{"id":83181,"date":"2015-03-27T12:14:54","date_gmt":"2015-03-27T10:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=83181"},"modified":"2015-03-27T12:14:54","modified_gmt":"2015-03-27T10:14:54","slug":"epic-bicycles-made-by-supercar-companies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/trending\/83181\/epic-bicycles-made-by-supercar-companies\/","title":{"rendered":"Epic bicycles made by supercar companies"},"content":{"rendered":"

If carbon fibre road racing bicycles weren’t expensive enough, supercar manufacturers have been slapping their names on the sides of bikes and charging a premium for the privilege of owning one.<\/p>\n

While some models from certain car makers are “affordable” – starting at around R15,000 – other cost more than the high-end sedan\u00a0you drive to work everyday.<\/p>\n

Some of the featured bikes were made as part of a manufacturer’s anniversary celebrations, while others were produced in limited quantities.<\/p>\n

Brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, though, sell their bicycles as a part of their lifestyle ranges, which can be purchased online.<\/p>\n

Detailed below are some of the bicycles from the likes of Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lexus, and Caterham.<\/p>\n

Porsche Bike RS<\/h3>\n
\"Porsche<\/a>

Porsche Bike RS<\/p><\/div>\n

Porsche jokingly refers to its RS Bike as the first vehicle is has produced with two accelerators, but the rest of the road racer is far from a joke.<\/p>\n

Weighing 9kg and made from carbon fibre, the RS sports\u00a0Shimano XTR equipment – including a\u00a020-speed gear system – hydraulic disc brakes, and\u00a0Crankbrothers Cobalt 3 wheels.<\/p>\n

As with most RS branded items from the German manufacturer, the bike is not cheap, selling for $8,299\u00a0(R99,000) in the States.<\/p>\n

BMC Lamborghini Road Bike<\/h3>\n
\"BMC<\/a>

BMC Lamborghini<\/p><\/div>\n

In 2013\u00a0Lamborghini celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching the\u00a0Impec Lamborghini bicycle, which was limited to 50 units.<\/p>\n

The frame was made of carbon fibre, sported\u00a0Campagnolo Super Record Skeleton brakes,\u00a0Campagnolo 11-speed Super Record EPS shifters, and the word Lamborghini painted on the front fork.<\/p>\n

The name, and the fact that the bike only weighs\u00a06.85kg, meant owning one would hurt your pocket. Unless\u00a0\u20ac25,000 (R326,000) is small change to\u00a0you.<\/p>\n

Aston Martin One-77 Superbike<\/h3>\n
\"Aston<\/a>

Aston Martin Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

The Aston Martin One-77 sports a carbon frame, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 7970 groupset, disc brakes, and carbon wheels.<\/p>\n

The bike also features a data logging system which gives the rider information on speed, external temperature, rate of climb, power,\u00a0respiration rate, and body temperature.<\/p>\n

Safety features include built-in front and rear LEDs which are controlled via hood-mounted controls, and the words “Aston Martin” painted on\u00a0the side of the frame.<\/p>\n

The carbon design means that the feature-packed bike weighs 9.5kg.<\/p>\n

When the One-77 launched it sold for \u00a325,000 (R446,679 ) and only 77 where made.<\/p>\n

BMW Cruise M-Bike<\/h3>\n
\"BMW<\/a>

BMW Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

The BMW Cruise M-Bike, inspired by the manufacturer’s M series of cars, features an aluminium frame, Shimano disc brakes, and the title of Reddot Design Award Winner 2014.<\/p>\n

While not as pricey or as feature-packed as the Aston Martin One-77, the BMW will still cost you \u20ac1,099 (R14,350) to hang in your garage.<\/p>\n

What it lacks in features it makes up for in looks, with a clean and racey design worthy of the BMW badge.<\/p>\n

Lexus F Sport\u00a0Bike<\/h3>\n
\"Lexus<\/a>

Lexus Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

Toyota-backed Lexus launched its sleek-looking road bike in 2013 and made 100 units.<\/p>\n

The bike sold for $10,000 (R119,694) when it hit the market, and featured a frame made from the same carbon fibre-reinforced plastic used in the Lexus LFA supercar.<\/p>\n

“Advanced carbon fiber components, lightweight shifters and a high-tech braking system were developed for outstanding performance. The bikes are constructed by Lexus Takumi, skilled craftsmen who create the highest-quality vehicles,” said Lexus.<\/p>\n

Caterham Duo Cali Limited Edition<\/h3>\n
\"Caterham<\/a>

Caterham Duo Cali<\/p><\/div>\n

Another limited edition bicycle from a brand famous for its racing cars, the\u00a0Caterham Duo Cali Limited Edition carbon frame is designed and built in Germany – promising\u00a0100% even and safe pressure on the system when under stress.<\/p>\n

Only 73 units of the bike will ever hit the road, and with a price tag of\u00a0$19,730 (R235,000) we understand why.<\/p>\n

The Duo Cali, which refers\u00a0to the aerodynamic frame shape and an acronym for Caterham Advanced Lightweight Innovations, also features\u00a0Schwalbe tubes and tyres, a Vector Power Management System, and Garmin Edge 1000 GPS.<\/p>\n

Mercedes-Benz Fitness and Road Bike<\/h3>\n
\"Mercedes<\/a>

Mercedes Fitness Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

The Mercedes-Benz Fitness Bike is another “budget” option for those looking for an affordable branded bicycle, selling for just over\u00a0\u20ac1,000 (R13,000).<\/p>\n

The bike’s frame is made of aluminium, is equipped with 29-inch wheels and\u00a0hydraulic disc brakes by Shimano, and\u00a0Shimano DEORE shift components.<\/p>\n

\"Mercedes-Benz<\/a>

Mercedes-Benz Road Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

The manufacturer’s limited edition road bike is a bit more upmarket, and sold for\u00a0$3,670 (R43,800) when it launched. Only 199 units were produced.<\/p>\n

The bike’s frame is carbon fibre, aiding in the road racer’s total weight coming in at 8.2kg. Shimano takes care of the rest, with its Dura-Ace drive system, gears, brakes, and wheels all installed.<\/p>\n

Rocket-powered bicycle<\/h3>\n
\"Rocket<\/a>

Rocket Bike<\/p><\/div>\n

While not made by a supercar company, this bicycle is a supercar beater.<\/p>\n

With rockets strapped to the back of the modified two-wheeler, the bike will accelerate from 0 – 333km\/h in five seconds and has no problem in beating a Ferrari \u00a0F430 Scuderia in a drag race.<\/p>\n

A video showing the drag race is embedded below.<\/p>\n