why don't they sell these in the US?
#176
Senior Member
Rarely. Just as with car congestion there are times and places where you have to slow down either due to the congestion itself or out of consideration for others. My typical 'business' pace on a Dutchie is about 13 to 14 mph and I rarely have to slow except through tourist areas and in places with older infrastructure such as along some sections of F. Bolstraat. There have also been times I've needed to ride faster (18 - 20 mph) and this is often possible. On the other hand, if I'm not in a rush I probably ride closer to 10 or 11 mph.
#177
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Nobody (at least that I've noticed) is trying to force anything on anyone. My and I think others point is one of awareness and that we (and bike shops, etc.) should do a better job of making people aware of what options are available and what the advantages and disadvantages of each is. You seem to have a problem with this.
All I'm trying to do is show that some of the commonly repeated criticisms of roadsters and IGH bikes are no where near as limiting as some try to claim.
Just because a bike isn't attractive to the advanced enthusiast, or doesn't excel at what isn't its primary function, doesn't mean it can't serve many functions and people well.
#178
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Right. Maybe I'm a hypocrite, but I recommend the type of bike that I don't like to ride. That's because I've been an athletic cyclist for a long time, and a townie bike might make me feel impaired. It might not actually impair me, but it would feel that way. I'm already molded to feel the way I do, and I'm prepared to pedal hard, unlike some others.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#179
Senior Member
I have to admit, I just looked at Walmart's offerings, and there seems to be a lot more diversity than when I was last there about 5 years ago. Some pretty practical stuff at around $150 to $200.
#180
Senior Member
I enjoy riding all types of bikes. Each has their purpose, advantages, and disadvantages. When someone asks me what they should buy I always begin with a gob of questions about their purpose in riding, where, how often, budget, etc. Some of this requires some probing and often them going off and thinking a bit. I don't really have an overall favorite and what I think someone should get depends on a lot of variables.
What I dislike is when people go in to an LBS or Wal-Mart and get a bike that doesn't fit their purpose and that they're not as happy with as one that does fit their purpose and then they end up not riding very much. Sadly a very common scenario.
What I dislike is when people go in to an LBS or Wal-Mart and get a bike that doesn't fit their purpose and that they're not as happy with as one that does fit their purpose and then they end up not riding very much. Sadly a very common scenario.
#181
Senior Member
As well, I don't often chime in on BF discussions where someone should have a road, mountain, hybrid, or similar. There are a lot of people on here with a lot of great knowledge about these bikes and most times I'd simply be piling on to 30 other similar opinions and I don't usually see much need for clogging up a thread. If I think a city bike or cargo bike would be a good option then I'll chime in because there are only a few of us on here with much knowledge about them.
Maybe I should start adding my pile-on to the 30 others on roadie threads just for balance.
Maybe I should start adding my pile-on to the 30 others on roadie threads just for balance.
#182
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I don't know firsthand, but every video posted on BF by someone attempting to show how great bike commuting is over there looks like a huge bike traffic jam of depressed people. Everyone is poking along at what looks like around 10 mph, no helmet and staring straight ahead. Maybe that's not the reality, but it sure looks unappealing to me. BTW, my usual pace is 18-20 mph with speeds up to 25 mph with a tailwind for a 30 mile RT commute. Have fun doing that on a Dutch bike.
#183
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As well, I don't often chime in on BF discussions where someone should have a road, mountain, hybrid, or similar. There are a lot of people on here with a lot of great knowledge about these bikes and most times I'd simply be piling on to 30 other similar opinions and I don't usually see much need for clogging up a thread. If I think a city bike or cargo bike would be a good option then I'll chime in because there are only a few of us on here with much knowledge about them.
Maybe I should start adding my pile-on to the 30 others on roadie threads just for balance.
Maybe I should start adding my pile-on to the 30 others on roadie threads just for balance.
Popular opinions are often more myth than fact, and a real disservice to those who are open to all options rather than just following the pack.
#184
Senior Member
They are a nice fit between a city bike like an opafiets and a bakfiets. The times I've ridden them I didn't care for the ride, especially when loaded, and that's why I have an opafiets and a bakfiets which serve me better. For someone looking for a cargo bike I do think they should consider them and people I know who have them to like them.
#185
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18-20 mph on a cushy, bolt upright Dutch bike without breaking a sweat? Cool. Where do I sign up?
#186
Senior Member
#187
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#188
DancesWithSUVs
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I don't know firsthand, but every video posted on BF by someone attempting to show how great bike commuting is over there looks like a huge bike traffic jam of depressed people. Everyone is poking along at what looks like around 10 mph, no helmet and staring straight ahead. Maybe that's not the reality, but it sure looks unappealing to me.
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#189
Senior Member
Dutch cycleways make passing quite easy. I've only occasionally been stuck behind people and not able to pass. Definitely the fastest (and most enjoyable) way around Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, and other cities in The Netherlands.