It costs more than most people spend on a family car, only carries one person and does not even have space for groceries.

But thanks to its Formula One heritage, those with deep enough pockets have been eagerly awaiting this locally-made vehicle.

And now the world's most expensive bicycle, designed and built in an unassuming Norfolk workshop, has finally gone on sale in Harrods for the staggering sum of $48,219.38

https://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24...A14%3A29%3A840

After being unveiled last year at the British Science Museum, the Factor 001, from Diss-based engineering firm Beru F1 Systems, is now being exclusively sold by the famous London department store.

Beru F1 Systems usually manufactures parts and components for the motor racing industry, but recently turned its attention to creating a hi-tech bicycle.

Weighing a mere 16.31 pounds, the Factor 001 has a carbon-fibre frame and wheels, electronic gears and hydraulic disc brakes, and almost every part of the bike is designed and constructed in the region. Each one is custom-made to fit the owner after a visit to Loughborough University to be carefully measured by cycling experts.

And, as if that was not enough, the customer can even choose which color the bike is finished in.

Using similar sensors as race cars, the bike can record more than 100 measurements to do with the rider's performance, health and pedaling style.

This will enable professional cyclists to finely tune their training and extract every last bit of speed.

John Bailey, managing director of Beru F1 Systems, said that the company was in talks with several professional cycling teams, but could not divulge which ones.

To ask about buying a Factor 001, call Harrods on 0207 730 1234.

Gary

Why not? My daughter doesn't really need to go to college next year.

I don't think they will be selling very many of those.

wonder if they'll come with a Brooks ?

Nice bike. I see it's white.

I am willing to bet that the, one of a kind Beryllium bicycle from several years ago would sell for more.

Awful heavy for that kind of money, innit? Other than that, BFD.

SP
Bend, OR

I don't think it really is the world's most expensive bike. I think the world's most expensive bike is a 1970's chrome plated (full frame was plated) Schwinn Voyager. It was a very large part of what cost me my first marriage (and the price tag on that was considerably higher than $48,000. That was in 1970 dollars. In today's dollars it would be staggering.)

Here is a bill of material for a stock bike. I think this is BikeWNC's next purchase.

Parlee high end frame - $6000
Lightweights (German carbon wheelset) - $8000
Shimano Di2 - $3000
Pedals - $500
All Carbon Seat - $700
SRM Pro Power Meter - $4000
Zero Gravity Brakes, highend seat post and handle bars $1500
Sales Tax

Total Cost ~$25,000

weight ~11 pounds.

https://www.factor001.com/

It's a sharp looking ride. The engineering and attention to detail is interesting and fun to read about...
But, no it is not the worlds most expensive bike. For that title, I ask that you check the Aurumania Gold and Cyrstal Bike.

https://www.aurumania.com/#

It's a bare bones single speed with no brakes, for the wealthy urban cycling hipster.

I think if you calculate the cost of the bike by taking the total cost, then divide it by the miles ridden, then the road bike I bought my wife (which hasn't been past the end of our driveway) is probably the most expensive bike on earth

Not only do the poor things break cost per mile records but they keen and cry. For well turned ears riding through any reasonably affluent neighborhood causes great pain as the cries of poor neglected garage bikes fill the air.

I'm grateful for the post. My wife swears my bike is the most expensive one on the planet.

I would love to see the face of a driver who taps that by accident when the repair bill comes!

Actually this one on scambay is even more expensive: https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Colna...Q5fAccessories

LOL Hermes! If only! I have been looking at a Z5 frameset for my wife though. Parlee will soon make that frame in an XS size. Can you say 750g? My Z4 is still the most comfortable ride I've ever been on.

I'm seriously looking at the Quarq PM. I take it you still like yours?

Sorry to derail this thread but $48K is beyond stupid for a bike.