MUNICH: BMW has unveiled a new limited edition bicycle, the Cruise M, inspired by its latest premium sportscar and a bicycle that could become just as collectable.
The all-new M2 is a phenomenal everyday sports car and one that is expected to keep BMW’s production lines busy over the coming months, such is the anticipated demand.
However, for those that can’t wait for the M2 to start shipping to their country or don’t have the financial flexibility to cover the car’s US$53,000 (RM206,210 but
RM499,000 in Malaysia
) premium price tag (before options) the company on Monday wheeled out a bicycle inspired by its latest ‘M’ car and one that promises to be just as exclusive, yet at a fraction of the price.
The BMW Cruise M Limited Edition bike comes in the same Long Beach metallic blue finish as its four-wheeled brethren. It also uses carbon fiber and aluminum in its construction for strength without adding weight. It even has hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. But, unlike the M2, this bike will be limited to just 1500 examples globally and each will cost just €1,400 (around RM6,200).
It might read like a simple marketing stunt, but while BMW might be better known for motorized transport — it has been building cars for 100 years and motorbikes for 93 years, — 2016 will also mark the 60th anniversary of its bicycle business.
So the bike sits on lightweight 28-inch wheels and has a 30-gear system. The frame has been shaped so that the crossbar follows the contour of a motorbike’s fuel tank and each section of the aluminum frame has been welded in a way that the finished result looks like the bike has been pressed or moulded out of a single sheet of metal.
Every bike built will also arrive with a plaque detailing its limited edition status and which of the 1,500 examples it is.
Alongside the Cruise M Limited Edition, on Monday BMW also announced its full Spring 2016 bicycle collection. It has added a Small frame (160cm) option across its existing range of Cruise and Cruise e-bike models. The Cruise e-bike also gets a more potent electric assistance motor that now has a pedal-assisted top speed of 25kph.
Keyword: If you can't afford the BMW M2, how about the M2-inspired bicycle?