rizoma conmuter bike 4700 US$

Rizoma releases a commuter bike for the privileged few

By Ben Coxworth November 8, 2012

The Rizoma 77/011 is a very high-end carbon fiber commuter bicycle

Rizoma is an Italian company, best known for manufacturing premium motorcycle accessories. Recently, however, it ventured into the world of bicycle-making. The result is a carbon fiber commuting bike, known as the 77/011. While it has no one revolutionary feature, the whole package is pretty snazzy – and it’s priced accordingly.

At the heart of the 77/011 is a monocoque carbon fiber frame, outfitted with custom components milled from solid billet aluminum. The bike only has one gear – it comes with two interchangeable rear cogs, allowing users to set it up as either a freewheeling single-speed, or an oh-so-hip fixie. If they go with the fixed-gear option, they can also choose to leave off the front and rear sidepull brakes.

Instead of a chain, it utilizes a Gates Carbon-Drive belt drive, set up in a 55/22t ratio. The use of a belt drive means that no lubrication is required, and no oily gunk will be transferred onto the rider’s pant leg.

The bike is available in just a single frame size, that can accommodate riders between 165 and 190 centimeters (65-75 inches) in height – one would assume that allowances are made by ordering an appropriately-sized seatpost, as a traditional adjustable seatpost can’t be used. We contacted the company for an explanation, but have yet to hear back.

Although other colors are shown in the accompanying photographs, the 77/011 is currently only available in matte white or shiny black. It weighs in at a spritely 8 kilograms (17.6 lbs).

But yes, the price ... it’ll set you back a cool €3,700, or about US$4,700. The handlebar mirror is an extra €79 ($100). Yikes. Needless to say, however, it’s probably not being marketed towards buyers who are on any kind of a budget.

If you still like the idea of shlepping around town on something that will turn bike geeks’ heads, however, there are some cheaper alternatives. Check out our guide to commuter bikes made by high-end European racing bike manufacturers, to see what they are.

Source: Rizoma via Bicycle Design

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