Types of Bikes in Holland
Overview of the various styles of bikes in Holland and key characteristics of each. A helpful guide for expats in Netherlands looking to buy a bicycle that fits their needs…
BICYCLE STYLES IN HOLLAND
CITY BIKE
A city bike (stadsfiets) is by far the most popular bicycle style in Holland. City bikes sold in the Netherlands typically have a simple, single-gear construction with pedal braking. Two reasons this simple bike style is so popular… a) the country is relatively flat, so there is little need or benefit from extra gears, and b) additional gears can require lead to more problems and require more frequent maintenance.
TRANSPORT BIKE
A transport bike (transportfiets) is easily identified by the metal rack welded to the front. A basket or crate is typically attached to the rack which can then hold things like groceries, schoolbag, sports equipment or house pet. Transport bikes have thicker tires compared to those on a city bike. This provides a smoother ride when extra weight is being carried.
LADIES BIKE
A ladies bike (damesfiets) is not a style of bike but rather a category, as it can be applied to multiple styles. The common element is a top crossbar support beam angled downward from the steering column to rear chassis. The low height allows the rider to step-on the bicycle rather than having to mount it over the top.
MOM BIKE
A mother bike (moederfiets) is similar to a ladies transport bike but without the welded rack in front. The distance between the steering column and seat is greater than on a standard bike, to allow for a child seat to be mounted. The handle bars are slightly longer allowing the rider to reach them without hunching over.
GRANDMA BIKE
Granny bikes in Holland (known as omafiets) are modified ladies city bikes. The height of the crossbar and pedals is lower to the ground, making it easier for an elderly person to step on to. The distance between the steering column and seat is shortened which reduces the amount of stress placed on shoulders. It is usually equipped with multiple gears and the frame made of lighter materials, reducing the bike’s overall weight.
MEN’S BIKE
A men’s bike (herenfiets), like a ladies bike, is not a style of bicycle but rather a category. A men’s bicycle has the common element of a high top crossbeam support bar that runs almost parallel to the ground. The term ‘men’s bike’ can be applied to multiple bicycle styles.
GRANDPA BIKE
Grandpa bikes in Holland (known as opafiets) are men’s bikes tweaked in design to make it more comfortable for an older man to ride. The top crossbeam support bar is angled downward, the saddle has more padding, the tires are wider to absorb more shock, it is equipped with multiple gears and the frame is typically made of lighter-weight materials.
RACING BIKE
Racing bikes in Holland are easily identified by handlebars that curl downward. These require the rider to hunch forward, which creates a more aerodynamic profile to reduce wind resistance. The tires are exceptionally narrow to minimize surface area in contact with the ground (less friction = faster speed). Racing bikes do not have tire fenders (splash guards) but do have a large number of gears.
SPECIALTY BIKE STYLES IN HOLLAND
FOLDING BIKE
A folding bike (vouwfiets) is popular with train commuters in the Netherlands who may live or work a distance from the nearest station. A folding bike can be on the train for free even during rush hours. Characteristics include smaller wheels, T-shaped extendable handlebars and multiple winches which enable it to be collapsed down to the size of a unicycle.
CARGO BIKE
Cargo bikes (bakfiets) are popular bikes in Holland for parents with toddlers or young children. The cargo hold area is equipped with child seats and seat belt restraints. A top cover is used when there is inclement weather. Cargo bikes are available in 2 and 3 wheeled versions and can be manually operated or electric.
TANDEM BIKE
A tandem bike refers to the iconic ‘bicycle built for two’, but it can also 3 or more seats. Each ‘riding station’ on the bike has a seat, handlebars and pedals, although only the main driver’s handlebars are connected to the front wheel. Each set of pedals is connected to the main chain which turns the rear wheel.
ELECTRIC BIKE
An electric bike (e-fiets) is equipped with a rechargeable battery that assists the rider in pedaling. Most e-bikes have a maximum speed limitation of 25 kph, meaning that when the bike reaches that speed, the motor will stop providing assistance. Although the bulk of e-bikes resemble city bikes in look, you can find electric versions of most other styles including cargo bikes and folding bikes.
SPEEDPEDELEC
E-bikes equipped with more powerful engines that allows them to travel up to 45 kph are referred to as speed pedelecs. The rider of a fast e-bike must follow moped guidelines, namely:
- they must be ridden in the road, not in the bike path
- the rider must wear a helmet
- the bike needs to be registered with the RDW
- a yellow license plate must be attached to the rear
- the bike must be covered by a valid third-party liability insurance policy
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