*Update: For all you Dutch city bike fans, well-known bike and parts distributor, Seattle Bike Supply will be importing Batavus bikes from Holland. See this comment for more details and a photo from Interbike]
As a follow up to my post about Electra’s new Amsterdam city bike, Bike Gallery’s marketing guy Kris Schamp has just posted more information and photos they took at the recent Interbike trade show.
Apparently their head buyer was so impressed with the bike at the show that they’ve put in an order for 200 bikes that should be available by mid-December.
Schamp also reports that the bike will be available in men’s and women’s styles and come in two different models; the fully loaded “Classic” with all the bells and whistles, and a pared down “Sport” version. Color choices include black, white, green, red, butter cream and a “Cape Cod” blue.
In typical Electra fashion, they’re keeping things simple and keeping the price at $550 for all models. Nice.
See more photos of the Amsterdam and read more details over on BikeGallery.com.
Can’t wait. We are getting a his and hers 🙂
But not as cool as my Specialized Globe…why did they quite making the Globe?
The Globe is coming back Lenny! Check out this Interbike report on the Bicycling magazine blog.
Oh, DAMN. I want this bike so bad I just about licked my monitor.
Of course, I was just referred to this article in Dutch which seems to indicate that Batavus will be bringing their Omafiets to America:
http://www.nu.nl/news/839039/30/Batavus_wil_omafiets_slijten_aan_Amerikanen.html
It refers to the high price of gasoline and a growing interest in city- and sport-bikes in North America. It also mentions that while bicycling is a good way to get to and from work, it’s also popular in the states for recreation, but more and more it’s health that gets people on bikes. “There are lots of obese people searching for new exercise options.”
They’re going to start with about 1500 willing dealers in larger cities. They’re also developing a Batavus USA website.
So, that’s my pretty rough translation, but it’s still pretty exciting!
I just read the Bike Gallery write-up, and the one thing I’m concerned about is that it “features Electra’s signature frame geometry with a slightly forward pedaling position for increased torque and stability.” Personally, I don’t like the Electra’s wonky geometry, at least not for my everyday riding. I want, like, a NORMAL bike. So maybe I’m not going to be first in line after all. I’ll give it a try though.
control yourself Jessica…and I think the “flatfoot geometry” isn’t as drastic with these as their Townies…but we’ll have to see.
As for Batavus…yes it’s true! Check out this photo Jay Graves sent me from Interbike.
They’ll be distributed in the US by Seattle Bike Supply…which many shops already order from.
According to Jay these are the real deal, not a redesigned for US model, and will sell for around $650.
The dutch bike invasion has begun!
So, Jonathan, your next raffle will be for a Batavus? Yes? Please?
“There’s no way it will happen here,” hmmm…
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116010158918484570.html?mod=weekend_journal_primary_hs
“Europeans, of course, have been riding commuter bikes for decades. In Holland, there are twice as many bikes as cars, and nearly as many bicycles as people. Now, in the U.S., the industry is pitching the new models as gas prices remain high and concerns over obesity grow. They also come as cities and states move to become more bike-friendly.
Whether many Americans will trade their cars for bikes remains to be seen. Sales of commuter bikes rose 15% over the past two years, according to Boston-based Bicycle Market Research Institute. However, at an estimated $900,000 in annual sales, it is still a small niche. Less than 0.5% of Americans commute by bike, according to the 2000 U.S. Census report. “There’s no way it will happen here,” says Bicycle Market Research Institute President Ash Jaising, who projects the segment’s rise in sales will slow to 5% to 10% over the next two years. “The roads are just too dangerous.”
As a Dutch person living in sunny San Diego, I am thrilled to see this bike, and the news that Batavus will be selling their “omafiets” in the States.
When I first moved her, I couldn’t understand why nobody biked to work/shopping etc. (especially considering the perfect weather in San Diego) but after having tried it for a year myself, I do understand better. Americans are rude to bikers, don’t pay attention to them and riding your bike on the streets (bike paths anyone?) often feels like being on a suicide path.
Let’s get some of the taxes on gas and use them to make bike safe lanes and educate people about biking. It is great for reducing those fatrolls and for the environment. And it is just plain fun.
How I miss home sometimes, and being able to bike everywhere.
Sorry for the long post 🙁
Any idea which, if any, PDX stores will be carrying the Batavus???
Hey, I’m in San Diego, too. I agree, the drivers here are rude and not the most tolerant when it comes to cyclists.
I read the WSJ article this past weekend and was glad to see more commuter bikes making their way into the market. I live close to work and would love to be able to ride instead of drive there. I’m torn between buying a vintage bike (like an old Raleigh) or springing the bucks for something brand new. Maybe if a bike shop here carries some of these new models I’ll be hooked once I take one for a spin. 🙂
Does anyone know what kind of headlamp the Amsterdam uses? It looks slightly smaller than the chrome bullet lights on the market.
I just bought the Amsterdam today. i have just come back to bike riding. the Amsterdam is awesome!!!! i am thinking of comuting a few days. i live in the winter wonderland and with heavy traffic, but i have mapped out a route. i have lost a little over 40lbs this last year. And now i am ready to bike ride