Cycling UK Forum

Hello, could anybody tell me about Dutch bicycles and how they compare to Town & trial bikes?

I am starting to get back into cycling again, and have taken a fancy to Dutch bicycles. The problem, is that I know very little about Dutch bikes and cannot seem to find much relevant information about them.

I have done some research on the internet, and it seems that these bikes are known for conserving physical energy (since you sit upright on them), and do not require one to don lycra, hence they are good in cities - and rate highly my opinion.

However:

• Can they be used in the countryside (on trails) like a town and trail bike?
• Are they known for being robust?
• Can I buy a good model for £150 - 300 (personally my complete upper limit on spending would be £250 - 300.
• Which makes are considered to be of good quality?

If anybody could answer any of these questions and / or provide me with information about the strengths and weaknesses of these bikes that would really be appreciated. I am hoping to invest in a bike for the long-term, which is why I am willing to spend this amount of money, alas my ignorance on the topic is something I would like to sort out before spending this much.

Thanks

They are NOT racing or touring bikes as they are heavy, a little "stodgy" to ride and limited ingearing. The riding position is also very upright so good for a bad back.

However if used as they were designed for solid indestructible town bikes with low maintenance they are superb.

They tend towards 28" wheels which limits tyres, but again for town use this is not a problem.

There is a site DutchBike whse site gives a lot of info and links to other sites that may be closer to you and allow a test ride. You can also compare prices (don't forgetto include shipping and delivery costs.)

that is the best advice - these are god bikes, but you need to be sure that iwth the weight and position it is what you actually want and are happy with - a test ride is essential.

OK, it's not quiet a Dutch Bike, but it only cost £56 on ebay. I just wanted a bike where I could dress in normal clothes. Since Feb, when I bought the bike, I have accrued just over 200 miles for shopping and local trips. It has a wide ratio 3 speed and gets up most hills. I can always walk up those 1 in 7 bumps otherwise.
I have used it on lightish trails. It has 26 x 1 3/8 tyres - not too far removed from those on my offroad bike. It is incredibly robust.
Have ridden a round trip of 30 miles to my dentist and this was mostly on undulating roads but with a little rough stuff. It was lovely to just enjoy the countryside and 'blend-in' with the indigenous population.

I would certainly recommend this type of bike.

I'd also recommend them. It's a completely different style of riding, there's no point pushing hard, you may have to get off for steep hills but if you're interested in the surroundings you pass through there's no better way of seeing it.
Maintenance will be minimal and they usually have a seat like a hammock. A great way of touring.

1/ There's no doubt that the roadster type of bike is pretty good for a certain type of riding.

2/ The advice usually given by CTC's technical officer Chris Juden (AKA CJ and cyclenut), is not to buy bikes by mail order, especially if you are not an expert. I fancy roadster bikes tend to be aimed at and bought by people who want to get on and ride with minimum hassle.

3/ In the context of point 2/ the following are the Bobbin terms of business, as lifted straight from their website (with some emphasis from me):

Our Terms A non-refundable deposit is required for advance or special orders. Full & cleared payment is required before collection / dispatch.
Warrenty is one year on frame, six months on parts (not including normal wear and tear). Accessories are sold as seen.

We do not accept returns. As bicycles are made from a series of parts, faults will be dealt with on a part-by-part basis, before any product swap or return. Our bikes are simply constructed and we stock spare parts, so we will do our best to deal with any issues inside and outside the warrenty period.

Our bikes are for riding on tarmac roads only. Customers are responsible for checking their bike for wear and tear before riding.
Customers are responsible for the safe riding of their bike and we do not accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the riding of our bikes.

Steel bikes should be covered if stored outdoors.

Boxed couriered bikes:
All bikes are unpacked and checked by us before dispatch.

Customers are responsible for unpacking and checking the bike BEFORE signing for it. If the bike has been damaged in transit, do not receive and sign for it - we cannot make a transit insurance claim if you do.

Delivery charge includes one failed delivery. For more than one failed delivery, customers will be charged again.

Customers are responsible for correctly assembling their bike. We do not accept responibility for incorrect assembly, nor any consequences arising from this.

Thank you all for you helpful advice.

Alas, it seems that most Dutch bikes start at £400, which is out my range, unless I manage to also find a good deal on ebay. I will have to look for a cheaper alternative, or check if I can buy one for cheaper from Holland

I thnk you're wise genome. Many entry level hybrids start less than £300 Avoid one with front suspension, the added weight isn't worth it.

Incidentally, anybody buying over the internet would be well advised to consult the distance selling regulations. A good explanation is here.