Dutch style bike

[Yearsyonder]

What bike would you buy?

I want a Dutch style bike (I think). I want one that I can hop onto in my normal clothes and potter off to the shops, or down the canal path to meet up with friends. I really want a basket! So basically I really like the idea of a Dutch style bike, but in practise I'm not sure I've been on one more than once or twice...

Do you own one? Do you like it? Does the weight cause you problems? I live in a pretty flat area so not too worried about hills, but don't want to be put off from riding it.

I've looked at the Pashley Princess, a Gazelle Esprit, the Roni Islabike, the Liv Alight City disc 2.

Help!!

I've got a Bobbin Brownie which I love immensely. It has 7 gears and is lighter than some. I had a dynamo fitted and use it on the tow paths regularly. I have arthritis so needed a step through frame and something that I could manage easily. However if I had the money I probably would have bought a Pashley Princess.

I have a genuine Dutch Cortina that still runs beautifully with minimal maintenance after 10 years. It's super comfortable, no weight on your shoulders and safer in traffic because you're high up and can look around. The flip side is they're heavy and slow so you can't ride aggressively or accelerate out of dangerous situations. You have to rely on everyone else giving you plenty of space.

One issue you might have in the UK is that in NL no one does their own maintenance, not even changing an inner tube. That means Dutch bikes can be quite hard to get apart, which makes them super robust but not so easy to service at home. A British bike may be easier for you to fix if you don't have a bike shop but might not be as robust. Gazelle are the Volvos of bikes, so I'd expect one to last at least 15 years if cared for.

Decathlon do some pretty reasonable town bikes too and theirs are easy to service.

Thank you fro your replies! I hadn't thought about difficulty of maintenance - such a good point to consider and research.

I've found a second hand Pashley that I may try. Least that way if I don't like it I can sell it on again.

Any other expedriences anyone?

I have a Dawes Duchess which I like. I got it cheaper than this though.

startfitness.co.uk/products/dawes-duchess-deluxe-womens-hybrid-bike-burgundy?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuMuRBhCJARIsAHXdnqOXxZea97gnMv_tZcGpXj86T5ym_YUlVNeOUWjCBPA_HLCKu7xIlXEaAsBdEALw_wcB

My bike isn't a full step through frame but I have a Raleigh ladies' touring bike which is lighter than a lot of Dutch bikes but which I can still ride in a skirt on and even in high heels for a night out etc, and which would take a basket. So you don't necessarily need to have a Dutch bike to have that ease of use you're looking for.

I think it was a Bobbin I got about 4 years ago but a 21 gear model as I live somewhere with very long steep hills.

I need up right otherwise my upper back really hurts. I don't love it as much as my original 3 gear Dutch bike but it's close enough.

I always cycle in dresses and heels with a pair of shorts on too 🤣

I have a hybrid bike rather than a Dutch style one, similar to this one:
www.liv-cycling.com/gb/bikes-alight
It's a good bit lighter than a traditional Dutch bike, but still has the low step through. I use both a basket and panniers.

However, even with the mudguards (and rack) I can't cycle in a skirt - my skirts tend to be midi or maxi and fairly full - if you prefer something shorter or with less material you'll probably be OK. Some Dutch bikes have skirt guards; most have fuller chain guard (I've just got a ring protector); you would need both to keep most skirts clean!

I've spent a couple of holidays in the Netherlands hiring bikes to get around and couldn't believe how easy they were to ride. I did a four day shop with basket and panniers and pootled back to the tent no problem. I did notice the weight and that I had been given children's bikes 😳 because apparently in the Netherlands I am child sized, but as long as your terrain isn't that hilly it should be fine.