Caviar: The Artisans of Luxury Customisation

There’s luxury, and then there’s Herzog—a name that carries weight, quite literally, in 18-carat gold. In German, “Herzog” translates to “duke,” a noble title historically reserved for rulers of vast territories, commanders of armies, and figures of immense prestige. It’s an apt moniker for this extraordinary creation: a golden electric bike that exists at the intersection of high-end mobility and status-defining artistry.

In the realm of luxury customisation, few names resonate as profoundly as Caviar. Renowned for transforming everyday technology into opulent masterpieces, Caviar’s latest endeavour, the “Herzog,” exemplifies their commitment to unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity. This bespoke creation is a lavish reinterpretation of the Porsche eBike Cross 3rd Gen, seamlessly blending high-performance engineering with the finest materials to cater to the most discerning clientele.

Established with a vision to infuse luxury into modern technology, Caviar has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and opulence. Their portfolio boasts an array of customised high-end products, from smartphones to watches, each transformed into a unique work of art through the use of precious metals, gemstones, and intricate craftsmanship. Caviar’s creations are not merely accessories but statements of prestige and individuality, appealing to connoisseurs who seek exclusivity beyond standard luxury offerings.

The Porsche eBike Cross 3rd Gen: A Foundation of Excellence

Porsche doesn’t just design cars—it crafts experiences. And when that ethos is applied to two wheels instead of four, you get the Porsche eBike Cross 3rd Gen, a machine that channels the brand’s relentless pursuit of performance, elegance, and innovation. Created in collaboration with German bicycle specialist ROTWILD, this electric mountain bike is more than just a mode of transport—it’s a statement piece with the engineering to back it up.

Its full-suspension carbon frame, designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, takes cues from the sleek, unmistakable lines of the Porsche Taycan and the legendary 911. The result? A frame with a distinctive flyline that merges the top tube into the seat stays in one fluid motion, balancing aerodynamics with strength while keeping weight to a minimum. And weight matters when you’re straddling 85 Nm of torque from Shimano’s EP801 motor—a compact yet powerful drive unit encased in magnesium for reduced mass. This, paired with a 504 Wh Shimano battery, ensures enough range to power both urban commutes and rugged off-road adventures without breaking a sweat.

Porsche’s obsession with performance extends to the components. The Fox 34 Float Performance suspension fork, with 120 mm of travel, smooths out rough terrain, while a Fox Float DPS air damper refines rear suspension response. Shifting duties are handled by a Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur, ensuring precision across varied terrain, and braking is entrusted to Magura MT Trail hydraulic disc brakes—four-piston callipers at the front, two at the rear—for the kind of stopping power that inspires confidence on steep descents.

Wheels and tires are just as dialed-in. The bike rolls on Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro wheels, designed for resilience and performance, available in either 27.5-inch or 29-inch sizes depending on the frame. These are wrapped in Continental Cross King tires, providing grip and durability whether you’re carving through dirt trails or navigating city streets.

No detail is left unconsidered when it comes to ergonomics. A Crankbrothers Highline 3 telescopic seat post allows for instant saddle height adjustments, while an Ergon SM Sport saddle and GA20 grips ensure comfort on long rides. And because Porsche wouldn’t be Porsche without a nod to technology, the Shimano SC-EM800 display keeps track of speed, battery life, and assistance levels in real time, putting performance data right at your fingertips.

The Porsche eBike Cross 3rd Gen isn’t just another high-end electric bike—it’s a masterclass in design and engineering that carries the same DNA as the brand’s most celebrated automobiles. Whether slicing through traffic or tackling trails, it delivers a ride that is unmistakably Porsche.

Gilded Pedals: A Legacy of Gold-Plated Bicycles

Before delving into the opulence of the Herzog, it’s worth noting that the concept of gold-plated bicycles isn’t entirely novel. Over the years, several brands have ventured into gilded cycling creations, each aiming to blend luxury with mobility.

In 2009, Swedish company Aurumania introduced the Gold Bike Crystal Edition, a 24-carat gold-plated bicycle adorned with over 600 Swarovski crystals. Limited to just ten units, each bike featured a moulded leather saddle from Brooks and hand-sewn leather handlebar grips. The first of these exclusive pieces was reportedly purchased by a Londoner who chose to display it as art in his lobby.

British luxury brand Goldgenie also made headlines with their extravagant two-wheelers. Known for customising various products with precious metals, Goldgenie offered a 24-karat gold-plated bicycle that catered to those seeking a blend of opulence and transportation.

Going further back, in the 1970s, the legendary Italian bicycle manufacturer Colnago produced the Super Oro (Colnago Mexico Oro), a 24k gold-plated racing bicycle. This model was a testament to the era’s penchant for combining performance with luxury, appealing to affluent cycling enthusiasts. Photos ©Steel-Vintage.

Luxury and Performance

Elevating the Porsche eBike to an unprecedented level of luxury, Caviar’s Herzog is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and opulent design. The bike’s frame is meticulously coated with 18-karat gold using advanced PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technology, ensuring a lustrous and durable finish. Complementing the golden sheen, select components are crafted from golden carbon fibre, a material that combines the lightweight properties of carbon with the regal allure of gold. The saddle and handlebar grips are upholstered in premium crocodile leather, providing a tactile experience that epitomises luxury.

The name “Herzog,” translating to “Duke” in German, pays homage to the noble heritage of Stuttgart, the birthplace of Porsche. This connection is further symbolised in Porsche’s emblem, which incorporates elements from the coat of arms of the Württemberg Dukes, reflecting a lineage of prestige and excellence.

Exclusivity and Personalisation

Caviar’s dedication to exclusivity is evident in the Herzog’s limited production run. Only nine units are available, each priced at $44,000, ensuring that ownership remains a privilege reserved for a select few. The customisation process is both intricate and time-intensive, with each bike requiring up to four months to complete. This period encompasses detailed jewellery work to seamlessly integrate the gold elements, ensuring that every Herzog is a unique masterpiece.

A Complementary Masterpiece: The Custom iPhone 16

Enhancing the exclusivity of the Herzog, Caviar includes a custom-designed iPhone 16 with each purchase. This bespoke smartphone mirrors the bike’s luxurious aesthetics, featuring a design that harmonies with the Herzog’s opulent theme. The iPhone 16 itself represents the pinnacle of Apple’s innovation, and Caviar’s customisation elevates it further through the use of premium materials and artisanal craftsmanship. This pairing offers owners a cohesive luxury experience, extending the Herzog’s exclusivity into their personal technology.

Anticipation and Availability

Caviar has announced that the Herzog eBikes will be available for sale by early 2025. Given the brand’s history of catering to a discerning clientele—many of whom are Porsche enthusiasts—the Herzog is poised to become a coveted collector’s item. The combination of Porsche’s engineering excellence with Caviar’s unparalleled craftsmanship ensures that the Herzog will be celebrated as a benchmark in luxury eBikes.

The Herzog stands as a testament to what can be achieved when engineering prowess meets artistic excellence. Caviar’s latest creation not only honours Porsche’s storied heritage but also sets a new standard in luxury transportation. For those who demand the very best, the Herzog offers an unparalleled experience that transcends the conventional boundaries of design and performance.

Who Actually Buys a Golden eBike?

Let’s be honest—neither the regular Porsche eBike nor the Herzog is destined for a gruelling weekend of mud-splattered trails and rocky descents. You won’t find this gilded masterpiece chained to a café railing while its owner sips an oat milk flat white. No, the Herzog is made for a different breed of cyclist—the kind whose definition of “off-road” is rolling across the yacht deck to a waiting champagne brunch.

This isn’t for your Lycra-clad weekend warrior or your local Strava addict. The Herzog buyer is a person for whom exclusivity isn’t a preference; it’s a prerequisite. It’s for the individual who thinks a Porsche 911 Turbo S is a practical daily driver but still needs something suitably extravagant for the morning ride down their private driveway. It’s for the oligarch with an appetite for excess, the tech billionaire with a taste for the absurdly bespoke, or the Middle Eastern royal who wants something unique to roll alongside their gold-plated G-Wagen.

Functionality? That’s a secondary concern. The Herzog is about making a statement before even turning the pedals. A golden bicycle, wrapped in crocodile leather, accessorised with an iPhone 16 by Caviar—this isn’t about getting from A to B. It’s about ensuring that if you ever do, you arrive in a manner befitting modern royalty.

And let’s not forget—if you’re the kind of person dropping a small fortune on this, you’re probably not the one riding it anyway. That’s what private chauffeurs are for.

Further information: https://caviar.global/

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