The year is 2024. Avocados are $2.50 each, and a cup of coffee is $5.50, add another $0.50 for an extra shot or alternative milk. In the bike industry, marginal improvements rather than complete re-designs are becoming more common with new bike launches, and brands are trimming down the number of models in their lineups as bikes become more versatile. While there are some great deals to be had on overstocked models, and minor price decreases have been noted throughout the industry, we are still seeing the price of the highest-end bikes reach numbers not far off a 2024 Kia Picanto and brand-new motorbikes.
The past few years have seen some significant improvements in components, and it’s excellent to see brands still pushing innovation. SRAM’s Transmission has ditched the pesky derailleur hanger and has proven to be extremely durable, and its Maven brakes have eye-popping power that we warmly welcome. Fox’s Transfer Neo is lightning fast and boasts excellent durability, and the recently released Live Valve Neo and updated RockShox Flight Attendant see a notable shift in electronically actuated suspension.
At the same time, we have also seen a few designed features that have left us scratching our heads, like frames without holes for gear cables. Currently, this means they can only take wireless, electronic drivetrains from SRAM, though we expect Shimano will respond with the inevitable XTR update. But none of that comes cheap.
Once manufacturers combine the latest suspension tech and battery-powered components alongside contemporary frames, it all adds up to eye-watering price tags. Here, we round up a few of the bikes that top the charts for 2024, some of which have come through Flow HQ, and others we can only dream about.
Related:
- Top 12 Best e-MTB Bikes | The best electric mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
- Top 11 Best Enduro Bikes | The best enduro mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
- Top 13 Best XC Bikes | The best cross country mountain bikes ridden & reviewed
- The most expensive mountain bikes of 2022
Most expensive bikes of 2024
Pedal Powered Bikes
Specialized S-Works Epic 8 | $24,000
Specialized’s flagship XC whippet, the S-Work Epic 8, is an impressive piece of kit that leaves little to be desired for spec or performance on the trail. That being said, it also carries one of the highest price tags we have seen to date for an analogue bike, coming in at an eye-watering $24,000 AUD — sacre bleu!
At that price point, you’d certainly hope everything is top-shelf, and that is certainly the case. We see a full SRAM outfit with an XX SL Transmission drivetrain, including a power meter, Level Ultimate brakes, a Reverb AXS dropper post, and a RockShox SID/SIDLuxe Flight Attendant suspension configuration. Wheels are taken care of by the brand’s Roval Traverse SL carbon hoops, including Quarq TyreWiz 2.0 sensors for monitoring pressure. All up, that’s nine batteries you’ll need to remember to charge! Hopefully, you have a couple of spare pineapples for the SRAM Four Battery Charger if you’re rolling this bad boy out of the shed.
All things considered, $24,000 AUD is a farcical amount of money for a bike, let alone one without a motor. The Flight Attendant electronic suspension does, however, create a large portion of that cost, and there is a $10k saving to be had by ditching the S-Works label and electronic suspension. We were fortunate enough to test the S-Works Epic 8 before it launched and were thoroughly impressed with the overall package. In our experience, it was the highest-performing XC bike we’ve ever tested. For more juicy details on the Specialized Epic 8, head over to our detailed review.
Trek Slash 9.9 XX AXS T-Type Gen6 | $20,000 AUD
The latest iteration of Trek’s burley enduro brawler, the Slash, saw some major updates for 2024, including an entirely new high-pivot suspension platform and a mixed wheel configuration. The carbon fibre Slash starts at $9,999 AUD for the 9.8 GX AXS T-Type build, which will get you aluminium wheels and a RockShox Select+ suspension package.
If you have twice that burning a hole in your pocket, the Slash tops out at $20,000 AUD for the 9.9 XX AXS T-Type build kit, which features the top-of-the-line RockShox Ultimate suspension and an XX Transmission drivetrain. In return for twenty-large, you’ll receive Trek’s ABP high pivot suspension platform backed by a Vivid shock. There’s a big burly Zeb up front, carbon wheels and cockpit from Bontrager and even the brand’s well-executed downtube storage.
We spent some time with the well-spec’d GX AXS Transmission build of the Trek Slash Gen 6, so head over to the full review for all the details.
It’s worth noting that last time we rounded up the most expensive bikes back in 2022, the Slash came in at $16,600 AUD for a similarly high-end spec, but included the Flight Attendant suspension package.
Yeti SB160 Turq XX AXS T-Type | $16,990
The Yeti SB160 was released in late 2022; however, it remains one of the most expensive production frames money can buy, coming in at $7,490 AUD for the Turq series frameset alone! The SB160 is offered in various builds, with the top-spec XX AXS T-Type kit landing at $16,990 AUD. This will get you the brand’s premium Turq series frame, a SRAM XX Transmission drivetrain and Fox Factory suspension at both ends.
Yeti adopts a similar approach to Santa Cruz, offering framesets in two levels of carbon. The premium ‘Turq’ series frameset sees a higher grade of carbon fibre, and layup is said to offer refined stiffness and compliance characteristics. The slightly cheaper ‘S’ series frames see a revised layup, which reduces manufacturing costs and, according to the brand, adds an average of 225g per frame.
We haven’t managed to get our hands on an SB160 to test; however, by all accounts and our experience on other Yeti’s, it should be one hell of a machine. It’s also worth mentioning that Richie Rude has piloted an SB160 to claim the EWS/EDR season overall in both 2023 and 2024.
We cannot guarantee that if you buy one, you will go as fast as Richie, but it can’t hurt, right?
Ibis HD6 | $16,790 AUD
Ibis’s latest and greatest variant of the Mojo HD platform, the HD6, saw a major shift in the overall aesthetic of the frame and moved to a mullet mixed-wheel configuration. Despite this, the HD6 still rolls on a DW Link suspension platform and delivers an impressive suspension package that is capable and versatile. Coming in at $6,390 AUD for the frame and Fox Float X2 shock, or $16,790 for the top-tier complete build, the HD6 is by no means a cheap machine.
The HD6 rolled into our stable as the weapon of choice for big-hitting pedal-powered missions and bike park days while also serving as a long-term mule to test some of the parts that come through FlowHQ.
Its ability to balance climbing efficiency with descending capability, combined with the potential for personalisation in setup, makes the HD6 a compelling choice for riders seeking a bike that doesn’t shy away from hard-handed riding and steep trails but isn’t disturbed by long days of pedalling. To dive into the details on the HD6, head over to the full review.
Santa Cruz Hightower XX AXS RSV | $16,999 AUD
Santa Cruz has always been on the premium end of the market, and the latest release from the brand is no exception. Coming in at $16,999 AUD for the top tier XX AXS RSV build, the Hightower is assembled with a HALO suite of parts, including Fox Factory suspension, a SRAM XX Transmission drivetrain and Maven Ultimate Brakes, along with a pair of Reserve 30HD carbon hoops, laced to Industry9 Hydra hubs.
In return, you’ll receive the brand’s tried and tested VPP suspension platform and a lifetime warranty on the frame and wheels — including crash replacement for the latter.
Santa Cruz frames are known for their construction and durability and have easily serviceable bearings. When the time comes, replacement bearings are free through the warranty program.
It’s worth noting that Santa Cruz no longer offers aluminium models, raising the cost of entry if you are chasing a bike from the American brand. It offers two different grades of carbon fibre in most of its frames, with the cheaper C frame being slightly heavier than the premium CC offering. We had the arduous task of travelling to Valle Maria Piemonte in Italy for the launch of the latest iteration of the Santa Cruz Hightower, so to catch up on all the details, head over to the detailed review.
Pivot Switchblade | $17,999 AUD
For 2024, Pivot unleashed the third generation of its popular Switchblade platform, a 160/142mm travel platform with oodles of capability. It initially appeared quite similar to its predecessor, but a raft of updates to the frame, geometry and suspension platform have merged together to elevate its descending capabilities and overall appeal. Pivot has always been at the more premium end of the market, and the latest Switchblade is no departure from that status, with the top-tier build coming in at $17,999 AUD.
As you’d expect, that kind of price tag gets you a whip with some of the best components money can buy, which includes a Fox Factory suspension outfit, SRAM XX Transmission, and a pair of DT Swiss XMC 1501 carbon hoops. Our medium-sized test bike weighed in at a respectable 14.14kg which delivered a sprightly and responsive ride on the trail. Improvements to its geometry and DW-link suspension platform over its predecessor have enhanced descending capabilities, resulting in a smoother, more stable ride at high speeds.
This is likely to attract riders who were previously considering the larger Firebird, as the new Switchblade presents a more versatile option for those who may not require a 170mm travel bike.
Forbidden Dreadnought V2 | $16,999 AUD
Hailing from the small township of Cumberland on Vancouver Island, Canada, Forbidden Bikes has been flying the high-pivot flag since the brand’s inception in 2019. 2024 saw the launch of the second iteration of the Dreadnought, a 160mm rear travel high-pivot Enduro bike that is compatible with both 29in or mixed-wheel platforms.
Similar to the Trek Slash, the Dreadnought’s high-pivot suspension platform delivers a rearward axle path that is said to result in bump-devouring feel and stability on the trail, albeit in a slightly different way. The Slash utilises the brand’s ABP Four-bar platform with a higher main pivot, and the Dreadnought flips things around and uses an inverted four-bar layout, dubbed the Trifecta suspension platform.
We haven’t managed to get our hands on a Dreadnought, but we’d be very interested in doing some back-to-back testing to compare the differences in suspension characteristics. What we do know is that these things don’t come cheap, with the framesets starting at $7,299 AUD and the top-tier XO build kit coming in at $16,999 AUD. As the name suggests, this receives a SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain along with a RockShox Zeb and Vivid Ultimate suspension package, Maven Ultimate brakes, and rolls on a pair of Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon hoops.
Do big batteries and a motor equal a higher price tag?
E-MTB technology has advanced at a staggering pace. Only a handful of years ago, the flock of electric mountain bikes were heavy, and the power delivery was unnatural. In 2024, we are seeing a host of lightweight e-MTBs, which are within a few kilos of regular bikes and boast impressive power and torque outputs. We’re also seeing full-power motors that don’t clack when descending, and some even integrate with electronic drivetrains to allow for auto-shifting.
- SRAM Unveils Eagle Powertrain | Here’s 7 reasons we’re excited about the long awaited e-MTB system from SRAM
- Shimano resurrects electronic shifting for MTB, but with a caveat
Brands are throwing considerable resources at R&D to be at the forefront of the category, and with that, along with increased manufacturing and shipping costs, comes some staggeringly expensive bikes.
Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo | $23,500 AUD
If you’re chasing the crème de la crème of e-MTB’s, it’s hard to look past the S-Works Turbo Levo, retailing for $23,500 AUD. Specialized’s own Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor delivers 90Nm of torque and 565W of peak power. On paper, these stats are quite impressive, but it’s out on the trail where it shines. Combined with some of the best parts money can buy, such as SRAM’s XX Transmission drivetrain and Fox Factory suspension, this is the McLaren of e-MTBs — except for that weird e-MTB the hypercar brand sells for $11,950 USD, which with the current exchange rate actually cheaper than the S-Works Levo!
We’ve reviewed just about every iteration of the Levo since it was launched and have had our hands on the Turbo Levo Pro since mid-2023, being one model down from the S-Works Turbo Levo.
Read more about the Specialized Turb Levo below.
Related:
- Specialized Levo Review | The 2022 Levo is the best e-MTB we’ve ever tested
- Just in | New Specialized Levo Pro with SRAM Transmission
Trek Slash+ 9.9 XO AXS T-Type | $17,999 AUD
Trek’s latest release, the Slash+, blends its bump-devouring high-pivot suspension platform with the whisper-quiet TQ HRP50 motor. With 170mm of travel at both ends with 50Nm of torque and a 580Wh battery, it is a recipe for a brilliant ride, but it comes at a cost. There are only two models available in the Slash+ range in Australia, both receiving the same carbon frame and TQ HPR50 motor. The 9.7 SLX/XT model starts at $11,500, with the price tag jumping to a whopping $17,999 for the 9.9 XO AXS T-Type model.
Hang on a second, didn’t we just cover the non-motorised version of the Slash with a price tag of $20,000 AUD? Absolutely, and there’s not much difference between the two regarding specs. For comparison’s sake, Trek does offer the non-motorised Slash 9.9 XO AXS T-Type, which has an identical spec to the Slash+ we are looking at here, which also retails for $17,999 AUD. So, the Slash+ is the same price but has a motor and battery? You bet, and maybe this is the start of e-MTB pricing becoming more comparable with regular bikes.
Scott Lumen eRIDE 900 SL | $25,599 AUD
The Scott Lumen arrived on the scene in 2023 as a brand-new lightweight electric mountain bike. How light exactly? According to Scott, the Lumen weighs as little as 15.5kg, which is an astonishing figure for a bike equipped with a motor and battery! While Scott may have been a little late to the lightweight e-Party, it has utilized every possible resource to create the new Lumen, representing the most advanced (and priciest) bike we’ve ever encountered from the Swiss brand.
At launch, the 900 SL model shown here retailed for a whopping $25,599, and in return got you the lightest e-MTB we had seen to date. The whisper-quiet TQ HRP50 motor paired with a 360Wh battery delivers the extra assistance to keep you feeling like a superhero, and can be paired with a 160Wh range extender on longer rides — there is still room for a bottle inside the front triangle. Inside the frame hides a Fox Nude 5T rear shock, which is paired to a Fox 34 fork; the brand really flexes its weight-weenie (read: expense adding) muscles with the Syncros Fraser SL RC one-piece cockpit and Syncros Silverton SL2-30 wheels, complete with moulded carbon spokes.
We spent some time onboard the Lumen eRIDE 910, which features the same HMX carbon frame and motor package but with a more wallet-friendly build spec. Overall, it was lightweight and responsive, and paired with the near-silent TQ motor, it provided the most natural ride feel of any e-MTB we’ve tested. Head over to the full review for all of the details and ride impressions.
Honourable Mentions from Abroad
If none of the above quite tickly your fancy or leaves a little too much cash burning a hole in your pocket, rest assured, looking abroad delivers some of the most unique and expensive bikes we have seen. Importing frames from overseas isn’t as hard as it might seem, but be aware of the import taxes the items will be subject to upon arrival in Australia. Certain overseas retailers include Australian GST, but others won’t, making that boutique frame even more expensive.
Actofive P-Train | $11,300 AUD Frame Only
There’s a good chance that a lot of folks may not have heard of this one, and it is certainly an interesting piece of kit. Coming all the way from Dresden, Germany, the Actofive P-Train is a CNC aluminium high-pivot enduro bike that boasts some impressive adjustability.
The frame is constructed in two halves, with each piece being CNC machined from a billet of solid 7075 Aluminium. The two sides are later bonded together using industrial strength adhesives, resulting in a highly optimised frame layout that can be tuned for stiffness and compliance.
The P-Train would have to be the most expensive frame that we are aware of, coming in at a mind-boggling $11,300 AUD, excluding a shock and import duties. There’s also a four-to-six-month lead time to get your hands on one of these, a painful wait, but all good things take time. These two points alone are likely the reason we have never seen one in the flesh, and these are as boutique as they come. We doubt we will see one fly through FlowHQ anytime soon, so we will have to keep wiping the drool off our desks for the time being.
Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift HRZ | Approx. $16,500 AUD
Also hailing from Germany, Nicolai bikes have always been at the forefront of progressive geometry. These boutique hand-made German frames are a piece of engineering artwork, and come at a price tag that reflects exactly that.
The Saturn 14 Swift HRZ is the brand’s first toe-dip into the lightweight e-MTB category with the inclusion of a Bosch SX motor paired with a 400Wh battery. Outfitted with a SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain, DT Swiss XMC 1501 carbon hoops and Hope Tech 4 brakes, the Saturn lands in at around $16,500 AUD. This excludes import duty and freight, so expect to pay something closer to the order of $20,000 AUD, all things said and done. With a claimed weight of 20.5kg, it’s no featherweight but certainly not a monster truck, like its industrial construction may suggest.
Flow’s take
There ya’ have it, folks, some of the most expensive bikes this season! This is by no means an exhaustive list, just a few of the hottest (and most expensive) bikes currently available.
For those who are chasing the best of the best and have the cash to splash, there are some incredible pieces of machinery available with all of the bells and whistles. As always, you don’t have to spend anywhere near as much to receive a good quality and reliable bike in return. Almost all of the bikes shown here are available in lower-spec models with far more obtainable price tags. Direct-to-consumer brands such as Canyon or Polygon continue to offer incredible value in both pedal-powered and e-MTB categories. It’s also no secret that the industry in general is overstocked following the COVID cycling boom, and some incredible deals are happening at local bike shops on last season’s bikes.
Related:
- Stats with Latz | The Changing Face of Bicycle Retail in Australia
- Stats with Latz Special | Cycling Industry CEOs talk Prices, Boom, Bust, and What’s Next
The most interesting takeaway is the comparison between the Trek Slash & Trek Slash+, which carry the same price tag for an identical build spec. Maybe this is the start of the shift of e-MTB pricing becoming more comparable to non-powered bikes. We’d love to see the cost of entry on e-MTB’s come down a little, which will only be a matter of time as the motor technology and batteries advance.