Bicycles are generally an affordable means of transport that the public as a whole can afford to buy.
However, with each general rule, there are exceptions. There are bicycles that are more expensive than cars, although they are numbered.
Here are the top 10 most expensive bicycles in the world.
1. Trek Butterfly Madone – $500,000
Coming in first place is the Trek Butterfly Madone which costs around a whopping $500,000!
You can definitely buy a good sports car with that price tag.
This bicycle is an artwork by Damien Hirst and it was bought at an auction for that price.
Although it’s beautiful, some animal rights activists called it barbaric due to the fact that the bike utilized real natural wings from butterflies.
This Butterfly Madone was sold at an auction to raise funds for the Lance Armstong Foundation.
2. Trek Yoshimoto Nara – $200,000
Second on the list is the Trek Yoshimoto Nara which costs around $200,000.
This bicycle was sold in the same auction as the one Butterfly Madone was sold in.
It was previously ridden by Lance Armstrong in some of the big cycling events, and it’s made of carbon fiber.
It was also auctioned off to help the foundation.
3. KAWS: Trek Madone – $160,000
Not far behind is KAWS: Trek Madone which was launched in affiliation with the Livestrong foundation’s fight on cancer.
Lance Armstrong presented this version of his Trek Madone bike, and it was customized by the well known artist KAWS.
This bike costs $160,000.
4. Aurumania Crystal Edition Gold Bike: $114,000
You would think that a bike that’s mostly plated in gold would be the most expensive bicycle here.
Aurumania’s Crystal Edition Gold Bike costs $114,000, which is a lot lower than the Butterfly Madone (but that one was mostly priced higher due to charity).
This bike was first released in 2008 by the Scandinavian company Aurumania. It was built by hand and was plated with 24 carat gold. It was the most expensive bicycle at the time.
The Aurumania’s showpiece was decorated with over 600 individual crystals from Swarovski. It also has a Brooks brand leather saddle and handlebar grips made from brown leather.
5. Trek Madone 7: Diamond – $75,000
In the same auction as the other Treks, this Trek Madone 7 – Diamond was also sold for a whopping $75,000.
This bike has 14 carat yellow and white gold with seven 1-carat diamonds.
6. Chrome Hearts X Cervelo: $60,000
On sixth place, you’ll fine the Chrome Hearts X Cervelo mountain bike which costs around $60,000. The regular edition would cost about 10 times cheaper.
This bike was released by Casa de Chrome in collaboration with Cervelo. It’s expensive because of the artwork, silver cross, leather seat and motif plugs.
7. Montante Luxury Gold Collection – $46,000
Next up, you have the Montante Luxury Gold Collection which comes at $46,000.
This bike’s parts can be separated into 4 main areas, the Golden Leaf, the Wood, Swarovski stones and also the Python.
They use a 24 carat golden leaf to cover the frame and other components. They use high quality wood for the anterior and posterior fenders, and covered further by elm lacquered leaves.
Even the borders have a 24 carat golden leaf. As for the pedal supports, they are made from hardwood walnut.
Apart from that, they have 11,000 Swarovski stones used all around the bike. As for the python element, they actually use a Brazilian ball python leather to cover various parts including the saddle and handlebar.
It’s no wonder it’s so pricey.
8. eRockit’s Electric Assist Bike – $44,000
On 8th place, you’ll find the most expensive electric bike on this list.
Unlike regular electric bikes, this eRockit assist bike is really fast, and can go up to 50 miles per hour. The usual electric bikes would cost a thousand or up to a few thousand at most.
This eRockit electric bike costs $44,000, which is a lot higher.
9. Litespeed Blade Bike: $40,788
Next up, you have the Litespeed Blade Bike that costs around $40,788.
It’s made of really high quality bike material, including titanium allow and carbon fire.
Thanks to its design, it’s capable of going really fast, as far as bikes go.
10. Phanuel Krencker’s ‘Bicylettes de Luxe’ – $34,425
The last bicycle to be featured on this top 10 list is none other than Phanuel Krencker’s Bicyclettes de Luxe.
It was shown in the North American Handmade Bicycle Show of 2011, and was made by the French designer Phanuel.
This bike was designed with chrome and carbon fiber to provide both safety and elegance.
One cool feature is that the bike has gold plated decals, a custom calfskin and even a Baccarat crystal head tube badge.
Conclusion
Most of the bikes here are one of a kind or of a limited edition, and they’re simply good to look at. Not everyone can afford them though.
This list of most expensive bicycles may change in the future, if they decide to auction off even more expensive bikes, or create bikes that are futuristic.
Much cheaper alternatives:
The Best Folding Electric Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $300
How To Do A Wheelie On Your Bicycle