Ride It, Pack It, Eat It and What’s Dutch for Durable?
By Darren Dencklau (Intro) / Product Review by Tai Lee
In this month’s issue of Bicycle Paper we feature an extensive product review section. With so many great cycling-specific goods on the market it’s easy to be overwhelmed by which ones to choose from. We have tested lots of gear in 2009 and have elected to highlight some of our favorites. We want to thank the companies who have been graceful enough to send us these products and trust us to write candidly about them. Bicycle Paper also hopes that these reviews will make it easier for our readers to make decisions come holiday time. Keep riding and reading! - Assistant Editor
What’s Dutch for Durable?
By Tai Lee
Over the past few years, Dutch bikes have become increasingly popular. This should come as very little surprise because bicycles are used for roughly 1/3 of all trips in Amsterdam. The Dutch bike is an evolved machine that addresses the demands of riding in climates much like ours: low maintenance, great control and braking, bomb-proof durability and the ability to ride in the wettest conditions. To get the full experience, Dutch Bikes of Seattle lent us a WorkCycles Secret Service to test on a few wet and dark days in early November.
Photo by WorkCycles / Martin van Welzen
WorkCycles' Secret Service is a classically inspired bike with modern additions. Allowing riders to sit more upright and dress more casually, this workhorse comes in both men's and women's models.
At first glance, the Secret Service reveals much of its identity. The lugged and matte black powder-coated steel frame suggests that one shouldn’t be too worried about damaging the chassis. The high handlebar position is meant to provide a comfortable upright riding posture. It only comes in black and chrome, which would likely compliment any outfit (except lycra and tights). Handbags, panniers, baskets and other accessories that mount directly to the bike are available for even the most discerning fashionistas.
A closer inspection reveals unique features not found on typical bicycles. Roller brakes are built into both hubs for consistent braking in all conditions. The wheels use 36 13-gauge spokes, which are as thick as barbecue skewers. The rims are roughly 30mm wide, which give the 35mm wide Schwalbe City Plus tires a very flat ground contact area. The tires include a reflective sidewall for high-visibility at night.
The drivetrain is built like Fort Knox. A Shimano Nexus internal eight-speed hub provides an impressively wide range of gear ratios. The external drivetrain mimics a singlespeed and is all housed in a chaincase that could be described as an airlock. A quick-access hatch can be removed for regularly lubing the chain, which can be done with a longer lasting wetlube or oil since there is little concern for attracting contaminants.
Other features include full-coverage fenders, heavy gauge rear rack, handlebar bell, frame pump and a built-in wheel lock that can also integrate a chain to secure the bike to a rack. Front and rear LED lights are powered by the dyno-generator built into the front hub. An interesting element is the spring that attaches from the down tube to the back of the fork crown, which prevents the front wheel from swinging too far to one side when the dual-sided kickstand is engaged.
All these features make for a very durable machine. This bike could very well be left outside without much more concern than to cover the leather saddle with a fancy shower cap. The Secret Service is considered one of the lighter-weight bikes available at Dutch Bikes of Seattle. Other models have even heavier-duty options, like the Bakfiet cargo bicycle that looks like it has a wheelbarrow on the front.
Dutch bikes aren’t meant to be lightweight. The ride home from Ballard to Greenlake in Seattle did take a bit longer than on my usual commute machine. The weight, combined with the upright position, requires the rider to stay seated and just take it easy, which one would be inclined to do when dressed dapperly on this Dutch beauty. Despite the extra pounds, the bike remains nimble and surefooted on wet road surfaces.
For more info, visit www.DutchBikeSeattle.com
Other reviews this month:
Local Schools Get On Board the Bike Train
League of American Bicyclists 2010 State and Community Rankings
Midfoot Cleat Position?
Second Ascent Becomes Shimano Service Center
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