The full chain case is a great thing, even with the potential complications involved in fixing a flat. I haven't had a flat since last year when I ran over a trolley track switch that had no pavement around it (I should have seen it.) It took me an extra ten minutes to fix because of the chaincase, no big deal.
My bike is a 50+ year old Rudge that is pretty similar to the Dutch bikes, especially after getting modern 700c wheels. I don't consider it a fashion statement, but it is cool to ride a machine that works well and looks nice.
I do need more nice shirts, and a stylish jacket that has reflective elements. Even better would be a rain jacket that is stylish and reflective, is there such a thing?
Matt

You say foppish and tweed like it's a bad thing...

The only thing between me and one of these bikes is classism and fashion statements. I'll stick to my CCM Grand Touring, thanks...

That's my whole point: 15 miles is normal on a bike; anyone, not just "enthusiasts," can do it, no matter what kind of bike they have or what shape they're in. I'm not particularly athletic, and I rode all over northern Italy for three weeks on an upright 5 speed, doing 60-100 km days without even sweating much (the trick is to take your time, and make frequent wine-tasting stops). I've even seen very overweight people do 15-20 miles on a bike with no ill effects whatsoever.

And for the record, I like Dutch bikes. I'm not sure that Americans will embrace them all that much, due to high cost and limited performance, especially in hilly areas, but they are beautiful and a very comfy ride. (Along with some others, I wasn't too crazy about the clothes, though. I would think a pair of Eddie Bauer khakis and a button down shirt would probably be adequate for a 10-12 mph ride.)

Hang on a sec...

We've got people complaining about a 15-mile bike ride in a city with one of the most tightly-woven public transit networks I've ever seen.

Really?

Here's me on my Chinese Feng Huang city bike in China, wearing my Chinese suit.

Bike - $50~
Suit - $37~





The bike beautiful and stylish, but is a heavy, sluggish performer that is falling apart. It uses ancient technology like rod brakes and cottered cranks (note in both pics the cranks are not 180 deg. - they get uneven easily, especially with how I ride it). In the first pic the cranks are totally loose, but I wanted to get a picture anyway while I was in my suit.

I like this bike, but I can't wait to ride my long haul trucker and fixed gear when I return to America. They will feel super awesome after riding this clunker for a few months.

Is that guy in the article photoshoot supposed to be "stylish"? Because he looks like a *****.

To get a sense of what passes, in the NYT, for bicycling fashion style see this article and pictures about Ralpha clothes from two weeks ago:
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/fa...ef=othersports

WTF IS THAT?

For the record, I've never seen anyone dressed like that riding in NYC.

Wow.

I thought that article was remarkably silly, too. I can't imagine how long you'd last cycling through Chicago, or even most parts of Seattle, looking like that...

He looks like an SS officer. Who would wear this?

Interesting that many many ads out there feature Dutch style bikes. There's a pining back to that era, no doubt. I also wear my normal shoes and clothes, and just change shirts. This is a legitimate way to travel.

Regarding Dutch style bikes, however, I think those styles make from mild steel are not worth their money. That's stupid, when you can buy a much lighter Breezer with a stronger frame for less.

I wouldn't say the same for those made with Chro-moly frames, but 1xxx series carbon steel frames shouldn't be fabricated any more, imo.

Please! Let me at them!

I can definitely see someone choosing the more traditional styles over the Breezer.

Even Euro bike makers who still make the traditional bike also manufacture their modern counterparts, not too dissimilar to the Breezer bikes.

The article was interesting, I suppose. I'm all for presentations of the bicycle as a practical transport. He mentions different styles of bike & mentions converting one type to another. Very nice.

I had another reaction looking at the stylish clothes. Only got through a few before I had to -- the clown ensembles cost even more than the bikes -- -- here's an example

When street clothes look like clown ensembles in comparison to spandex, you know the fashion editor has been up late dropping designer acid. Again.

Interesting posts...

I have been investigating Dutch bikes for the past 2 months. I think the key is you can't be in too much of a hurry, I commute 20 miles/day RT at 12 to 15 mph. Some key features that I really like are:
- Internal Gear Hub for lower maintenance
- Completed enclosed chaincase - same reason
- Internal roller brakes - same reason
- Upright riding position - very comfortable, no sore back

I could not justify the $1500 at this time, so I "converted" my Schwinn Searcher NX8 to a Dutch bike for about $150. It has worked great for me. I am getting a Hebie Chainglider to enclose the chain. Another key is to have excellent tires (Schwalbe Marathon Plus for me) to eliminate flat potential.

Good luck!

Maybe for looks alone. But the Breezer is more efficient with its great frame and a more aggressive geometry, allowing you to travel at higher speeds than the more traditional styles. Plus it's about 10 pounds lighter. Mild steel is heavy and inefficient.

Exactly. Looks and a less aggressive geometry are more than enough reasons to choose these over the Breezer bikes. Plus, Breezer bikes do not have a fully enclosed chain case which was the biggest reason I passed over them when I was looking to purchase a new bike city bike.

Breezers have their place(I credit them for probably influencing and/or starting this current trend of utility bicycles), I know, but so do these bikes.

I believe Breezers are quality bikes . But Breezers look like one of the countless typical city , comfort or hybrid bikes. The geometry doesen't look too exceptional in any way. What maybe reveals where it's from or whom it's made for is the compact geometry like top tube. I am sure there is some euro manufacturer which makes bikes (almost) like that from good quality materials also.

Don't usually see someone wearing blue jeans with a sports jacket and dress shirt, but not bad. He looks like he's having good times.

That's terrible. I'd much rather wear lycra and styrofoam than that. Screw the NYT.

The actual Dutch way is to take it to the nearest bike shop and have a repairman fix it for you.

Just FYI this thread is from 2009 and that poster probably hasn't been here in a while.