Going Dutch

Ok, so you may be saying, where can I get these Dutch bikes? Well, in DC the options are limited, but do exist.

The Bike Rack has been open since 2007, located at 14th and Q Streets. They are the only DC dealer (or East Coast dealer south of New York) that carries Batavus, the Dutch brand that's been making quality bikes since 1904. Pictured are the Old Dutch Classic (foreground, priced at $825) and the Favoriet ($1000), which has a cargo-style front rack.

They also carry the Batavus BuB at $650, and can order other models. For another option with chainguard, fenders etc, there's the Giant Via ranging from $380 to $550.

I took my Electra there for a minor issue and found their service to be very friendly, quick, and knowledgable.

Batavus vs Electra

Sounds like a pro wrestling match. But no, from the blog of Curbside Cycles, a Toronto bike shop specializing in Dutch bikes:

Batavus versus the Electra Amsterdam

There's a long but vigorous and interesting debate in the comments, comparing these two bikes. So if you're considering buying a Dutch bike, it's a very informative thread.

I still love and stand by my Amsterdam, especially for the price and lighter weight, but it does have its flaws. The Batavus does sound really well-made, like a bike to last a lifetime. The Volvo of bikes.

To be fair, it's not really a fair comparision. Batavus is a storied Dutch brand with decades of experience satisfying the discriminating Dutch customer. Electra is just getting into the citizen cycling game, relatively. The two bikes are not really in the same league or price point, though here is a Batavus three-speed that's only a bit more expensive than the Electra and would last longer even if you store it outside.

Trumping the Joneses

This is a short and savvy ad for Batavus bikes. In Dutch but you'll get the idea easily, or for a translation check the post on Cycle Chic here.

Bike of the Day - Batavus Old Dutch Step Through

Available at Adeline Adeline in New York. From their website:

An authentic Dutch bicycle, straight from the source: a century-old, environmentally-conscious company in the Netherlands.