| Re: Dutch Bikes, Literally
Elisa Francesca Roselli <Elisa.Francesca.Roselli@quadratec-software.com> wrote in message news:<3FA7A32C.AE565976@quadratec-software.com>...
> I'm still scouring the market for a bicycle that has all the comfort and
> safety features I want.
>
> Two Saturdays ago I visited a dealer in the 16th Arrondissment who
> specializes in Dutch bikes. <SNIP>
>
> The dealer told me this was because this kind of model is not sold in
> France. People who live in Paris intramuros want city-bikes, but don't
> want to spend more than a couple hundred because the bikes are too
> easily stolen if they have to be parked in the street. Consequently the
> upmarket city-bike has a poor sales performance here. It requires a
> garage with a private box, a suburban configuration, but suburbanites
> seem to prefer VTTs, especially in hilly Essonne.
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Elisa Francesca Roselli
> Ile de France
The "real" Dutch bikes are truly magnificent, and I can sympathize
with your desire for one. Great finish, lots of accessories, total
comfort. Very classy and very classic.
But did you say "hilly Essonne"? The Oase is said to weigh almost
22kg (48 lbs). In fact, that is not terribly out of line for a
fully-equipped Dutch city bike, but it may explain why so few are sold
in France. How it is that an aluminum-framed bike can weigh that much
is still something of a mystery to me, but the same is true of the
Gazelle and Batavus offerings.
The 8-speed gearing on the Oase will probably get you up the hills,
but it will be VERY slow going. Unless you are planning to keep it in
Paris, are you sure this is the right style of bike for you? A hybrid
("loisir" or "VTC" as opposed to "Ville") might make a better choice,
even if you have to add some of the accessories yourself.
Also to consider: the Decathlon City 5 is said to weigh 4kg less than
the Oase, sells for one-third as much and is probably easier to get
hold of. Less a work of art, but also less of an investment. The
21-speed derailleur gearing may also offer some greater flexibility,
although it requires more careful maintenance.
Hope this helps,
Peter Storey
|