Going Dutch -- a bicycle for me?

[flexagon]

Read in Boston magazine today about Dutch Bicycle Company here in Somerville:

Unlike most bikes made and sold in the United States -- built for racing, with exposed gears, no fenders, and an aggressive riding position -- the store's imported Dutch bikes are designed for the "non-enthusiast, non-cyclist": sturdy, with an upright riding position, and equipped with chain covers, bag racks, and dynamo-driven headlamps.

If I were to get a bike, it would match that description. Although I'm urban and eco-conscious and health-conscious and don't have a car, even though it would expand my range of transportation to easily encompass some places I would like to go, even though my life sometimes looks like it's missing a bicycle, I've put off getting a bike for a long time and it's largely because of the exact things addressed above. I don't like or need the hair-trigger steering of a racing bike, which is what most "road bikes" really are. I hate curly handlebars. I'd adore the lower maintenance and lower clothes-eating potential of a covered chain, and I'd even more appreciate being able to ride while sitting up. (Seats have gotten narrower, harder and more labia-crushing than when I was a kid.) I would just like to ride a bike to get somewhere occasionally.

Here's a model I like at first sight, which they're phasing out. Maybe I need to go shopping in person... I don't think their selection can be limited to what's on their website. This bike, the Gazelle Toer Populair, is supposed to be their bestseller.

So, it looks like another puzzle in my life (cross-reference: comfy, professional shoes) is about to be solved by going European. I still have to decide if I really want to add a bike to my life (another large object, and then I'd need a helmet and a lock, grrrrr!) but if I could get an awesome one that would last for years and years, the final answer is probably yes.

Comments

[rifmeister.livejournal.com]

FWIW, Wikipedia [and other sources] tell us that "There is an active scientific debate, with no consensus, on whether helmets are useful for cyclists, and on whether any benefits are outweighed by their disadvantages," so you might be able to get by without one.

[silentq.livejournal.com]

As someone with a good friend who is only alive today due to wearing a bike helmet (she got run over by a tractor trailer), I heartily endorse helmet wearing.
The Dutch bikes are heavy, so if you need to store it anywhere up/down stairs, lift one up onto your shoulder before buying it. :)

[flexagon]

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll be sure not to buy anything I can't lift reasonably. When at home I will possibly want to store it on my 2nd floor back porch, but that should be about as bad as it gets.

[a-kosmos.livejournal.com]

Did you see the conference bike? Whoa! I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around how 7 people sitting in a circle would ride.

[flexagon]

Me too, to be honest! I've seen conference bikes in person (on the main Zillian campus) but didn't pay attention to how the gears worked. I can imagine one possible way but I'm not sure...

[godream.livejournal.com]

you probably already know this, but i was super-pleased to discover that taking a test ride is totally expected when getting a new bike. so +1 for shopping in person, though for different reasons than you mentioned.

also, omg dynamo-driven headlamps. they don't seem quite as practical on second thought as they did on first (possibly because i always thought the real purpose of bike lights was to be sure that the cars saw me) but what an awesome idea, i didn't realize those really existed!

(also, yay metrorock! didn't know you climbed... :) )

[silentq.livejournal.com]

I got a dynamo hub for my birthday a couple of years ago, and the present included a custom built wheel to go with it. :) I *love* it, I never have to remember to bring a light with me, and especially now that it's getting dark earlier, I just flip the light on and go. Plus the beam is a lot wider and brighter than any handle bar mounted light I've ever had, so riding down dark roads is a lot better now that I can see where I'm going. I also got the electric tail light that stays on after you stop, and that is also awesome. :)

[flexagon]

Ah, test rides are cool. This website says something like "take a test ride through our indoor showroom" which I'm assuming means you can't take them outside unless you buy... but, whatever.

I agree on the dynamo-driven headlamp. Maybe that, plus a battery-powered blinky light, would cover all bases.

I do not climb... but I am climbing-curious, I think maybe especially bouldering-curious. There's a big contingent of acroyoga folks who go all the time. Do you climb?

[godream.livejournal.com]

Yes -- I'm no hardcore climber but The Roommate is; I go maybe every week or two. Way fun -- I like it especially because I like competing against a wall better than against other people. ;)

[soong.livejournal.com]

You want to go places (http://www.metrorock.com/)? I want to go places (http://www.metrorock.com/). Should we go places (http://www.metrorock.com/) together?

[flexagon]

Maybe, but I have to get there somehow. :P
I'm very bouldering-curious!

[soong.livejournal.com]

If it got me and a carless friend there, I would take a zipcar for the trip.

[kaigex.livejournal.com]

+1 on avoiding exposed chains. If I wear jeans I have to do something to keep the bike from eating them; it seems to have a taste for denim.

[flexagon]

Yeah, I really want to be able to ride to work in work-clothes rather than having to change, and preferably without dorky velcro straps that I would then inevitably forget to take off.