oompa_l

Years ago I brought back a bicycle I purchased in an Amsterdam market while I was working there. It cost nothing - it was considered a sporting good and this was included at the time in my airfare. The bike was in the neighborhood of 150-200 euros.

I want something similar - rugged, heavy, smooth riding - but costing a modest sum of 500-700. From my research the only thing new that I can get is a Pashley at nearly 1000. I would much rather something more modest both in price and general status. I am willing to look into shipping a bike from elsewhere and I would even prefer a used to a new one.

if anyone has any bikes that they'd like to offload on me...or has any ideas how I might get one, please let me know!

thanks so much

Spudd

I would think you could find something like that pretty easily. Like, I know Opus makes bikes that fit that - see https://www.opusbike.com/en/bikes_7_8-38-zermatt-w.html for an example. I was just in Cyclepath North York today and there were several different similar models. https://www.cyclepathnorthyork.com/ They seem to be around $500-600.

lulu8

You could check Craigslist or check out Linus bikes for a new bike. They're sold at Bikes on Wheels and Curbside Cycle and seem to be moderately priced with internal geared hubs. I haven't ridden one but have seen several around Toronto and they look very nice.
https://bikesonwheels.ca/linus
https://www.linusbike.com/models/

AlphaV

Norco has a couple of dutch style bikes, my friend bought one called the Emma, the men's I think is called Richard or something. It's got Sturmy Archer 3 speed, proper hand brakes, skirt guard, chain guard, rear rack, not sure if it has a wheel lock, but it's brand new around $400. So it's very reasonable in price, and also available at Bikes on Wheels.

There's also a pawn shop in the bloor and landsdown area, don't know the name of the place, but I saw a bunch of new Chinese utility bikes, they look almost look a dutch cruiser, but more like a Raleigh Tourist with the rod brakes, these too have rod brakes, lights, rear rack, fenders etc... They're not Flying Pigeons, otherwise I'd be all over it, but they're only $230 brand new.

Also a bunch on craigslist if you're willing to put in the time in finding one.

KittyRides

I was in a similar spot, I sold my Electra Amsterdam because I found it was cheaply constructed.. (rattled and clanged, chain guard was wonky) I was looking at Batavus or Pashley myself but the idea of 1500 for a bike did not sit well.

I ended up going another route entirely! I looked for a Raleigh Superbe, the (highest end roadster Raleigh ever made)
They are out there! and if you are lucky you will find one about 200 but people are getting wise to the value of those bikes now and if the bike is in very good condition they are selling around 400-500 for the Superbe.

There is also the Raleigh Sport which is the basic model, but has the same frame as the Superbe. They can be found a bit cheaper!

I updated my tires to Schwabe delta cruisers and added panniers from Curbside and a brand new brooks B66.

The bike looks (dare I say) better than any new Pashley or batavus, and I love it because it's authentic, old and British made!

So there is a cheap upright comfortable bike option for you!