the leap and got the Lynskey Cooper. I have had a chance to ride it long (75+ miles), during crazy group rides (yes, Judson can be crazy), during crits and one muddy road/gravel road race and I’m surprised how happy I am about the bike.


I have not been on a ride yet that I want to get off the bike. The ride feel is amazing. I have had other properly fitted bikes that I want to get off because I felt beat up, not because my legs are tired. It’s great to feel like I could ride my bike forever… or at least longer than I would ever consider riding it.

The other piece to the ride quality is the responsiveness; it's awesome. I’m not sure if it’s the stiffness, tube construction or geometry or some combination (like I said, I’m not an expert) but when I want to stand up and sprint, the bike is ready. I feel like I have another gear when I’m pushing it or sprinting. I’m a tall guy, but I don’t feel any flex in the frame. I doubt the bike is the stiffest bike in the world, but I couldn't care less because I feel confident with it when I’m sprinting. Related to being confident, I also feel like I have a lot of control. The bike takes corners nicely and handles great, a huge positive when you are riding with others.

I have also taken this bike through hell. I rode the bike during the Leland road race that was a total mud/gravel-fest. And the bike was awesome. It handled the gravel and mud perfectly. I didn’t worry about taking it through any line, no matter how rough or muddy. The other great benefit to the bike is that titanium is super easy to clean. The industrial mill finish cleans up nice… and quick. This has come in handy in the early spring and especially after Leland.

The other great thing about the bike is that it’s unique. Brandon did awesome job of building a one of a kind ride, great orange accents that look great with titanium. I like owning it.

The bike is outfitted with SRAM Rival components, which feel very similar to my SRAM Red on my cross bike. There is a small difference, but I think the biggest difference is in weight not shifting feel or quality.

I have also put on a Quarq, which I love so far and think that it’s better than my Powertap because I can put any wheels on the bike. I look forward to using the Quarq during cross season.

Now, the Cooper isn’t the lightest bike in the world (I don’t have the lightest wheels currently either, Brandon when are you getting me those Firecrest Zipp wheels?) but I could lose 1-2 pounds (or work harder) to make up the difference, plus we don’t have hills in Chicago were it matters most.

I’d recommend the bike to almost anyone. Since I have gotten the Cooper, I haven’t ridden my ‘cross bike or my TT bike. I don’t want too, I like riding the Cooper too much. My experience with the Cooper has me considering getting the cyclocross version for cross season.

This is what happens when someone puts their trust in us to help. It's a huge leap to spend thousands of dollars without riding a bike first, but there's a reason we ride everything we can get our hands on. Yes, it's a "tough" job, but we really do ride all of these bikes to help you.

Mike, we're as happy about your bike as you are, enjoy logging the miles!