Comments on: JORG & OLIF: Dutch City Bikes http://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/ Future-forward design for the world you inhabit Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:12 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: socialmedichttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-2/#comment-107723 socialmedic Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:55:09 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-107723 Italians make a verson of the retro ductch bike and I boght a women\\\'s bike in black for 160 Euro a little over a yaar ago, rode it in Europe and had it shipped back via British Airways/American which cold have cost about 180 euro had they not misplaced my luggage at Gatwcik. The quality left something to be desired but it was light weight, which was great for carrying it up and down subway stairs, came with lights, a front and rear rack with a basket mounted onto the front rack which made ithe basket very stable. I can not recall the maker as the hazard with importing a bike like this (they are everywhere in Vicenza, Italy) is that in the USA people will stalk your bike and steal it. This is the second retro cruiser I have owned, the first being an Electra, American bike, which was stolen two years before I bought this Italian version. In both cases the theives stole the bikes from the locked bike room inside of my building; in both cases I had temporary problems with my bike lock which means the theif knew, out of the hundreds of days the bikes were locked up ,which were the rare and exact days the bike was in the building without a lock. And they were the only bikes stolen from the bike room in each instance. Frankly I am very distrurbed about being stalked for my bicycle and I definately would not pay 1500 or more for this kind of bike, the REAL article, because it WILL get stolen sooner or later. If you are going to ride a cool - looking bike like this you attract unwated attention - keep the real article in a safe or museum - get an easily replacable cheapie replica to ride in real life. Italians make a verson of the retro ductch bike and I boght a women\\\’s bike in black for 160 Euro a little over a yaar ago, rode it in Europe and had it shipped back via British Airways/American which cold have cost about 180 euro had they not misplaced my luggage at Gatwcik. The quality left something to be desired but it was light weight, which was great for carrying it up and down subway stairs, came with lights, a front and rear rack with a basket mounted onto the front rack which made ithe basket very stable. I can not recall the maker as the hazard with importing a bike like this (they are everywhere in Vicenza, Italy) is that in the USA people will stalk your bike and steal it. This is the second retro cruiser I have owned, the first being an Electra, American bike, which was stolen two years before I bought this Italian version. In both cases the theives stole the bikes from the locked bike room inside of my building; in both cases I had temporary problems with my bike lock which means the theif knew, out of the hundreds of days the bikes were locked up ,which were the rare and exact days the bike was in the building without a lock. And they were the only bikes stolen from the bike room in each instance. Frankly I am very distrurbed about being stalked for my bicycle and I definately would not pay 1500 or more for this kind of bike, the REAL article, because it WILL get stolen sooner or later. If you are going to ride a cool – looking bike like this you attract unwated attention – keep the real article in a safe or museum – get an easily replacable cheapie replica to ride in real life.

]]> By: wilfredenhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-2/#comment-92556 wilfreden Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:24:01 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-92556 Interesting comment Amelia. But on to this whole price issue: it's not that much money for a quality bicycle. I do agree with the comment about the external dynamo. AXA HR is perhaps the best of the externals and they crap out eventually. I priced similar models (high end Batavus, and Speiche) in Germany in July '08 and when you do the EUR/$ crunch - works out to be about the same - plus you get parts that are "revolutionary" to the bone-headed American bicycle market.. like.... Intergrated Dyno-hubs and disc brake combo's, the ability to sit up straight like a human and not like some troll - as you do with conventional American "commuter" bikes. These classic Holland bikes are in my opinion so fricken comfortable and easy to use. Batavus even makes them with intergrated rear wheel locking units (standard in many European bicycles) PLUS a long pull-out locking cable that nests inside the frame when not being used. Revolutionary. Imagine NOT having to carry a heavy lock with you everywhere you go? Velorbis (http://www.velorbis.com/) is also a superb bike manufacturer out of Germany and shops like the Dutch Bike Co. in Seattle and The Dutch Bicycle Company in Cambridge, MA sell them (http://www.dutchbikes.us/) Velorbis is an amazing bike. The 8 speed delivery cycle is perhaps THE ultimate in-the-city cycle. The run up to just under $2k each. I think the important thing to remember is that these bikes have primarily two demographic sets: people with expendable income who are into quality, and urbanites who choose to forego the CAR option and want a sturdy, quality cycle with old-world charm. Sure you could get that Schwinn or Raleigh - but it ain't gonna feel the same and not as comfortable. Interesting comment Amelia. But on to this whole price issue: it’s not that much money for a quality bicycle. I do agree with the comment about the external dynamo. AXA HR is perhaps the best of the externals and they crap out eventually. I priced similar models (high end Batavus, and Speiche) in Germany in July ‘08 and when you do the EUR/$ crunch – works out to be about the same – plus you get parts that are “revolutionary” to the bone-headed American bicycle market.. like…. Intergrated Dyno-hubs and disc brake combo’s, the ability to sit up straight like a human and not like some troll – as you do with conventional American “commuter” bikes. These classic Holland bikes are in my opinion so fricken comfortable and easy to use. Batavus even makes them with intergrated rear wheel locking units (standard in many European bicycles) PLUS a long pull-out locking cable that nests inside the frame when not being used. Revolutionary. Imagine NOT having to carry a heavy lock with you everywhere you go? Velorbis (http://www.velorbis.com/) is also a superb bike manufacturer out of Germany and shops like the Dutch Bike Co. in Seattle and The Dutch Bicycle Company in Cambridge, MA sell them (http://www.dutchbikes.us/) Velorbis is an amazing bike. The 8 speed delivery cycle is perhaps THE ultimate in-the-city cycle. The run up to just under $2k each. I think the important thing to remember is that these bikes have primarily two demographic sets: people with expendable income who are into quality, and urbanites who choose to forego the CAR option and want a sturdy, quality cycle with old-world charm. Sure you could get that Schwinn or Raleigh – but it ain’t gonna feel the same and not as comfortable.

]]> By: Amelia B. Eclaveahttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-2/#comment-67737 Amelia B. Eclavea Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:56:43 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-67737 For a lot less than the price range of $795 to $1295, one can have a bicycle that can pedal in the conventional circular pedaling mode, plus 5 additional innovative pedaling strokes, including one that closely resembles a person's natural walking and running/jogging motion. You have the option of pedaling in six different ways. These bikes are now being used for training by the China National Bicycle Team, as they gear up for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The 6-Way Pedaling Component Part can be installed on any conventional bicycle, to convert the bike into a multi-function two-wheeled vehicle.A bike enthusiast from Rochester, NY For a lot less than the price range of $795 to $1295, one can have a bicycle that can pedal in the conventional circular pedaling mode, plus 5 additional innovative pedaling strokes, including one that closely resembles a person’s natural walking and running/jogging motion. You have the option of pedaling in six different ways.
These bikes are now being used for training by the China National Bicycle Team, as they gear up for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The 6-Way Pedaling Component Part can be installed on any conventional bicycle, to convert the bike into a multi-function two-wheeled vehicle.

A bike enthusiast from Rochester, NY

]]> By: Dave from New Englandhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-2/#comment-62838 Dave from New England Sun, 09 Dec 2007 04:36:25 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-62838 To DanI have confirmation from Jorg and Olif that there original series of bicycles ARE made by Azor.You may want to contact them and confirm, after all you are the "designated importer for N. America".Cheers Dave To Dan

I have confirmation from Jorg and Olif that there original series of bicycles ARE made by Azor.

You may want to contact them and confirm, after all you are the “designated importer for N. America”.

Cheers
Dave

]]> By: Coup de Villehttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-57926 Coup de Ville Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:20:01 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-57926 I usually buy my bikes off craigslist, for about $50- 100 bucks then dial them in the way I like: Brook saddle, cetma racks, puncture resistant slicks, minor adjustments then regularly pump up the tires and lube the chain. Yeah they don't look so pretty but they also don't get stolen here in the SF bay (SF-Oakland-Berkeley) area and I commute and ride almost every day. People want that euro bike style to reflect their upper- class privledge of riding around properly but I'm not knockin' it - Hey its your money, if that is what it takes to get you out of your car and on the steets, fine, just make sure you don't scrape the paint........ I usually buy my bikes off craigslist, for about $50- 100 bucks then dial them in the way I like: Brook saddle, cetma racks, puncture resistant slicks, minor adjustments then regularly pump up the tires and lube the chain. Yeah they don’t look so pretty but they also don’t get stolen here in the SF bay (SF-Oakland-Berkeley) area and I commute and ride almost every day. People want that euro bike style to reflect their upper- class privledge of riding around properly but I’m not knockin’ it – Hey its your money, if that is what it takes to get you out of your car and on the steets, fine, just make sure you don’t scrape the paint……..

]]> By: doggohttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-56031 doggo Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:24:28 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-56031 For those of you shocked by the price and making suggestions about used bikes, etc. Many of you don't live in the U.S. Let me tell you, finding bikes like these here in the U.S. is next to impossible. And it's all about the bike geometry, slack seat & head tube angles, high stems. Yes, you can find old Schwinns, etc., but many of them have much tighter geometry than these bikes. Old Raleigh's come closest, but these, like the Schwinns are being snapped up by collectors and re-sellers. So the old saw about getting and old used one isn't the panacea you think it is.The J & O's, Azor, Batavus, & Pashleys are all styles of bikes that haven't been available new in the U.S. for decades. Raleigh, the most familiar to Americans, doesn't distribute their similarly styled bikes in the U.S., though they do in Denmark.As for the price, I don't know about the J & Os, but looking at the Azors I can see why. Having attempted to modify an American market bike to replicate these bikes (before I even knew about them), I can tell you, the price is all about the components & craftsmanship. Lugged steel frames, internally geared & dynamo & brake hubs all cost a pretty penny, I've built up what was ostensibly a cruiser into something close to an Azor GT, and it cost well over $1000 in the end.These are the bikes you buy once, and they last you the rest of your life. Without going to the bike shop for "tuning" in the spring.And for you Americans scoffing, read this: http://clevercycles.com/?p=193Then think about your numb hands and sore necks. Imagine basing your handlebar choice on how many hand positions you can have (because your hands go numb if you don't move 'em around occasionally).Just for the record, I'm not a bicycle-racing-wannabe-weight-weenie. I would never consider wearing lycra for commuting to work, and I don't worry about air resistance. For those of you shocked by the price and making suggestions about used bikes, etc. Many of you don’t live in the U.S. Let me tell you, finding bikes like these here in the U.S. is next to impossible. And it’s all about the bike geometry, slack seat & head tube angles, high stems. Yes, you can find old Schwinns, etc., but many of them have much tighter geometry than these bikes. Old Raleigh’s come closest, but these, like the Schwinns are being snapped up by collectors and re-sellers. So the old saw about getting and old used one isn’t the panacea you think it is.

The J & O’s, Azor, Batavus, & Pashleys are all styles of bikes that haven’t been available new in the U.S. for decades. Raleigh, the most familiar to Americans, doesn’t distribute their similarly styled bikes in the U.S., though they do in Denmark.

As for the price, I don’t know about the J & Os, but looking at the Azors I can see why. Having attempted to modify an American market bike to replicate these bikes (before I even knew about them), I can tell you, the price is all about the components & craftsmanship. Lugged steel frames, internally geared & dynamo & brake hubs all cost a pretty penny, I’ve built up what was ostensibly a cruiser into something close to an Azor GT, and it cost well over $1000 in the end.

These are the bikes you buy once, and they last you the rest of your life. Without going to the bike shop for “tuning” in the spring.

And for you Americans scoffing, read this: http://clevercycles.com/?p=193

Then think about your numb hands and sore necks. Imagine basing your handlebar choice on how many hand positions you can have (because your hands go numb if you don’t move ‘em around occasionally).

Just for the record, I’m not a bicycle-racing-wannabe-weight-weenie. I would never consider wearing lycra for commuting to work, and I don’t worry about air resistance.

]]> By: eric @ curbside cycle / fourth floor distributionhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-54713 eric @ curbside cycle / fourth floor distribution Tue, 02 Oct 2007 05:46:00 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-54713 Answer for Micheal (above): As the first (and largest) distributor of both Pashley and Batavus in North America I know the differences between the bikes well. Both bikes are made in their respective homelands, so quality is top notch. However, the Pashley is made start to finish by one expert welder. The building one bike frame can take up to three days! Pashley's tend to ride different than the Batavus since the handlebars have more sweep, the cockpit is significantly longer, and the headtube is not quite so high. It has a more 'leisurely' feel about it, where the Batavus - no surprise - feels more 'practical'. Moreover, the Pashley is certainly more of a 'luxury item', it is not made to withstand the insane abuses a Netherlander hurls at their bikes. Or, it is the kind of bike you would want to baby, because each Pashley is a work of art. If you leave your bike outside year round and count on it to be rust free, low maintenance, and still pretty, go with the Batavus. And don't knock the price, folks. Try shopping around in North America for a bike that will (a) keep your clothing clean (b) is extremely low maintenance (c) is rust proof (d) is theft resistant (e) not made in China (f) is extremely upright, safe, and comfortable, and you won't find it. The Dutch pay big bucks for their bikes partly because they like doing things right the first time, and partly because they expect to still ride their bike to be riding perfectly 25 years from now. Quality means something different in Holland and the Dutch are willing to pay for it - and so should we. As an importer I can also assure you that shipping, duties, and the exchange rate add a frightening amount of extra cost to the bikes, and that markups are quite low. So don't worry, no one's laughing to the bank, at least I'm not! But my customers, at least, are finally riding bikes that make sense. And that makes me very happy. Answer for Micheal (above): As the first (and largest) distributor of both Pashley and Batavus in North America I know the differences between the bikes well. Both bikes are made in their respective homelands, so quality is top notch. However, the Pashley is made start to finish by one expert welder. The building one bike frame can take up to three days! Pashley’s tend to ride different than the Batavus since the handlebars have more sweep, the cockpit is significantly longer, and the headtube is not quite so high. It has a more ‘leisurely’ feel about it, where the Batavus – no surprise – feels more ‘practical’. Moreover, the Pashley is certainly more of a ‘luxury item’, it is not made to withstand the insane abuses a Netherlander hurls at their bikes. Or, it is the kind of bike you would want to baby, because each Pashley is a work of art. If you leave your bike outside year round and count on it to be rust free, low maintenance, and still pretty, go with the Batavus. And don’t knock the price, folks. Try shopping around in North America for a bike that will (a) keep your clothing clean (b) is extremely low maintenance (c) is rust proof (d) is theft resistant (e) not made in China (f) is extremely upright, safe, and comfortable, and you won’t find it. The Dutch pay big bucks for their bikes partly because they like doing things right the first time, and partly because they expect to still ride their bike to be riding perfectly 25 years from now. Quality means something different in Holland and the Dutch are willing to pay for it – and so should we. As an importer I can also assure you that shipping, duties, and the exchange rate add a frightening amount of extra cost to the bikes, and that markups are quite low. So don’t worry, no one’s laughing to the bank, at least I’m not! But my customers, at least, are finally riding bikes that make sense. And that makes me very happy.

]]> By: JNhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-54167 JN Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:10:01 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-54167 I’d have to agree with Iris and disagree with Dan. If you go to Azor’s dutch website www.azor.nl you can see they have links to distributors worldwide. If you click “Canada” under the red and white maple flag, you are directed to Jorg & Olif. That the price is reasonable can be easily inferred from the Euro prices for the Azor originals. As for the quality, as far as I know, Azor is one notch higher than Batavus (and pricier too). I’d have to agree with Iris and disagree with Dan. If you go to Azor’s dutch website http://www.azor.nl you can see they have links to distributors worldwide. If you click “Canada” under the red and white maple flag, you are directed to Jorg & Olif. That the price is reasonable can be easily inferred from the Euro prices for the Azor originals. As for the quality, as far as I know, Azor is one notch higher than Batavus (and pricier too).

]]> By: Robinhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-53622 Robin Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:34:07 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-53622 I ride a Batavus "Old Dutch" and until you've ridden one, you shouldn't knock the price. I live in hilly upstate NY and haven't met a hill I can't eventually get up. This is a "lifestyle" choice kind of bike. If you're in a hurry and need to get everywhere ASAP, this is not the bike for you. This is the bike that symbolizes the European laid-back attitude that Americans (myself being one) just don't embrace.I park this bike on my back porch and ride it to the market, the produce stand and for toodles around the village with my 11 year old son circling me on his mountain bike. On this bike, you are sitting upright (nice for the abs and hips, BTW) with good posture and a nice leg extension. Arms are comfortably resting on the handlebars, not at all stretched forward. Legs do all the work - there is no pulling with arms up hill. Exercise with a point, I like that. Plus, no pressure on the wrists.The price was steep. I ordered through my local bike shop, who is a Redline distributor. With shipping and NY state taxes, I paid $970 for my final bike purchase. Already, I have driven my car half of my normal usage and am contemplating selling it, though it is a diesel Jetta, so that seems a bit rash.Everyone who sees this bike smiles and it's not hard to see why. It's gorgeous as well as solidly built. It weighs a ton and rides like butter. Go try it. Really. I ride a Batavus “Old Dutch” and until you’ve ridden one, you shouldn’t knock the price. I live in hilly upstate NY and haven’t met a hill I can’t eventually get up. This is a “lifestyle” choice kind of bike. If you’re in a hurry and need to get everywhere ASAP, this is not the bike for you. This is the bike that symbolizes the European laid-back attitude that Americans (myself being one) just don’t embrace.

I park this bike on my back porch and ride it to the market, the produce stand and for toodles around the village with my 11 year old son circling me on his mountain bike. On this bike, you are sitting upright (nice for the abs and hips, BTW) with good posture and a nice leg extension. Arms are comfortably resting on the handlebars, not at all stretched forward. Legs do all the work – there is no pulling with arms up hill. Exercise with a point, I like that. Plus, no pressure on the wrists.

The price was steep. I ordered through my local bike shop, who is a Redline distributor. With shipping and NY state taxes, I paid $970 for my final bike purchase. Already, I have driven my car half of my normal usage and am contemplating selling it, though it is a diesel Jetta, so that seems a bit rash.

Everyone who sees this bike smiles and it’s not hard to see why. It’s gorgeous as well as solidly built. It weighs a ton and rides like butter. Go try it. Really.

]]> By: Dan Sorgerhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-53423 Dan Sorger Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:46:32 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-53423 As the designated importer for N. America I can say that these bicycles are NOT Azor bikes, Azor hand-builds their bikes. Please don't confuse a real Dutch Bike with an imitation. The materials used and the build quality are noticeably higher with the real thing. As the designated importer for N. America I can say that these bicycles are NOT Azor bikes, Azor hand-builds their bikes. Please don’t confuse a real Dutch Bike with an imitation. The materials used and the build quality are noticeably higher with the real thing.

]]> By:   Las bicis más sexys  -  Salvador Biedmahttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-52554   Las bicis más sexys  -  Salvador Biedma Sat, 08 Sep 2007 23:56:30 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-52554 [...] THE JORG & OLIF CITY BIKE [...] [...] THE JORG & OLIF CITY BIKE [...]

]]> By: Irishttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-52128 Iris Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:06:05 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-52128 A lot of people are comparing prices without knowing what the different bikes' specs are. You can definately find one of these bikes for $300-$500 in the states with a little searching. BUT, this will be 1 or 3 speed only and with backpedal breakes (awkward and inconvenient for smooth city riding I think). The higher priced models usually are better made and also have much nicer components. The Azor bike, from what I've learned, is actually top quality even in Holland. The Oma Lux model which has 8 speeds (smooth shimano gears) and front and rear hand brakes sells for probably $900-$1000 in Amsterdam. Here you cannot find it for under $1472.00 new. Not too bad of a mark-up considering shipping costs and business expenses for these US importers (the Dutch Bike Co.Portland/Seattle).I looked in to getting the Spectra "Amsterdam" ($500 Dutch inspired american bike) re-worked to have hand brakes and more gears and it is not possible. Even if it were it would bring the cost up to probably $1000 anyway so might as well get the original dutch bile that is hand built to last a lifetime.As far as the Dutch people and others who are laughing at us stupid Americans wasting our money on these bikes, I love you guys but you obviously don't understand that the cheaper bikes you speak of are not available to us in this country. I know because I have spent hours upon hours researching on the internet and I have even called the UK and Germany (the Ebay seller) importers. The only way is to go there and buy one and bring it back with you or have a friend who lives there do it.Bottom line the azor 8 speed for $1400+ is absolutely the only of its kind available in the US (or Canada as far as I can tell). Living in hilly Seattle and not being an avid rider, the 8 speed is an absolute must and I think switching from car to this bike is definitely a step (pedal) in the right direction!FYI: I don't have one because I can't afford it:( A lot of people are comparing prices without knowing what the different bikes’ specs are. You can definately find one of these bikes for $300-$500 in the states with a little searching. BUT, this will be 1 or 3 speed only and with backpedal breakes (awkward and inconvenient for smooth city riding I think). The higher priced models usually are better made and also have much nicer components. The Azor bike, from what I’ve learned, is actually top quality even in Holland. The Oma Lux model which has 8 speeds (smooth shimano gears) and front and rear hand brakes sells for probably $900-$1000 in Amsterdam. Here you cannot find it for under $1472.00 new. Not too bad of a mark-up considering shipping costs and business expenses for these US importers (the Dutch Bike Co.Portland/Seattle).

I looked in to getting the Spectra “Amsterdam” ($500 Dutch inspired american bike) re-worked to have hand brakes and more gears and it is not possible. Even if it were it would bring the cost up to probably $1000 anyway so might as well get the original dutch bile that is hand built to last a lifetime.

As far as the Dutch people and others who are laughing at us stupid Americans wasting our money on these bikes, I love you guys but you obviously don’t understand that the cheaper bikes you speak of are not available to us in this country. I know because I have spent hours upon hours researching on the internet and I have even called the UK and Germany (the Ebay seller) importers. The only way is to go there and buy one and bring it back with you or have a friend who lives there do it.

Bottom line the azor 8 speed for $1400+ is absolutely the only of its kind available in the US (or Canada as far as I can tell). Living in hilly Seattle and not being an avid rider, the 8 speed is an absolute must and I think switching from car to this bike is definitely a step (pedal) in the right direction!

FYI: I don’t have one because I can’t afford it:(

]]> By: Michaelhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-51979 Michael Sat, 01 Sep 2007 22:14:50 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-51979 Fascinated by the debate. Pashley seems to be the UK gold standard on these type of bikes. Anybody got a comment on comparing the Pashely roadster with the Duch bikes? For me, comfort is all. Armchair Brooks saddles are the first thing I look for. I'm considering going to work (in a suit0 on a bike with a briefcase on the back - and I love the upright posture, not least because I have bad back. Any suggestions? Fascinated by the debate. Pashley seems to be the UK gold standard on these type of bikes. Anybody got a comment on comparing the Pashely roadster with the Duch bikes? For me, comfort is all. Armchair Brooks saddles are the first thing I look for. I’m considering going to work (in a suit0 on a bike with a briefcase on the back – and I love the upright posture, not least because I have bad back. Any suggestions?

]]> By: Billhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-51638 Bill Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:34:14 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-51638 After quite a bit of research, I got the Electra Amsterdam (Classic) a few months ago and absolutely love it. It singlehandedly got me back on a bike after 25 years. I couldn't stomach most of the bikes in my local bike shop. The Electra is smooth and fun to ride, the gears work out fine for my errands and commuting around Washington DC. Of course I'm not trying for speed and have nothing to compare it to. And it's probably not ideal for long weekend jaunts. But being able to wear normal clothes was a must (fenders, covered chain, etc), and I really like the upright riding position for comfort and seeing better. To me, this bike really gets it right. And it does turn heads, people can't believe it was only $550. The quality/feel is quite good, though the rear wheel skirt thing does rattle a bit on certain bumps. Otherwise it's tight and quiet, with nice details like the leather handgrips.The J&O look really nice and assuming they are as well made as people say, would seem to be worth the price. Just a bit more than I wanted to pay, so the Electra made more sense. I don't really understand the hostility. Some don't mind a 20-year-old rehabbed bike, others prefer a premium/new product. So?I hope bikes like these help redefine the whole US bicycle culture (which to me sometimes seems grim and defensive, with good reason sometimes of course, considering our built environment...). The main point should be getting vastly more people onto bikes. These kinds of bikes might help do that, I know it did for me. After quite a bit of research, I got the Electra Amsterdam (Classic) a few months ago and absolutely love it. It singlehandedly got me back on a bike after 25 years. I couldn’t stomach most of the bikes in my local bike shop. The Electra is smooth and fun to ride, the gears work out fine for my errands and commuting around Washington DC. Of course I’m not trying for speed and have nothing to compare it to. And it’s probably not ideal for long weekend jaunts. But being able to wear normal clothes was a must (fenders, covered chain, etc), and I really like the upright riding position for comfort and seeing better. To me, this bike really gets it right. And it does turn heads, people can’t believe it was only $550. The quality/feel is quite good, though the rear wheel skirt thing does rattle a bit on certain bumps. Otherwise it’s tight and quiet, with nice details like the leather handgrips.

The J&O look really nice and assuming they are as well made as people say, would seem to be worth the price. Just a bit more than I wanted to pay, so the Electra made more sense. I don’t really understand the hostility. Some don’t mind a 20-year-old rehabbed bike, others prefer a premium/new product. So?

I hope bikes like these help redefine the whole US bicycle culture (which to me sometimes seems grim and defensive, with good reason sometimes of course, considering our built environment…). The main point should be getting vastly more people onto bikes. These kinds of bikes might help do that, I know it did for me.

]]> By: Richardhttp://www.inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/comment-page-1/#comment-51503 Richard Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:25:17 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/2006/11/20/jorg-olif-dutch-city-bikes/#comment-51503 I bought this bike. The design is beautiful and nostalgic. It is made very well. I agree it is too heavy and going up hill is more difficult. The tires are too wide causing drag. Traded in my old Reliegh which was faster and lighter. Still, I am glad I got the bike. It is a matter of style rather than racing, climbing mountains or going long distance which I never did anyway. It is flat where I live and touring through farms, small towns and parks is a pleasure. I feel like I am in some foreign film or on a Tuscany vacation. This bike is not practical, does not make sense and is not for everyone. I bought this bike. The design is beautiful and nostalgic. It is made very well. I agree it is too heavy and going up hill is more difficult. The tires are too wide causing drag. Traded in my old Reliegh which was faster and lighter. Still, I am glad I got the bike. It is a matter of style rather than racing, climbing mountains or going long distance which I never did anyway. It is flat where I live and touring through farms, small towns and parks is a pleasure. I feel like I am in some foreign film or on a Tuscany vacation. This bike is not practical, does not make sense and is not for everyone.

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