For cyclists who want to go farther, ride faster and look cooler doing it, there are a lot of options on the market when it comes to high-end bikes. This week we're gawking over a few of the world's most technologically enhanced cycles. Some are electric hybrids; some transform for better ergonomics; and some take the notion of a bicycle and darn near throw it out the window. From the innovative to the chic to the out of this world, here are six of the world's most incredible (and expensive) rides on two wheels.
The smart and stylish electric bike
The VANMOOF Electrified bicycle is worth a whopping $3,000 -- and it comes decked out with built-in GPS tracking, an integrated rechargeable battery and a sturdy, but lightweight anodized aluminum frame. The Electrified has a range of up to 60km, and offers two levels of electric assist controlled by a handy, low-profile dashboard positioned on the top tube next to the headset. Previous-gen models have been touted as the most intelligent commuter bike in the world, and this latest update takes everything up a notch. Plus, it just looks really cool.
The shape-shifting bike
This funky, futuristic bicycle will take a while to get used to, because it looks so different from traditional bikes. Yet its form springs from the desire to create a bike that is more responsive to the rider, and even more efficient. The Continuously Ergonomic Race Vehicle (CERV) is a forkless, chainless and dynamically adjustable bicycle that's designed to change its own shape while on the road, to maintain the healthiest position for the rider.
The CERV is a joint effort between Ohio-based Priority Designs and New England's Cannondale Bicycle Corporation and although the bike never went into mass production, it has to be one of the most memorable cycles we've ever laid eyes on.
The most expensive bicycle in the world
Chic sports cars are Aston Martin's thing, so it's downright crazy that the British company made a two-wheeled version of one of its most expensive rides. The One-77 Coupe is a mega limited edition car made specifically for James Bond movies -- priced at more than $2 million each -- and the bike version is as advanced as any gadget Q might have built. It features a high-tech computer system, a complex array of sensors and a carbon fiber frame to keep the weight down.
Aston Martin only made 77 of the cycles with an original sale price of $39,000, but they are sure to become collectors' items for the truly devoted fans of the world's most famous British Secret Service agent.
The unstealable bike
The three designers who formed Yerka were tired of getting their bikes stolen, so they created one that's "unstealable." The result is a bike that uses part of its frame as its own lock. Its inventors say the bike is theft-proof because the cycle would be rendered completely useless if an aspiring thief cut through the bike lock in order to make the grab. In addition to the genius design, the bike comes equipped with Bluetooth so it can be unlocked from your smartphone.
This crowd-funded project raised over 125 percent of its goal, pushing the smartly designed bike closer to the pavement. Yerka expects to launch the bike in the spring of 2016.
A foldable bike that fits in your backpack
The next best thing to a transforming bike is a bike that folds down into next to nothing. The Sada Bike falls in the latter category, which makes it not only super cool, but also incredibly convenient for urban commuters. When compacted, the bike is no larger than a folded umbrella, making it simple to carry on a subway, tuck under your desk or tote around until you actually need it.
The Sada gets away with being so compact by eschewing many familiar characteristics of the traditional bike. It has no hubs or spokes, and the overall frame is insanely minimalist. This clever design is still in development, but it's not too soon to start dreaming about toting around your bicycle in your backpack, and still having room to spare.
The out-of-this-world alien bike
If you saw one of these bizarre bikes on the road, you might do a double (or even a triple) take. The INgSOC bike doesn't have any spokes or chains, and the strange angle of its frame arcs upward toward the rider instead of down like on most bikes. The frame, cast from carbon-infused polymer, might as well be the skeleton of an extraterrestrial being, sent from outer space to confuse the heck out of us -- and, you know, go really, really fast.