High-End Bicycles: The Car Brands’ Temptation to Diversify

Empowered by their technological know-how, major industry names are now turning to the cycling world to offer models that are as appealing as they are high-performing.

Alpine Aircode DRS X: French Excellence

All cycling enthusiasts who care about preserving Made in France know the seriousness of the Dijon-based company Lapierre, founded in 1946. During the recent French Grand Prix of Formula 1, Lapierre announced a new collaboration with the sports car manufacturer Alpine. This three-year partnership also gave both French brands the opportunity to unveil the product of this unprecedented union: the Aircode DRS X Alpine.

Based on an existing model, the Lapierre Aircode DRS 9.0, a racing bike priced at €8,099, this limited series variant (only 110 numbered units) features the renowned Alpine Racing Matte Blue on the frame and Deep Black for the emblems. It is born out of extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce aerodynamic drag, especially during high-speed descents. From a technical standpoint, the Aircode DRS Alpine features a wireless 12-speed transmission signed Shimano Dura-Ace, as well as carbon wheels fitted with Continental Grand Prix tires and Shimano RTMT900 disc brakes of 160 and 140 mm.

Price: €9,000

Ducati MIG-S: a High-Performance All Mountain

For those dreaming of a big Ducati engine but who haven’t obtained their motorcycle license yet, the solution might come from the latest electric bikes from the renowned Italian manufacturer. Now owned by the German company Audi, Bologna-based Ducati, founded in 1926, offers a “bicycle” branch with an energetic character that we hope will be hot. Among the Mountain Bikes range, you’ll find the Ducati MIG-S, which received some improvements in 2022, including better performance.

The MIG-S’s motor, the Shimano Steps EP-8, benefits from a 20% increase in torque (now 85 Nm). While it gains 200 grams, its total weight still only amounts to 2.6 kg. Plenty of power for tackling rough terrain with more ease. To better handle ruts, it is equipped with new suspension components supplied by RockShox (35 RC fork and SuperDeluxe R shock), as well as larger-diameter SRAM Guide T four-piston brakes. Additionally, via a smartphone app, users can manage the electric motor’s settings — either to improve performance or to conserve the 630 Wh battery.

Price: €5,590

Mercedes Silver Arrows Sport eBike: The Silver Arrow Speedbike

Caution, this bike is for experienced riders! Honoring the Silver Arrows that dominated motorsport in the 1930s, this exceptional bike features a hand-polished aluminum finish. Particular care is taken with its quality, especially the drivetrain, which uses a carbon belt transmission that requires no maintenance for 32,000 km. Like its automotive counterparts, Mercedes also equipped its Silver Arrows Sport eBike with state-of-the-art digital instrumentation.

To move the handsome 21.5 kg (including the battery) of this bike, there is a 500 W motor with 90 Nm of torque. That’s an impressive power for a speedbike, classifying it as a moped requiring a license A, B, or AM. You also need a license plate and must wear a helmet. In return, it can reach 40 km/h and travel up to 120 km with electric assistance. Hopefully, the hydraulic disc brakes are sufficiently calibrated to handle such performance!

Price: €5,435

Porsche eBike Sport: the Taycan of Bikes

Porsche is no stranger to high-performance bikes, having recently enhanced its expertise with the acquisition of Fazua and the creation of two joint ventures dedicated to developing future bicycles and motors. Present on the e-bike segment since 2021 through a partnership with the German specialist Rotwild, the German automaker now unveils an update to its eBike Sport, similar to the restyling in the automotive sector. The first upgrade includes new Continental tires that, according to Porsche, improve grip on loose or slippery surfaces.

The modern, highly streamlined design was created by F.A. Porsche Studio and integrates the motor and battery seamlessly, so much so that this eBike Sport appears like a traditional bike. However, it packs a Shimano EP8 unit capable of delivering up to 85 Nm of torque, along with a large 630 Wh battery. Its weight is quite manageable at 21.2 kg (including the battery). For comfort, Porsche equips it with a suspension fork and FOX Float DPS shock absorbers, eager to test them on Parisian cobblestones, complemented by hydraulic Magura brakes for safety.

Price: €10,900

Also read: Guide, which electric bike should you buy for over €2,000?