Recreational & Family - Yet another which bike thread- Dutch style edition

I recently made the mistake of purchasing a Flying Pigeon PA-06. I love the style, and the frame seems pretty bulletproof, but unfortunately, I am too heavy for the majority of the parts. The brakes fade after one trip around the block, I had to replace the saddle, and I can tell that I am bending the pedals. Therefore, I am going to just tighten everything back up and craigslist it to someone who weighs less than 200 lbs.

I really like the look and riding position of the English roadster/Dutch city bikes, and I obviously need to spend more than the 250 dollars I spend on my FP. If I can, however, I want to spend less than the 850 or so dollars that a Batavus 1-2 Have costs. I am a bit sketchy on the Electra Amsterdam series, as they have apparently had a number of recalls issued in the last year or so, and I have read a lot of mixed reviews of the Kronan. I would really like to buy a bike that will last for many many years. My father still has a Schwinn that is probably 50 years old now, but it is unfortunately too valuable now to ride. Are there any Dutch Style bikes that would be as durable as the Batavus that would cost less? Anyone have experience with the Electra and the Kronan? Are there any bikes of this style I have overlooked?

ETA: I would prefer at least a three speed bike, although I would consider a one speed if it was otherwise exactly perfect and exceptionally cheap.

Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

Were you happy with the Flying Pigeon otherwise?

Brakes and brake pads are replaceable (assuming they are standard style brakes like cantilevers, V-brakes, etc). Brake pads can make a world of difference. Pedals are replaceable also. Neither are too expensive.

I don't know this particular bike market segment very well so I do not have any recommendations.

You might want to post in the Clyde and Athenas area to see if they have any ideas, that is if you haven't already...........................

Breezer Freedom runs about $550:
http://www.breezerbikes.com/bike_details.cfm?bikeType=town&frame=d&bike=freedom

The Breezer Citizen (one model higher) has been on sale for about the same price in my area:
http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=5885

Either one comes in step-through design or traditional frames and Breezer is modeled after the dutch bikes and many bikes in their line come with lights,etc.

I'll agree that the FP is basically a sound bike. The drive-train and related parts may not be up to snuff and most could be replaced by higher quality parts but that would negate the low-cost "value" (?) to begin with. Kronans used to be made in eastern Europe but are now made in Taiwan. Nothing wrong with that but the Taiwan bikes may not be any better that the FPs. Breezers are awesome bikes and well worth the investment. Also take a look at Worksman Bikes- www.worksmancycles.com (http://www.worksmancycles.com). They're built here in the US and are literally made like a tank; it'll probably out-live you and your kids. Not light-weight, flashy nor highly crafted in detail. Cost is reasonable. An old Raleigh, Rudge, Humber etc "Roadster" type bike is another alternative. Refurbished Raleighs from the 60's and 70's are still on the road today. Just my $0.02. PG.

For bikes in your stated price range, I like the look of the Kronan, which offers a 3 speed for $600. Reviews are very mixed because of some issues with quality control in the past. Originally made in Sweden or Finland, apparently, when genuine military bikes were no longer available, they had some built in Poland (?), but recently I saw a specifications page which stated that the frames are now made in Taiwan, which could be a good thing.
There is a very favorable review of the Kronan here: http://www.living-room.org/kronan.html

And here is a link to Kronan's US website...they'll ship the bike direct to your door: http://kronanusa.com/

Finally, you might also consider a Public bike...also available shipped directly to you : http://publicbikes.com/BIKES

i would look for an old raleigh touring or roadster, they are heavy and sturdy, and often on CL for around 350$ fully restored w/ brooks, lights, etc.
<Also beautiful and classy>

Inexpensive Asian made bikes for the Asian market tend to be lighter and made for the smaller then European Asian built, reference the Shimano 333 rear hub. Worked well in Japan, but failed in the US market where people are larger on average then the average Japanese.

Just call me racist now.

You may not need to give up on the Pigeon...Joe Bike in Portland, OR, sells them retrofitted and modded to address exactly the issues you describe. Check 'em out, they may even offer some kind of trade-in on your old one; who knows.

http://www.joe-bike.com/bikes/city-bikes/flyingpigeon/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4445151820_1fe7287ee9_b.jpg