The Sustainable Living issue

At the highest end of the spectrum, bikes are becoming a statement piece. Colourful, vibrant frames stand as pieces of art, made from the most efficient materials and using the latest in innovative technology and engineering.

These bikes, often produced in limited quantities, aren’t just for show. They’re built for long touring days, conquering exceptionally tough climbs, and traversing the nearest rock garden.

It’s also a corner of the market that’s seeing steady growth even as the overall bike market experiences some post-pandemic correction. Technavio estimates that the high-end bike segment will grow by another $5 billion by 2028, fuelled by a pack of affluent riders looking for the latest and greatest they can get on two wheels.

There are also more customization options available than ever before. Bike companies can go over every little detail of the build, from customizing a model in stock to creating a truly bespoke bicycle from scratch. Even the most discerning cyclist can find themselves satisfied by the endless choices in a bike made specifically for them.

Today’s cycling trends cater to two extremes. On one end, there are the racing enthusiasts who want aggressive geometry, the lightest-weight construction, and aerodynamics wherever possible. On the other, there are those who want a more comfortable ride, but still with the best possible components and durability.

These bikes represent some of the best the industry currently has to offer, from off-the-shelf to a weeks-long bespoke process.

1. Trek Top Fuel 9.9 Gen 4, $US10,500

The biggest names in the business are getting in on the high-end game. This option from Trek features the customisation options that mountain bikers need, while also having the support of a national brick-and-mortar network for service and maintenance. The Top Fuel is also an example of the growing trend of in-frame tool storage to keep things out of the way, with the bonus of maintaining the aerodynamic engineering that helps riders go fast and get up steep climbs. This bike also has enduring flexibility, with more room for a larger shock and broader suspension range.

2. Colnago C68 Gravel, $US13,200

The Italians have a rich cycling history, and Colnago is no exception, with roots dating to 1954. Like most other bike brands, Colnago has adapted with the times and begun to build gravel-specific bikes meant to go off-road with ease, but maintain a step below full mountain biking. The C68 Gravel is the rare handbuilt, Italian-made gravel bike and the burliest of the brand’s flagship “C Series.” It is a full carbon fibre setup, with Colnago’s own handlebar layout, with two available colour options for the frame and three wheel choices.

3. Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Team, $US14,000

If you’ve ever wanted a chance to ride like the pros, this is it. Although several bike brands are offering a version of their Tour de France–competing models, there are few as striking as Cannondale’s offering. This bike is an exact replica of what EF Pro Cycling used throughout the 2024 Tour de France, securing the polka-dot jersey (best mountain climber) for one of its riders. LAB71 is part engineering experiment and part performance development for Cannondale, as the lineup has the brand’s lightest and most aggressive frames. As shown, the team edition features every possible upgrade, including a top-end drivetrain and a fully-integrated cockpit co-developed with MOMODesign.

4. No. 22 Bicycles 2024 Drifter X, Starting from $US14,800

Titanium is more of an enthusiast’s choice for bike-frame construction as it offers a different ride quality compared to carbon fibre, but it also offers more options for total customisation. New York–based No. 22 Bicycles launched the Drifter X as a racier version of the Drifter model, with more flexibility to go further and faster on choppier terrain. Tire clearance between 28mm and 40mm puts this bike in a sweet spot for both pavement and gravel, with options to make cable routing semi- or fully integrated. Riders can also take advantage of several paint-finish options, including Cerakote, anodised, or keeping the frame finish “raw” in its purest state.No. 22 Bicycles also has a full bespoke program, where the company can tailor frames to the exact measurements of a specific rider.

This article originally appeared in the Fall Issue of Mansion Global Experience Luxury.