'Real emotion'

Each bicycle takes three months to make, custom fitted on the basis of no fewer than 15 measurements.

"The time justifies the price," Jastrzebski said.

"Like a watch, a piece of jewellery, a handbag or an artwork, (the bicycle) will take its place as a luxury accessory that generates real emotion," he added.

Craftsman Hugo Canivenc, the workshop's only employee, said: "It's work similar to making jewellery, requiring the same meticulousness."

The frame alone can take a month to make before the glam embellishments are added, the 24-year-old noted.

Asked about the wisdom of leaving a Tamboite bicycle on a public street, even with a sturdy lock, Jastrzebski said: "All of our models are numbered and traceable. And let's also remember that it's the most basic bicycle models that are stolen the most."

Besides, the bikes make excellent decoration in an entrance hall, "or even your living room", he suggested.