Upgrading speed gear from single-speed Dutch bike.
 

Hello,
I want to buy myself Dutch bike, but since I live in a hilly area, I need it to be 3 or 7 speed.
However, my budget is only good for a single-speed bike (I found few relatively cheap ones).
Is it at all possible to upgrade the single-speed Dutch (Oma) bike to a 3- or 7-speed?

I will most probably do it in a local bike shop, but before doing any buying, I wanted to find out if it's even a possibility.

here's the picture of the bike I am planning to buy:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=205316

Thanks!

It is possible but will probably cost more than buying a multi-speed bike to begin with.

Shimano Nexus conversions are not cheap, its much better to buy the right wheel with the bike.
Dutch Oma bikes are really for flatlands, if you live in hilly regions, a more modern , lighter weight style is better. Most Dutch people ride modern styles. In the USA, a Breezer Uptown is probably the closest match, with rack, fenders, chainguard and step-thru design.

I think those dutch bikes are way heavy, maybe look for used if price is an issue.

I concur with others that it would be more cost-effective to simply buy the bike you need at the outset. Used 3-speeds, e.g. Raleigh "Sports" and the ilk -- are abundant and inexpensive.

"Dutch" bike style is appealing, but if it prevents you from using the bike in the manner you need, why buy one?

For $250 I would find an english 3 speed on craigslist and use the leftover money to upgrade parts or powdercoat or both.

Elektra gives the look too , the step thru design is an advantage
Definitely, if you are anticipating carrying a Baby Seat on the back.

We wanted a step-through bike with a vertical riding position for my wife, with enough gears to get her up hills, and purchased locally so she could test ride for fit. Since we couldn't find a 7/8/11 speed internally geared bike like that we got a 3 speed and had the parts swapped for Nexus 8 speed.

It ran about $350 for the bike and $350 to convert to an 8 speed igh since I didn't want to do the labor on it.