The prices for the Dutch bikes have been grossly inflated for an American market willing to pay exorbitant prices for trendy bicycling fashion statements with little competition.

I was considering buying a top of the line Dutch Gazelle while I lived in Europe and the price was far, far south of $1000. Heck look at the price of the clothes in that NYT article, there is no one in any country wearing clothes that expensive while bike commuting, at least not if they pay have to pay for the clothes.


3 speed Vaterland cost approx $200 new in 1999, added about $100 in accessories.


3 speed Calvin cost approx $300 new in 2000.


7 speed Zero Seven cost approx $500 new in 2001.


7 speed Ragazzi cost approx $135 new in 2000 plus about $150 in accessories (mostly in additional lighting)

All bought in Germany when the dollar was worth about 35% more.