Dutch Type Commuter Bike

I'm looking for something like this, with an upright cycling position, chain guard, fenders and only 3 speeds (so there's no derailleur). Dress guard not necessary. I've looked online and found a few, like the Dutchie-Bike Dapper, Schwinn Willy 7, Biria City Lite 7 and Trek Cocoa WSD. Can anyone offer other suggestions, or is there a bike store in the city of Chicago that specializes in such bikes? (I want to spend under $600, so Public, Civia and Batavus are out of the question).

Thanks for any help.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on August 9, 2012 at 11:46am

I like the Linus Bikes. Giant makes a "lifestyle" range of bikes including the Via that may suit your purposes as well. Electra's lower end bikes probably fit into your price range.

It would help if you provided more information regarding the intended use; i.e. does it have to be a step through? Are you specifically looking for a Dutch style bike for aesthetic reasons? Male or female rider? The popularity of "Dutch" bikes has spawned a range of bikes that are cheap imitations, brutally heavy and of dubious quality, but which fit into your price range. Walmart even sells a "Hollandia Oma Cruiser" (shipping weight 49 lbs) that I guarantee you would hate. I don't rip on other people's bike choices, but my own assessment of Dutch Bikes is that they're perfect for environments with better bicycle infrastructure such as protected, or better yet, dedicated bike lanes and paths. You need to have storage available on a first floor-either a garage, or first floor of your domicile. On the road, they aren't particularly quick or agile, but on smooth straight pavement, they feel like they're stapled to the road. 

Cameron Puetz said:

Linus is probably pushing your price range a bit, but people seem to like their bikes.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 9, 2012 at 12:45pm

I JUST yesterday bought the Linus Dutchi 8 speed from J.C. Lind bikes on Wells.  He does specialize in these types of bikes, but I don't think he carries anything $600.  I doubt you will find one of any quality at all under 600.  The Linus 3 speed is $649 and the 8 speed is $849.  The 3 speed is hi-tensile steel while the 8 speed is chromoly.  Both bikes come with fenders, rear rack, bell, and single kickstand.

I am very happy with the bike, having just ridden home today in the wind and the rain on the LFP. 

Permalink Reply by Joza 7 miles on August 9, 2012 at 1:18pm
Felt has some nice city bikes. Iron Cycles is a dealer.
http://m.feltbicycles.com/productcatalog/product/1/20106
Permalink Reply by Barry Aldridge on August 9, 2012 at 2:16pm

Thanks for all of the help. @KevinC - I read bad things about Hollandia bikes on Amazon. I don't necessarily want that look, but something with a very upright biking position for my back, and that won't get me filthy if I ride in the rain. Those Dutch-type bikes seem to fit the bill, although from the comments here and more research it seems my price-point is unrealistic. @Lisa, thanks for the info on J. C. Lind. I'm 6'-3" so unfortunately the Dutchie isn't big enough for me.

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on August 9, 2012 at 2:34pm

Kelly is selling a Batavus Old Dutch 3 speed. I know she's on here but you can reach her through FB too: http://www.facebook.com/kelly.benecke

A Batavus will work out much better than one of the Walmart knock off Dutch bikes. 

 


Nevermind, didn't see that you're 6'3". Hers is a 50cm.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 9, 2012 at 2:36pm

Barry,

You are right--the Dutchi will not work--I am 4'11"!   J C Lind has the Swedish bike Pilen, which is the right style and is made for tall Swedish People :-).  Unfortunately, they are around $1200.

thanks for the info on J. C. Lind. I'm 6'-3" so unfortunately the Dutchie isn't big enough for me.

And thanks, h'!


h' said:

Nice. Hope you get years of enjoyment out of it.

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on August 9, 2012 at 2:41pm

Have you thought about an old Raleigh Sports? The top of the line ones came with bottle dynamo lighting in addition to the Sturmey 3-speed IGH. They are nice and cushy but can be speedy too when you need it. We bought a '68 one for my partner last fall and rebuilt the front wheel with a dyno hub and drum brake so it would be better for winter riding. The whole thing, bike and wheel rebuild came in at under $300.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on August 9, 2012 at 3:01pm

How much do you care about looks? Do you have an existing bike that you could turn into a Frankenbike?

I have a Trek 4500, a basic mountain bike that over the years I turned into a much more upright bike. Changing it from a mountain bike into an upright bike set me back about $200: new (rigid) fork, a new stem, new VO Left Bank(?) handlebars with a lot of rise, and new Specialized grips, to bring the grips even further back.

Here is a pic of it without the grips installed. Not quite Dutch (ie. not totally upright), but close. Selecting different components could have made it even more upright

Other advantage is that it has better stock components and weighs less than most other Dutch bikes in that price class

Permalink Reply by rb on August 10, 2012 at 1:05am

Have you checked out the Torker Graduate?

http://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commute/2012-graduate

Has drum brakes, saw one last week- looked pretty tight. It also looks like it comes in a bunch of sizes- surprised that I have not seen more of these!

Permalink Reply by Liz on August 10, 2012 at 3:13am

A Linus roadster sport would fit your budget 

http://www.citygrounds.com/linus/linus-roadster-sport-828

Permalink Reply by April on August 10, 2012 at 4:35am

The KHS Green at Roscoe village bikes is going for $410 right now.  I seriously considered it before getting my Trek Belleville: http://www.khsbicycles.com/09_green_07.htm  Good luck!!!

Permalink Reply by Casey Carnes on August 10, 2012 at 5:20am

+1 on the graduate.  That is a lot of bike for the money!

rb said:

Have you checked out the Torker Graduate?

http://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commute/2012-graduate

Has drum brakes, saw one last week- looked pretty tight. It also looks like it comes in a bunch of sizes- surprised that I have not seen more of these!

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