If you like overpriced bikes with automotive connections, you’re in luck as Aston Martin and Lotus both have new offerings. Starting in alphabetical order, Aston Martin has teamed up with J.Laverack to create the “world’s most bespoke, advanced and meticulously engineered road bicycle.” Dubbed the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R, the bike features carbon fiber tubes with a herringboned weave. They’re joined by 3D printed titanium lugs, integrated four piston brake calipers, and a set of tools that comes in a handmade wooden case. The bike also has subtle nods to the DB12 and Valkyrie, but it’s more notable for not having exposed cables.
The special touches extend beyond the
traditional badge job as buyers will be invited to Aston Martin headquarters
for a “full fitting” with the founders of J.Laverack. This meeting will also
enable them to explore the bike’s extensive customization, which includes the
ability to “specify the color of the tubes, lugs, forks, stem, seat post, and
handlebar drops.” Customers can get colors that match their Aston Martin and
they can examine their options with an automotive-style configurator.
Putting marketing hyperbole aside, the
Type 136 draws inspiration from Olympic bikes and features a lightweight carbon
fiber frame that enables the model to weigh a mere 9.8 kg. That’s
not too shabby considering the bike has an electric motor, which is powered by
a removable battery pack that is disguised as a water bottle. The bike is being
launched in First Edition trim, which is limited to 136 units that are priced
from £20,000 and € 25,000. That’s US$ 24,247 and US$ 26,347 at current exchange rates.
