Road Bicycles

We dare you to name a car that looks, drives, and sounds more American than the Shelby Cobra. We’ll wait. In the meantime, boutique electric bike maker Vintage Electric was busy working with Shelby USA on what is touted as “the perfect take on an electric bike.” It comes as a limited edition model that complements Vintage Electric’s current lineup, which means it won’t last forever on the online shelves. It’s not a slouch either, as it can reach a Vmax of 36 miles per hour in Race Mode. Did we get your attention? Good. Here’s all you need to know about the Vintage Electric Shelby Cobra limited edition bike.

Harley-Davidson, just like many other motorbike makers and even carmakers that are trying to stay relevant today and tomorrow, is looking at ways to expand its range into previously unexplored niches. One such step for the American company is the introduction of the $30,000, 2020 LiveWire all-electric motorcycle, a machine that’s powerful and torquey enough to take you from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. But how about the little ones? Well, as of recently, Harley-Davidson has them covered as well, thanks to two new electric balance bikes dubbed Irone12 and Irone16. Let’s see what they’re made of.

The electric bike realm didn’t use to have an SUV niche like the car world does. But we guess that was bound to happen sooner or later. And it did; that’s why we can present you the Moto Parilla Carbon Limited Edition electric bicycle. Sure, it does remind us of a beefed up enduro motorbike thanks to the chunky tires and a frame that looks like it’s been manufactured out of Robocop’s spare parts but overall, this is a cool product to look at. Plus, we’re guessing riding one is just as fun, especially on rough terrain. So let’s find out more about Moto Parilla’s Carbon bike.

In an expected turn of events, the largest American car producer GM announced the development and production of eBikes. Electric bikes, designed by GM engineers in Canada, are intended for city use, sport small diameter wheels and still do not have a name. Before GM puts them in production and on sale next year, the company announced a crowdsourcing campaign and challenge where all interested parties can submit their name idea. GM isn’t a douche, so it offered $10,000 for the winner of the contest with the runners-up getting $1,000 in awards. You can access the challenge here as you have up until 26th November, 10 AM Eastern, to submit your naming ideas for the new eBike.

In the years that we’ve known AC Schnitzer, the German tuning company has released some pretty impressive tuning packages, most of which involve a steady diet of BMW vehicles. But like everyone else, we were a little bit caught by surprised when they decided to unveil their latest program. Oh, it’s a BMW, alright...except that it’s not the kind of BMW we expected.

This is the BMW M Carbon Racer, a specially-designed carbon fiber bicycle that only weights 6.9 kg, thanks to the work done on it by AC Schnitzer. In comparison, the standard Carbon Racer weighs 7.9 kg. The reduction of weight can be attributed to AC Schnitzer’s tuning capabilities, which included fitting the bicycle with a variety of carbon fiber components including the saddle and the saddle support that now comes with a carbon crank. The German tuner also replaced the wheels, opting for a new set of carbon wheels that the company co-developed with Xentis. As for the icing on the cake, AC Schnitzer dressed up the bike with it’s own paint finish and special livery. Taking a page from the car tuning playbook, right?

No word yet on how much the M Carbon Racer is going to cost with all the modifications given by AC Schnitzer. What we do know is that it’s going to cost quite a little more than the standard $3,579 price tag the standard bike goes for.

From the people that once gave us the world’s slowest Porsche 911 GT3 RS comes another masterpiece of a creation.

We appreciate a funny parody when we see one; this particular creation, called the Fahrradi Farfalla FFX certainly ranks among the funniest we’ve seen in a while. From afar, the vehicle looks every bit like a Ferrari FXX supercar, but once you take a closer look, you discover that the only thing "super" about it is its design.

What lies underneath the specially constructed aluminum frame is, for lack of a better term, a bicycle that runs on the leg strength of the one riding it. For good hilarious measure, folks behind this piece of work decided to turn the skit to a whole new level by producing a video that mocks Michael Schumacher’s SLS "tunnel" commercial, complete with a ridiculous visual effect of the Farfalla FFX driving on the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

Check out the video (after the jump) and a few photos of a true one-of-a-kind vehicle...err...bicycle. Let the hilarity ensue!

If you’re in Frankfurt basking in the atmosphere of all those concepts and supercars and you happen to see a futuristic-looking bicycle in the showroom floor, don’t be confused because that bicycle is actually part of Ford’s Frankfurt line-up.

The bike is called the E-Bike and its being touted as an electric bike concept that could very well be the future of bicycles as we know it. Apparently, bicycles of the future will have motors of their own. Go figure.

In any case, the Ford E-Bike comes with an aluminum and carbon frame that weighs just 2.5kg (5.5 lbs). This frame comes with a Giant SLR Carbon 110mm stem and a Selle Italia SLR XC saddle. It also has a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub, a 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shifter, and where the old bicycle chains used to be, the E-Bike now has a Carbon Belt Drive System.

We never thought we’d associate the word ’bicycle’ with ’powertrain’, but unbelievably, the E-Bike Concept is powered by a front-wheel hub motor that produces an output of 350W with a top speed of 25km/h (15.5 mph) on electric power. The electric motor is joined by a 340Wh, 36V, 9.3Ah Lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 85 km (53 miles) with the battery capable of being re-charged to 85% capacity in just two hours, and 100% in three to four hours.

Ford has given no indication on whether this concept bicycle will be given the go-signal for production. Considering all the technologies present in the overall set-up of the bike, we’d venture a guess that we won’t see a production version anytime soon.

After McLaren and Audi, Porsche has announced today the launch of two innovative bikes: Bike S and Bike RS (Rennsport).

The Porsche Bike RS features a special carbon frame which offers high stability and extraordinary damping properties thanks to its newly developed modular monocoque construction. The bike is also equipped with 20 speed Shimano XTR gears and 29" Crank Brothers wheels that ensure maximum power performance. Maximum safety will be ensured by the latest generation hydraulic Magura disk brakes.

The S version comes with a high performance aluminum 7005 frame that improves rigidity while providing unmistakable rider comfort. Next to it the bike will also get toothed belt drive system and 11 speed Shimano Alfine IGH, hydraulic Magura disk brakes and a special set of 29" wheels with tires optimized for rolling and road holding characteristics.

The Porsche RS and S bikes will be launched in worldwide markets from autumn 2011 in sizes S, M and L.

Somehow, we’ve gotten used to automakers releasing special edition bikes so it doesn’t surprise us anymore when another brand comes out with their latest two-wheeled offerings.

We’ve seen Maserati, Audi, McLaren, Range Rover, Mini, and even Shelby come out with their own bicycles in the past few months, and now German automaker Mercedes is getting ready to jump on the bandwagon. Best of all for Merc, they’re actually releasing a number of products instead of just one.

Some of the new products that have been released range from a full-suspension mountain bike to a high-end carbon fiber racing bike, to fitness bikes, and yes, even kid bikes with their own set of training wheels.

The full-suspension mountain bike weighs only 12.8 kilos and comes with a Fox Racing F32 RL suspension fork, a DT Swiss suspension strut, a 30-speed x.9 gear shift system from SRAM, hydraulic AVID Elixir 5 disc brakes, and DT Swiss X1900 wheels. All in all, the Mercedes mountain bike, and all the trinkets that come with it, will cost you an exorbitant sum of €3,299, which is about $4,650 based on current exchange rates.

Hit the jump for more of these two-wheeled creations.

When the name Carroll Shelby is brought to our attention, the first thing we all think of is the legendary Shelby Cobra, a car that has to be considered as one of the most popular and iconic in automotive history.

That car propelled the name Shelby to staggering heights. So much so, in fact, that Shelby has become a licensing juggernaut within the industry, having been involved with a number of companies - Classic Recreations and Superformance come to mind – who specialize in building replicas of the iconic vehicle. The latest company to strike a deal with Shelby is Felt Bicycles, which released a special edition line of cruiser bicycles called ‘the Shelby Cruiser’.

The bicycle is made from Felt’s very own hydro-formed aluminum tank frame that also comes with a three-speed Shimano Nexus internal gearing and 36-spoke wheels wrapped in “blue dot” tires to assimilate the look of racing tires. Each of the limited edition bicycles will also come with its own individual badging and serial number to ensure its authenticity. And to ensure that the Shelby image exudes in the “Shelby Cruiser”, Felt decided to splash the iconic Wimbledon White paint finish and accentuated by Guardsman Blue racing stripes in honor of Shelby’s iconic two-tone finish.

If you’re interested in scooping up this limited edition bicycle, you can get one through Felt Bicycles and its retailers for a princely sum of $999.

What’s the deal with all these automakers each coming out with their own set of new bicycles? In the last two months, we’ve seen something new from Audi, McLaren, Range Rover, and Maserati, none of which can be described as anything close to being a four-wheeled vehicle. Bicycles. That’s been the ‘in’ thing these days, and lo and behold, another brand has decided to jump on the bandwagon with the launch of their new – and collapsible – bicycle.

The irony of the bicycle’s uninspiring name given by a brand that’s usually the most creative of the lot isn’t lost on us. But nonetheless, here it is: the MINI Folding Bike. The bicycle is built around a lightweight aluminum frame that can be folded in mere seconds to be stowed inside the car’s trunk – preferably a MINI, we suppose. In addition to the frame, the bicycle’s crossbar, handlebars, and pedals also fold up while the gel seat retracts to save up even more space for when the bicycle is ready to be stored in the trunk. To add to the convenience of it all, the bike only weighs around 11 kilos, which is somewhere around 24 lbs, making it extremely lightweight even relative to the other new bikes we’ve seen in recent months. And to top it off, the MINI Folding Bike also comes with eight gears, a pair of 20-inch wheels with mud guards, an under-seat pouch, and a Teflon-coated chain.

We’ve seen some nicer looking bicycles, particularly the Audi Duo. But in terms of overall style, performance, and ease-of-use, this MINI Folding Bike is one that’s definitely right up our alley.

It seems that a trend has been developing among automakers that has nothing to do with the four wheeled vehicles they produce. More and more brands are coming out with their own bicycles. Yeah, we said bicycles and we don’t mean motorcycles. McLaren and Audi have recently flashed their new products and now Maserati is joining the bunch with their new 8CTF.

The Maserati 8CTF was designed to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Wilbur Shaw’s victory of the 500 miles of Indianapolis behind the wheel of a Maserati 8CTF and it will be limited to only 2000 units. Each bicycle is hand-built to the driver’s specifications and will be on sale at a price 3600 Euros, or $5,200 at the current exchange rates.

The bike will be distinguished by unique and distinctive details including the silver Trident on a grey background on the hubs, inspired by Maserati’s supercharged three-liter engine. TheMaserati logo is found in a 1930s-style chassis plate and trident emblem.

A while ago McLaren unveiled the S-Works Venge Bicycle and now Audi of America has joined the ranks of automakers selling bicycles with their new creation, the Audi Duo. Audi, in cooperation with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles has unveiled this exclusive bicycle in three different models: City, Sport, and Road.

The new bicycle features a monocoque frame made of hardwood that provides a smoother ride. This feature will ensure that the new Audi duo bicycle will be recyclable and biodegradable. Audi is the first automaker to recognize the benefits of, and offer a bicycle made from, wood.

The first model - Duo City - is priced at $6,350 and features an upright position for short distances, comfort, and traffic vigilance, wide puncture-resistant 32mm tires, LED lights, fenders, and a rack.

The next one is called the Duo Sport and is a model priced at $7,350 that comes with the Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub, drop bars for long distances, minimum fenders, medium width, and puncture-resistant 28mm tires for less rolling resistance.

The last model is the the Duo Road and is priced at $7,460. This last option features narrow tires, no fenders, minimal accessories, and an SRAM Red, compact 20-speed gear train.

This week, we saw BMW release the Carbon Racer and Land Rover introduce the Range Rover Evoque bicycle. Kind of odd to have two automakers release bicycles in the same seven-day span, isn’t it?
Apparently, though, there’s still another automaker – a luxury supercar brand – that also has a new bicycle scheduled for release. We don’t know what the deal is, to be honest, but it seems that these car brands are branching out more than we thought.

McLaren, one of the foremost and esteemed supercar brands on the planet, has just launched their very own sports bicycle, the S-Works Venge. Who would’ve thought?

Built in collaboration with American manufacturer Specialized and designed by Chris D’Aluisio, the head of research and development for Specialized, the S-Works Venge is a high-end performance bicycle that has an aerodynamic frame built completely from carbon fiber and weighs at a ridiculously light weight of less than 1 kg, which is about two pounds if you’re keeping score. Add in all the necessary parts and elements of the bike, including the fork, the seat, the crankset, and the electronic gearshift, and you have the whole thing weighing in at just 2.07 kg, or about 4.5 lbs.

The bike will be available in two different specifications, the McLaren and the S-Works Venge. Both versions are expected to hit the market no later than 2011 with the latter scheduled to hit stores in the UK next month with the former following suit later this year, possibly around September.

We don’t know how this is going to affect McLaren’s rep as a purely exotic automaker, but given that so many other brands seem to share the same train-of-thought these days, launching your own high-performance bicycle isn’t a bad idea.

While the whole concept is something that we’ve come to see in the past, we still raised a curious eyebrow on what appears to be a growing trend among automakers these days.

Not content with producing four-wheeled vehicles, some of the most esteemed automakers in the world have gone the route of building two-wheeled modes of transportation, i.e. bicycles.

The latest to dive in to the bicycle fixation is Land Rover, which is introducing the road bicycle extension for the Range Rover Evoque. Built in cooperation with Karbona and designed by the Land Rover design team headed by director, Gerry MCGovern, the Evoque bicycle uses Formula One-derived technology, featuring a carbon fiber frame with an integrated seat tube, alloy handlebars, black chrome trim, a leather saddle, and a 20-gear Shimano Ultegra system. The Evoque bicycle is expected to be a light, nimble, and clean-looking bicycle that doesn’t compromise its performance capabilities.

Having said that, those interested in the bicycle might as well go ahead and place an order for the whole package, SUV included. Having one without the other just doesn’t seem right, at least as far as we’re concerned.

Ferrari not only makes beautifully sculpted automobiles like the 599 GTO and the F450, but they also make beautifully sculpted racing bikes. Now, you’ve got to seriously love either the Ferrari name or bicycle racing in general to put down this much dough on a racing bike. Colnago and Ferrari have joined forces to create a limited edition Ferrari Di2 racing cycle. We are going to set the stage here a little before letting you know just how much this elegant machine costs.

The Di2 racing bike has a carbon fiber frame with Racing Speed XLR wheels and carbon fiber hubs. The frame is strengthened internally by the use of 3PRS technology and gear optimization is achieved by the Dura Ace Di2 electronic group. This group also keeps the chain tight and straightened eliminating possible mistakes. The limited edition Di2 also has high resistance ball bearings provided by Inox Cult technology. Ferrari will have your customized Di2 delivered to your home up to 60 days after the order has been placed.

Entry level racing bikes cost between $500-$800 with top of the line models running between $800 and $2000. If you enter the high end model line, that’ll cost you $2000-$6000. The limited edition (only 50 units will be produced) Ferrari Di2 is yours for the not-so-bargain price of $16,750. All we can say is we better win that race!