Around Chicago: Dutch Bike Company
The bicycle is one of the most wonderful things ever invented. And yet, the bicycle industry has a track record of selling people bikes that aren't right for them. From the skinny-tired racing bikes of the '70s to the fat-tired mountain bikes of today, it's no wonder so many people have given up on bicycling. Come on, do you really need dual suspensions on your bike?
But don't despair. Sensible bikes are available. And more good news: as Nat King Cole sings, style is coming back in style. Witness Dutch Bike Chicago, in Lincoln Park at 651 W. Armitage Avenue. It's a small shop filled with wonderful, beautiful, sensible bikes. Here's the path taken by Dutch Bike Company. Let someone who uses a bike as their sole transportation (the Dutch) design and build it. Make it sturdy. Give it an upright seating position. Put fenders on it (it does rain from time to time). Give it a rack or two (if it's your sole transportation, you'll need to load it up). Add lights. A comfortable Brooks leather saddle. And a ding bell.
In short, it's a bike for everyday life. No fads here. And no spandex. You can ride it and wear a suit (the chain is completely enclosed; there's even a skirt protector).
I was greeted by Susan Ramaker, who explained the paradigm of the Dutch bike and showed me around the shop. She encouraged me to take a ride, so I chose the Secret Service, one of the lighter bikes. It was strikingly finished in matte black. It was "badass" in the most gentlemanly way possible. It was a most unusual ride. Initially the bike seemed unstable. But once I got going, it felt unstoppable. Smoooooth. The bike features a Shimano internal hub (seven or eight speeds, I forget) and was super easy to shift - even when stopped. It features "roller brakes" which function like disc brakes (it's a nice advantage in wet weather, when your rims are slippery). The bike was also equipped with a generator, rear rack and a ding bell. The bike fairly screams "sensible."
But there is a downside: first, the bike is relatively heavy (not really an issue in flat Chicago. And it costs $1619. Cheap, compared to a car. But likely more than you paid for your last bike.
But consider this: it will go forever. It will make you healthy. It will make you happy. You will look damn good riding it.
From this perspective, can you afford not to buy it?
http://dutchbikechicago.com
