Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod Ultimate
It doesn't get much more sophisticated than this: the Enve wheels alone cost almost 3000 euros. The Scalpel reminds you of service intervals via an app and, of course, shifts gears electronically. The lightweight Lefty Ocho fork is a must. Disappointing: There is no dropper post for the price.
Spring travel: 100/100 millimetres. Weight9.4 kilos. Price12499 Euro. www.cannondale.com/de-de
Specialised S-Works Epic Evo
The Epic Evo has been completely redesigned for 2021. The 1.76-kilo S-Works frame is fitted with the highest quality parts - the total price is correspondingly expensive. For comparison: the 2014 S-Works model cost € 8299 at the time, weighing 9.5 kilos.
Spring travel120/110 millimetres, Weight9.5 kilos. Price12499 Euro. www.specialized.com/de/de
Scott Spark 900
The new Spark has just been unveiled. It is Nino Schurter's Olympic weapon. Special: the clean look with the shock integrated in the bottom bracket area. The frame weighs in at 1870 grams. This means that the bike weighs just 10.1 kilos in total despite suspension travel of 130/120 millimetres.
Spring travelfrom 130/120 millimetres. Weight: 10.1 kilos. Price12999 Euro. www.scott-sports.com/de/de
Pivot Mach 5.5 CF
The US manufacturer from Phoenix is the front runner - at least in terms of price. For comparison: for the same amount, you can get a brand new Dacia Sandero and tick almost all the extras! Nevertheless, for the exorbitant price of the Pivot, you get the finest equipment with Fox Live Valve suspension and Srams electric gears. The Mach 5.5 rolls on 27.5-inch tyres.
Spring travel160/140 millimetres. Price14399 Euro. www.pivotcycles.com/de
"Quality has its price"
Interview with Jens Staudt, Brand Manager, Pivot Bikes
BIKE: You are the front runners when it comes to the most expensive production bike. How does such an immense price come about?
JENS STAUDTWe only offer high-end frames. The best (most expensive) components have been fitted to the top model. The Fox-Live-Valve suspension in particular drives the price up.
However, you don't pay aftermarket prices - so you can get the add-on parts much more cheaply.
That's true, but the purchase price for the Fox Live Valve is also high for us. We have cheaper models on offer as an option. There are many people who want the best of the best.
How many examples of your top-of-the-range model do you build and how many do you sell?
We do not publish exact figures. In any case, we sell all the bikes we produce - including the top model.
Some say that nobody buys a bike at the stated price (RRP). With cars, there is usually also a ten per cent discount on the list price.
We build high-end bikes without compromise. It's similar with cars. With a super sports car manufacturer, you get a product for the highest demands. The associated development costs and this level of quality come at a price.
