After researching most expensive bike brands in the world, one cannot help but sing: I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my biiike…” with Freddie’s voice echoing in his ear.
Bikes surely have changed since British band Queen was touring the world with this ear-worm. Luckily for us, as opposed to some other things in the world, this mode of transport has advanced immensely while simultaneously not having harmed nature in any way possible. As opposed to cars which also have progressed, but still make a huge carbon imprint on the environment. There have always been talks about vehicles that run on some sort of gas or electricity, but so far the idea hasn’t really taken off to the fullest, has it? Just take a look at the streets. How many electric or environment-friendly vehicles do you see? On the other hand, means of transport that actually consume human strength instead of saving it continues to rise in its popularity. Bicycles are constantly being enhanced and still do no harm to the environment.
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People are usually led to believe that bicycles haven’t changed much over the years because the changes today are much more subtle than they used to be. WhoInvented tells us the very first bike was invented in 1791 and it was called Velocipede (a French nobleman constructed it). Eventually, this wooden construction was replaced with metal parts, and the pedals were added, too. You can now only imagine what the first bike looked like. We have come a long way from these prototypes. Nowadays whole groups of scientists and engineers work together to find the best possible solutions for different terrains, highest speeds or invent lightest materials. Bike manufacture is one serious and lucrative business. The fact that there are around a billion bicycles in the world at the moment speaks volumes.
Great production implies great and fierce competition, too. The companies are stuck in the never-ending race of trying to manufacture the most expensive bicycle in the world, the fastest bike in the world or the lightest. If the speed is what you need, and you want to feel an adrenaline rush then check out some of the fastest bikes in the world. Maybe there are some overlaps wih our list of most expensive bike brands in the world. Speaking of speed, what comes to mind first is bicycle’s close relative motorcycle. What’s the deal with them? It’s enough to say that they are also quite expensive.
Everyone is striving hard to be the world no 1 bike company, and we have got the answer for you. We visited Global Brands Magazine, Total Women’s Cycling, Bicycling, Red Bull and Gazette Review. The decision was made based on the most expensive bike the manufacturer has produced. However, it should be noted that our title is about bike brands. Therefore, if the company producing the bike isn’t generally recognized as a bike manufacturer, we crossed it off our list (sorry, Hermes and Tiffany). For instance, the most expensive mountain bike in the world is 24 Gold Extreme Mountain Bike whose price is merely half a million dollars (by the way, if you’re feeling curious, take a look at top 13 most expensive mountain bikes in the world). Nevertheless, House of Solid Gold, the company which made this precious means of transport, is specialized in crafting items and presents made of gold such as 24K Gold Vermeil Toothpick with gemstones, or 24K Gold Fishing Lure. You name it; they have it. Or they soon will. Not to mention you can’t even ride that bicycle due to the precious metal’s features. In cases when famous companies decided to expand on bikes for a season, we deemed it was OK to account for the bicycle company from the venture that actually produced the bike.
Therefore, let’s see which companies made our list of most expensive bike brands in the world. All the prices are given in American dollars. If some of our sources used another currency, we converted it via X-rates calculator.
11. Bianchi
Price: $15,600
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10. Enigma
Price: $16,104
We’re carrying on our list of most expensive bike brands in the world with a British company, Enigma. Enigma Exemplar is a part of a limited edition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Made from the very best materials such as 6AL-4V titanium and Chris King parts, and painted in electric blue, it looks astonishing. Perhaps not as fashionable as the Gucci model, but it certainly has its customers. Only 20 of them, for that matter.
Pixabay/Public Domain
9. Lightweight
Price: $28,252
Lightweight Fahrwerk Gold is, naturally, adorned with gold leaf for the special look. Don’t worry; it’s not all glittery and shiny. Only some of the parts are gold plated, and if you didn’t know better, you’d think it’s simple paint. There are only 24 of them in the world. Another cheaper version (without gold) was made in collaboration with Audi as a part of Audi Sports Concept. The idea was to create a two-wheeler to match the luxurious four-wheeler.
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8. KGS Bikes
Price: $30,000
At number eight on our list of most expensive bike brands in the world is KGS Bikes, a US company which deals with custom-made bicycles and has been in business for around 25 years. With so much experience, it is no wonder they decided to construct Tier 3 custom bicycle. When you think about it, you could buy a decent car for the cost. However, the reputation is well-deserved, and some compare KGS bikes to Lamborghini and Rolls Royce. Their bikes are made from steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium.
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7. Factor Bikes
price: $33,549
Don’t think that Audi is the only car brand that came up with the idea of making a bike edition. Aston Martin did it, too, hand in hand with Factor Bikes. The One-77 is its product. It is actually based on the One-77 car which has become even more exclusive now that it’s isn’t produced anymore and there are only 77 in the world. Its characteristics justify the bike’s price; it’s extremely light, LED-equipped, made from carbon fiber, and the handlebars and saddle are hand-stitched.
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6. M55
Price: $36,200
It took five years for the Hungarian M55 to complete their Terminus bike before it made its first appearance in Monaco in 2011, and the venue wasn’t chosen by chance. It got a little help from Formula One technology, but don’t expect it to be as fast. Its maximum speed is 42 mph, and it is meant for off-road use. It’s defined as a hybrid bike, which means it possesses the qualities of a road and a mountain bike.
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5. Litespeed
Price: $40,800
Litespeed Blade Bike is worth this much due to its high-quality materials and aerodynamic qualities. It all started way back in 1986 when a man simply wanted to improve his bike and brought titanium tubes from work for that reason. The rest is history. Litespeed is famous for its fast titanium bikes. However, they are no match to the fastest bike in the world which goes 89.59 miles per hour (144.18 km/h), but at least they look like a bicycle. Quartz says engineers from Aerovelo designed it, but they are still dissatisfied with its speed (!).
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4. Montante
Price: $46,000
Now is the time to go ridiculously expensive on our list of most expensive bike brands in the world. The Luxury Gold Collection women’s bike is simply radiant with luxury. The Italian bike maker Montante used 24 gold leaf coating, python leather finish and 11,000 Swarovski stones to adorn its elegant product.
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3. Cervelo
Price: $60,000
Chrome Hearts x Cervelo is a wonderful result of collaboration between Chrome Hearts, a high-end accessories producer, and Cervelo, a prestigious bike company and one of the most expensive bike brands in the world. The colors and symbols on it definitely appeal to Chrome Hearts fans all over the world who like black color and an edgy, rebellious style. Once again, a successful merger of fashion and cycling.
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2. Aurumania
Price: $114,000
There is a world of difference between Cervelo’s bike and this one. The Gold Bike Crystal Edition from Swedish manufacturer Aurumania is handcrafted with more than 600 shiny Swarovski crystals gracing its body. Indifference to the 24 Gold Extreme Mountain Bike, this one is merely gold plated, but at least it is functional, and you can actually ride it without the fear of breaking it.
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1. Trek
Price: $500,000
American company Trek wins the game in our list of most expensive bike brands in the world. The Butterfly Trek Madone is the name of the beauty which costs half a million dollars. When we say beauty, we don’t just say it for no reason. This bike was designed by the world-famous artist Damien Hirst (for more info, look him up at our 15 most famous artists and painters who are alive today). Perhaps the bike isn’t made of gold, but it is coated with hundreds of (real!) butterflies to add to its glamorous, yet sophisticated look. Trek is the absolute champion among bike brands since this is not the only over-the-top bike it has produced, but it is definitely the most expensive one.
Pixabay/Public Domain
