Ah, the age-old fantasy – if you struck gold in the lottery, what would be your ultimate splurge?
While practicalities like homes for loved ones or charitable endeavors might cross your mind, let’s be honest – indulging in a dream machine is definitely high on the list.
We posed this very question to the tech aficionados here at BikeRadar: if money were no object, what would be their Dream Bike? Their responses were wonderfully diverse, spanning from delightfully niche downhill beasts to exquisitely sensible superbikes, and just about everything in between.
Imagine winning big – what two-wheeled wonder would you choose? Perhaps you’ve already envisioned your perfect ride? Share your dream bike scenarios in the comments below.
Liam Cahill: A Classic Rim-Brake Giant TCR
Alt text: Upgraded rim brake Giant TCR dream bike in azure blue with carbon wheels and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset.
“Surprisingly, even with a lottery win,” says Liam, “I wouldn’t chase the latest superbike hype. My dream bike is a nod to classic road cycling – a meticulously built, used rim-brake Giant TCR.”
Liam elaborates, “I’d hunt down a pre-owned rim brake TCR and then elevate it with a top-tier Shimano Dura-Ace R9050 Di2 groupset. My experience riding a similar setup across the Roubaix cobbles cemented its status as one of the finest handling bikes I’ve ever encountered.”
Performance and practicality are key for Liam’s dream bike. “I want a bike that’s agile enough for spirited local road races, one I can confidently lean into corners on. Of course, this dream machine would first get a custom Azure Blue paint job, maybe with a chrome finish for added brilliance. I’d request a subtle touch – clear lacquer over bare carbon for the graphics.”
The wheels are where Liam’s dream bike truly elevates. “I’d commission my friend Rob to handcraft carbon wheels using Tune hubs in chrome, naturally. For tires, I’d keep it practical with Continental GP5000s, but indulge in TPU inner tubes. A top-tier power meter, like a Power2Max NG, is a must. Finishing touches would include a Ritchey Neo Classic bar, white bar tape, and a pristine white saddle.”
Tom Marvin: The Niche Starling Sturn V2 DH Bike
Alt text: Prototype Starling Sturn V2 downhill dream bike with high pivot suspension and unique chainring setup.
Tom’s dream bike takes a decidedly different, and niche, path. “Even though downhill riding isn’t my usual domain, winning the lottery would inspire a return to the ‘dirtbag, van-life, seasonaire’ lifestyle, and for that, I’d build a very specific dream bike: a Starling Sturn V2 DH bike.”
He explains the allure of this steel-framed downhill machine. “The Sturn is a work of art. Its singlespeed, high-pivot design, with the chainring on the non-drive side, evokes the iconic Brooklyn Machine Works downhill bikes from the early 2000s.”
Tom delves into the technical details. “The chainring operates a Jack Drive system. The chain ascends the chainstay to a sprocket near the main, high pivot. This pivot-mounted sprocket is driven by another sprocket on the opposite side, connected to a chainring on the left crank arm.”
The high-pivot design is key to Tom’s dream bike. “This setup, with its constant chain length, delivers a rearward axle path and eliminates pedal kickback. This would be perfect for smoothing out those relentless braking bumps that emerge on bikepark downhill trails. Plus, ditching the rear derailleur means one less component to damage on rugged terrain, and theoretically, a lighter rear wheel, improving suspension sensitivity.”
While a singlespeed DH bike might suffice, Tom’s dream bike goes a step further. “Given unlimited funds, I’m going ‘dinglespeed’ – a two-speed downhill bike!”
Alt text: Classified Powershift MTB rear hub integrated into a custom downhill dream bike wheel build.
“I’d integrate the innovative Classified MTB rear hub,” Tom details, “and with my lottery winnings, I’d commission a machining shop to create a custom singlespeed sprocket for this electronically activated two-speed hub, which typically requires a specific cassette.”
The finishing touches on Tom’s dream bike are equally considered. “A plush coil-shock fork, robust alloy downhill wheels (carbon might be a bit too flashy for a seasonaire), a selection of Maxxis tires, and powerful Formula brakes for their aesthetics complete this dream build.”
Tom Law: The Ultra-Light Asco Trail Bike
Alt text: Lightweight Asco trail dream bike with RockShox Flight Attendant suspension and SRAM XX SL groupset.
Tom Law’s dream bike leans towards agility and uphill prowess. “Despite my usual preference for downcountry bikes, a lottery windfall would definitely lead me to an incredibly lightweight trail bike. Since joining BikeRadar, I’ve been tackling more challenging terrain, so a bit more travel than my Transition Spur would be ideal.”
The Last Bikes Asco immediately springs to mind. “The Asco is simply stunning. It shares a similar suspension design to the Spur, employing a flex-stay rear end, but boosts travel to 130mm with a 140mm fork.”
Alt text: Last Bikes Asco lightweight frame detail showcasing clean cable routing and threaded bottom bracket.
Weight is paramount in Tom’s dream bike vision. “The Asco is exceptionally light, with the lighter frame option tipping the scales at a mere 1.79kg without the shock. It also retains practical features like straightforward cable routing and a threaded bottom bracket – a big thumbs up for BSA and standard internal routing!”
Component selection is top-tier. “I’d spec RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, a SRAM XX SL T-Type Transmission, a 200mm Reverb AXS dropper post (lottery win, remember!), Trickstuff Piccola HD brakes, Berd Hawk30 wheels with their innovative rope spokes, and a beautiful Chromag cockpit.”
Tire choice is meticulously considered for optimal trail performance. “Because it’s my dream bike, I’d have Maxxis custom-make their new Forekaster tire in a MaxxGrip compound for the front, paired with a MaxxTerra compound at the rear. Dream bike perfection!”
Ashley Quinlan: The Practical (Yet Flashy) BMC Teammachine SLR 01
Alt text: Turquoise BMC Teammachine SLR 01 dream road bike build with ENVE wheels and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.
Ashley’s dream bike blends practicality with a touch of luxury. “Even with lottery riches, I’d still be somewhat sensible with my spending… except maybe for that chalet in the Alps for BikeRadar bike testing and personal holidays.”
His dream bike reflects this balanced approach. “My lottery bike would still be something attainable off-the-shelf, likely a BMC Teammachine SLR 01 – the same dream bike I’ve discussed on the BikeRadar Podcast.”
Customization comes in the component choices. “I’d opt for a striking turquoise frame kit and then personalize it with ENVE SES 4.5 wheels wrapped in 28c Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless tires, and a Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 Di2 groupset, please.”
Performance and data are also on Ashley’s mind. “I’d probably swap the crankset for a power meter version. I’d consult BikeRadar’s power meter guru, Simon von Bromley, or our best power meter buyer’s guide, to choose the ideal model.”
While tempted by upgrades, practicality prevails. “Ceramic bearings might seem like a lottery winner’s must-have, but I’d likely skip them. They can be more challenging to replace at a standard bike shop, and I want to keep this dream bike rideable!”
Jack Luke: The Tandem of His Dreams
Alt text: Custom steel off-road tandem dream bike with 45mm gravel tires and Shimano Di2 drivetrain.
Jack’s dream bike is a testament to his personality – unique and geared for shared adventures. “Owning a tandem and enthusiastically sharing my tandem experiences is central to my slightly quirky persona, so my dream bike choice shouldn’t surprise anyone.”
While his current tandem, Cecil, is cherished, a lottery win opens up new possibilities. “Following Cecil’s extensive refurbishment in 2020, it’s nearly perfect. But, I’m sure I could find space for another tandem in my hypothetical modernist lottery-funded house.”
Jack envisions a bespoke steel tandem built for serious off-road touring. “It would be designed for fully loaded adventures, with clearance for 45mm gravel tires on robust 40-spoke alloy rims. These would be laced 4x to a SON dynamo hub up front and a dependable Hope Pro 5 hub at the rear.”
Reliability and performance are key for a touring tandem. “Square-taper Middleburn cranks on SKF bottom brackets would drive a Shimano Di2 drivetrain. Given Shimano’s somewhat stagnant electronic mountain bike groupset development, I’d opt for XTR M9050 in a 2x setup until something newer emerges.”
Comfort and practicality are also essential. “We’d have comfortable, touring-oriented cockpits for both riders and a full set of Ortlieb panniers on custom racks. The entire dream bike would be finished in a glorious sparkly poo brown paint, and then Laura and I would vanish for at least six months, exploring the horizon on a pastry-fueled adventure.”
Oscar Huckle: The Modified, Campagnolo Routt 45
Alt text: Moots Routt 45 titanium gravel dream bike with Campagnolo Ekar groupset and custom Stanley finish.
Oscar’s dream bike is a blend of titanium elegance and Italian componentry. “My dream bike is a Moots Routt 45 titanium gravel bike, enhanced with a few carefully chosen modifications.”
The allure of Moots is undeniable. “I’ve always admired Moots. Their attention to detail is unmatched, and I particularly love their 3D-printed dropouts.”
The finish is as crucial as the frame itself. “The frame would be in the ‘Stanley’ finish. This combines multi-colored logos on the downtube and toptube with a gradient finish on the driveside chainstay, inspired by the iconic Overlook Hotel carpet from The Shining.”
Alt text: Close-up of the Moots Routt Stanley finish, showcasing the Overlook Hotel carpet-inspired gradient.
Oscar’s dream bike prioritizes gravel capability. “The Routt 45 already accommodates up to 50mm gravel tires, but I’d slightly increase the tire clearance to confidently run 50mm tires even in muddy conditions.”
Component choice is distinctly Italian. “The bike would feature a Campagnolo groupset, likely Ekar, as I prefer 1x drivetrains for gravel riding. But, since it’s a dream bike, I’d spec custom Ekar shifters with Campagnolo’s UltraShift mechanism.”
He explains this unique request. “UltraShift allows you to downshift up to five gears at once – a wonderfully tactile sensation that Campagnolo didn’t include in Ekar, fearing accidental over-shifting on gravel. Nonsense, I say!”
Finishing touches include premium components. “I’d spec a Chris King wheelset with matching headset and bottom bracket, Moots’ own titanium finishing kit, and a Specialized S-Works Power Mirror saddle.”
Luke Marshall: The Transition Relay PNW Carbon XO1 AXS e-MTB
Alt text: Transition Relay PNW Carbon XO1 AXS lightweight electric mountain dream bike with mixed wheels.
Luke’s dream bike is a modern marvel of e-mountain biking technology. “While many bikes tempt me, the one I’d buy today, lottery win or not, is a Transition Relay PNW Carbon XO1 AXS.”
He highlights the key features of this electric mountain bike dream. “This 170mm-travel lightweight e-MTB uses a Fazua Ride60 motor and 430Wh battery, and features mixed-size wheels. Full-power e-MTBs are great, but for me, they don’t quite match the downhill feel of a traditional enduro bike.”
Luke seeks a balance of uphill assistance and downhill performance. “A long-travel, lightweight e-bike seems like the perfect compromise – I’m happy to trade a bit of uphill speed for enhanced downhill thrills. I’ve tested a lightweight e-bike before and was thoroughly impressed. It eases climbs without compromising trail fun, especially on steep, technical descents. I have no doubt the Transition Relay would be a blast.”
Practicality extends to battery management. “Its removable battery is a major plus. With lottery winnings, I’d simply buy a spare to eliminate range anxiety. Ride one battery in the morning, and swap to the fresh one for the afternoon.”
The stock spec is already impressive. “The componentry on this bike is fantastic, though I would swap the coil shock for an air shock to suit my preferred feel. I envision endless smooth climbs followed by exhilarating descents. Perfect.”
Warren Rossiter: The Hypothetical Cannondale Topstone Dream Gravel Bike
Alt text: Cannondale Lab71 Topstone frameset concept for a custom gravel dream bike build with SRAM T-Type drivetrain.
Warren’s dream bike is unique – it doesn’t even exist yet! “This should be the easiest question, but it became surprisingly complex. I’m fortunate to own many bikes that I consider ideal for my needs. As showcased in my garage tour, I have a diverse collection.”
His current stable is already enviable. “Since that feature, I’ve added a Cannondale SuperSix EVO, an S-Works Tarmac, and a GT Grade Carbon. And a few more are on the horizon. With custom bikes like a Parlee Z-Zero and a Lynskey titanium, plus a Giant TCR, my road bike needs are well covered.”
Gravel bikes are also well-represented. “My gravel quiver includes the GT Grade, a Cannondale Slate, and the Kinesis ATR, but I still yearn for another gravel bike. The challenge is, it’s not currently available.”
The Giant Revolt X has sparked an idea. “I’ve recently spent considerable time on Giant’s excellent Revolt X. My test bike featured a SRAM Red XPLR groupset, Zipp 101 wheels, and RockShox gravel suspension.”
Warren’s dream bike is a custom creation. “What I truly desire is a lightweight, highly capable frameset like Cannondale’s Topstone – perhaps in Lab71 trim, given the lottery win – equipped with SRAM’s new T-Type drivetrain.”
This requires some custom engineering. “This would necessitate Cannondale creating a completely new rear end, but lottery winnings make anything possible, right? I’d build it with multiple sets of Zipp 101 wheels, each with the best tires for specific conditions, SRAM Red shifters, an XPLR dropper post, and a short-travel suspension fork.”
Fork selection is still under evaluation. “The exact fork is TBD – we’re currently testing seven gravel suspension forks, so I’ll select the best from that group. For handlebars, I’d likely choose an Easton Carbon AX, and perch myself on a Specialized 3D-printed Power saddle. And, of course, a custom paint job to complete my dream gravel bike vision.”
Warren concludes, “That’s not too much to ask for a dream bike, is it?”
