Why should I get one?
- A green alternative
- A quick way of transport in busy, traffic-clogged places
- A fun way of working on those calves (and your bum)
- And well, you just look good on one
When you say Dutch; how Dutch do you really mean?
True-blue! We get our bikes straight from the factory in Holland, and our team counts a couple of firm but fair bike-loving Dutch members. Even if we wanted to cheat; they wouldn’t let us. They’ve threatened to smear the office with melted Gouda cheese if we do.
What if something’s wrong with my Dutchie?
Call us, we are happy to help. Usually, on the odd occasion when something does arise it can be solved quickly and simply. We know these bikes very well and have an excellent relationship with the manufacturer — some of our English colleagues even learnt Dutch!
Will the integrated lock be enough?
In theory, yes. But we do advise you to go the Dutch way and get an extra chain lock so you can cling it to something.
I’ve always ridden mountain bikes. Will these Dutchies work for me as well?
Even better! You will immediately notice how much more comfy these bikes are. You sit straight up, having a great view of the world around you. You’re not leaning on your wrists, but gently hanging back.
But Holland is all flat! Are these bikes hill-proof?
Definitely. The single speed Dutchies have single ‘long’ gear which is perfect for relatively flat inner cities or gentler country inclines, whilst the three gear Dutchies will help you peddle both up and downhill quite comfortably.
Can I still free wheel with a back-pedal/coaster brake... don’t I have to keep pedalling continuously?
No, you can still freewheel just as you would any other style bike. You do not have to continuously peddle. If you find yourself at the top of a hill you can happily freewheel all the way down to the bottom.
Aren’t back pedal (Coaster) brakes illegal in the UK?
No. British law requires new bicycles to be fitted with two independent braking systems, and that’s it. There is so much folk lore out there and conflicting opinions that we asked the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation the same question. This is what they said:
“The dealers who tell you that are wrong, plain wrong. Dealers have several ways to throw customers off the scent of things they normally keep in stock (or even know how to get hold of) so that you’ll look more favourably upon the wares they do have already, and “it’s illegal” is the finest and best of those ruses — and the naughtiest! Dynamo lighting and coaster brakes are the two things about which they most often dish out this and other varieties of misinformation.”
What about Dynamo lights then, aren’t they illegal in the UK?
Again, no. See the above response from the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.
These are genuine Dutch bikes — how will I find parts and accessories in the UK?
We are a UK registered company located in the UK. We have a stock of parts and accessories on hand in the UK at all times.
How soon will I receive my Dutchie?
We aim to dispatch with 24 hours or receiving payment, this gives us enough time to thoroughly check the bicycles before dispatch. All bicycles are delivered fully boxed and protected by a large professional UK courier. They promise to have your Dutchie delivered in exactly 2 working days.
Do I have to assemble my Dutchie?
Yes. All Dutchie’s arrive 95% assembled. This is the only way a bicycle can be shipped in the UK, in a way that provides it with maximum protection whilst minimising both financial and environmental impact for our customers. Assembly is not difficult (Dutchie's come with very clear instructions), and takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on how ‘handy’ you are. Customers who feel that they may not be particularly handy, or simply want the assurance that comes from a professional bicycle specialist, can choose to have their bicycle delivered directly to their local bicycle shop. We will do this at no additional cost (just remember to fill in the address of your local bicycle shop as the delivery address at checkout, and make sure they are aware of its arrival!). A local bicycle shop can usually do this for between £20 and £30. We always recommend this option.
