Buying a Dutch Style Bike

radio53
radio53 Posts: 8
edited August 2009 in Road buying advice
Hello all,
I have been living in China for six months and rode a bike nearly everyday. Now I am back in London I cannot face riding my mountain bike again! I want something more relaxed with an open frame. I have seen a few websites selling Dutch style bikes for a not un-reasonable £300 with postage . Has anyone bought one from people like "Dutch Flyers" of "Dutchie.co.uk" ? I don't expect the highest quality but want something that will last a while. Any objective views on these bikes?
By the way in China my bike cost £24 brand new with lock, rack and basket. Never let me down and left out in many tropical down-pours :P
thanks,
Alan

Comments

  • ademort
    ademort Posts: 1,924
    The Dutch style bikes are excellent. Especially the Oma or Opu style bikes with a completely enclosed drive train, almost maintainance free and the pannier on the bike is also very useful. In the Netherlands you can buy a box which fits perfectly on the pannier so you can carry heavier items that you would not want to carry in a rugsack.Only problem you do have is if you need to replace the rear tyre. You have to take the whole rear end to bits which is quite a difficult job first time round, but you will get used to it,
    Ademort
    ademort
    Chinarello, record and Mavic Cosmic Sl
    Gazelle Vuelta , veloce
    Giant Defy 4
    Mirage Columbus SL
    Batavus Ventura
  • radio53
    radio53 Posts: 8
    Thanks Ademort,
    I don't mind using spanners as I've rebuilt many motorcycles and engines over the years. I do wonder how I'd get on with a back-pedal rear brake :roll: I have visions of skidding into parked cars..........
  • ademort
    ademort Posts: 1,924
    radio53 wrote:
    Thanks Ademort,
    I don't mind using spanners as I've rebuilt many motorcycles and engines over the years. I do wonder how I'd get on with a back-pedal rear brake :roll: I have visions of skidding into parked cars..........[/quot
    If you can rebuild motorbikes then fitting a new rear tyre should be no problem for you. You can get them in Halfords in the Netherlands for less than €200. Would it not be an idea to ask at you local Halfords if they could get you one sent over, may save yourself a few quid,this one for example.
    Ademort
    8050055074081.th.jpg
    ademort
    Chinarello, record and Mavic Cosmic Sl
    Gazelle Vuelta , veloce
    Giant Defy 4
    Mirage Columbus SL
    Batavus Ventura
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    If your near a Decathlon (1 in Surrey Queys and 1 in Lake side) they do the Elops range.
    The Elops 4 and 6 do pretty much what you want and they could order you one in.
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/elops-4-49686834/
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/elops-6-49686842/
  • radio53
    radio53 Posts: 8
    Wappygixer wrote:
    If your near a Decathlon (1 in Surrey Queys and 1 in Lake side) they do the Elops range.
    The Elops 4 and 6 do pretty much what you want and they could order you one in.
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/elops-4-49686834/
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/elops-6-49686842/

    Yes I do like the look of the second bike except for the suspension. I will take a look tomorrow afternoon as Surrey Docks is not far from my office.
    Many thanks :)
  • radio53
    radio53 Posts: 8
    ademort wrote:
    radio53 wrote:
    Thanks Ademort,
    I don't mind using spanners as I've rebuilt many motorcycles and engines over the years. I do wonder how I'd get on with a back-pedal rear brake :roll: I have visions of skidding into parked cars..........[/quot
    If you can rebuild motorbikes then fitting a new rear tyre should be no problem for you. You can get them in Halfords in the Netherlands for less than €200. Would it not be an idea to ask at you local Halfords if they could get you one sent over, may save yourself a few quid,this one for example.
    Ademort
    8050055074081.th.jpg

    I am having a look at their website right now. Maybe I should take my pick-up over to Holland and see what I can find. One never really needs an excuse to visit such a nice country but here is a very good for sure :)
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    We had a Dutch bike come in for a service a few months ago.
    I was blown away to be honest.
    Its the first bike I've seen with auto and semi auto Shimano electronic gearing all controlled by cadence.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,321
    Back pedal brake is fantastic. I have lived in Amsterdam for two years and always had bikes with back pedal. It's the ultimate must-have if you have a busy cycling-lifestyle, where you text, carry the shopping and have to avoid running over tourists at the same time.
    left the forum March 2023
  • radio53
    radio53 Posts: 8
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    Back pedal brake is fantastic. I have lived in Amsterdam for two years and always had bikes with back pedal. It's the ultimate must-have if you have a busy cycling-lifestyle, where you text, carry the shopping and have to avoid running over tourists at the same time.

    I cannot say that I will ever text as I ride :roll: hehe but the brake does sound fun. Are you still able to coast when not pedalling?

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