Originally Posted by
wahoonc
Expensive? Yes, but if used to replace a second car? They are also built to last, by people making real world wages. Currently the bulk of them are built in Denmark or The Netherlands. Small number production and small number import drives the cost up. Used is one way to go, but it is a very limited market in the US.
Aaron
If someone can replace a second car with a bike, he/she can do it for a lot less than $3000, a whole lot less and a baksfiet is hardly the choice unless that second car was used only for delivering groceries to business establishments and/or the commune. Just as a motorist who needs to purchase a practical vehicle for commuting and daily chores can buy a sensibly sized and priced small passenger vehicle rather than an Escalade or 4 wheel drive Dualie "utility" vehicle. And if someday they might have to tow a trailer or move a piano or a pallet of bricks they can rent a suitable vehicle and save tons of money and headaches.
Note: Top of the line Dutch City utility bike = € 1299/$1759.50 at today's rate. And that would be the Rolls Royce of practical utility bikes. Add a $200-300 trailer and you will be stylin' with the best of the hip "UTILITY" cyclists in Portland. For $3000, fly to Amsterdam, have a good time and bring the Real Deal back with you.
http://www.gazelle.nl/nl/collectie/2...95b1b554c8e67e
For more prices and choices, including a baksfiet at levels below the top see:
http://www.gazelle.nl/nl/collectie/2...e8fc32cf892218
Site for brochures in English:
http://www.gazelle.nl/uk2.html