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Can a "Dutch" utility bike be made in the US?
(sopuli.xyz)
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this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2024
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The closest production bike available in the US similar to omafiets would be the beach cruiser. They're available as a single-speed with/without coaster brakes, or internally geared, have wide handle bars, step-through or stylish but still easy mounting frame, and often have color-matched basket and rack options.
Careful with what you wish for. Omafiets and cruisers work where there aren't significant hills. Heavy single speeds really suck when you're faces with even a moderate 4% grade. Practical urban bikes in the US really need some gearing.
I figured a 3 speed would be enough for my area.
Let us window gaze then!
PUBLIC offers some nice internally geared city bikes and beach cruisers. Their 8i series is their top end. It's steel, has a 8-speed internal geared hub, fenders included, and with handles set for upright riding. Their optional rack looks like it pairs well with the frame. 8i series drive train gearing is something on the order of 28 to 86 gear inches. The cheaper 7i series is approximately 33 to 82 gear inches. Both are quite reasonable for city gearing with the 8i being easier for going up hills and an extra gear for better cadence matching.
Trek makes a beautiful city bike: the District 4 Equipped and has a step through version. Dynamo hub for always on lighting and the rack is included. Capable gearing at approximately 30 to 92 gear inches. IMHO, the best part is a Gates CDX carbon belt drive. Belt drives are even lower maintenance than a traditional bike chain. Never lube a chain again, battle with rust or road gunk, or become sad mid-ride with sand, mud, or ice fouling.
Speaking of belt drives, Priority specializes in them and has a big selection of commuting and recreational bikes. They even have a folding bike, which can be nice if you're stuck needing to drive or take a bus for one leg of a trip.
Handsome makes frames and will build a bike to your spec. For example, you can spec their mixte bike ("She Devil") with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed. Sellers like these are a great option, but I recommend finding a LBS willing to take a shipment and do final assembly work on it. Shipping completed bikes is expensive and you'll still need tune-ups now and then.
I'm sure there's more out there, but that's enough shopping for me today. Who else has thoughts? Or perhaps other neat finds?
Elecra has a nice Townie line and lots of accessories . They started as being a company inspired by Amsterdam bikes. Later bought by TREK bikes. https://electra.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/bikes/electra-bikes/townie/c/EB300/#breadcrumbs
I ran across the Elecra but the issue I have is they run derailleurs. Derailleurs are just not as reliable as a fixed or internally geared bike. They're easily bent, causing shifting headaches, and their exposure makes them susceptible to dirt and ice.
All my bikes have them, hence my often used and favorite tool is a derailleur hanger alignment tool.
Internal has advantages for sure. Surprisingly I have never had issues with my derailer though, even riding all winter in snow, slush, ice, or summer gravel trails. Once a year cable lube and adjusting the two hi low screws is all I have had to do.
Yeah, it's a hit or miss kind of thing. Some folk have zero issues with them. Also the nice thing with derailleurs is their cheap access to the huge gear range and count of cassettes.
Still, one of NJB's talking points in his love letter to the omafiets is the lack of a derailleur. I'm taking that as a hard requirement of finding a US equivalent bike.
Yeah I think only the Electra Go versions have the internal hub gearing, but thar pushes you to the cost and weight that comes with battery assist