Have a look inside a 90 year old bikeshop...
07-27-15, 04:58 AM
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Have a look inside a 90 year old bikeshop...
https://vimeo.com/133432406
Just a nice picturesque clip shot inside a bike shop founded in 1925, servicing thousands and thousands of the workhorses that run around Amsterdam. No fancy 'Nago's or billion dollar bicycles, just Dutch bikes and some very Dutch bicycle mechanics.
Spoken in Dutch, English subtitles.
The director's commentary: "This is my short documentary 'De Benen van Amsterdam' / 'Legs of Amsterdam', a portrait of one of Amsterdam’s most authentic bicycle repairmen.
In the fast-paced rhythm of everyday Amsterdam, Frans van der Meer runs his 90-year-old bike shop. He not only knows his trade, but also harbours a piece of old Amsterdam, where the city is like a village, where neighbours are like family, and bicycles are like legs."
direct link: https://vimeo.com/133432406
Just a nice picturesque clip shot inside a bike shop founded in 1925, servicing thousands and thousands of the workhorses that run around Amsterdam. No fancy 'Nago's or billion dollar bicycles, just Dutch bikes and some very Dutch bicycle mechanics.
Spoken in Dutch, English subtitles.
The director's commentary: "This is my short documentary 'De Benen van Amsterdam' / 'Legs of Amsterdam', a portrait of one of Amsterdam’s most authentic bicycle repairmen.
In the fast-paced rhythm of everyday Amsterdam, Frans van der Meer runs his 90-year-old bike shop. He not only knows his trade, but also harbours a piece of old Amsterdam, where the city is like a village, where neighbours are like family, and bicycles are like legs."
direct link: https://vimeo.com/133432406
Last edited by Italuminium; 07-27-15 at 08:56 AM. Reason: added direct link to video
07-27-15, 08:46 AM
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Must have strong arms, holding Dutch bikes up with one hand while hooking that repair stand of his up.
Would have liked to see him changing a Dutch bottom bracket.
Would have liked to see him changing a Dutch bottom bracket.
07-27-15, 09:01 AM
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so good. this video made my Monday morning. thanks for sharing @Italuminium !
07-27-15, 09:56 AM
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thanks, so amazing, the romance of europe... this shop would never exist in America.
07-27-15, 11:35 AM
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Great video, thanks for posting @Italuminium. 
07-27-15, 12:35 PM
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Love it! I can't believe he works on dangling hooks, instead of a solid workstand, but I'm not gonna question the master.
07-27-15, 12:40 PM
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Love the video. I lived a year in the Netherland and used to visit this great bike shop in Utrecht called, I believe, the Broken Spoke. There was a bike that was ridden in the Tour de France before the war (sometime in the 30s) in the front of the shop. Out back was a great collection of used utility bikes and frames. You picked out the frame you wanted and the shop would build it up for you. Those utility bikes are practically indestructible and the rear racks have an impressive load carrying capacity.
07-27-15, 02:25 PM
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07-27-15, 02:52 PM
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@Italuminium: thanks! I really enjoyed that film.
07-27-15, 03:17 PM
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Interesting. Do you know why Dutch mechanics prefer to work with a moving target? I used to hang up my bikes to work in my basement, but I got sick of it very quickly and bought a workstand that keeps the bike still for wrenching. I've never seen a U.S. shop that didn't use solid workstands. But obviously I haven't seen everything!
07-27-15, 03:55 PM
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07-27-15, 04:54 PM
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Here is the YouTube Link... for those that have troubles with VIMEO
Quite the video. I like it.
And where're OSHA when one needs them?
Grinding:
Welding:
And his final weld
Quite the video. I like it.
And where're OSHA when one needs them?
Grinding:
Welding:
And his final weld
Last edited by CliffordK; 11-07-19 at 03:43 PM. Reason: Broken Link
07-27-15, 09:09 PM
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A great and fun video. It reminded me of the typical repair shops and back-rooms when I was a kid.
07-27-15, 09:48 PM
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The bikes are like 30kg so they stay stable hanging from ropes lol.
This guys life and outlook seems to make him very content, big respect.
This guys life and outlook seems to make him very content, big respect.
07-27-15, 11:22 PM
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Good question. I'll ask and report back.
07-27-15, 11:47 PM
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Great video. Thanks! 
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
07-28-15, 02:31 AM
#22
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It used to, well maybe without the welding portion of it. That I used to sub out. Then the lawyers graduated by the thousands....
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1984 Cannondale ST
1985 Cannondale SR300
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1984 Trek 760
1981 Trek 710
Pics
07-28-15, 02:38 PM
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Thanks for the positive reactions, folks!
I might have something coming up that'll offer another cool glimpse into the Amsterdam biking world, this time of my own production. Stay tuned.
I might have something coming up that'll offer another cool glimpse into the Amsterdam biking world, this time of my own production. Stay tuned.
07-28-15, 03:47 PM
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Here is the YouTube Link... for those that have troubles with VIMEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJaOIaILczw
Quite the video. I like it.
And where're OSHA when one needs them?
Grinding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJaOIaILczw
Quite the video. I like it.
And where're OSHA when one needs them?
Grinding: