exe163

Hi y'all,

This is my first time buying a bike. I need the bike for daily short commute to classes (10 min walk, so around .6 mile), and also to buy grocery and other stuff. Here in Houston is relatively flat, so I don't need anything high tech. My budget is around 400. After some research, I narrowed it down to two options: a used dutch bike or Bikedirect Windsor bike:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mydutch...7629763924593/
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ord_deluxe.htm

I visited Amsterdam the last summer and was blown away by their bikes and bike culture. I really want something dutch like (the look and the riding position) but can't afford a new, imported duch bike. The first can be bought from mydutchbike.com. I can get them for around 400 shipped. The chain guard is broke. To replace it would cost an extra 65. It's used and looks a bit old. I am not sure if it could be cleaned up easily. But this is as close as I can get to a real dutch bike with my limited budget.

Few more pictures of it:
https://cl.ly/image/002k0r1x3z25
https://cl.ly/image/3B1Y3c3C3f0P

Any suggestions and inputs are welcome.

Will

P.S. I enjoy fixing and messing with things. So assembling the bike or restoring one would be a cool project for me given the right resource (ie not overly complicated or expensive).

windhchaser

i was going to get a used bike but they seemed like they wanted to much for em here. id get a new bike i like that windsor u posted

GrouchoWretch

I bought an old steel 3 speed that's perfect for what you describe. They come up frequently on CL and do not seem to be in high demand.

I also like the Schwinn Willy single speed. Easy gear ratio.

I've seen the Windsor in person. Nice bike.

I like steel bikes myself, but wound up with an aluminum one, and it's great. sort of a road-trail hybrid.

I thought I could do the Dutch "slow heavy bike" thing, but I can't resist riding aggressively.

JPprivate

Maybe a KHS Green fits the bill? https://khsbicycles.com/bikes/2013-khs-models/green/

400trix

If you don't know much about bikes, then a new bike is likely a better bet.

zacster

For that distance I wouldn't spend too much money. There are lots of used MTBs from the 90s that'll serve you quite well. Look for Treks, Cannondale, Specialized, as these were the best ones. (Not sure if C'Dale made MTBs back then.) I use a 1990 Trek 7000 myself for commuting even though I have a high-end road bike. I paid $125 for it, and it needed new tires but that was about it. Stay away from shock forks and frames, these aren't necessary or desired.


Untitled by zacfi2000, on Flickr

I've added a rear rack to it since the photo was taken, the rack came off another bike.

harshbarj

I paid $80 for my city bike. It's chaincase was also broken but not so bad that it needed replacing right away. In the end I spent around another $500 replacing everything, several items not needed but nice to have. Also AVOID a mountain or road bike for commuting. Once you get use to a citybike you will understand why nothing else really works as well. Those who have never ridden one just can't understand.

I'd avoid that windsor if you want a true upright, dutch style bicycle. I have the trek belleville and it is almost the same bike and I had to replace the stem and handlebars because I was leaning too far forward. I wanted my back at a 90° angel to the top bar just as a dutch bicycle would have.

I know I have posted it before in this forum, but why not again (below)
Need to update this as I have changed more, and plan on another $300+ in upgrades.

For parts, visit https://www.dutchbikebits.com/
Shipping is a bit high, but as should be expected from the netherlands. My crank, case, lights, and coat guards are all from the site mentioned. Shipping took nearly 2 weeks.

GrouchoWretch

If it's about upright posture, it seems to me that another option is a laid-back townie bike like the Electra Townie, Schwinn Voyager, et al.

I agree that most delta frame light roadster bikes (like the Windsor Oxford and my old 3-speed) do not get you sitting bolt upright unless you get a taller stem.

I eventually decided I liked a posture somewhere between bolt upright and a drop. I might like bolt upright for a short distance cargo hauler.

GrouchoWretch

Just to underscore that a Windsor Oxford is not quite a Pashley Sovereign: