You can now buy Felt's left-hand drive track bike for just $26,000
The left-hand drive track bike ridden by the USA team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has gone on sale for a very high price
The USA track cycling team caused a bit of a stir before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when they revealed they would be riding a bike with the drive train on the left-hand side and now you can buy one yourself, if you're loaded...
It seemed like a relatively minor adjustment, but one the cycling world hadn't really seen before, with manufacturers Felt believing it would be more aerodynamic than a traditional design when travelling anti-clockwise round the track.
As part of the UCI's rules, however, the bike has to be made available for general sale, giving members of the public access to this high-end tech for the pricely sum of $26,000.
Felt spokesman Michael White said the company expects to sell a handful, which is optimistic given the prohibitively expensive price tag.
"The price does seem astronomical at first glance, but interestingly, when you factor in the costs of what you’re getting, it’s actually not too bad a value," he said.
"We’re confident enough to say that this is the most advanced track frame in the world, and it comes with two sets of wheels (including double HED discs), multiple custom parts like two different FSA cranks, Stages power meter, custom bike box, CeramicSpeed bearings, etc. And each customer will receive a custom front-end and handlebar assembly made for their measurements."
The bike was designed in an attempt to beat Team GB at the Olympics, which it memorably didn't in any of the endurance events. It did, however, set a new world record in the women's team pursuit, but it only lasted about five minutes until the Brits took it back again.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
So, if you're looking for a Christmas present for your track cycling obsessed partner/friend/family member, look no further.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Canyon Grail CF SL 7 AXS review: a gravel bike of two halves?
The integrated cockpit and aero tubing are somewhat at odds with the Grail's taller stack height
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
Katy Marchant breaks arm in horror crash into crowd at Track Champions League
Event's final round cancelled and spectators told to leave following incident
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Katy Marchant breaks arm in horror crash into crowd at Track Champions League
Event's final round cancelled and spectators told to leave following incident
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
'It's actually happening' - Matthew Richardson set for GB debut after nationality swap
25-year-old will race under British flag for first time at UCI Track Champions League
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Katie Archibald withdraws from London 3 Day after dislocating shoulder
Former Olympic champion ‘mortified’ following another injury setback
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Olympic sprint champions have 'nothing to lose' at Track World Championships
GB's women's sprint trio have 'golden opportunity' to win on Wednesday, but the pressure's off, says Katy Marchant
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'My foot was facing the wrong way': Inside Katie Archibald's remarkable recovery from broken leg to World Championships
In less than four months, the two-time Olympic champion has gotten back to racing fitness. Here's how she did it
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Katie Archibald set for racing return at World Championships after freak leg fracture
Scot 'thriving on the bike' having missed Olympics to recover
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It's not just the Katie Archibald show' - Team GB rely on other stars to lead track success
Women's endurance squad 'still in a little bit of shock' about Scot's injury, but ready to perform in Paris
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Great Britain qualifies full track cycling squad for Paris Olympics
Team GB will now select up to 16 riders to compete across the sprint and endurance events
By Tom Davidson Published