The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Bike season has begun. In addition to the environmental and health benefits of cycling, there are huge financial savings: Even the priciest bike is a bargain compared to a car. Which is how you can justify splurging on one of these high-end bad boys.
Go Dutch
The elegant, hand-built Batavus Favoriet (pictured above) features a generator-powered halogen head lamp, a rust-proof galvanized steel frame and a safety-conscious design that requires riders to sit erect, in view of traffic – and, conveniently, swooning female onlookers. $849.99
Prone to Peloton
The 2008 Tour-de-France-winning Cervelo R3 SL, which features high-end Shimano components and a lightweight a carbon frame, makes the steepest hills feel like speed bumps. But speed, apparently, isn’t cheap. $4,300 for the frame
A Fixie Fix
The preferred ride of death-defying couriers does away with the gears and brakes. The fixed-gear Giant Bowrey is the pinnacle of simplicity. Balls of steel not included. $500
Know When to Fold ’Em
The dual suspension Birdy offers high performance in a small package. Favoured by commuters, the Birdy folds to fit under your desk, and it slips into a padded shoulder bag to stow away when you travel. $2,125
Electric Avenue
Go green without breaking a sweat. This A2B electric bike reaches top speeds of 20 kilometres per hour for distances up to 32 kilometres. If the lithium battery runs out of juice, just pedal home. $3199
Image courtesy of Bike Portland.
