These are perfect for style-conscious ladies who are hoping to use their bikes for flattish, short rides around town. You can expect the riding position to be very upright and the bike to be reasonably heavy.
Suitable for:- City riding and short distances. The heavy frame can make them a little slower than other types of commuter bikes.
- Those who like to commute in work/ day to day clothes as opposed to lycra clad riders.
- Day to day tasks. They generally come with baskets to stash your possessions as your pedal from errand to errand.
- Style – there are an abundance of Dutch style bikes out there so narrow it down to a couple of style and then make your decision based on how the bike is to ride.
- Accessories – a lot of this style of bike come with mudguards, dynamo lights and a basket as standard so it is worth checking if that is the case before you buy. It is also worth double checking that the bike is compatible with a basket or pannier racks if you are planning to carry your worldly goods.
- Clothes friendly features – the bicycle chain on Dutch bikes is often enclosed – this prevents getting your trousers or skirt stuck and ultimately ruined.
- Gears – opting for a Dutch bike with hub gears will prove much easier when it comes to maintenance.
- Brakes – the original Dutch bikes come with a back pedal braking system which can take to some getting used to. Most ‘Dutch’ style bikes sold in the UK will have a regular braking system but it is worth double checking before you purchase!
Dutch bikes usually start at about £200 and go up to about £1,000.
