No one knows what type of bicycle will become the default choice for style conscious urban bikers when the craze for fixed gear bikes has run its course, but a good candidate would be the utilitarian Dutch bikes that have this week gone on sale in London.
Online bicycle retailer anddutch.co.uk
is the brainchild of Gert-Jan Baan, a Dutchman who plans to capitalise on the increasing number of “Dutch-style” bicycles in Britain by shipping the genuine article to customers’’ doorsteps directly from the “land of cycling”.
High-spec bikes
Dutch bicycles have a reputation for being tough and practical – attributes that make perfect town bikes. And those used to the uncompromising nature of fixed and single-speed bikes might welcome the fact that any Dutch town bike worth its salt comes equipped as standard with full-length mudguards, stand and comfy seat.
The Netherlands produce all manner of contemporary bikes, but it is the traditional designs that will prove most popular with those who want a bicycle with the specification similar to a Pashley but at a lower price. “Burgers” is a Dutch bicycle manufacturer best known for its classic-retro bicycle styles; its Nostalgia Basic model compares with the Pashley Roadster Classic, but is £125 cheaper.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The Dutch are masters of the practical bicycle – they would no sooner sell a town bicycle without mudguards and lights as a car maker would sell a city runabout without windscreen wipers.”
How does your cycle insurance match up?
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes, amongst other things, new-for-old, third party cover, personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Get an instant, no obligation quote below.
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