The absolute pinnacle of the "dutch" bike, which is really the classic English heavy roadster, is the Raleigh Superbe. Which is why I bought one.
Full metal chaincase, locking fork, 4 speed Sturmey Archer FG with dynohub, Dynoluxe Filter Switch Unit which provides automatic battery backup for the dynohub so your lights stay on when stopped (my FSU, sadly is missing). fully brazed frame with proper cast dropouts, rather than the bashed flat tubes of the Pashley or Bobbins. Steel mudguards with brazed on stays so they never rattle, a rear rack (mine is missing) and a kickstand, and chrome Roller Lever rod brakes, which look awesome, (but have no possibility of stopping your bike without advance notice.) Brooks B66 saddle.
It is a tremendous bike, so comfortable because the weight pummels the bumps into submission and the saddle is fantastic. All the weight is at the back, so despite the phenomenal weight it is really light and responsive to ride. I bloody love it. I wouldn't say no to an identical bike with roller lever drum brakes instead of rim brakes, 531 frame tubes, and halogen lights, but the exact same angles and features. The parts exist, but finding them these days would be a challenge.
Dutch bikes are basically local versions of these British roadsters. a single coaster brake and single speed suit the local conditions and simplify the lines. Dutch people are very tall so the bikes are too. The Bobbin playbike, which to you and me is a full sized bike, is actually a children's model in the Netherlands. The best ones were made by Gazelle, which was once a subsidiary company of Raleigh.
The absolute pinnacle of the "dutch" bike, which is really the classic English heavy roadster, is the Raleigh Superbe. Which is why I bought one.
Full metal chaincase, locking fork, 4 speed Sturmey Archer FG with dynohub, Dynoluxe Filter Switch Unit which provides automatic battery backup for the dynohub so your lights stay on when stopped (my FSU, sadly is missing). fully brazed frame with proper cast dropouts, rather than the bashed flat tubes of the Pashley or Bobbins. Steel mudguards with brazed on stays so they never rattle, a rear rack (mine is missing) and a kickstand, and chrome Roller Lever rod brakes, which look awesome, (but have no possibility of stopping your bike without advance notice.) Brooks B66 saddle.
It is a tremendous bike, so comfortable because the weight pummels the bumps into submission and the saddle is fantastic. All the weight is at the back, so despite the phenomenal weight it is really light and responsive to ride. I bloody love it. I wouldn't say no to an identical bike with roller lever drum brakes instead of rim brakes, 531 frame tubes, and halogen lights, but the exact same angles and features. The parts exist, but finding them these days would be a challenge.
Dutch bikes are basically local versions of these British roadsters. a single coaster brake and single speed suit the local conditions and simplify the lines. Dutch people are very tall so the bikes are too. The Bobbin playbike, which to you and me is a full sized bike, is actually a children's model in the Netherlands. The best ones were made by Gazelle, which was once a subsidiary company of Raleigh.