Rich rides

Bicycles promote fitness and are environment-friendly. But they can also be style statements. The author looks at five that will earn you a long glance on the road.

TREK SUPERFLY 100 PRO SL
(Rs 7.5 lakh)
This is the world's lightest cross-country, full-suspension bike. It also has incredible handling and control. The state-of-the-art hydraulic disc brakes provide class-leading stopping power even in wet or muddy conditions. The suspensions can be adjusted for Climb, Trail, or Descend options. This is mated with the SRAM XX 10-speed cassette, which delivers a full range of usable gears in both high and low speeds. The Superfly 100 Pro SL is available at Trek showrooms across the country.

MERCEDES-BENZ RACING BIKE
(Rs 5.5 lakh approx)

A product sporting the three-pointed star comes with incremental value. The auto giant's Racing Bike is made of carbonfibre, rendering its weight a ridiculous 6.9 kg. It comes with a 10-speed gear and is mated with a new PowerGlide 1050 cassette for better gear performance. The cassette is a stack of gears in a semi-spidered construction on the rear wheel. This Merc bike is available in three colours - red, carbon and white. Visit an authorised Mercedes Benz dealer to place an order.

PORSCHE BIKE RS
(Price on request)

This cutting-edge bicycle is built for speed, provides mobility in cities and is great for countryside tours. The RS in its name stands for Rennsport, or 'motor racing'. The high-end carbon frame offers stability and the newly developed modular monocoque frame provides extraordinary damping properties. The 20-speed Shimano XTR gears and 29-inch Crank Brothers wheels ensure maximum power performance. It also comes with integrated anti-theft protection. A bike registered on a Porsche website can be reported as stolen and buyers can check whether a bike for sale is illegal property before buying it. Go online to Porsche Design for information required to order this bike.

MINI FOLDING BIKE
(Rs 39,500 approx + duty and shipping charges)

Being a MINI brand, the Folding Bike stands out. It is available in bright lime and t

 

he all-safe black colours. The bike is made of lightweight aluminium and weighs 11 kg. Hinges on the crossbar and handlebar stem allow it to be uniquely folded. The pedals fold d

 

own comfortably and lowering the saddle is just as easy. The Teflon-coated chain, comfortable gel saddle and 8-speed gear system make it all-conquering. Contact MINI dealers for ordering details.

BMW M BIKE CARBON RACER
(Rs 1.7 lakh approx + duty and shipping)

BMW brings the M division's lightweight design philosophy to its lifestyle cycle range. This all-carbon frame weighs a mere 7.4 kg. The front crank keeps the weight down while efficiently transferring the power of your legs to the wheels for uphill rides. It comes with Shimano Ultegra 20-speed derailleur, which ensures it is not only fast but also climbs inclines effortlessly. It comes with the BMW M logo on the top tube and the famed BMW designing is reflected in its rims, grip tape and saddle inlay. The fi'zi:K Tundra 2 saddle ensures superior ride comfort. To order the M Bike Carbon Racer you can contact authorised BMW dealers or go online.