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Aurumania Gold Bike Crystal Edition
In the world of luxury items, gold-plated cars and diamond-studded watches are relatively commonplace, but an unusual gold-plated luxury bicycle with Swarovski crystals took center stage at least once in history.
About Aurumania: The Gold Bike
In 2008, Scandinavian design company Aurumania first released their Gold Bike Crystal Edition. Built by hand and plated with genuine 24-carat gold, the spectacularly adorned bike cost about $103,700 in America and was the most expensive bike in the world at its debut. Aurumania, a Swedish manufacturer, only produced 10 of the crystal-studded bikes.
A 24-carat plated bike rack was also available for owners who wanted storage that met the quality demands and lofty status of the limited edition two-wheeler. The company sold the item directly through its website, which is no longer available.
Aurumania literally means “preoccupied with gold.” The company’s signature theme is the generous use of 24-carat gold in their product designs. According to an Aurumania representative, the company’s self-professed goal was to develop and produce items that featured an extravagant use of gold and other high-end materials for the purpose of turning familiar objects into art and creating the very best for the very few.
Many people do not know that although gold is primarily used to craft fine jewelry, it is also used for a number of industrial applications and in making electronics and ceramics, so using it to make a bike may not be as far-fetched as it seems.
The target niche market for the Gold Bike was obviously the most affluent segment of society. The rare and proud owners of the bike were treated with white glove hand delivery and lavish, customized packaging that matched the caliber of the product inside.
The Most Expensive Bike in the World
Aurumania’s showpiece was decorated with more than 600 individual Swarovski crystals of the finest quality. Other details included a Brooks brand molded leather saddle and hand-sewn handlebar grips made from chocolate-brown leather. Each unit also featured a limited edition number embossed with gold leaf and set into a leather badge and Aurumania’s distinctive logo on its crossbar.
Alternate versions without the crystal elements were also produced. For the rich and famous individuals who could afford the bike, repairs are likely handled by a private jeweler rather than a typical bike shop. Riding such a masterpiece down a typical street would probably require the employment of armed bodyguards.
Although top-quality components were selected for the model and craftsmanship was certainly a priority, there have been few reports concerning the bike’s performance. A ten-year, no-questions-asked warranty accompanies the product.
Popularity of the Gold Bike
Since Aurumania only created 10 Gold Bike Crystal Edition units and around 50 units without crystals, it is difficult to determine how popular the product would have been in general society. If cost were not an issue, the aesthetic value alone would probably make it an instant hit. Little information is available about customer satisfaction among the few who could actually afford to buy the bike. It is safe to assume that there were no complaints about inferior construction materials. The first Gold Bike was sold to a man in London who immediately mounted it onto his lobby wall. Perhaps the other nine buyers considered the unique product an Eco-friendly status symbol or simply a beautiful work of art. One would hope that the bike’s exquisite detail and quality construction would entice a Gold Bike owner to at least give the shiny, two-wheeled gem a spin along the marble hallways of its new abode.
Bikes for Every Need and Budget
Gold-plated bikes are meant for the elite, but our website offers practical, high-quality bikes of every kind to riders who are young, old, inexperienced and proficient. Our selection includes the following.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are primarily designed for fast speeds and smooth surfaces such as pavement. With frames that are lighter and smoother than other types of bikes, road bikes can deliver speed, but they can’t carry heavy loads. Their slim-profile tires and drop handlebars make them ideally suited for on-road racing. Road bikes are also ideal for daily commuting, fitness-building and greener living. We cover different types of road bikes for people with different budgets, including the best road bike under 500 and present our readers with a detailed comparison of each bike.
Mountain Bikes
A mountain bike is meant for riding on rough terrain and off-road trails such as those found in the mountains. They typically feature flat or upright handlebars, low gear ranges and suspension or shock absorbers to even out the ride. Hardtail mountain bikes have only front suspension; full-suspension mountain bikes or duallies have both front and rear suspension. Although they can be used for light commuting, mountain bikes are not ideal for touring.
Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes are off-road motorcycles that are light, powerful and fast. The size and function of dirt bikes vary. Some are designed for racing or touring. They are characterized by knobby tires and tough, durable tread that is made to handle everything from rocky mud to steep inclines and declines.
Kids’ Bikes
For a child, the sense of adventure and excitement of riding a new bike is a thrill never to be forgotten. Kids’ bikes are built with smaller frames, easy-to-manage components and safety features such as training wheels to help young riders develop their riding skills with fewer falls and injuries. Riding a bike helps children develop spatial skills, physical coordination and muscle strength. It also gives them a sense of independence. Attractive, reliable bicycle models for both boys and girls are available.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes combine the advantages of road bikes and mountain bikes. Although features vary by manufacturer, hybrids typically have front suspension and semi-smooth tire tread to provide a smoother ride on paved and unpaved trails. Their sizable padded seats and upright handlebars make riding more comfortable. Hybrid bikes are great for bike paths, short-distance rides, errands and fitness. They don’t have the stamina or correct build for mountain trails.
We will soon be featuring more types of bikes and their reviews.