Felt's left-hand drive Olympic track bike goes on sale - for $25,999

Remember the striking bike Felt created for the US women’s team pursuit squad at the Rio Olympics this summer that had the drivetrain on the ‘wrong’ side? Well, it’s going into production – but if you want one, it will cost you a cool $25,999.

The Irvine, California-based company doesn’t expect to shift more than “a handful” of units, according to Bicycleretailer.com – that’s no surprise given it was designed specifically for a team event – but it needs to make it commercially available to meet UCI rules.

Company spokesman Michael White told the website: "The price does seem astronomical at first glance, but interestingly, when you factor in the costs of what you’re getting, it’s actually not too bad a value.

“We’re confident enough to say that this is the most advanced track frame in the world, and it comes with two sets of wheels (including double HED discs), multiple custom parts like two different FSA cranks, Stages power meter, custom bike box, CeramicSpeed bearings, etc.

“And each customer will receive a custom front-end and handlebar assembly made for their measurements," he added.

The bike, called the Felt TA FRD, was designed specifically to try and give the American women an edge over their British rivals in Rio – as it turned out, they took silver behind Team GB, as they had done in London four years earlier.

Our tech editor Dave Arthur ran the rule over the bike when it was launched back in May and explains some of the thinking behind the design process here.

As for that price tag, if you’re in the UK and have your heart set on the bike, you’ll also have to factor in shipping costs, VAT, import duty, and a post-referendum pound-to-dollar exchange rate that is going through the floor.