What is a
Dutch Bike?
A little bit of history…
The Dutch weren’t the inventors of the bicycle, nor were they the developers of the earliest bicycles. It was in the late 19th century that England, Germany and France were the leading bicycle manufacturers and the style of Dutch bike that we see today are largely modelled on the early English models.
Given that the landscape of Holland is typically flat, Dutch bicycles are heavy and sturdy and prior to the Second World War, it was uncommon for them to have any gears.
Over time, Dutch bikes have been modernised, but they still keep their traditional characteristics of being sturdy, comfortable, low maintenance, practical, stylish and heavy.
Dutch bikes have taller frames than other styles of bike which give them the upright or “sit-up” style. This allows for a comfortable riding position and good visibility. The handlebars are curved towards the rider which is one of the defining features of the bike and complements the casual riding style of the bike. Due to this kind of riding style, you won’t see many Dutch-bike riders wearing typical cycling gear.
Although Dutch bikes of the past were typically single speed or 3-speed, it is increasingly common to see 7-speed hub geared versions of the bike. Many of the more modern incarnations of the Dutch bike favour this with more traditional models having the 3-speed hub gears.
The more traditional forms of the bike have the step-through frame, mudguards along the top of the rear wheel and a skirt guard that sits on top of the chain. Maintenance on Dutch bikes is generally quite low. The fact that the chain is encased, enables the longevity of the bike as it is protected from the elements, so you need only oil the chain once or twice a year. It also saves accidental oil marks on the sides of legs or trousers!
One of the more unique features of a Dutch bike is the use of coaster brakes on the rear wheels. Instead of squeezing a set of brakes on the handlebars, you peddle backwards which engages the rear brake.
Safety and security are enduring features of a Dutch bike. They come equipped with a large, round headlight on the front of the bike – an essential for low light and evening rides. The addition of the rear wheel lock is a super handy feature which adds an additional level of security when using chain and/or U-locks. With the inability of being able to wheel the bike away, thieves are forced to carry the bike which is difficult due to the weight of the bike!
One further feature of the Dutch bike is the sturdy rear rack on the back of the bicycle which is a practical tool for carting round anything you’d rather not carry on your back whilst riding.
The overall appearance of a Dutch bike is distinguishable from other bikes because of its classic, vintage style which is both unique and beautiful. Over time, whilst there have been more modern incarnations of the Dutch bike, the Classic style models have remained largely unchanged and this is in due part to the overall design and functionality of the model which is highly sought after.
Could this be the bike for you?
There are many great reasons for owning a Dutch bike but the list below sums up the top line advantages:
- Great for the casual rider who prefers comfort over speed
- No need for fancy cycling clothing other than your helmet for safety
- Easy to maintain so saves you time and money in the long run
- Practical additional features such as the front lamp, back wheel lock and rear rack
- Beautiful, classic and unique looking
Check out some of the main Dutch bike manufacturers: Gazelle, Batavus, Veloretti and Cortina.