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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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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