I usually don’t share product news, but you know I have a weak spot for all things Dutch.
Here’s an exclusive look at Vancouver BC-based Jorg&Olif’s brand new “Scout” (it’s not set for full public release until August 10th):
The press release says the Scout “lets you navigate the urban landscape in affordable style.”
It will be available in Fall of this year and is available in three colors (Steel Blue, Mushroom, and black).
Here are a few other salient details:
- Available for pre-order starting August 3rd, while supplies last:
- 1- or 3-speed (Shimano internal hub)
- Frame & Sizes: Oma (XS, S, M) and Opa (M, L, XL)
- Prices: 1-speed ($495 USD / $595 CAD) and 3-speed ($595 USD / $695 CAD)
Last I checked, the company still offers shipping to the states.
At a third of the price of traditional Dutch city bikes, the Scout will be in direct competition with the Batavus “Old Dutch” bikes currently available in the U.S., and with Electra’s Amsterdam which I reviewed back in December.
Thanks for reading.
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Should I assume this is an aluminum frame, not steel?
Judging by the tube diameters it has to be steel.
That particular radius step through bar makes the bike really classy. Occasionally, I see it on older bikes. I figured it was a european thing, but thought also thought maybe it was a design exclusive to one particular brand.
You could ride that bike one-handed and hold an umbrella with the other…
Yes SKIDmark…I have done that a lot (\’Ride Like a Dutchman\’), as it is pretty easy to do…if you do not try to ride too fast (>12 mph) or use too big of an umbrella.
Jonathan, the Scout model above looks very very similar to a class of oma fiets that have hit the Dutch market over the last 3 years. They come in a rainbow of fun colours and were retailing for about US$270 to US $400 for a single speed the last time I visited. The shipping, US Taxes, and handling boost up the price.
Those are not as robust as the traditional models, and may not last as long parked outside in the rain nor carrying heavier riders (more flex). (Save your money and buy the real thing…unless you are looking for a bike for a high theft area or a short period of light use.)
For many Amsterdam riders they have filled the nitch of providing cheap and fun comfortable transport without breaking the bank now that 2nd hand bikes from a shop cost that much and the police crack down on the buying of stolen bikes has dried up the trade in 10 Guilder ($20) \’used\’ bikes of the 90\’s.
Plus the colours make it easier to find ones bike in the sea of black bikes parked at the station.
Jonathan, I would not classify this bike as the same as the Batavas Old Dutch. That bike is a step up in class – metal plating, stainless steel rims, etc. It is likley a more equal match to the Electra Amsterdam in components.
Though the Scout looks to have a full chain case, which is an improvement over the Amsterdam, which is just a half chain case.
Jessica…it would be a carbon steel frame – most likley (think raleigh 3 speed + 5 pounds).
Yeah, that was a reference to that short film.
Has anyone reviewed the Scout yet? I am seriously thinking about buying one! I am car-free in Columbus, Ohio and want to make a good decision. Also, I am concerned a bit because I am a 5\’5\” male, and the smallest size for men is a medium. They specify the medium is for 5\’7\” and taller people… Please advise me!
Has anyone seen one of the Scouts in person yet? I am waiting for a review before I buy one…
Kudos to J&O for the Scout bike, and I say that as their largest competitor (SBS is a close second). If the North American consumer thought bikes like Batavus or AZOR (who makes J&O bikes) are the only game in Holland, they are wrong. In Holland you can buy a Dutch bike for 200 Euro up to 700 Euro. To the untrained eye, they look the same, but they aren\’t. With the Scout, J&O invites and challenges the North American consumer to train those eyes and ask what counts for quality in Holland (and no, it\’s not lighter weight or more speeds!). On a good Dutch bike, salvation is always found in the details. A better bike will have stainless steel wheels, 13 gauge spokes, chrome-plated parts, galvanized frame, durable paint, a quality seat, the list goes on. The Scout looks a lot like the budget BSP brand of bikes sold in Holland. The Batavus is far better, as is the higher end J&O bikes. In fact, as I like to say to my Curbside customers (www.curbside.on.ca), the Batavus finally gave the cycle commuter a good excuse to spend more than $300 on a bike. Before Dutch bikes hit our shores, spending more money on a bike never resolved problems like: stained clothing, rust, stolen parts, uncomfortable and unsafe riding positions and high maintenance. So, if you have the money, spend it on a high quality Dutch bike. If not, buy the Scout, it\’s better than the Electra and other \’city bikes\’ produced by North American companies.
To eric:
You compare the Scout(that isn\’t made by Azor, but by the company that makes Achielle – http://www.achielle.be ) to the BSP bike, but (for the trained eye) their are really a lot of differences between those bikes! If you compare part per part, you\’ll see approx. all parts are better / more high-end than on the BSP bikes.
I think the Scout is good quality, but simple, more simple than the \”J&O Original\”… and I think that is what the intention is of the scout.