Venture into the world of splendor with bicycles that redefine luxury. These two-wheeled marvels are not just modes of transport, but symbols of opulence and grandeur. Behold the most extravagant and highest-priced bicycles ever to grace the roads.
# | Name | Price |
---|---|---|
1 | The Beverly Hills Edition | $1 Million |
2 | Butterfly Trek Madone/a> | $500,000 |
3 | Aurumania Gold Bike Crystal Edition | $114,000 |
4 | Gucci “Guccissima” Cruiser Bike | $35,000 |
5 | BMC Lamborghini Impec | $32,000 |
6 | Audi Sport Racing Bike | $18,620 |
7 | Chanel Bicycle | $18,000 |
8 | Cervelo P5X Dura Ace Di2 Disc | $16,000 |
9 | S-Works Shiv Disc Limited Edition | $15,680 |
10 | Madone SLR 9 Disc eTap | $12,299 |
1. The Beverly Hills Edition
The Beverly Hills Edition, the embodiment of luxury and opulence in mountain bikes. Crafted by the House of Solid Gold, this 24k gold extreme mountain bike is widely regarded as the most expensive mountain bike ever created.
With only 13 pieces in this exquisite collection, each bike is an actual work of art, bearing the artist’s engraved signature, a unique date, and a numbered edition.
Over 750 hours were dedicated to handcrafting this masterpiece. Adorned in pure 24-carat gold, the bike dazzles with the House of Solid Gold logo, embellished with over 600 black diamonds and 500 golden sapphires, totaling an impressive 10.5 karats.
Every detail displayed luxury, from the exquisite chocolate brown alligator leather seat to the water bottle, resplendent in golden splendor and accentuated with a brown stingray.
2. Butterfly Trek Madone
The Butterfly Trek Madone, designed by Damien Hirst, once held the esteemed title of the world’s most expensive bicycle, having been sold at auction for a staggering $500,000.
This exceptional artwork combines a functional race bicycle with the ethereal beauty of real butterfly wings, which adorn the frame and wheels. Notably, the bike was ridden by Lance Armstrong during the 2009 Tour de France.
While the Butterfly Trek Madone captivated the art world with its unique concept, it faced significant opposition from animal rights activists, who criticized using butterfly wings.
The bike was auctioned as part of the “It’s About the Bike” event, which aimed to support the Livestrong Foundation and its cancer research, awareness, and advocacy endeavors.
3. Aurumania Gold Bike Crystal Edition
This one of the most expensive bikes is plated with 24-carat gold, adorned with over 600 fine Swarovski crystals, and is literally worth its weight in gold.
As the brand claims, only 10 are made as “the very best for the very few.”
The bike includes hand-stitched, chocolate-brown leather handlebar grips, and the Brooks leather saddle adds just the perfect nostalgia.
Aurumania claims these bikes suit those curious about novel applications for the priceless yellow metal. Therefore, it is no surprise that the first of these bikes was sold to a man in London who used it as wall artwork.
4. Gucci “Guccissima” Cruiser Bike
Gucci is a luxury fashion brand that took part in the game of making collector’s bicycles. And, for sure, anything this Italian name makes is extravagant.
The Guccissima bike is a handcrafted Italian cruiser bike coated in beautiful, soft leather and contains many elements that have all been carefully done by hand. It was developed during the last few years of Tom Ford’s career at Gucci.
The Guccissima’s design resembles Chanel’s counterpart, as it has a classic vibe of a bicycle, which we often see back in the day, with two Gucci-signature handbags in Light Gold, Bangladesh Green, and Rufous Red at the rear.
This bicycle is a rare item that is exclusively displayed in museums and exhibitions. It’s more like a collector’s item because it isn’t frequently used for riding or show.
5. BMC Lamborghini Impec
Lamborghini was first four-wheeler company made a two-wheeler, it had already unveiled the Impec in 2012 as a unique spin-off for the 50th anniversary of the Italian brand.
The Impec – a collaboration between Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC and Lamborghini – is renowned for its unique framework using the most innovative materials, like carbon fiber. The bike also draws attention like magic due to its unique, matte black and glossy fluorescent yellow paint job reminiscent of the hypercars made by the Italian brand.
The bike is a match for the Aventador. Only 30 units were built in 2012, but 50 more were supposedly built in 2013 to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary.
6. Audi Sport Racing Bike
The Audi Sport Racing (released in 2015) is a product of a partnership between Audi and fellow Germain company CarbonSports. Like the Chanel Bicycle, only 50 Audi bikes are available, making it more like a collection piece than something we see on the track.
But does Audi manage to invigorate this bike the same way it does to its supercars?
The answer is yes.
The frame and forks are T1000 carbon fiber, the same material as the Audi R18 e-Tron cockpit. This carbon fiber bike is so lightweight it’s only 5.8kg (~13 lbs). The Audi-inspired bike also has a saddle covered in the same Nappa leather seen in the new Audi R8.
7. Chanel Bicycle
We all know that Chanel is a high-class fashion house from France. Yet, little did we know that this brand also produces bicycles.
The Chanel Bicycle (released in 2008) has been considered an opulent showpiece (only 50 units are available) for the rich and connoisseurs rather than a performance bicycle.
Therefore, the bike doesn’t feature the most advanced technology as seen in modern road bikes but instead displays various classic and enchanting details.
There is no carbon fiber or other top-tier performance-oriented materials. The Chanel Bicycle, in a matte black color, is handcrafted only in aluminum with three removable quilted leather handbags that add to its old-fashioned, nostalgic appearance.
8. Cervelo P5X Dura Ace Di2 Disc
This carbon fiber bike has a very low handlebar, making a decline angle from the seat post.
This setup forces the rider to bend over and remain in a racing posture the entire time. No wonder why riders of this bike can reach a maximum of 66 Kph at full speed.
As a triathlon bike, the P5X Dura Ace can ride uphills needing less effort than other bikes while being geared similarly to others for riding downhills (2×11 electronic drivetrain).
Also, by removing the seat tube, riders may enjoy much more comfort and compliance, which smooths out their ride and lessens the effect of fatigue-inducing road vibrations.
9. S-Works Shiv Disc Limited Edition
The specially-made, limited edition of the 2019 S-Works Shiv Disc is a minor upgrade from the standard version, already costing a staggering $13,500.
For an extra cost of over $2,000, you’ll get an individually numbered bicycle with a visually appealing colorway (iridescent amethyst) that changes depending on the light and angle.
Also, only 500 units of this limited edition are available, further enhancing its value.
Besides the visual upgrade, the bike retains most of its aerodynamic qualities and handling capabilities. You’ll still have the rear vertical wing behind the seat post that optimizes the airflow and enhances stability when cornering at high speed.
10. Madone SLR 9 Disc eTap
This race bike is all carbon fiber from the frame, fork, and wheels, making it lightweight at 7.7kg (~17 lbs).
Like other top-tier road-racing bikes, the Madone SLR 9 has a hydraulic disc that works phenomenally thanks to excellent stopping power.
The most valuable feature of the Madone SLR 9 is the option to fully customize every component based on the rider’s measurements (7 sizes from 711 to 829 mm standover height). Therefore, this bike is made for everyone regardless of their physique.
Is this bike worth the price tag of over 12 grand? Carbon fiber road bikes are expensive, and customization costs another hefty amount. So be it!