ohanzii

I'm looking for a bike for a short commute to work, but I'm not sure what is best. I'd like to get a Dutch or Dutch-inspired bike. I live in Minnesota and will be riding in the winter, so it must have fenders and be able to stand up to extreme weather. The other catch is that I'm only 5'1" and am having trouble finding bikes that will fit me well. I'd like to stay in the $600- $700 price range, but I can go higher if I need to. Any ideas? Thanks.

lemondirgopie

You could look into the vintage 3-speed route. You can usually find a good amount on craigslist or ebay. The Raleigh roadsters are popular, though have slightly more aggressive geometry than a dutch bike. Another option might be a vintage mixte. The downside is that its hard to know how much work you will need to put into it. If you like to work on things, this might be a good option, though if not there are plenty of great bikes out there you can purchase new.

Public Bikes have some great bikes, including some dutch-inspired ones for around $550. They also have some with internal hubs for $650 which would be good for inclement weather and less maintenance. The "Standard" size on the C3 says it fits people 4'8" - 5'5"

Linus Bikes also have a dutch-inspired bike in your price range (I think the Dutchi 3-speed is maybe $600). It's also available in a smaller frame size.

If you're willing to go a little higher in price Gazelle makes a for realz Dutch bike for around $850. (Nevermind - I just double-checked, and apparently Gazelle is raising its prices due to the strong Euro. Its already $1000 and is supposed to go up to $1200 after July 4th. Well there goes my dream of owning a Gazelle anytime soon...). The Gazelle Basic is a great bike, though I don't know how sizing would work for you. I believe they have a smaller frame size, though I may be wrong. I test rode one and fell in love with it, and it sure would be great in a snowy climate like yours.

Stubby

The Breezer uptown series would work. They make small and extra small step-through frames. Your choice of 3, 7, 8, or infinity internal gearing. They are Dutch inspired but perhaps a bit more sporty then the some of the very laid back dutch bikes.

AltheCyclist

Do you want Dutch for the upright ride or just for the styling?

If just for upright, another option is to look for used older mountain bike and convert it to a commuter. You can find good-quality used non-susp. mountain bikes really cheap, throw on some fenders, slicks, and a raised stem, and you have a bulletproof commuter that sits up and it great for round-town riding.

robyr

There is a Batavus Old Dutch on craigslist in my area. Its a shame you are so far away.

https://greenville.craigslist.org/bik/2466620523.html

ohanzii

Thanks for the help.