The Dutch bike invasion into the United States has reached a new level. Walmart now sells the classic “Opa” style Dutch bike for $249. Check out the new Hollandia Opa Citi 28″ Cruiser Bike (that “cruiser” label will surely make Dutch bike purists cringe)…
The bike was inspired by the classic Opa model made famous by Workcycles. To give you an idea of what an authentic Dutch bike costs, Clever Cycles sells the Workcycles Opa for $1,599.
The Hollandia is made in China and boasts a front and rear “Dutch-style rack,” bell, light, chainguard and a dualie kickstand. It even comes standard with fenders. Hollandia is not a Walmart house brand. It was created in 2010 by U.S. importer Cycle Force Group.
Dutch bikes have been growing in popularity in the U.S. ever since they first became available at the end of 2006. Electra helped popularize them with their “Amsterdam” line, which launched in fall 2006.
I haven’t seen one of Walmart’s Hollandia’s in person yet, but I hope it’s put together well (a $249 price point doesn’t give me much confidence). I think it’d be interesting to buy one and give it a thorough review (similar to what I did when the Electra Amsterdam first hit the market in November 2006); but I have mixed feelings about giving any money to Walmart.
What do you think?