Modern Dutch bikes....

[MartyJay]

I have been 9 years in Canada, and after about 14 years my (French) bicycle is at the end of it's useful life. Things start breaking too regularly, and there is a lot of new technology around. So I start looking for another bike.

Well, that was not as easy as I thought it would be. Everything, and I mean everything, that is standard on most Dutch bicycles is hard to find or not even available here. I found some companies importing Dutch bicycles, but to be honest, their prices are ridiculous, and they only import the models not a single Dutchman in his right mind would ride in the sloping landscape of Ontario.

So, what is it I want? Well, mudguards, carrier rack with tie down straps, lights, a stand, preferably more than 12 gears. First question people always ask me is; doesn't that make the bike heavier? Of course it does. But not that much, and you can limit it by choosing the right products. And, unless you live in an appartment, how many times do you lift your bike? I ride it, not lift it.
Really, the difference is negligible. Besides, it would be my every day use bike, for going to the store, riding around town, maybe a day trip here and there. But, make no mistake, people have ridden those bikes around the world. And, if you insist on riding knobby tires on pavement (goodness knows why, but I see it all the time) with your featherlight bike I probably have the advantage with a heavier bike with smooth narrow tires. Duh.

Why do I want lights on my bike? Well, with the capability of the average driver in Ontario I want to be as visible as possible, first of all. Then, I tend to stay out too late, and you should try to negotiate that winding path in the dark with the help of reflectors only. Yeah right.
And I do not want to use batteries. None. Which is easily possible, there are bikes with very good generators, mounted either in the hub or running on the side of your tire. But not in Canada, of course. Also, batteries are NOT environmentally friendly, whether they are rechargables or not. And they run out of power, something a generator will never do. And with modern technology your lights will stay on, even if you stop.

Why do I want a rack, instead of using a backpack? Racks are more versatile and don't leave a sweaty spot on your back after 3 minutes. I like to be presentable without taking a shower after every ride that's longer than 10 minutes. And you can hang bags from it. More carrying capacity!

Mudguards, this really gets to me. People sell here what they call "comfort bikes" and they do not even have mud guards. Mudguards must be about the cheapest, lightest, easiest to install items on a bike. Canadian tire sells plastic ones for a few bucks. What is so "comfort" about a bike that throws all the water from the first puddle you meet in your face and on your back? Are people really that slow witted here? I can imagine if you are racing in any way you want to keep your bike as light as possible. But for any other activity? Put them on!

A few minor things I like but can live without; a chain guard is nice, it makes life easier when wearing long pants - and keeps them clean. I don't want to change every time I ride my bike. Do you change every time you drive your car? Suspension is nice, not really necessary, and easy adjustment of handlebars and seat is also welcome. And yes, I do like a stand. I prefer not to drop my bike if there is nothing to lean it against. Especially not if I am transporting breakable stuff.

Yes, European bikes might be more expensive, but I am not so sure about that. There is no comparison really. A Cadillac is also more expensive than a Sunfire. And for good reason.

Look here for what I understand people to mean when they say "Dutch bike":

http://www.gazelle.nl/nl/imagebank/pdf/fietsen/Medeo.pdf
This bike has everything I want in a bike.

For 859 Euro you can buy this one in Holland. Not cheap, I'll admit, about CAD 1320,- but you will get a complete bike for that price. And I see way more expensive bikes in the local bike shop... with way less accesories.


And there are more:


http://www.batavus.nl/pages/collectie2007.aspx?1=1&pageId=201&pageParentId=200&topImageId=1&pageControlNamepags/collectie2007.aspx&mainCategoryId=2

http://www.sparta.nl/nl/sparta-segment.asp?segment=42

I would like to know why I can't find anything like these in Canada? Probably have to design and build myself?

Marty

 

[Camilo]

Marty: I agree with you - there are so many people who ride mountain bikes on pavement. What a waste of energy. When I traveled in Holland and Belgium with my family a few years back, I was impressed with the quality and light weight of a good "Holland" bike (that's what our friends in Belgium called them). Our family (husband, wife, two young children) brought cheap mountain bikes with us from the US. They were fine for the short distance commuting we did from time to time as we traveled around europe, but we went on a long day trip with some friends in Belgium and their "Holland bikes" were so much better - lighter, faster, more comfortable.

I hope someone points you directly at a bike you can purchase that has exactly what you want.

Something like this is close, no?: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=07GlobeCity

If the link doesn't work, go to www.specialized.com and look for the Globe or Globe City bikes.

I would imagine the major US manufacturers and importers would have similar. The only downside I see to this bike is that it is a 3 speed hub gearing. I'm hoping you'll find something like this with the gears you want.

If you can't find such a bike with enough gearing, you could start with a "hybrid" bike of good quality, you will be getting a sturdy but light weight frame with good functional components, triple front chain rings and good low gearing in the back. They come with 700c tires and I know they can take 35 and larger tires, not huge mountain bike tires.

It will have attachment points for carrier rack and front and rear fenders, which you will be able to buy at the same shop or on line. As you probably know, these are simple do-it-yourself projects.

The only part I'm not familiar with is the generator. You might do a web search, or check http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/ I do know that you can purchase both sidewall and hub types and lights, but I'm just not familiar with any examples.

Anyway, a hybrid bike is easy to fit with fenders and a rack, and you can probably buy it with those things equipped. I'm hoping the dynamo / generator is just as easy. Good luck.

 

[MartyJay]

Thanks Camilo, you are right, that comes very close. I just could not find anything around here, but then, Canadians seem to be very conservative in technology (or should I say "old fashioned?"). I like the idea of starting with a "hybrid" bike. And I will be able to use the generator of my old bike, it is probably the part that's in the best shape... But I will take a look at the specialised. Thanks again,

Marty

Marty: I agree with you - there are so many people who ride mountain bikes on pavement. What a waste of energy. When I traveled in Holland and Belgium with my family a few years back, I was impressed with the quality and light weight of a good "Holland" bike (that's what our friends in Belgium called them). Our family (husband, wife, two young children) brought cheap mountain bikes with us from the US. They were fine for the short distance commuting we did from time to time as we traveled around europe, but we went on a long day trip with some friends in Belgium and their "Holland bikes" were so much better - lighter, faster, more comfortable.

I hope someone points you directly at a bike you can purchase that has exactly what you want.

Something like this is close, no?: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=07GlobeCity

If the link doesn't work, go to www.specialized.com and look for the Globe or Globe City bikes.

I would imagine the major US manufacturers and importers would have similar. The only downside I see to this bike is that it is a 3 speed hub gearing. I'm hoping you'll find something like this with the gears you want.

If you can't find such a bike with enough gearing, you could start with a "hybrid" bike of good quality, you will be getting a sturdy but light weight frame with good functional components, triple front chain rings and good low gearing in the back. They come with 700c tires and I know they can take 35 and larger tires, not huge mountain bike tires.

It will have attachment points for carrier rack and front and rear fenders, which you will be able to buy at the same shop or on line. As you probably know, these are simple do-it-yourself projects.

The only part I'm not familiar with is the generator. You might do a web search, or check http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/ I do know that you can purchase both sidewall and hub types and lights, but I'm just not familiar with any examples.

Anyway, a hybrid bike is easy to fit with fenders and a rack, and you can probably buy it with those things equipped. I'm hoping the dynamo / generator is just as easy. Good luck.

 

[Camilo]

Thanks Camilo, you are right, that comes very close. I just could not find anything around here, but then, Canadians seem to be very conservative in technology (or should I say "old fashioned?"). I like the idea of starting with a "hybrid" bike. And I will be able to use the generator of my old bike, it is probably the part that's in the best shape... But I will take a look at the specialised. Thanks again,

Marty

Good luck. I used the Specialized example just because I saw it. I'd bet that other major companies like Trek, Giant, Lemond, Cannondale, etc. etc. might have examples. All of them have excellent web sites, if that helps. (I was researching road bikes earlier this spring).

 

[Phil Woodney]

Hi Marty,

You mention that you've been in Canada for 9 years...are you Dutch? If so, it might be worth buying a bke here if you come back for a visit. I just bought a Gazelle Orange last week. It's a leftover 2006 model. Instead of paying the 799 euro list price, I bought it for 539. If you don't have a reason to come to Holland, this won't help you, but I thought I would reply just ion case.

Best regards,

Phil

 

[Elkhound]

Hi Marty,

You mention that you've been in Canada for 9 years...are you Dutch? If so, it might be worth buying a bke here if you come back for a visit. I just bought a Gazelle Orange last week. It's a leftover 2006 model. Instead of paying the 799 euro list price, I bought it for 539. If you don't have a reason to come to Holland, this won't help you, but I thought I would reply just ion case.

Best regards,

Phil

Have you tried the Center for Appropriate Transport's Human Powered Machines? http://catoregon.org/hpm?

You might also look at http://clevercycles.com.

 

[Camilo]

A couple of leads from another forum:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=24141&item=30-0156 This bike is supposedly on sale for $499US beginning in a day or so, plus another discount possible.

http://www.rei.com/product/744802?cm_re=LS*SP*Transfer

 

[MartyJay]

Have you tried the Center for Appropriate Transport's Human Powered Machines? http://catoregon.org/hpm?

You might also look at http://clevercycles.com.

Thanks Phil, yes, I am Dutch, but I am not going to Holland this year, alas. Clevercycles might be interesting for people that have never seen anything but a mountainbike, not really what I am looking for. I probably will buy a hybrid bike and use parts and pieces from my old bike. The catoregon link does not work today.

 

[MartyJay]

A couple of leads from another forum:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=24141&item=30-0156 This bike is supposedly on sale for $499US beginning in a day or so, plus another discount possible.

http://www.rei.com/product/744802?cm_re=LS*SP*Transfer

Schwinn? They sell that at Canadian tire here, does not immediately give the impression of quality - unless you consider more weight more quality. But I could be wrong. I have never ever heard of Navaro.