10/24/2005 - Robin Williams Scores $75,000 Lance Bike

As if renowned actor/comedian/cyclist Robin Williams didn’t already have enough bikes in his stable, he recently added what is unquestionably the most expensive bike ever built – a Trek Madone SL festooned with a custom diamond head badge. Williams won the bike after being the high bidder at the recent Lance Armstrong Gala benefit which kicked off the annual Ride For the Roses event in Austin, Texas.

To celebrate Lance’s historic seventh Tour de France victory,  Trek Bikes along with jewelry designer Alan Friedman, Gemesis cultured diamonds™, Nike and renowned artist Lenny Futura created a one-of-a-kind bicycle that  was auctioned at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Gala last  week.

The art on the Trek “7-Diamond” bike speaks to Lance’s remarkable accomplishment of winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times. The head badge was created by jeweler Alan Friedman and has 7 fancy, vivid yellow 1 ct. Gemesis cultured diamonds™ surrounded by 300 glittering white diamonds. Just like the bike Lance rode into Paris, the top tube is hosts seven icons created by American artist Lenny Futura, which represent each of the  seven victories.

“This truly is a piece of fine American art.  It has been a great experience bringing all American people and businesses like Lance Armstrong, Lenny Futura, Trek Bicycle, Nike, Alan Friedman jewelers and Gemesis cultured diamonds ™ together to create a remarkable work of art,” says Derek Deubel, Trek Brand Manager.

“To honor his record setting 7th win, we commissioned Alan Friedman to design and manufacture a “Diamond 7” plaque which was affixed to the front of the bicycle. The plaque is made in 14 kt. white gold and contains “7” one carat fancy, vivid yellow Gemesis cultured diamonds™ (each diamond representing Lance’s 7 winning yellow jerseys) and 300 full cut white diamonds.” 

“This is a special bike honoring a very special person.  We designed a “Diamond 7” emblem set in a spoke pattern glittering with Gemesis cultured diamonds ™ and set it on a reproduction of the Madone SL that Lance rode into Paris. It’s an honor to be included in this tribute to Lance and the work of his Live Strong Foundation”, says designer Alan Friedman.

“One of the most unique aspects of this project is that this bike was built in the US, the diamonds were grown by an American company and the design and manufacturing of the ‘Diamond 7’ emblem were done in the US by an American jeweler.  I can think of no better way to honor the only rider, American Lance Armstrong, to ever achieve seven consecutive Tour de France wins”, states Gemesis CEO David Hellier.

p.s. plāns tomēr netika izpildīts, jo doma bija dabuut 100 000$ par šo šedevru