This is what love at first sight looks like.

This is what love at first sight looks like (click to enlarge).​

Santa Cruz Bikes is better known for its Toucan Sam inspired color schemes than matte finishes, but the latest limited edition rig is the stuff of dreams. Developed in partnership with Chris King, the bike celebrates the famed component manufacturer's 40th anniversary.

The CK edition Santa Cruz features a half dozen different Chris King components in a olive crate brushed color.

The Chris King edition Santa Cruz features a half dozen different Chris King components in a olive crate brushed color (click to enlarge).​

While Santa Cruz does not do much OE spec with Chris King, the two brands have been long time partners for the Santa Cruz Syndicate race team and have collaborated on custom projects in the past.

There's a matching top cap, of course.

Matching top cap, of course (click to enlarge).​

What really sets this limited edition bike apart is the subtlety.

What really sets this limited edition bike apart is the subtlety (click to enlarge).​

Since when did CK built 30mm threaded bottom brackets? Hmmmm.

Since when did Chris King build 30mm threaded bottom brackets? Hmmmm (click to enlarge).​

And then there's the hubs. Those glorious sounding hubs.

And then there are the hubs… those glorious sounding hubs (click to enlarge).​

Only $8,999.

Yours for only $8999 (click to enlarge).​

In addition to a mix of Chris King components, the build is rounded off with a 130mm RockShox Pike fork, FOX Float shock, Easton ARC 27 rims, SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes, and a SRAM XX1 drivetrain. Claimed weight is 26.8 pounds. Only 40 of these bikes will be available (one for each year Chris King has been in business) and retail is set at $8999.

Be still my beating heart.

Be still my beating heart (click to enlarge).​

Are you salivating over this as much as I am?

For more info, visit www.santacruzbicycles.com and www.chrisking.com.