Goldgenie, a British business that specialises in gold-plating and diamond-coating iPhones and other mobile devices, has turned its attention to the humble bicycle.
Humble really is the right word in this case, as the bike in question looks like it started life as a £499 Giant Defy 5 with Shimano Claris gearing. The aluminium bike has been given a full makeover in 24 karat gold including the frame, cassette, chain and even the bar tape. In fact, it looks to us like only the gear cables, Giant S-R4 tyres and the suede of the Selle San Marco saddle have escaped the Goldfinger treatment.
The golden cassette and chain look particularly gorgeous
Goldgenie's website states: “Goldgenie's specialists meticulously applied a lustrous layer of 24k gold to [the] entire structure, from the tip of the drop handlebars to the wheel stays, and every other part in between, including every ridge of the gear chain. The gleaming gold model is offset with sophisticated accents in black in a limited edition soft San Marco suede saddle and SR4 racing tyres.
“Striking to look at, the bike is even more beautiful when in fluid motion, as the spinning spokes catch the sunlight and ripples along the golden frame.”
The gold-plated bike is going on sale for £250,000, more than 500 times the entry-level asking price of the stock Giant Defy 5. When you put it like that, it does seem a bit odd to choose such a modest bike to augment into this exclusive luxury item.
Goldgenie is currently developing more bespoke golden bikes, with the option of exotic skins on the saddle and a variety of precious stones.
Check out all the shots in the gallery above.