Top 10: The most expensive mountain bikes in the world

Lukas Hanrieder

· 06.09.2016

Photo: Hersteller

Top 10: The most expensive mountain bikes in the world

What a private jet is to the sheikh and a luxury car is to the boss, these bikes are to the sporty extreme types. We show you the ten most expensive mountain bikes in the world.

A new small car or a mountain bike? If you are interested in high-end bikes, you will certainly realise that instead of an exquisite bike, there are some alternative investments. For all those looking for more extravagance on two wheels or want to see what is currently technically possible, we show the ten mountain bikes with the sportiest prices.

When searching for the most expensive mountain bikes that you can buy as standard in 2017, you will come across the usual suspects. Even though Specialized and Scott, for example, have lowered their prices slightly in the luxury class, there are a few brands such as Rocky Mountain and Cannondale that offer exclusive bikes beyond the magical € 10,000 mark. In addition to models that already appeared in our "charts" in 2016, but are still available from dealers as standard in 2017, we also introduce you to exclusive new products that turn biking into a luxury sport.

Intense Recluse SL Factory: 12498 euros The new Intense Recluse Factory for 2017 is characterised by a lightweight carbon frame, which is fitted with high-quality titanium components. The fork and shock from Fox offer 150 millimetres of travel at the front and 140 millimetres at the rear. Sram's XX1 groupset changes gears on the E13 cassette and Shimano XTR brakes bring the bike, which is designed for all-mountain use, safely to a halt. But the Recluse is not the only high-calibre bike from the California-based manufacturer. With the factory versions of the Spider, Carbine and Tracer, Intense offers three more luxury mountain bikes, each in the €12500 range.

Photo: Hersteller Intense Recluse SL Factory: 12498 euros The new Intense Recluse Factory for 2017 is characterised by a lightweight carbon frame, which is fitted with high-quality titanium components. The fork and shock from Fox offer 150 millimetres of travel at the front and 140 millimetres at the rear. Sram's XX1 groupset changes gears on the E13 cassette and Shimano XTR brakes bring the bike, which is designed for all-mountain use, safely to a halt. But the Recluse is not the only high-calibre bike from the California-based manufacturer. With the factory versions of the Spider, Carbine and Tracer, Intense offers three more luxury mountain bikes, each in the €12500 range.

Photo: Hersteller Cannondale Scalpel-SI Black Inc: 11999 Euro The new race fully from Cannondale was unveiled a few months ago at the BIKE Festival. Compared to the previous model, the Scalpel now rolls on 29-inch wheels. The full carbon full suspension bike has Shimano XTR Di2 gears, Shimano XTR brakes and Enve carbon wheels and, according to the manufacturer, weighs a total of 10.1 kilograms. The 11999 euro bike is also equipped with a full-sprint lever, which allows the 100 millimetre fork and shock (Rock Shox Monarch) to be locked at the touch of a button.

Intense Primer SL Factory: 11898 euros Is the new Primer from Intense the fastest trail bike on the planet? It is certainly one of the most expensive in this field. The high-end version has a lightweight carbon frame that is finished with titanium components. In addition to Sram's XX1 Eagle groupset, Intense has a 130 mm Fox 34 Float Factory fork and a Fox Float Factory shock. The rear suspension travel is adjustable between 115 and 130 millimetres. Lightweight 29-inch wheels with carbon rims from DT Swiss in the Boost standard are fitted as standard on the SL Factory version of the Primer. Short chainstays and an aggressive geometry promise a balanced riding experience both uphill and downhill.

Photo: Hersteller Intense Primer SL Factory: 11898 euros Is the new Primer from Intense the fastest trail bike on the planet? It is certainly one of the most expensive in this field. The high-end version has a lightweight carbon frame that is finished with titanium components. In addition to Sram's XX1 Eagle groupset, Intense has a 130 mm Fox 34 Float Factory fork and a Fox Float Factory shock. The rear suspension travel is adjustable between 115 and 130 millimetres. Lightweight 29-inch wheels with carbon rims from DT Swiss in the Boost standard are fitted as standard on the SL Factory version of the Primer. Short chainstays and an aggressive geometry promise a balanced riding experience both uphill and downhill.

BMC Fourstroke 01 XTR Di2: € 11499 Compared to 2016, only minor visual updates have been made to the Fourstroke, but no technical changes. The BMC is also a real competition machine in 2017: 29er wheels, race geometry, APS suspension and high frame stiffness give the fully stability, safety and speed. The lightweight carbon frame makes the BMC Fourstroke a real racing machine. This bike is not lacking in the latest technology either: the electronic Shimano XTR Di2 with 2x11 drivetrain ensures seamless shifting and ideally graded gear ratios. Incidentally, the Fourstroke is one of the few bikes that is used in World Cup races - and successfully so!

Photo: Hersteller BMC Fourstroke 01 XTR Di2: € 11499 Compared to 2016, only minor visual updates have been made to the Fourstroke, but no technical changes. The BMC is also a real competition machine in 2017: 29er wheels, race geometry, APS suspension and high frame stiffness give the fully stability, safety and speed. The lightweight carbon frame makes the BMC Fourstroke a real racing machine. This bike is not lacking in the latest technology either: the electronic Shimano XTR Di2 with 2x11 drivetrain ensures seamless shifting and ideally graded gear ratios. Incidentally, the Fourstroke is one of the few bikes that is used in World Cup races - and successfully so!

Pivot Switchblade: 11399 euros The Switchblade, which won a Eurobike Award 2016, is compatible with 27.5+ and 29-inch bikes with identical suspension travel. The carbon frame has a new, long and flat geometry and weighs less than three kilograms including the shock. The electronic Shimano XTR Di2 shifting system is used on the versatile all-mountain bike. The fork and shock come from Fox and offer 150 millimetres of travel at the front (optionally extendable to 160) and 135 millimetres at the rear. The 2017 innovation from Pivot changes hands for a sporty 11399 euros.

Photo: Hersteller Pivot Switchblade: 11399 euros The Switchblade, which won a Eurobike Award 2016, is compatible with 27.5+ and 29-inch bikes with identical suspension travel. The carbon frame has a new, long and flat geometry and weighs less than three kilograms including the shock. The electronic Shimano XTR Di2 shifting system is used on the versatile all-mountain bike. The fork and shock come from Fox and offer 150 millimetres of travel at the front (optionally extendable to 160) and 135 millimetres at the rear. The 2017 innovation from Pivot changes hands for a sporty 11399 euros.

Cannondale Habit-CRB Black Inc: 10999 euros "If you're looking for a bike that can do everything, then take a Habit", says Cannondale. The Habit-CRB Black Inc is the ultimate in this respect, which is easily recognisable from its proud price of 10999 euros. If you compare the Habit from the 2016 season with the new 2017 model, there are only minor visual changes to the paintwork. Thanks to its combination of 120 millimetres of front and rear suspension travel, a tuned trail geometry and high-quality equipment, the Habit is playful, agile and very capable on any terrain. As with most top models in this league, the gears are shifted using the electronic Shimano XTR Di2. The fully is only available with 27.5-inch wheels.

Photo: Hersteller Cannondale Habit-CRB Black Inc: 10999 euros "If you're looking for a bike that can do everything, then take a Habit", says Cannondale. The Habit-CRB Black Inc is the ultimate in this respect, which is easily recognisable from its proud price of 10999 euros. If you compare the Habit from the 2016 season with the new 2017 model, there are only minor visual changes to the paintwork. Thanks to its combination of 120 millimetres of front and rear suspension travel, a tuned trail geometry and high-quality equipment, the Habit is playful, agile and very capable on any terrain. As with most top models in this league, the gears are shifted using the electronic Shimano XTR Di2. The fully is only available with 27.5-inch wheels.

Merida Ninety-Six 9000-E: € 10999 Merida is also currently working with the lightest materials: according to the manufacturer, the cross-country fully weighs 9.87 kilos with its carbon frame. In 2017, the Ninety-Six 9000-E integrates Shimano's electronic Di2 drivetrain with Fox suspension. The premium Merida with 100 millimetres of suspension travel on the fork and shock is also fitted with the Boost standard. Depending on the frame size, the bike can be purchased in 27.5 (S and M) or 29 inch (M, L and XL). The €10999 Marathon Racer is by far the most expensive mountain bike from Merida in 2017. For comparison: the next cheapest Ninety-Six Team costs 7499 euros.

Photo: Hersteller Merida Ninety-Six 9000-E: € 10999 Merida is also currently working with the lightest materials: according to the manufacturer, the cross-country fully weighs 9.87 kilos with its carbon frame. In 2017, the Ninety-Six 9000-E integrates Shimano's electronic Di2 drivetrain with Fox suspension. The premium Merida with 100 millimetres of suspension travel on the fork and shock is also fitted with the Boost standard. Depending on the frame size, the bike can be purchased in 27.5 (S and M) or 29 inch (M, L and XL). The €10999 Marathon Racer is by far the most expensive mountain bike from Merida in 2017. For comparison: the next cheapest Ninety-Six Team costs 7499 euros.

Pivot Mach 4 Carbon: 10699 euros Alongside the Switchblade, the Mach 4 from Pivot is also part of the luxury mountain bike segment for 2017. With its lightweight carbon frame (2.3 kilos according to the manufacturer), the fully should be fun on both cross-country routes and trails. With a short rear triangle, wide top tube and stiff chassis, the Mach 4 shines on the climbs. The geometry gives the bike manoeuvrable yet smooth handling. With 115 millimetres of travel at the rear and 120 millimetres at the front, the Fox suspension filters out even the roughest bumps with ease and provides very defined feedback. As is usual in this price range, the universally usable Pivot is equipped with Shimano's XTR Di2. The only drawback at this price is the lack of a dropper post.

Photo: Hersteller Pivot Mach 4 Carbon: 10699 euros Alongside the Switchblade, the Mach 4 from Pivot is also part of the luxury mountain bike segment for 2017. With its lightweight carbon frame (2.3 kilos according to the manufacturer), the fully should be fun on both cross-country routes and trails. With a short rear triangle, wide top tube and stiff chassis, the Mach 4 shines on the climbs. The geometry gives the bike manoeuvrable yet smooth handling. With 115 millimetres of travel at the rear and 120 millimetres at the front, the Fox suspension filters out even the roughest bumps with ease and provides very defined feedback. As is usual in this price range, the universally usable Pivot is equipped with Shimano's XTR Di2. The only drawback at this price is the lack of a dropper post.

Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL: €10,500 The race classic from Rocky Mountain has been completely redesigned for 2017 and trimmed more towards the trail. The 120-millimetre fork works together with a sensitive 100-millimetre rear end. The carbon frame weighs 2250 grams (incl. shock) and is prepared for the use of Shimano's electronic Di2 gears. On the front and rear wheels, the Boost standard accepts 29-inch wheels. The Ride9 system from Instinct and Co. is now also used on the Element, allowing the geometry and suspension to be customised to personal preferences. In 2017, the Element replaces the Thunderbolt, which will no longer be produced for the new season, as the Canadian manufacturer's most expensive mountain bike.

Photo: Hersteller Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL: €10,500 The race classic from Rocky Mountain has been completely redesigned for 2017 and trimmed more towards the trail. The 120-millimetre fork works together with a sensitive 100-millimetre rear end. The carbon frame weighs 2250 grams (incl. shock) and is prepared for the use of Shimano's electronic Di2 gears. On the front and rear wheels, the Boost standard accepts 29-inch wheels. The Ride9 system from Instinct and Co. is now also used on the Element, allowing the geometry and suspension to be customised to personal preferences. In 2017, the Element replaces the Thunderbolt, which will no longer be produced for the new season, as the Canadian manufacturer's most expensive mountain bike.

Bianchi Methanol CV: 9999 euros A hardtail for just under 10,000 euros? You'd be amazed. The Methanol CV's hefty price tag is the result of high-quality components and the latest technology: according to Bianchi, Countervail absorbs 80 per cent of vibrations. The technology developed for NASA is intended to revolutionise the cross-country scene. The frame is made of a visco-elastic carbon material, which is already used on the Italian manufacturer's racing bikes and will also be used on the Methanol for the first time in 2017. The race bike rolls on 29-inch tyres and is equipped with a 100-millimetre fork from Fox. Even though the Methanol CV would be compatible with an electric Di2 drivetrain, a Sram XX1 Eagle is fitted as standard. This is rather the exception for luxury MTBs.

Photo: Hersteller Bianchi Methanol CV: 9999 euros A hardtail for just under 10,000 euros? You'd be amazed. The Methanol CV's hefty price tag is the result of high-quality components and the latest technology: according to Bianchi, Countervail absorbs 80 per cent of vibrations. The technology developed for NASA is intended to revolutionise the cross-country scene. The frame is made of a visco-elastic carbon material, which is already used on the Italian manufacturer's racing bikes and will also be used on the Methanol for the first time in 2017. The race bike rolls on 29-inch tyres and is equipped with a 100-millimetre fork from Fox. Even though the Methanol CV would be compatible with an electric Di2 drivetrain, a Sram XX1 Eagle is fitted as standard. This is rather the exception for luxury MTBs.

These seven interesting luxury bikes just missed out on our top 10 list:

BMC Teamelite 01 XTR Di2: 9999 Euro

Specialised S-Works Epic FSR Carbon Di2: 9999 euros

Cannondale F-SI HM Black Inc. for 9999 euros

Rotwild GTS inspired by AMG (LImited Edition) for 9990 euros

Corratec Inside Link 10 HZ XTR Di2 for 9899 euros

Scott Spark RC SL for 9499 euros

Pronghorn Carbon Full Suspension XTR Di2 for 9000 euros

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Top 10: The most expensive mountain bikes in the world

These seven interesting luxury bikes just missed out on our top 10 list:

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