Dutch Bikes
 

Anyone have much experience with them? I came upon a little store in Seattle that sells them while on my search for a new bike. They are very well build, and very heavy, and feel a little strange at first. They are overall cool, but very expensive. If I was to not going to have a car anymore, I would ride one, or I was living in Seattle(which might be soon). What I will end up with will most likely a Cannondale of some sorts, but will work best for me right now.

http://www.dutchbikeseattle.com/

Very heavy? That doesn't sound like a good thing.

They were light enough I could lift one, but not something I would want to be doing all the time. The leather seats are very nice, the shop was selling them for well over $100 a piece. I've been looking at some knock-offs, and they don't seem as well built, and I think they are made in China, which I am trying to avoid when I make my bike purchase, I am going for something made in the USA, if I can, which leads me to some of the Cannondales, and a few of the other high end bikes.

yeah, they look cool, but bikes need to be light and comfortable. If you have any hills whatsoever, I'd stay away.

I regularly ride my old cannondale (1997 F700) mtb to work (8 miles one-way). Not sure about the streets in Seattle, but San Diego's are a mess. You'll want something light and nimble for sure, so go for bona fide road bike or mtb with some good city tires. I also own a Lemond road bike, steel, 700x28s, light and fast. But the mtb is more comfortable for commuting. Actually, come to think of it, my benz is the most comfortable commuter I own. heh.

I hope you meant $1000 a piece. If not, go buy as many as you can at that price! I looked at some when I was in Geilenkirchen, Germany last year (right on the Dutch border). VERY cool bikes. The Dutch know a thing or two about building bicycles. That said, I agree that a lighter bike would make good sense if you are traveling significant distances on hilly terrain.

Anyway, yeah -- I know the bikes you're talking about, and they ARE pretty cool!

I know what you mean. I ride my Specialized MB to work and leave the old Peugeot road bike for "serious riding" days. The Specialized is a more comfortable commuter and lets me cut through the park, hop curbs, etc... I like the old Peugeot, too, though -- it's got loads of character.

Remember, Holland is FLAT. Those sit-up-and-beg Dutch bikes would be a bona-fide PITA in hilly territory.

I think their main goal in Amsterdam is to carry the entire family on one bike.

http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg
http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg
http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg
http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg
http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg
http://www.ski-epic.com/amsterdam_bi...cycle_many.jpg

I think I am going to go with a 29'er bike of some kind. I was looking at a Jamis today, and might check out some other makes next time I am in Seattle. The owner of the shop that sells the Jamis bikes was telling me how he commutes on his single speed 29'er, and how easy it is for him to get around to places.

The single speeds are interesting; just be sure to try one out for a while. It's kind of a fad right now, so all the hipsters are building single speeds and fixed gears. They can be useful and fun, but they're an acquired taste; I'd ask to ride one for a day or two before investing in one. I intend to build one out of spare parts I have as soon as I can find a decent used frame; the city auction is this fall, and you can typically buy old road bikes (theft recoveries or abandoned bikes) for a couple of dollars. If they have any Raleighs or something similar I'll pick one up and play.

Are we allowed to talk about Dutch lesbians here?

Ooooooh! Sorry. It was B-ikes . . . .

No,no,no.You recall the legend of Hans Brinker,who stuck his finger in the leaking dyke?

Finally, somebody commented on that . . . .