I've just been asked by a friend what are the benefits and also problems with riding a Dutch bike in London. Usually called Oma fiets (literally means granny bike), though there are plenty of other types flying around Holland which do get overlooked.
In Amsterdam I find it much more easier to cycle, mainly because of the facilities, and cycling to the pub and coming home again are common occurrences. You know those nights when you can't remember getting home, well, I've had those knowing that at some point I cycled! Really the main difference is that the bike is just an everyday object, and given as much thought to using as the toilet. No special clothing is required, just jump on and cycle to the shops, to friends wherever. Bikes stand everywhere; all over the street, in racks, in multi-story bike parks. Wherever they are, they still get stolen. Jammer, he.
For the last couple of years living in London I decided to swap my shiny silver hybrid bike for a heavy old Oma fiets and never regretted it. Of course there are pro's and con's but I believe that the good definitely outweigh the bad. Since I now live in Amsterdam I had the pleasure to bring the bike which was originally exported out of The Netherlands, back home again. Unfortunately 2 months ago it was stolen outside Muiderport station on a Sunday afternoon. I bought a replacement the next day.
Well in hindsight, here is my opinion (and it is just that) and myexperience of riding an Oma fiets in London. Left-top is a picture of me trying out the Oma fiets in Farringdon, London. Bought from Bobbins bicycles in 2007. Left is me recently out on a ride round the tulip fields.
Have you never seen a bike before!?
One main thing is that you must be prepared for attention, good and bad. It may look funny to some people, but a mountain bike is just as funny not on a mountain, and a race bike in a queue of traffic. A lot of people loved my bike, and said so, but watch out for the gangs of kids. Best comment I ever got from a young fella with his group of friends: "look, your front wheel's behind your back wheel!", yes ha ha, very funny. It may look slower, but actually the bigger wheels make it as fast as most normal bikes with the same effort.
Gears: make life a little easier
I would recommend one with 3 speed gears, and a hand brake. That way it makes the hills easier and in an emergency your natural reaction to reach for the hand brake is going to have something to hold on to. Although saying that, after a while you'll find that using the foot coaster break comes naturally, and it is much much more effective at stopping, even in rain.
Coaster brakes; takes time to get used to, but more effective
I had one unfortunate incident as I stopped at a traffic light in the rain whilst at the same time the guy on the mb behind me applied his breaks but skidded into the back of me. Luckily no-one was hurt. Literally with the back pedal break it is a different action, mainly when you know you need to slow down of stop soon you 'feather' the pressure on the break by pushing the pedals backwards. This means not pushing back with full force, but more like on, off, on off a bit more gently. If you push the pedals back as hard as you do forwards you will stop. Immediately. At first this is a strange action, as you find you can't actually pedal backwards, or from a stopping position pedal backwards so that your preferred pedal in at the top. To get the pedal into setting off position you need to get it programmed in that you stop with your pedal in setting off position.
Might turn you into a body builder, or maybe not
Oma fiets are also pretty tough cookies, and can handle a whole range of knocks and bumps. Likewise I think if you run into a smaller bike you can do them quite a lot of damage more easily. It's also a lot wider with big 'steering' handlebars, also takes a little getting used to. But just sit back and keep your arms but your sides, a bit more like riding a horse. In the end it is fine, and you can also cycle a lot easier with just one hand on the bars. (Although bear in mind that UK cycling highway code states that you must keep your hands on the handlebars except when signaling or changing gear - see point 66). In Amsterdam it's quite common to see people with umbrellas in the rain whilst cycling.
What should I wear?
I think it's also pretty elegant and not a sports bike, and any kind of clothing is ok to cycle in. I actually find I can wear high heels more easily on the bike than if I'm on foot. Skirts are also fine, long or short. There's a skirt guard on the back wheel and the chain is fully housed inside a chain guard meaning nothing can get caught in any moving parts. I also found that I got more wolf whistles but better treatment from drivers as a result of the skirts and work clothes. Also maybe considered 'a little bit wobbly' I got much more space when being overtaken by cars too which I was pretty amazed about at first.
Steel frames: Not for carrying down too many steps
Compared to many other bikes Oma is very heavy. It also gets heavier the more bags you put on, plus a front basket. I always stored mine outside anyway, and parked on the streets in town so actually weight wasn't an issue. If it's used for A to B trips such as work, shops etc then you never need to carry it anyway. Never caused me any problems. I once also managed to get it quite easily up the escalator in the Blackfriars Thameslink station and onto a train.
How much stuff can one bike handle
Well, simply, a lot! If you have a basket, or Amsterdam style crate plus bags on the back then definitely a weeks worth of shopping for 2 can be hauled back from good old [insert name of supermarket here]. Basically throw all your luggage into your bags or basket and away you go, plus no clunky rucksack on your back. I'd heard in London of a couple of people who'd had an attempt on their handbag being plucked out of their front baskets. It's also a bad idea to lock it to your basket because if this happens and someone does try to grab your bag, then you risk being pulled of your bike (in theory anyway). I would say put it deeply into the basket and keep any loose parts that can be grabbed easily out of reach.
Who would want to steal that!
One last point I must add is that I didn't ever get the bike stolen, for one reason or another. I used always 2 locks; a Kryptonite U-lock and the built in Abus lock on the back. An advantage of the Oma is that most come with or you can install a lock that attaches to the frame and you then lock it round the back wheel, called a ringlock. It's so close to the frame and wheel that a lock cutter cannot get there without dismantling the bike. It's OK for short stops in a shop but not for longer periods. But it does offer an extra security and it is built in so no carrying an extra lock. I'm also pretty convinced that the London thieves haven't much experience or idea for that matter how to remove this lock. The uncool aspect of the bike I believe adds to it not being stolen. Who wants to ride off on that piece of rust! Especially one with a wicker basket on the front and pink flowery bags on the back!
Well folks, whatever bike you choose ride safe and consider all the other road users. It's not a war, or a race to work, enjoy!
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