If cycling is your thing, it makes sense to invest in the best.

However, while shopping for a new mode of transport, you might have realised that buying one of the best bicycles in South Africa is pretty much the same price as a car.

But why so expensive? Well, over the last 10 years, thanks to a massive revolution in the technology used in their production, the two-wheeled pedal-driven vehicles are lighter, with “onboard electronics to assist with perfect, millimetric accuracy when shifting gears,” explains Business Insider SA.

Then, there’s the popular idea that carbon-fibre should be used as the default material for frames, wheels and an assortment of other components, which has only contributed to an increase in prices:

What alloys were to the 20th century, carbon-fibre has become to the 21st: an immensely strong, yet light, material which has revolutionised the aerospace and automotive industries. Carbon-fibre is the reason an F1 car stays together despite the huge forces exerted upon.

In bicycling, carbon-fibre has reduced weight dramatically, whilst increasing performance and, almost counter intuitively, comfort. Carbon-fibre has amazing absorption properties, reducing the impact of bumpy roads and trails.

And with that, let’s take a look at the most expensive bike in South Africa right now.

It’s called the Pinarello K10S and goes for around R259 000:

For those in the know, and can appreciate what it represents, the price is fair value. It is also the choice of Chris Froome, current Tour de France champion (and old boy of St John’s College in Johannesburg), which is all the endorsement any brand could ever need.

Beyond its aerodynamically sleek carbon frame and gorgeous components, you’ll notice something strange between the seat tube and back wheel. There’s 10mm of suspension wired-up to the e-DSS 2.0 master sensor and algorithm. The K10’s electronics lock and unlock the suspension depending in data harvested, reading the terrain and rider inputs, ensuring the most comfortable ride, and efficient use of power, possible on a road bike today.

It’s the perfect bike for that Sabie to Blyde River Canyon ride in Mpumalanga, the rear suspension capable of saving your expensive wheels from a destructive pothole strike.

I was pretty much lost at the e-DSS 2.0, which sounds like the name of a snowboarding trick.

However, if you’re looking at the Pinarello and having these kind of nightmares, then do yourself a favour and hook yourself up with a Thule bike rack to keep your new, 200-grand bicycle safe while transporting it.

And perhaps we will see you in March.

You can see more bicycles here.

[source:businessinsider]