What makes a dutch bike a dutch bike?

BigSpecs
BigSpecs Posts: 309
edited October 2007 in Workshop
I am assuming it is a combination of relaxed riding position, mudguards, chain cover, rack etc. or is there something inherantly different in these types of bike? Is there anything I am missing?
Cheers,
Col.

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    weight
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • BigSpecs
    BigSpecs Posts: 309
    maddog 2 wrote:
    weight

    I definitely don't think I am missing weight...I have plenty of it! :D
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    a colleague has a Dutch bike - he is Dutch and brought it over - with drum brakes, enclosed chain etc. and it is ...

    unbelievably heavy

    I could only just lift it off the floor. He commutes over a few hills too. Mad them Dutch
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • itsaghostcar
    itsaghostcar Posts: 59
    Steel construction, dynamo lighting, a rack solid enough for someone to sit on the back, crappy old panniers that stay on the bike, kickstand, single speed or 3-spd, often come with a lock across the back wheel (a bolt goes between the spokes). Yes they are heavy.

    Built for practicality and to remain outdoors
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    Not all are heavy
    A lot today are made of aluminium
    Probably because they are made in china now
    As far as I know the last dutch factory (gazelle) closed a couple of years ago
  • Ashley_R
    Ashley_R Posts: 408
    Was waiting for a flight in Amsterdam airport last week, the ground crew were using that sort of bike to get around on, they looked more study than some of the planes!!

    Don't think any of them approached take-off speed though!!
    You can lead an elephant to water but a pencil must be lead
  • mea00csf
    mea00csf Posts: 558
    is it wierd that i'm starting to want one for my 2 mile relatively flat commute :? My commute bike lives outside all the time due to living in a first floor flat with spiral staircase to it and is suffering a little :(
    http://www.bicycletourist.weebly.com
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Well I would assume that one of the requirements for a dutch bike is the it is made
    in Dutchland.

    Dennis Noward
    Toledo, Ohio
  • cpeachey
    cpeachey Posts: 1,057
    "Dutch" bikes are made for ordinary people to ride in ordinary clothes.
    Chris
    quote from a Dutchman "The English have hills, The Dutch have Bridges!"
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    Don't mock the dutch hills. If you know where to look there are actually quite a few of them.

    A mate of mine in dutchland rides his dutch bike 10 km to work everyday and then 10 km home again. Even in rain,snow and frost. Its a way of life.

    I surpose our bikes are not a way of life and thats what makes dutch bikes different.
  • ademort
    ademort Posts: 1,924
    I live in Holland and have a Dutch bike, made by the Dutch cycle manufacturer Batavus, it really is heavy, built to last, the old fashioned 3 speed sturmney archer gears, drum brakes and the drive system, chainwheel, chain and rear sprocket are completely enclosed by a monster of a chainguard, it also has mudguards made from steel which are about 2 inches wide and a pannier on the back that you could easily carry another passenger or a very heavy shopping load, thats what makes a Dutch bike A Dutch bike. Oh and apart from Batavus there are more Dutch cycle manufacturers Gazelle, Sparta and Union, being the most popular .
    ademort
    Chinarello, record and Mavic Cosmic Sl
    Gazelle Vuelta , veloce
    Giant Defy 4
    Mirage Columbus SL
    Batavus Ventura
  • john_wr
    john_wr Posts: 50
    Having hired a bike from a Dutch campsite I have two memories of what make a dutch bike.

    A high imperious sit up and beg riding position made higher still from a very high bottom bracket.

    The most uncomfortable saddle I have ever sat on. Big like those on a gym exercise bike only worse.

    John.
  • OnTow
    OnTow Posts: 130
    Well, if you're in the UK, you could always buy a Pashley and pretend!

    As for approaching take-off speed - Have you tried going downhill with those drum brakes?!

    Hmm... So Dutch bikes made in China? Surely that would be a Dutch Style Bike...
    Quick, someone better tell the EU - We could burn a whole pile of tax-payers' money on figuring what constitutes a dutch-style bike :D

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