Dutch town bicycles: The next big thing?

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.