Dutch Commuter Bikes
#26
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A bit off topic, but I once read a satirical (overtly sexist & decidedly not PC) blog that held as its thesis that women fantasize about living in Europe and riding around an old city on a bicycle similar to the Dutch bicycles that are the subject of this thread. The blogger claimed that they dream about riding around a small, perfect town to cheese shops and bakeries, and a return home that evening to a romantic life of friends, home-cooked meals, and laughter. This entire fantasy, he claimed, was held together by this bike (with, one can only assume, a front wicker basket).
He even included a picture of what appeared to be an Azor Oma.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
He even included a picture of what appeared to be an Azor Oma.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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#28
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That's right. What I like about these Dutch bikes is first that they are all about function over form, and that one can throw a leg over while wearing a suit and tie and look appropriate, i.e., like something other than an LDS missionary.
(Not that there is anything wrong with that.)
(Not that there is anything wrong with that.)
#29
Prefers Cicero
I don't like that the Jorg and Olif, and the Electra only have a rear coaster brake. That may not be enough stopping power for a North American urban environment. There's no front brake, which is the most effective brake. Of course some fixed gear riders may disagree.
The Novara and the Kronan have handbrakes which I would prefer if it was me.
The Novara and the Kronan have handbrakes which I would prefer if it was me.
Last edited by cooker; 05-19-08 at 09:37 PM.
#30
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My only suggestion, not having any of the bikes listed on your post.... keep an open mind to modern bikes of similar design. There are bikes that use frictionless dynamo hubs, rather than the old tire side-wall running generators. There are new 7 or 8 speed hubs which provide a great deal of range in speed and ease.
I had my heart set on a Pashley, made in England. But after looking for any sort of retail company in the United States... I gave up. Their bikes have generator hubs, drum brakes, classic hand-built design.... and I found it nearly impossible to purchase one without traveling to England.
I kept up internet searches, bike shop visits and finally found a Specialized City 6 IG8 bike that suited my needs and budget. This particular model is retailed in Europe, but there are two higher level bikes by the same company that are not sold in the U.S. Cannondale, a U.S. bike maker, has commuter bikes that are not retailed in the United States. (Seems a little unfair... but it's the market).
Some of the other posters have very good ideas for bikes, brands and features. Take your time and really find something that meets your needs and budget... it takes a while, but it happens. Also, please consider availability of servicing the brand. It's something to consider with a working bike.
Unfortunately, there are some bike makers that put style over quality. Guessing that their customers will not really ride it regularly. They skimp on frame quality, components and practicality in favor of something that is eye-candy. It sounds like you are doing lots of research... keep it up. It will pay off in the end.
Best of luck to you.... 3bikes-Los Angeles
I had my heart set on a Pashley, made in England. But after looking for any sort of retail company in the United States... I gave up. Their bikes have generator hubs, drum brakes, classic hand-built design.... and I found it nearly impossible to purchase one without traveling to England.
I kept up internet searches, bike shop visits and finally found a Specialized City 6 IG8 bike that suited my needs and budget. This particular model is retailed in Europe, but there are two higher level bikes by the same company that are not sold in the U.S. Cannondale, a U.S. bike maker, has commuter bikes that are not retailed in the United States. (Seems a little unfair... but it's the market).
Some of the other posters have very good ideas for bikes, brands and features. Take your time and really find something that meets your needs and budget... it takes a while, but it happens. Also, please consider availability of servicing the brand. It's something to consider with a working bike.
Unfortunately, there are some bike makers that put style over quality. Guessing that their customers will not really ride it regularly. They skimp on frame quality, components and practicality in favor of something that is eye-candy. It sounds like you are doing lots of research... keep it up. It will pay off in the end.
Best of luck to you.... 3bikes-Los Angeles
#31
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Look at the bikes at https://www.swobo.com/bikes/collection/
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#34
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#35
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I don't like that the Jorg and Olif, and the Electra only have a rear coaster brake. That may not be enough stopping power for a North American urban environment. There's no front brake, which is the most effective brake. Of course some fixed gear riders may disagree.
The Novara and the Kronan have handbrakes which I would prefer if it was me.
The Novara and the Kronan have handbrakes which I would prefer if it was me.
#36
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A bit off topic, but I once read a satirical (overtly sexist & decidedly not PC) blog that held as its thesis that women fantasize about living in Europe and riding around an old city on a bicycle similar to the Dutch bicycles that are the subject of this thread. The blogger claimed that they dream about riding around a small, perfect town to cheese shops and bakeries, and a return home that evening to a romantic life of friends, home-cooked meals, and laughter. This entire fantasy, he claimed, was held together by this bike
__________________
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Friends don't let friends use brifters.
#37
Prefers Cicero
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#39
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you gotta love color matched fenders. more importantly though, where does this bike live that they can get away with a simple cable lock?
#40
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#41
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My wife has a kronan (Well, she has about 8 bikes, one of which is a Kronan). Single speed. Coaster brake. Cast iron fenders and chain guard. Okay they are not really cast iron, but the bike IS very heavy. Perhaps 50 lbs. It has huge racks on both front and back. It's really made for carrying stuff. Long wheelbase! It has a lot of squeaks and noise. This would probably improve if someone lubricated everything and tightened all the nuts.
She uses it mostly for riding to the gym or grocery store. ~2 miles, with a small rise.
I think 6 miles would be pretty far to commute daily on one of these beasts of burdon.
I note that this morning, Marcia took the San Jose to the gym. (Single speed, steel Bianchi). The San Jose can easily be set up for commuting, with a rack and fenders, and is IMHO a more suitable choice for a flat 6 mile commute than the Beast from the Low Countries.
She uses it mostly for riding to the gym or grocery store. ~2 miles, with a small rise.
I think 6 miles would be pretty far to commute daily on one of these beasts of burdon.
I note that this morning, Marcia took the San Jose to the gym. (Single speed, steel Bianchi). The San Jose can easily be set up for commuting, with a rack and fenders, and is IMHO a more suitable choice for a flat 6 mile commute than the Beast from the Low Countries.
#42
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I'm fairly sure there are some guys are importing Batavus bikes now into the States.
I have one from the 50's and its pretty much awesome for getting around the city. Big 700c wheels, coasterbrake/3spd and a step through frame. The new bikes are a bit more expensive than my old bike but they're extremely well built.
They're a good brand. Gazelle and Batavus are pretty much staple dutch bikes. Check them out
https://usa.batavus.com/
I have one from the 50's and its pretty much awesome for getting around the city. Big 700c wheels, coasterbrake/3spd and a step through frame. The new bikes are a bit more expensive than my old bike but they're extremely well built.
They're a good brand. Gazelle and Batavus are pretty much staple dutch bikes. Check them out
https://usa.batavus.com/
#43
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#44
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Actually, there is quite a lot of bicycle theft in Brussels, and Amsterdam, and London, and almost all the major European cities. As here, cable locks don't stand a chance.
But one can park a bike unlocked in Tokyo without problems. If you drop your loaded wallet there, the person walking behind you will tap you on the shoulder and return it to you.
But one can park a bike unlocked in Tokyo without problems. If you drop your loaded wallet there, the person walking behind you will tap you on the shoulder and return it to you.
#45
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Actually, there is quite a lot of bicycle theft in Brussels, and Amsterdam, and London, and almost all the major European cities. As here, cable locks don't stand a chance.
But one can park a bike unlocked in Tokyo without problems. If you drop your loaded wallet there, the person walking behind you will tap you on the shoulder and return it to you.
But one can park a bike unlocked in Tokyo without problems. If you drop your loaded wallet there, the person walking behind you will tap you on the shoulder and return it to you.
#46
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Dat's weird. I used a cable lock for 10 years in German Cities (Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Mannheim and Zweibrucken) and never had any problem.
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I had my heart set on a Pashley, made in England. But after looking for any sort of retail company in the United States... I gave up. Their bikes have generator hubs, drum brakes, classic hand-built design.... and I found it nearly impossible to purchase one without traveling to England.
(I have the marvelous Pashley Princess Sovereign. )
#48
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Beefy chains predominate in Amsterdam, but yeah, I never saw anything in Brussels, Antwerp or Bruges (or anywhere else in the Lowlands) other than the slenderest of cable locks. Difficult to believe people are putting up with rampant bike theft and not changing their strategies ...
#49
Senior Member
The Novara Fusion is the best out of those on specs, by far. Also investigate the Breezer line as others have mentioned.
Kronan, Jorg & Olif = stay away from overpriced imported hipster crap. Yeah I know people actually ride them in Europe everyday, but this isn't Europe.
Kronan, Jorg & Olif = stay away from overpriced imported hipster crap. Yeah I know people actually ride them in Europe everyday, but this isn't Europe.
Cheap Chinese bicycles made who knows where and "assembled/made in the USA) and sold for high prices to gullible Americans isn't necessarily the way to go either. As my Chinese students used to say when I taught them in North America (in engrish): "Crap is crap".
It may be worthwhile for the OP to find some Eurpoeans and ask them - or find a European website/discussion newsgroup to get some non-USA replies.
I can not help with the 4 bikes the OP asked about, but I'll just say that "new design does NOT mean better". I live in a place where a lot of people use Indian made Atlas and Hero steel framed single speed bicycles with steel rimmed 28" wheels. They are used to haul stuff and for local transportation. They refuse to buy the flashy Chinese bikes with deraillers. There are hills here and if the load gets too heavy (ie the fit-in-the-wall air conditioner) they just push the bike and load until they can pedal again.
#50
Velocommuter Commando
I know there are a ton of threads about commuter bikes, but I have four in mind and want some others' opinions about the advantages/disadvantages of each one--if anyone has any of these bikes, please tell me how you like them.
About me and my commute:
I'm about 5' 9". I would commute 6 miles back and forth each work day, so 12 miles 5 days a week. The biggest incline would be a bridge across the East River (NYC).
The bikes I'm considering are:
1. The Novara Fusion: https://www.rei.com/product/744803
2. The Electra Amsterdam: https://www.electrabike.com/amsterdam/
3. The Kronan: usa site here: https://www.kronan.com/USA
pictures here: https://www.bouf.com/buy/product/1368
4. The Jorg & Olif Opa: https://www.jorgandolif.com/opa_scout.html
I haven't commuted by bike before, and I like how these look good, have nice features, etc. etc.
If you know a bike like these that would be nice, my requirements are
1. Rear bike rack
2. Front lights powered by dynamo
3. Under $800
4. Can ship to U.S.
Please tell me info on the above 4 bikes. Do you have one? How do you like it?
Thanks in advance everyone,
Zack
About me and my commute:
I'm about 5' 9". I would commute 6 miles back and forth each work day, so 12 miles 5 days a week. The biggest incline would be a bridge across the East River (NYC).
The bikes I'm considering are:
1. The Novara Fusion: https://www.rei.com/product/744803
2. The Electra Amsterdam: https://www.electrabike.com/amsterdam/
3. The Kronan: usa site here: https://www.kronan.com/USA
pictures here: https://www.bouf.com/buy/product/1368
4. The Jorg & Olif Opa: https://www.jorgandolif.com/opa_scout.html
I haven't commuted by bike before, and I like how these look good, have nice features, etc. etc.
If you know a bike like these that would be nice, my requirements are
1. Rear bike rack
2. Front lights powered by dynamo
3. Under $800
4. Can ship to U.S.
Please tell me info on the above 4 bikes. Do you have one? How do you like it?
Thanks in advance everyone,
Zack