It’s official: Portland gets Dutch bike distributor

Hooray!

I can’t wait to buy one! Now I just need to start saving up, since they cost as much as a small car…but it’ll be worth it.

Now who’s going to underwrite my theft, PIP & UM/UIM insurance on this puppy?

Oh, by “one” I meant a Bakfiets.

So, will Dean have a selection of these bikes on hand for test rides? That would be a good way to convince folks that the 3- and 7-speed hubs are sufficient to drive the heavier frames up Portland hills even with the more upright riding stance.

Jessica – the Kryptonite New York lock I use with my Bakfiets has $3000 anti-theft protection. I hope they’re good for it if it ever comes to that… Can’t help you with the PIP/UM/UIM 😉

Ian – my Cargobike has an 8 speed Nexus hub which is pretty decent for most purposes in NE/SE/downtown. I find that I’m not spending much time below 3rd gear on hills like Alameda ridge or east of the Broadway bridge. Haven’t ridden to the zoo or OHSU yet, so I can’t speak to bigger hills. Rarely if ever do I “spin-out” in 8th gear. The upright riding position is actually not as bad as I thought it would be power-wise, though it clearly uses different butt muscles than the road bike judging from soreness I’ve recently experienced after longer rides. I’d ultimately like to convert to a Rohloff 14 speed hub to extend the upper and lower ranges over the Nexus once bank account recovers from the initial blow, but the Nexus is really quite civilized – very quiet & easy-shifting – and is growing on me the more I use it.

[…] Let’s all welcome the Dutch Bicycle Company as one of the newest outlets to carry Cranked Magazine. They’ve recently been mentioned on the Bike Portland blog with their new distribution for Dutch bikes in Oregon. Make sure to check out their site and their awesome bikes. They’re so euro and functional! And better yet, if you live in Florida, swing on in, check them out in person, and pick up a copy of Cranked (give it a couple days for shipping). Dan at Dutch Bicycles is a rad dude, I’m looking forward to meeting him in person some day soon, I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. […]

[…] Continuing in the vein of incongruous white folk helmetlessly embracing the dignity of bikes in carland, not long after Richard posted a photo of Prince Maurits van Oranje flitting through traffic on his Bakfiets did Jonathan publicize Lewis Dye modeling as the Queen of England being shunted around in similar. Next came Princess Marilene with princelings in the hopper, followed right away by Prince Charles’ resolve to leave the helicopter at home more often, having his chauffeurs ride bikes ahead to his various appointments instead of cars—“it is causing a headache for palace staff and some senior courtiers fear his green plans could embarrass the Queen and other members of the royal family who continue to use helicopters and jets.” Good on him! […]

Wow. Even got Dan to place an ad on your site, eh Jonathan? Good for you! Dan, I’m pleased to see that you were able to work out a deal with someone to be a representative for you here in Portland. I still want my own Bakfiets, but I’ll have to wait a while at this point.