Having previously entered the bicycle lanewith its "duo" line of wooden frame bikes produced in a partnershipwith Renovo, Audi has now switched partners and materials to create the limitededition Audi Sport Racing Bike.
To develop the bike, Audi joined forces with Lightweight, a German company that makes some of the most elite carbon racing wheels in the world. This pairing allowed them to use their combined knowledge in the realm of manufacturing carbon racing components, both for bicycles and sports cars.
The result is a racing bike weighing in at just 5.8 kg (12.8 lb) thanks to an ultra light,yet high rigidity, carbon frame weighing just 790 g (1.7 lb), coupled with carbon racing handlebars, forks, seatpost and bottle cage. The use of lightweight materials extends to the wheels and even the handlebar tape.
Also on board are a Dura Ace Di2 digital shifting system, Dura Ace brakes and Dura Ace PD-9000 pedals from Shimano, and a SelleItalia SLR Kit Carbonio saddle outfitted in an Audi Sport covering made from Audi R8 fine nappaleather that's likely to make Audi auto drivers feel at home.
The Audi Sport Racing Bike comes inframe heights of 48, 51, 54, 56 and 58 cm and is available through the carmaker's Audi "Collection" shop that offers high-end clothing, accessories, collectibles, and now, a €17,500 (US$19,450) road bike.
Don't expect to see too many of these high-priced racers on the roads, though, as Audi only plans to offer a total of 50 units worldwide.
Product page: Audi