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Co-op Cycles CTY Review

Last updated: May 20, 2020

Category: Hybrid Bikes

Co-op Cycles, the in-house bike brand of REI, boast a broad range of bikes for every two-wheeled need and the CTY range features six hybrid/dual-purpose bikes.

Overview

Composed of six bikes in all, Co-op Cycles CTY range can be split into two more defined sub-sections. The CTY 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 are primarily commuter bikes for city and urban riding. The CTY 1.1 is the entry-level option and the sub-range is topped by the 1.3.

GroupsetFrame materialFork material/typeBrake type
CTY 1.1Shimano AceraAluminumAluminumMechanical Disc
CTY 1.2Shimano AlivioAluminumAluminumHydraulic Disc
CTY 1.3Shimano AlfineAluminumAluminumHydraulic Disc
CTY 2.1Shimano AltusAluminumSuspensionHydraulic Disc
CTY 2.2Shimano AlivioAluminumSuspensionHydraulic Disc
CTY 3.1SRAM NXSteelSteelHydraulic Disc

The other three bikes, the CTY 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 are more focused towards the dual-purpose market. The two bikes in the ‘2’ sub-section feature suspension forks, while the steel CTY 3.1 is the only bike not crafted from aluminum.

The CTY 3.1 is also the only bike in the range not to feature Shimano components, using a SRAM NX groupset. All six bikes feature disc brakes, with the 1.1 using mechanical and the other five equipped with hydraulic discs.

Frameset

The three more city-focused bikes – the 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 – are crafted from 6061-series aluminum with an alloy fork to match. Aluminum is popular in the commuter market as it offers good rigidity and durability while shaving a little weight off.

FrameFork
CTY 1.16061 aluminum6061 aluminum
CTY 1.26061 aluminum6061 aluminum
CTY 1.36061 aluminum6061 aluminum
CTY 2.16061 aluminumSR Suntour Nex HLO, 63 millimeters
CTY 2.26061 aluminumSR Suntour NRX, 63mm travel with lockout, 63 millimeters
CTY 3.1Chromoly steel4130 Chromoly straight-blade with 15mm thru axle

REI have made the CTY 2.1 and 2.2 more versatile, meanwhile. Aluminum frames are paired with SR Suntour suspension forks. The NEX, used on the 2.1, is aimed at the trekking market and the NRX on the 2.2 is in SR Suntour’s cross category. From a city point of view, both will enhance comfort by cushioning the ride through the front end. Both could also, therefore, head off the beaten track if needed.

Finally, the CTY 3.1 is a steel bike with a 4130-series chromoly fork. It is built for rigidity and durability over long miles.

Groupset

Five of the bikes feature Shimano components with a range of gearing options and cranksets swapped in. Shimano Alfine, as featured on the CTY 1.3, is built for urban and city riding. Paired with a Gates belt drive, it keeps maintenance and mess to a minimum with an eight-disc internal gear hub supplying enough gearing options for city riding.

CTY 1.1CTY 1.2CTY 1.3
ShiftersShimano Altus 8 trigger shiftersShimano AltusShimano Alfine trigger shifter
Front DerailleurShimano TourneyShimano AceraN/A
Rear DerailleurShimano AceraShimano Alivio ShadowShimano Alfine 8-disc internal-gear hub
CranksetShimano TY-301 48/38/28N/AShimano Alfine
BrakesTektro M300 mechanical discShimano M315 hydraulic discShimano M315 hydraulic disc
CassetteShimano HG31, 11-32, 8-speedShimano Alivio, 11-34, 9-speedN/A
ChainShimano HG53Shimano HG53Gates belt

The 2.1 and 2.2 continue their focus on versatility and off-road options by utilising two of Shimano’s mountain-bike groups – Acera and Alivio. Both are fairly low in the Shimano MTB hierarchy, which reflects the fact these bikes are not built to be top-end off-road machines. They are urban bikes with the capacity to handle the rougher stuff. Both the 2.1 and 2.2 feature triple cranksets for a wide range of gearing options.

CTY 2.1CTY 2.2CTY 3.1
ShiftersShimano Altus trigger shiftersShimano AlivioSRAM NX 11-speed twist shifter
Front DerailleurShimano FD-M191Shimano AlivioN/A
Rear DerailleurShimano AceraShimano AlivioSRAM NX Horizon
CranksetShimano, 48/38/28Shimano Acera, 44/32/22SRAM NX 2-piece
BrakesShimano M315 hydraulic disc brakeShimano M365 hydraulic discShimano M315 hydraulic disc
CassetteShimano HG41, 11-34, 8-speedShimano HG-300, 11-36, 9-speedSRAM PG 1130 11-42
ChainKMC Z8Shimano CN-HG53Shimano CN-HG54

Finally, the 3.1 and SRAM NX is a little different. Shifting is looked after by an 11-speed twist shifter. The 1×11 NX X-Horizon derailleur is a key part of SRAM’s 1x drivetrains and is another – like those featured on the 2.1 and 2.2 – built with MTB in mind.

Wheels

All except the rear wheel on the Co-op Cycles CTY 1.3 are built around Joytech hubs. All are very basic, with capacity for wider tires. The CTY 1.2 and 1.3 roll on Weinmann rims with Kenda Kwick Trax 700x35mm tires. Kenda’s Kwick Trax are their top commuter tires, with reflective sidewalls and puncture protection. It further marks the CTY 1.3 as a top commuting/city bike.
RimsTires
CTY 1.1HuafengKenda K-1024 with protective shield and reflective sidewall, 700 x 40
CTY 1.2WeinmannKenda Kwick Trax, 700 x 35mm
CTY 1.3WeinmannKenda Kwick Trax, 700 x 35mm
CTY 2.1Co-op CyclesKenda Kick-Back, 700 x 40mm with reflective sidewall
CTY 2.2GLMKenda Flintridge, 700 x 40
CTY 3.1WTB STP i23 TCS 650BWTB Horizon 650b x 47mm
Elsewhere, the 2.1 and 2.2 feature wider tires, and the 3.1 steps it up with dedicated MTB wheels and tires from WTB. The latter boasts WTB STP rims in 650b size, with massive WTB Horizon 47mm tires. It again reflects the wider use expected of the 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1.

Ergonomics

All six Co-op Cycles CTY bikes feature Selle Royal Shadow saddles. The Shadow range is packed with padding for enhanced comfort. All except the 1.1 feature Selle Royal’s patented gel design, meanwhile, which is built to work like memory foam for moulded comfort.
SeatHandlebarPedals
CTY 1.1Selle Royal Shadow +Co-op Cycles aluminumWellgo aluminum platform
CTY 1.2Selle Royal Shadow + with gelCo-op Cycles aluminumWellgo alloy platform
CTY 1.3Selle Royal Shadow with gelAluminumWellgo aluminum platform
CTY 2.1Selle Royal Shadow Plus with gel6061 aluminumPlatform
CTY 2.2Selle Royal Shadow with gelAluminumWellgo aluminum platform with steel spindle
CTY 3.1Selle Royal Shadow with gelAluminumPlatform
The CTY range is designed with flat aluminium bars and all six come supplied with Wellgo alloy platform pedals. While the Selle Royal saddles impress, the rest of the finishing kit is fairly basic. Nevertheless, the CTY 1.3 particularly impresses when it comes to value for money as an urban commuter with a good spec level.