Ah, me. Suddenly our bicycles -- any bicycle! -- look so...pedestrian compared to what the truly wealthy can afford.
Goodness me.
Well, bless 'em, it keeps the economy afloat and craftspersons in business.
The bornrich website has collected the "World’s most expensive bicycles for über-rich riders" on their site, here:
http://www.bornrich.com/entry/world-s-most-expensive-bicycles-for-eco-luxurious-ride/Real butterfly wings ("
Whaaat?!?" sez Dan
) were used in the making of the Damien Hirst "Butterfly" Trek Madone that sold at auction for $500,000.
Though it lacks racks, lighting, and proper mudguards, Phanuel Krencker's 'Bicyclettes de Luxe' sports a unique Rohloff shifter (it should!) and is valued by the designer at "only" €25,000 ($34,425). More of its details are shown here:
http://www.bornrich.com/gallery/phanuel-krenckers-bicyclettes-de-luxe-asset/http://planetluxus.com/2011/03/15/phanuel-krenckers-bicyclettes-de-luxe/And the company website, here:
http://www.krencker.com/I kind of like the Delta7 Ascend's carbon-lattice frame, and the Spyker Aeroblade has a sort of retro feel about it, despite being all-new and exclusive. There's even a ridable sculpture in Josh Hadar's "Eric's Teardrop", a sort of velo-car/cruiser with blown-glass faux "fuel tank" priced at $12000 to $35,000 depending on options. Expect a three-month delay before delivery on this bespoke wonder.
There's probably something for everyone here except the true tourist, whose needs are apparently...priceless.
Best,
Dan.