Dutch bicycle options??
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 506
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From: Omaha, Ne
Bikes: Trek Belleville, Workcycles opa, Schwinn
Dutch bicycle options??
I am in the market for a new dutch style bike. Problem is I live in the united states.
The bike would be used only for commuting and running to the store. Right now I am eyeing the Electra Amsterdam Royal 8i mainly because it is the only option I can find.
For me the bike MUST have the following to even be considered.
1. Upright riding position. Not even the slightest lean is acceptable.
2. IGH (Internally geared hubs). 8 speed preferred.
3. Full Chaincase.
4. Coat guard
5. O-Lock
6. Dynamo lighting, hub dynamo preferred.
Mainly looking for suggestions on where to buy one. I'd just go all out and buy a royal dutch gazelle, but you can't get them in this country as far as I can tell.
And price is no real problem. Cheaper is naturally better as I would then have more to spend on other things.
The bike would be used only for commuting and running to the store. Right now I am eyeing the Electra Amsterdam Royal 8i mainly because it is the only option I can find.
For me the bike MUST have the following to even be considered.
1. Upright riding position. Not even the slightest lean is acceptable.
2. IGH (Internally geared hubs). 8 speed preferred.
3. Full Chaincase.
4. Coat guard
5. O-Lock
6. Dynamo lighting, hub dynamo preferred.
Mainly looking for suggestions on where to buy one. I'd just go all out and buy a royal dutch gazelle, but you can't get them in this country as far as I can tell.
And price is no real problem. Cheaper is naturally better as I would then have more to spend on other things.
#2
I ride an Achielle Craighton Oma that I had shipped to me from A Street Bike Named Desire, a bike shop in Palo Alto, CA. Here's the link: Achielle Craighton Oma - A Street Bike Named Desire. It hits all of your requirements except the coat guard, which you could add. I ride in dresses and skirts a lot and have not found that I need to add the guard. This bike shop also has some other models that might work for you. Good luck.
#3
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Joined: May 2014
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Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
There are new school dutch inspired bikes like Public and Linus. They have various models ranging from bolt upright to semi upright.
There are stores that import dutch bikes: Clever Cycles in Portland. And Bay Area bike shops like "Street Bikes by Desire."
I added a dynamo to my Public Bike. O-Locks are useless where I live. I test road a Pilen, which is a Swedish bike with all the features. I did the sportier ride.
And I am wrapping up my own build: a Soma Buena Vista mixte with a dynamo and chain guard. There are aftermarket full chain cases as well. I found the partial worked well enough for me and my climate. I also wanted to be a tiny bit less upright. Still have upright bars, but less so than my last bike.
There are stores that import dutch bikes: Clever Cycles in Portland. And Bay Area bike shops like "Street Bikes by Desire."
I added a dynamo to my Public Bike. O-Locks are useless where I live. I test road a Pilen, which is a Swedish bike with all the features. I did the sportier ride.
And I am wrapping up my own build: a Soma Buena Vista mixte with a dynamo and chain guard. There are aftermarket full chain cases as well. I found the partial worked well enough for me and my climate. I also wanted to be a tiny bit less upright. Still have upright bars, but less so than my last bike.
#5
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Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
I am only a couple days into my Buena Vista and it has been awesome so far! I got a bike shop to do my build!
OP: Street Bike Named Desire was about 70% Dutch like bikes.
OP: Street Bike Named Desire was about 70% Dutch like bikes.
#6
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
There are some dutch bicycle people here...I believe [MENTION=365305]kickstart[/MENTION] has a Gazelle
#7
Pashley hits all your criteria. They have a distributor in the US.
Workcycles is another. You can buy in NYC.
Workcycles is another. You can buy in NYC.
#8
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
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From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
I got my Gazelle from Calhoun Cycle. Gazelle - Calhoun Cycle. Ther are a few other dealers ans previously mentioned, just takes some searching.
You can make something similar, I did using a Robin Hood sport. You will end up with a very practical utility bike, but it wont have the same ride quality or bullet proof durability. I've put over 2000 miles on my Gazelle so far, it hasn't needed any maintenance or repairs yet, and I ride it daily in a wet climate on poor roads including gravel.
There's also a dealer in San Francisco, https://www.mydutchbike.com/
You can make something similar, I did using a Robin Hood sport. You will end up with a very practical utility bike, but it wont have the same ride quality or bullet proof durability. I've put over 2000 miles on my Gazelle so far, it hasn't needed any maintenance or repairs yet, and I ride it daily in a wet climate on poor roads including gravel.
There's also a dealer in San Francisco, https://www.mydutchbike.com/
Last edited by kickstart; 05-04-15 at 09:59 PM.
#9
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
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From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
My gazelle came with an Axa defender lock which accepts a plug in chain to make it much more useful. Defender*-*axa-stenman
#10
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: North Shore, MA
Bikes: Jamis Aurora, Rivendell Sam Hillborne, Surly ECR, Serotta CSI
#11
I'd stay away from the Electra. The geometry leaves a lot of people with sore backs after a bit of riding and many of the parts are a lot cheaper than typical Dutch bikes. The pseudo Dutch bikes are great for some people and fall short for others. All depends on your desires. They usually have smaller tires and don't have the smooth ride of Dutch bikes. The racks are often a bit on the lean side and they can sometimes be squirrelly when loaded with groceries or stuff (to little fork rake?).
Workcycles, one of the highest rated in The Netherlands, will ship directly to you.
More: City Bikes | LocalMile
Workcycles, one of the highest rated in The Netherlands, will ship directly to you.
More: City Bikes | LocalMile
Last edited by CrankyOne; 05-05-15 at 11:52 AM.
#12
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From: Chicago Western 'burbs
Bikes: 1993 NOS Mt Shasta Tempest, Motobecane Fantom Cross CX, Dahon Speed D7, Dahon Vector P8, Bullitt Superfly
I don't recall if Vanmoof bikes have the coat/skirt guard, but I think they have all the other stuff.
#13
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
There are US Importers Of NL made Bikes Clever Cycles is One, in Portland Oregon, maybe some closer to you, Or Pay Domestic Shipping.
Other than That ... get a Bike that Fits and have the dealer add all your accessory wishes before you Take It Home, or have it shipped,
and pay the increased Total ..
Other than That ... get a Bike that Fits and have the dealer add all your accessory wishes before you Take It Home, or have it shipped,
and pay the increased Total ..
Last edited by fietsbob; 05-05-15 at 01:01 PM.
#14
#15
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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maybe in Holland they sell that way , in the US bikes have long sold stripped to the basics and selling at a Lower Price Because Of it,
Then You buy the accesories individually .
Good luck... the markets in the US are Different than Europe.
Transportation bikes are following different Regulations . They have more, over there.
Then You buy the accesories individually .
Good luck... the markets in the US are Different than Europe.
Transportation bikes are following different Regulations . They have more, over there.
#17
#18
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Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
I omitted the word light. The one bike I found with a dynamo hub cheaped out and didn't have a rear light. I did not investigate if it was a 3w hub as it didn't quite fit and the color was boring. And it had the same igh I was trying to get away from.
#19
That makes sense. I've seen the same where a bike has a dyno driven headlight but a battery tail light. For me, most of the reason for having the dyno hub is so that I don't have to think about batteries!
#21
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: Provincetown, MA
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, Cetma Cargo, Argo Cargo, Electra Loft 3i, Raleigh Sports, Detroit Bikes B-Type
I've been looking for a local dealer for a proper upright Dutch bike and discovered that Bicycle Belle in Somerville, MA carries Workcycles and Gazelle, so I'll be heading over there at some point this summer to try out a few bikes.
The hybrid that I use as my daily bike is really showing its limits lately for hauling stuff around (I carry video production equipment and groceries a lot, sometimes both at the same time!). I sure could use a double kickstand and one of those wheel stabilizers!
From pricing I've seen, it may actually be comparable to fly to Amsterdam and buy a bike there rather than purchase through a dealer. I'm keeping an eye on flight prices just in case.
The hybrid that I use as my daily bike is really showing its limits lately for hauling stuff around (I carry video production equipment and groceries a lot, sometimes both at the same time!). I sure could use a double kickstand and one of those wheel stabilizers!
From pricing I've seen, it may actually be comparable to fly to Amsterdam and buy a bike there rather than purchase through a dealer. I'm keeping an eye on flight prices just in case.
#22
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 2
The Breezer Uptown 8 LS meets all your criteria other than the coat guard, which is a $20 addition:
Breezer Bikes - Uptown 8 - LS - Bike Overview
And the MSRP of $819 is going to be substantially less than a true "Dutch" bike.
Breezer Bikes - Uptown 8 - LS - Bike Overview
And the MSRP of $819 is going to be substantially less than a true "Dutch" bike.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 97
Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte
I've been looking for a local dealer for a proper upright Dutch bike and discovered that Bicycle Belle in Somerville, MA carries Workcycles and Gazelle, so I'll be heading over there at some point this summer to try out a few bikes.
The hybrid that I use as my daily bike is really showing its limits lately for hauling stuff around (I carry video production equipment and groceries a lot, sometimes both at the same time!). I sure could use a double kickstand and one of those wheel stabilizers!
From pricing I've seen, it may actually be comparable to fly to Amsterdam and buy a bike there rather than purchase through a dealer. I'm keeping an eye on flight prices just in case.
The hybrid that I use as my daily bike is really showing its limits lately for hauling stuff around (I carry video production equipment and groceries a lot, sometimes both at the same time!). I sure could use a double kickstand and one of those wheel stabilizers!
From pricing I've seen, it may actually be comparable to fly to Amsterdam and buy a bike there rather than purchase through a dealer. I'm keeping an eye on flight prices just in case.

I'd recommend these upgrades for any bike as they are easy to find after market.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 12
From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
The Breezer Uptown 8 LS meets all your criteria other than the coat guard, which is a $20 addition:
Breezer Bikes - Uptown 8 - LS - Bike Overview
And the MSRP of $819 is going to be substantially less than a true "Dutch" bike.
Breezer Bikes - Uptown 8 - LS - Bike Overview
And the MSRP of $819 is going to be substantially less than a true "Dutch" bike.




