Although we're used to seeing fairly exotic-looking road bikes, city bikes generally tend to be rather boring and business-like. But that certainly isn't the case with De Rosa's new Metamorphosis. It was made in collaboration with famed Italian design house Pininfarina, and can also be set up as a gravel bike.
Probably best known for its work on cars such as Ferraris, Pininfarina has designed bikes with De Rosa before, plus it's also put out a couple of e-bikes under its own name. The Metamorphosis, however, is being billed as "The first sport utility bike in the world designed by De Rosa and Pininfarina."
Although not a great deal of specs have been provided, we do know that it features an internally-molded monocoque carbon fiber frame, 40mm-profile aluminum rims with 700 x 42C tires, hydraulic disc brakes, a belt drive, and an 8-speed Shimano Alfine rear hub transmission.
Buyers can choose between three frame sizes, along with Urban or Gravel configurations – the former features a flat handlebar, comfort-oriented saddle and slick tires, while the latter has a drop bar, performance-oriented saddle and tires with a more pronounced tread.
There's currently no word on availability or pricing, but … don't expect it to be cheap.
Deep-pocketed bicycle commuters wishing to turn a few heads might also want to check out the offerings from Viks, ECCE Cycles or Rizoma, plus they may be interested in our article on "economy" urban bikes made by high-end European manufacturers such as Colnago and Pinarello.
Source: De Rosa via Cycling Tips