“You’re probably nuts for spending so much on a road bike.” – is a comment we’re certain you’ve heard more often than you’d like; especially when the topic of expensive road bikes arises.
But as a true road bike lover, only you can understand money spent on a precious steed (irrespective of the exorbitant price tag) is always well spent and worth it.
After all, all biking enthusiasts aspire to enjoy a faster, lighter, slicker, and smoother drive. But sadly, most of us hit the ceiling when it comes to what our pockets and paychecks actually allow.
For the sake of wishful thinking, what road bike would you buy if money wasn’t an issue? Would you choose a top-of-the-range production road bike available in the market right now, or a hand-built bespoke bike designed just for you?
If you like yourself some bling, a fully gold-plated ride can also be on the table. Frankly, when money isn’t a problem, the sky’s the limit for the most expensive road bikes!
If you’re looking to escape into a world of outrageously lavish road bikes, read on as in this post we’ve rounded up 13 of the most expensive road bikes in the world.
Did You Know?
The world’s lightest road bike – Trek Émonda SLR 9 – is relatively a bargain at just $11,999. Especially, when you match it to the infamous Damien Hirst Trek Madone which has a whopping price tag of $500,000!
13 Most Expensive Road Bikes in The World
Below we have shared the price, specifications, and brands of some of the most expensive road bikes of all time, including prevalent models that you can easily snap up:
1. 24K Gold Extreme Bike
| Price | $1 million |
| Brand | The House of Solid Gold |
| Country | United States |
| Launched | 2014 |
| Made In | U.S.A. |
| Specifications | 24K Gold, 600 Black Diamonds, 500 Golden Sapphires |
Launched and designed by Hugh Power, the 24K Gold Extreme is the world’s most expensive road bike in the market with an incredulous price tag of one million dollars!
Popularly known as the “fat bike” or “Beverly Hills Edition”, this bike has a framework made up of 24k pure gold.
Frankly, this road bike is less of a vehicle and more of an art. But gold isn’t the only thing making this bike so luxurious; every part of the bicycle is electroplated and certified, and several high-tech features are incorporated in the body.
Roughly, 600 black diamond embellishments, 500 golden sapphires, chocolate brown leather seats made of alligator skin, a gold-plated water bottle, and customized logos are a few of the artistic elements that add on to the design’s extravagance. There were only thirteen 24K Gold Extreme bikes in the market – each piece bespoke.
2. Trek Butterfly Madone
| Price | $500,000 |
| Brand | Damien Hirst |
| Country | United States |
| Launched | 2009 |
| Made In | France |
| Specifications | Bike’s concrete rim and frame are adorned with real butterfly wings |
Imagine a bike that can literally give wings! Sounds too good to be true? Well, with the Trek Butterfly Madone, it is not.
In fact, with Trek Butterfly Madone, you will get just that. The road bike was launched in 2009 when Lance Armstrong (a famous figure among road bike riders) used it for the Tour de France race.
Despite all these years, this road bike still remains one of the most expensive bikes in the world, even in 2021.
The bike was priced at $500,000, and the proceeds collected were donated to a Sotheby’s cancer benefit program.
Taking the name quite literally, this quirky bike by Damien Hirst sparked severe controversy among animal welfare groups, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for using real butterfly wings in the design.
They termed it as a horrific act of barbarity. The bike’s creator, Mr. Hirst, placed butterfly wings on the bike’s concrete rim and solid frame.
Other than its eccentric design, the bike also boasts of few eminent riders including Lance Armstrong.
The Trek Butterfly Madone is aesthetically pleasing, and decorated in purple and pink patterns.
3. Trek Yoshitomo Nara Speed Concept
| Price | $200,000 |
| Brand | Trek Bicycle |
| Country | United States |
| Launched | 2008 |
| Specifications | Boasts a cartoon theme of kids wearing boxing gloves, flying UFO doodles, and a Livestrong logo |
The Trek Yoshimoto Nara bike has an eccentric and fun design with its yellow and bright blue framework and uniquely creative illustrations.
The bike boasts cartoony doodles of children wearing boxing gloves, flying UFOs as well as a Livestrong logo. A closer look at the bike reveals how it’s so much more than just a pretty vehicle.
The bike entails numerous advanced functionalities and features that allow bikers to maneuver through narrow spaces and take sudden turns while also sustaining balance.
Like Trek Butterfly Madone, the Yoshitomo Nara was also used by Lance Armstrong in the 18th stage of a Tour de France race.
The bike raised around $200,000 in an auction, and all the profits were donated to prominent organizations.
4. Kaws – Trek Madone
| Price | $160,000 |
| Brand | Trek Bicycle |
| Country | United States |
| Launched | 2008 |
| Specifications | Boasts Kaw’s trademark “chomper” teeth design on wheel rims and frame |
The Kaws road bike introduced by Trek Madone is what we call the perfect unification of comfort, style, and elegance.
The Kaws – Trek Madone bike was endorsed and designed by Lance Armstrong himself! Apart from being a visual stunner, this bike also entails numerous advanced functionalities and technically superior features which extend an added oomph to the overall design.
For example, the bike comes with the signature “chomper” teeth-like design on the front of the body as well as on the wheel rims – a trademark that exclusively says Kaws.
In addition to this, the excellent aerodynamic design offers unparalleled balance. The ergonomic handlebars and seats are almost effortless to control, plus the bike is super lightweight and thus extremely flexible for riders.
5. Auramania Gold Bike Crystal Edition
| Price | $114,000 |
| Brand | Swarovski |
| Country | Austria |
| Launched | 2008 |
| Made In | French Company Auramania |
| Specifications | Hand-built with 24K gold plating and embellished with Swarovski crystals |
Auramania, a French road bike manufacturer, came up with this sparkly limited-edition gold bike beauty with a price tag of $114,000.
One look, and you’ll be enthralled by its vintage feel and lavish touch. The bike’s framework is lightweight, super sleek, and gold-plated.
With its minimalistic yet elegant design, this bike belongs more to a museum than on a road. There’s no denying that this beauty is fit to be exhibited in a glass case.
The Auramania crystal edition bike has precious Swarovski diamonds and stones encrusted in the frame.
Moreover, the bike is handmade with custom-made leather seats and ergonomic handlebars.
Believe us, this is no ordinary luxury bike. It’s so subtle yet extravagant – the beauty of which only a true connoisseur can appreciate.
6. Trek Madone 7 – Diamond
| Price | $75,000 |
| Brand | Trek Bicycle |
| Country | United States |
| Launched | 2005 |
| Made In | New York |
| Specifications | Embellished with stunning diamonds in spoke pattern |
By now you must have already realized that Trek Madone is a huge name in the road bike industry, loved by bike enthusiasts and adventurers all over the planet.
The Trek Madone 7 exudes a professional appearance and is equipped with a set of incredibly cool features that will definitely give you the ride of your life.
Additionally, the bike was first auctioned at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Gala, where it succeeded to raise around $75,000!
True to its name, the Trek Madone 7 – Diamond bike is made up of a carbon-fiber framework and valuable stones.
In fact, the diamonds are implanted in the spokes of the bike body. There’s also a yellow and white gold plate placed in the bike frame’s front section, taking the glamour and glitz of the vehicle to a new level.
7. Chrome Hearts x Cervelo
| Price | $60,000 |
| Brand | Cervelo |
| Country | Canada |
| Launched | 2010 |
| Made In | U.S.A. |
| Specifications | Chrome Hearts motif plugs, a silver cross, leather seat, and exquisite artwork finish |
Chrome Hearts collaborated with Cervelo to build this limited edition luxury road bike.
The bike’s frame showcases patented and exclusive Chrome Hearts designs – from jewel-encrusted patterns, rhinestones to cute heart designs, with this bike you get it all.
In addition, the carbon black color gives the bike a goth-like feel and can be mistaken for a motorbike. The bike is highlighted by a silver cross, Chrome Hearts motif plugs, a leather seat, and exquisite artwork finish.
Of course, the bike costs tons and is affordable only to super-rich fitness lovers and bike collectors.
But if you ask us, this road bike is worth the lavish price, especially due to its incredible design and workhorse efficiency.
8. Montante Luxury Gold Bike
| Price | $46,000 |
| Brand | Montante Luxury Gold |
| Specifications | Stunning leather saddle, traditional dynamo, and cutting-edge road brakes |
Geared especially towards female riders, this road bike offers an impressive design including traditional dynamo, a leather saddle, cutting-edge road brakes, and hand-sewn python leather grips.
The stunning style and exclusive features come at a luxurious price tag of $46,000.
9. Aston Martin Limited Edition One – 77
| Price | $39,000 |
| Brand | Factor Bikes |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Specifications | Advanced computer system, carbon fiber frame and wheelset, top-notch sensors, crack position sensor, track speed, speed sensor, GPS and heart rate sensors |
The globally famed sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin, has joined hands with Factor Bikes to build the limited-edition One-77 Factor Cycle – a solid candidate for the most expensive bike in its respective category.
The bike is particularly geared towards elite bike collectors and enthusiasts with a price tag of $39,000.
The frame of the bike is stylish, sleek, and incredibly chic. Equipped with advanced technologies and high-tech features, the Aston Martin One -77 model encompasses a carbon fiber construction, powerful aerodynamic support, and useful sensory features.
This multipurpose vehicle is a joy to ride with added features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to keep you entertained throughout the trail.
10. Bicyclette de Luxe by Phanuel Krencher
| Price | $34,425 |
| Brand | by Phanuel Krencher’s “Bicyclette de Luxe” |
| Specifications | A custom-built frame by Cyfac and top-notch parts |
Apart from chrome and carbon fiber, this road bike features custom body parts and a frame especially designed (and built) by Cyfac.
The bike exudes a shiny, sleek, and reflective look, owing to the chrome paint and mirror-polished body parts.
The front disc brakes and rear have made this bike a prime example of outstanding parts and creative design.
11. Beru Factor 001
| Price | $30,000 |
| Brand | Factor Bikes |
| Launched | 2016 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Specifications | Carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fiber monocoque |
Popularly known as the pinnacle of road bikes, Beru Factor 001 is every rider’s dream come true. Created by BERU F1 System – a British Formula 1 manufacturer – this widely loved bike is priced at $30,000.
Please note that only a hundred units of this vehicle are available in the market. Special features include a carbon fiber monocoque that adjusts effortlessly with each rider’s physical’s demands.
Moreover, it is super lightweight and has super sturdy 8-spoke wheels. The bike is adorned with multiple channel econometric data recording systems as well as an LCD touch screen that displays accurate biometrics and other essential readings.
12. Lamborghini x Cervelo P5x Edition Bike
| Price | $20,000 |
| Brand | Cervelo, Lamborghini |
| Launched | 2018 |
| Specifications | Carbon fiber built |
Well-known for its expensive cars, Lamborghini entered the road bike scene by collaborating with Cervelo to create this new and path-breaking P5X model.
If you wish to get your hands on this bike, bear in mind that there were only 25 exclusive P5X road bikes manufactured in total and available in the market.
Sturdy, minimalistic, compact, and ergonomic – these are a few of the several adjectives that rush to our mind when we first laid our eyes on this fabulous vehicle.
The Lamborghini x Cervelo P5x offers flexibility, aerodynamic storage, and a seamless aero movement, enabling riders to maintain balance even during high speeds.
Donning a Y-shaped frame in the color yellow and black, this vehicle looks like a tiny bike version of Bumblebee!
13. Pinarello Dogma F12 Disk
| Price | $14,000 |
| Brand | Pinarello |
| Launched | 2017 |
| Made In | Italy |
| Specifications | Carbon fiber built |
With the psychological barriers present in the bike industry truly being smashed in the past couple of years, brands such as Pinarello have taken off into the financial stratosphere with their super-advanced body frames and cutting-edge electronic shifting, for instance, the SRAM’s Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset.
Pinarello Dogma F12 Disk manufacturers reveal that the latest model features the optimal blend of comfort, responsiveness, handling, and aerodynamics, making it the best choice for any rider on any trail.
Moreover, this road bike also comes in two distinct versions for disc brakes and rims.
Related road bike articles:
- How to Convert a Mountain Bike to a Road Bike
- Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike vs. Hybrid Bike
- Mountain Bike Or Road Bike: Which Is Better For Weight Loss?
- Best Road Bikes Under $1000
Conclusion
Who would have thought that road bikes could be so expensive, right? Let us give you a short summary of what the most expensive road bikes of the world are:
| Rank | Road Bike | Creator | Weight | Material | Year | Price |
| 1 | 24K Gold Extreme Bike | The House of Solid Gold | 24 kg | Diamonds, gold | 2014 | $1 million |
| 2 | Trek Butterfly Madone | Damien Hirst/Trek Bikes | 7.5kg | Carbon fiber, butterflies | 2009 | $500,000 |
| 3 | Trek Yoshitomo Nara Speed Concept | Yoshitomo Nara/Trek Bikes | Carbon fiber | 2008 | $200,000 | |
| 4 | Kaws – Trek Madone | Trek Bikes | 9kg | Carbon fiber | 2009 | $160,000 |
| 5 | Auramania Gold Bike Crystal Edition | Auramania | Diamonds, gold | 2008 | $114,000 | |
| 6 | Trek Madone 7 – Diamond | Trek Bikes, Lenny Futura, 7Nike и Alan Friedman | 8.5kg | Diamonds, gold and carbon fiber | 2005 | $75,000 |
| 7 | Chrome Hearts x Cervelo | Chrome Hearts & Cervelo | 10.5kg | Diamonds and carbon fiber | 2010 | $60,000 |
| 8 | Montante Luxury Gold Bike | Montante Luxury Gold | Carbon fiber | $46,000 | ||
| 9 | Aston Martin Limited Edition One – 77 | Factor Cycle, Aston Martin | 9.5kg | Carbon fiber | 2011 | $39,000 |
| 10 | Bicyclette de Luxe by Phanuel Krencher | Cyfac, Phanuel Krencher | Carbon fiber | $34,425 | ||
| 11 | Beru Factor 001 | BERU F1 System | 7kg | Carbon fiber | 2016 | 30,000 |
| 12 | Lamborghini x Cervelo P5x Edition Bike | Lamborghini, Cervelo | 8kg | Carbon fiber | 2018 | $20,000 |
| 13 | Pinarello Dogma F12 Disk | Pinarello | Carbon fiber | 2017 | $14,000 |
We hope this laidback post on the most expensive road bike was fun for you. In case you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, so that we can get back to you right away. And if there is more to add!
Hopefully, this post provides you with the knowledge and guidance you need to get the road bike of your dreams. We wish you all the luck for an incredible bike-hunting journey!
I am Michael, an avid rider and bike expert. I am here to provide, biking tips and expert advice on in-depth bike reviews covering features, capabilities, price range, and much more. Specially on electric bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, etc. I will provide honest product reviews, along with expert advice on purchasing, training, and maintenance. Check out my complete profile.