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Upgrading speed gear from single-speed Dutch bike.

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Upgrading speed gear from single-speed Dutch bike.

Old 06-08-11, 10:51 AM
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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:


Thanks!
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Old 06-08-11, 11:53 AM
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It is possible but will probably cost more than buying a multi-speed bike to begin with.
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Old 06-08-11, 12:01 PM
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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.
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Old 06-08-11, 12:30 PM
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I think those dutch bikes are way heavy, maybe look for used if price is an issue.
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Old 06-08-11, 01:05 PM
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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?
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Old 06-08-11, 02:54 PM
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For $250 I would find an english 3 speed on craigslist and use the leftover money to upgrade parts or powdercoat or both.
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Old 06-08-11, 04:25 PM
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Elektra gives the look too , the step thru design is an advantage
Definitely, if you are anticipating carrying a Baby Seat on the back.
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Old 06-08-11, 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by properidleness
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?
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.
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