One of the perks of working at Cycling Weekly is the opportunity to ride some of the world’s most expensive bikes. However, with a price-tag of £33,659, we can’t see Moynat Malle Bicyclette landing in the offices any time soon.
For those not in the know, Moynat is a Parisian trunk-maker which has been producing exclusive bags and boxes since 1849. It’s therefore no surprise that most of the bike’s value in fact lies in the basket in front of the handlebars.
The Moynat's picnic trunk should certainly beat your average club run cafe stop
Actually, to call it a basket is a little unfair. Moynat prefers the term “picnic trunk”, and it comes complete with white ceramic plates, silverware, and napkins, while small drawers and compartments provide the perfect storage space for a couple of small jars of caviar or paté, for example. As a final touch the front panel opens out to act as a small table for on-the-go dining.
As for the bike itself, it’s handmade in Italy by Abici Italia in their workshop in the south of Lombardy, and there’s definitely not a weave of carbon-fibre in sight. The steel frame is covered with 3 layers of powdered coating lacquering and complemented, as you would expect, with a Brooks saddle.
It may contain a top-notch lunch, but we can't see Cervelo integrating picnic hampers into their designs any time soon
And it appears three-and-a-half grand won’t even get you 11-speed, with Moynat opting for a single speed build with a 42t ring at the front. As for the wheels, they’re Ambrosio rims topped with frankly impractical white Schwalbe tyres.
If you’re tempted we’re afraid to say that Moynat don’t offer the convenient option of buying online. Instead you’ll have to head along to their London shop (sorry, “Maison de Vente”) in Mayfair to place an order. However with a lead time of up to 12 months, you won’t be tucking into your cucumber sandwiches any time soon.
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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
