Picking a Dutch bike: Velorbis, Azor, Biria, etc.
#26
not a role model
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,659
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
His comment is based on what people actually ride. I would expect to have to look long and hard to find a Retrovelo, a german brand, in amsterdam.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: NYC - where bicycles go to die
Posts: 1,313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From looking at some Dutch craigslist equivalents those Gazelle bikes seem really popular as an everyday bike, and damn cheap. As long as the bearings are round... haha.
I don't even think that shipping a bicycle via a freight company would be too expensive (compared to their state post services) - it would just take a few months.
I don't even think that shipping a bicycle via a freight company would be too expensive (compared to their state post services) - it would just take a few months.
#28
Bicycle Utopian
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 787
Bikes: Bianchi Campione d'Italia, Softride Qualifier, Ritchey Breakaway Cyclocross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 1,768
Bikes: Trek Mountaineer modified with a NuVinci; Montegue Paratrooper folding mountain bike; Greenspeed recumbent; Surly Big Dummy with Stokemonkey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Azor is, I understand, a major bicycle company in the Netherlands.
And if you don't know what a Pashley is, and are too lazy to do a simple google search to find out, then I submit that you are too ignorant to make a sensible contribution to this thread.
And if you don't know what a Pashley is, and are too lazy to do a simple google search to find out, then I submit that you are too ignorant to make a sensible contribution to this thread.
#31
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I did Google Pashley, and came up with some US distributors, but sometimes it's nice to ask for a personal reference. Pardon me for ruining your day, Elkhound.
#32
not a role model
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,659
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You're right your internet speculation is a much larger contribution to the thread than that of someone who lives there but isn't aware of a relatively obscure english brand.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 1,768
Bikes: Trek Mountaineer modified with a NuVinci; Montegue Paratrooper folding mountain bike; Greenspeed recumbent; Surly Big Dummy with Stokemonkey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
And, by the way, grammar, spelling, and punctuation are our friends.
Last edited by Elkhound; 09-29-08 at 07:22 PM.
#34
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As the thread starter I thought I'd update you as to which direction I went. This past Sunday I purchased an Azor Opa from Dutch Bike Co. Chicago at their recently opened store. I was in Chicago through Tuesday and was able to commute into work with it on my first day back today.
$1500+ is obviously a lot of money to spend on a non-performance oriented bicycle, so I did not plan on purchasing unless I was absolutely blown away by one of the bikes. Upon arriving at the store I was able to take a glimpse at the entire Azor line, a Velorbis Churchill and also the Retrovelo brands.
The Velorbis Churchill (a Danish designed bike built in Germany) was completely unimpressive. The finishing was half-ass and there were raw screw ends protruding from the frame. The chain guard and rack were flimsy after market pieces and the bike was expensive. Yuck. I would not recommend the Velorbis line.
The Retrovelo bikes are beautiful and just scream quality throughout. However, the $2100+ price point and the lack of a fully enclosed chain guard were deal breakers for me. If I was in the market for a stunning fair weather bike, I think it would be a great option.
Ultimately the Azor/Workcycle bikes were the best match for me. The classic Dutch styling was too much to deny. The quality of the lugged frame and its components really are top notch. While not a fast bike, it is super comfortable and stylish. The Secret Service was a bit quicker and nimble (great feeling ride) but I picked the old style Opa for the thicker tires and beefed up frame.
The bike really turns heads in downtown Minneapolis which is mostly dominated by mountain bikes, road bikes and the brakeless fixie couriers and posers. Fortunately Minneapolis is a fairly flat town. Getting this bike up even a moderate incline is hard and I will have to work on not wanting to get everywhere fast. The upside is that the bike is a great workout and built to last.
This is truly a dream bike to own.
$1500+ is obviously a lot of money to spend on a non-performance oriented bicycle, so I did not plan on purchasing unless I was absolutely blown away by one of the bikes. Upon arriving at the store I was able to take a glimpse at the entire Azor line, a Velorbis Churchill and also the Retrovelo brands.
The Velorbis Churchill (a Danish designed bike built in Germany) was completely unimpressive. The finishing was half-ass and there were raw screw ends protruding from the frame. The chain guard and rack were flimsy after market pieces and the bike was expensive. Yuck. I would not recommend the Velorbis line.
The Retrovelo bikes are beautiful and just scream quality throughout. However, the $2100+ price point and the lack of a fully enclosed chain guard were deal breakers for me. If I was in the market for a stunning fair weather bike, I think it would be a great option.
Ultimately the Azor/Workcycle bikes were the best match for me. The classic Dutch styling was too much to deny. The quality of the lugged frame and its components really are top notch. While not a fast bike, it is super comfortable and stylish. The Secret Service was a bit quicker and nimble (great feeling ride) but I picked the old style Opa for the thicker tires and beefed up frame.
The bike really turns heads in downtown Minneapolis which is mostly dominated by mountain bikes, road bikes and the brakeless fixie couriers and posers. Fortunately Minneapolis is a fairly flat town. Getting this bike up even a moderate incline is hard and I will have to work on not wanting to get everywhere fast. The upside is that the bike is a great workout and built to last.
This is truly a dream bike to own.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 1,768
Bikes: Trek Mountaineer modified with a NuVinci; Montegue Paratrooper folding mountain bike; Greenspeed recumbent; Surly Big Dummy with Stokemonkey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If I lived in a fairly flat part of the world, an Opafeits is probably what I would go for as well.
#36
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm thinking of buying an Azor and am curious on how it handled your Minneapolis winter...since I in Minneapolis, too!
As for heavy bikes, I ride an old Schwinn 3 speed and have found that the extra weight of the bike has strenghtened my legs to the point that most hills are no problem. I often commute 13 miles with it and it doesn't take that much longer than my sleek Gary Fisher.
I'll keep an eye out for your Azor, around town.
As for heavy bikes, I ride an old Schwinn 3 speed and have found that the extra weight of the bike has strenghtened my legs to the point that most hills are no problem. I often commute 13 miles with it and it doesn't take that much longer than my sleek Gary Fisher.
I'll keep an eye out for your Azor, around town.
#37
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
For $1500 or less I would recommend taking a flight to Amsterdam or Frankfurt, buy a bike that meets your needs, take a couple day cycling vacation, fly home, and keep the change.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 4,692
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
75 Posts
I've heard many good things about Koga-Miyata: https://www.koga.com/us/bike.asp?coll...id=&id=9296247
These guys make glorious handmade frames/bikes in salty, snowy New England https://antbikemike.wordpress.com/boston-roadster/
Other than those, the european models have already been discussed...........
By the way, why the hell would you want to ride such a slow, heavy bike?
These guys make glorious handmade frames/bikes in salty, snowy New England https://antbikemike.wordpress.com/boston-roadster/
Other than those, the european models have already been discussed...........
By the way, why the hell would you want to ride such a slow, heavy bike?
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 4,692
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
75 Posts
As the thread starter I thought I'd update you as to which direction I went. This past Sunday I purchased an Azor Opa from Dutch Bike Co. Chicago at their recently opened store. I was in Chicago through Tuesday and was able to commute into work with it on my first day back today.
$1500+ is obviously a lot of money to spend on a non-performance oriented bicycle, so I did not plan on purchasing unless I was absolutely blown away by one of the bikes. Upon arriving at the store I was able to take a glimpse at the entire Azor line, a Velorbis Churchill and also the Retrovelo brands.
The Velorbis Churchill (a Danish designed bike built in Germany) was completely unimpressive. The finishing was half-ass and there were raw screw ends protruding from the frame. The chain guard and rack were flimsy after market pieces and the bike was expensive. Yuck. I would not recommend the Velorbis line.
The Retrovelo bikes are beautiful and just scream quality throughout. However, the $2100+ price point and the lack of a fully enclosed chain guard were deal breakers for me. If I was in the market for a stunning fair weather bike, I think it would be a great option.
Ultimately the Azor/Workcycle bikes were the best match for me. The classic Dutch styling was too much to deny. The quality of the lugged frame and its components really are top notch. While not a fast bike, it is super comfortable and stylish. The Secret Service was a bit quicker and nimble (great feeling ride) but I picked the old style Opa for the thicker tires and beefed up frame.
The bike really turns heads in downtown Minneapolis which is mostly dominated by mountain bikes, road bikes and the brakeless fixie couriers and posers. Fortunately Minneapolis is a fairly flat town. Getting this bike up even a moderate incline is hard and I will have to work on not wanting to get everywhere fast. The upside is that the bike is a great workout and built to last.
This is truly a dream bike to own.
$1500+ is obviously a lot of money to spend on a non-performance oriented bicycle, so I did not plan on purchasing unless I was absolutely blown away by one of the bikes. Upon arriving at the store I was able to take a glimpse at the entire Azor line, a Velorbis Churchill and also the Retrovelo brands.
The Velorbis Churchill (a Danish designed bike built in Germany) was completely unimpressive. The finishing was half-ass and there were raw screw ends protruding from the frame. The chain guard and rack were flimsy after market pieces and the bike was expensive. Yuck. I would not recommend the Velorbis line.
The Retrovelo bikes are beautiful and just scream quality throughout. However, the $2100+ price point and the lack of a fully enclosed chain guard were deal breakers for me. If I was in the market for a stunning fair weather bike, I think it would be a great option.
Ultimately the Azor/Workcycle bikes were the best match for me. The classic Dutch styling was too much to deny. The quality of the lugged frame and its components really are top notch. While not a fast bike, it is super comfortable and stylish. The Secret Service was a bit quicker and nimble (great feeling ride) but I picked the old style Opa for the thicker tires and beefed up frame.
The bike really turns heads in downtown Minneapolis which is mostly dominated by mountain bikes, road bikes and the brakeless fixie couriers and posers. Fortunately Minneapolis is a fairly flat town. Getting this bike up even a moderate incline is hard and I will have to work on not wanting to get everywhere fast. The upside is that the bike is a great workout and built to last.
This is truly a dream bike to own.
Grats on your new ride!!!!!!
#41
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
Vaterland 3 speed purchased new in Germany for DM400 (approx $200).
Calvin 3 speed (Beria) manufactured) purchased new in Germany for about DM600 (approx $300).
Ragazzi 7 speeds purchased 2 new units for DM268 each (man's and womans model).
Zero Seven 7 speed purchased new for 560 Euro (approx $500).
I laff at Internet "experts" quoting the Conventional Wisdom .
#42
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"I'm not sure I agree with you a hundred percent on your police work, there, Lou."
I-L-T-B -- 560 Euro for the Zero Seven is closer to $775 USD. I don't know about the Deutchmark anymore. Isn't Germany on the Euro? Salud!! -- Z.
I-L-T-B -- 560 Euro for the Zero Seven is closer to $775 USD. I don't know about the Deutchmark anymore. Isn't Germany on the Euro? Salud!! -- Z.
#43
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
One Euro cost 92¢ when I bought the Zero Seven in 2000or 2001. The rest were Deutsche Mark purchases and the exchange rate was about 2DM to a $ or slightly less when I bought the other bikes in 1999 and 2000.
Last edited by I-Like-To-Bike; 07-06-09 at 10:42 PM.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charleston, WV
Posts: 1,768
Bikes: Trek Mountaineer modified with a NuVinci; Montegue Paratrooper folding mountain bike; Greenspeed recumbent; Surly Big Dummy with Stokemonkey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Airfare to Europe, food and lodging there, and the shipping costs to send the bike back would negate any savings.
#45
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
Plus get some personal enrichment rather than enrich a U.S. LBS or distributor with inflated prices for "Dutch" style bikes.
#46
pedalphile
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: ellington, ct
Posts: 1,034
Bikes: trek 1200, 520, Giant ATX 970, Raleigh Talon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
2 grand for a heavy, nice riding cool looking bike?
Must be nice to have that kinda jack to piss away.
I suppose if I had ridiculous amounts of throw away income, the need for a short easy commuter in street clothes and I gave two $hits what everyone around me thought about what I was riding, I might buy one of those tanks.
Actually, I'd probably just ride an old no suspension mtb with fat slicks and put a strap around one leg of my dockers.
Interesting how I see someone here pointing out the stylishness of these admittedly beautifully made bikes, then refer to others as posers.
From what I've read here, euros aren't dumb enough to do it because they can purchase similar rides for reasonable amounts.
Must be nice to have that kinda jack to piss away.
I suppose if I had ridiculous amounts of throw away income, the need for a short easy commuter in street clothes and I gave two $hits what everyone around me thought about what I was riding, I might buy one of those tanks.
Actually, I'd probably just ride an old no suspension mtb with fat slicks and put a strap around one leg of my dockers.
Interesting how I see someone here pointing out the stylishness of these admittedly beautifully made bikes, then refer to others as posers.
From what I've read here, euros aren't dumb enough to do it because they can purchase similar rides for reasonable amounts.
#47
Senior Member
I've got about 20,000 all season miles on a German Kettler Silverstar over eight years. I've replaced the sidewall dynamo with a hub dynamo and the plasstic saddle with a Brooks B67. Other than rust on the rear fender, it's held up quite well.
Paul
Paul
#48
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
I'm on my 7th year of daily allweather, all-season commuting in Iowa with the 7 speed IGH Ragazzi that I bought for about $135 at Real, a German xmart chain (formerly known as Massa.) I also replaced the saddle with a Brooks B-66 and added additional inexpensive battery powered lights and removed the sidewall dynamo. I have about 35,000 virtually trouble free miles on it so far.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,242
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
2 grand for a heavy, nice riding cool looking bike?
Must be nice to have that kinda jack to piss away.
I suppose if I had ridiculous amounts of throw away income, the need for a short easy commuter in street clothes and I gave two $hits what everyone around me thought about what I was riding, I might buy one of those tanks.
Actually, I'd probably just ride an old no suspension mtb with fat slicks and put a strap around one leg of my dockers.
Interesting how I see someone here pointing out the stylishness of these admittedly beautifully made bikes, then refer to others as posers.
From what I've read here, euros aren't dumb enough to do it because they can purchase similar rides for reasonable amounts.
Must be nice to have that kinda jack to piss away.
I suppose if I had ridiculous amounts of throw away income, the need for a short easy commuter in street clothes and I gave two $hits what everyone around me thought about what I was riding, I might buy one of those tanks.
Actually, I'd probably just ride an old no suspension mtb with fat slicks and put a strap around one leg of my dockers.
Interesting how I see someone here pointing out the stylishness of these admittedly beautifully made bikes, then refer to others as posers.
From what I've read here, euros aren't dumb enough to do it because they can purchase similar rides for reasonable amounts.
Bitter, huh? To top it off, you're on fashion patrol, and you have inside info on "euros," too.
The thing that ticks me off is that for commuters, the bike is transportation. Why not get the best piece of transportation one can buy, if you have the cash?
#50
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,942
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,511 Times
in
1,027 Posts
If you bring the bike back to a non EC country you probably could get the Value Added Tax (approx20%) refunded by doing some paperwork.
See https://www.gazellebicycles.com.au/pr...ic/impala.html for more info in English.
Last edited by I-Like-To-Bike; 07-07-09 at 09:05 AM.