The unexpected benefits of an upright Dutch bike

You forgot the most important point: the upright position makes it super easy to look over your shoulder. You need that in a busy city.

The upright position makes you look other road users straight in the eyes, which is very useful for "negotiating" the right of way in any Dutch city during rush our. The Dutch bikes are sturdy, practical and build for comfort, not for speed. I don't know how long they last, I've only had my Gazelle for 30 years, too soon to tell.

Dutch bikes usually come with a chain guard, splash protection over both tires, and a lock. A lot of thought has gone into what people need to make cycling comfortable and practical.

I wish they would stop calling step thru frames "Ladies" models. They are actually perfect comfortable bikes for dudes.

Here in the Philippines, we call it a Japanese bike. Our country imports a lot of second hand Japanese bikes because of its good quality and low cost.

"Step-through" bikes are easier for older riders who can't 'throw their leg' over the seat/saddle. Also in the event of a crash or fall [which will eventually happen] you don't or won't harm your private area.

In Finland, this style of bike is one of the most common and it's referred as a granny bicycle. However they are used by everyone and there is little to no stigma to using one for anyone. I've always preferred one over anything else.

I had neck surgery years ago, and gave up biking because I could lean forward and look up to ride a normal US road or mtb. I'm glad that this form factor is becoming more popular in the US especially as ebike manufacturers are adopting these for commuters and utility riders. I finally got a Dutch bike and can enjoy getting out on the paths again without hurting my neck.

I'm in my early 50's. I can see a step-through frame being useful in older years when one is a bit more creaky 😁

When we have a tall basket at the back, it is difficult to get onto the bike by the usual men's way. So girl-style frame is quite convenient for any gender.

As a Dutchy allow me to explain the girls vs guys bike thing. A little less than half a century ago the frames weren't as sturdy as they are now, back then that high cross bar was really important for the rigidity of the front end of the frame. The stepthrough frame was really a compromise so women could ride a bike even with a skirt, but it did mean that when steering you could twist the front end of the frame sideways and because the low cross bar wasn't just a straight tube they were also slightly more expensive. So basically you're getting a more expensive and less durable bike just for the ability to wear a skirt while riding (and having an easier mount/dismount). Not something you're gonna if you aren't ever wearing skirts or aren't physically able to do the old roundhouse kick over the baggage carrier.

You said it perfectly. Up right is so much more comfortable and need to get around town, run errands, and have fun. Also, Step Through is so much better, especially as you get older and carry pannier or other rear rack bags. I used to be the other guy. I have gotten wiser. Love my step through.

Yep! You're totally right about how it feels. I'm a middle aged man and I ride a step through with an upright seating position and swept back handlebars. I love it. I recommend it to everyone. Not too many men here in Dublin riding step throughs but we are growing in numbers.

I hate the fact that step-through bikes have been gendered like that. It just makes sense to me, in an urban setting, where I have to often stop and step down from the saddle on crossroads and such, to have a step-through frame, regardless of rider's gender or whether they wear pants or a skirt. Also an upright position makes a lot of sense from an awareness standpoint, being able to more easily see your surroundings without having to crane your neck is essential in the city.

This is very true. I'm Dutch but have lived in Ireland over a decade. My bike here is an 'urbanised' mountain bike; road tyres and mudguards but still 21 gears (of which I use 5) and a lean-forward position. And yes, I cycle faster here than I did in the Netherlands. On this bike I can't ride with one hand on the handle bars and a shopping bag in the other, because braking puts weight on that one hand which makes you turn the handle bars. Constantly leaning on your arms and hands is uncomfortable, more so when you go slower. The steering is more nervous; on a Dutch bike I'd happily cycle long stretches, including turns, with my hands off the bars altogether. On my Irish bike I'm afraid to take my hands off going straight if it's windy. You missed an important part of the proper Dutch bike: the kick-back brake. Instead of two brakes you squeeze with your hands you simply pedal in reverse to brake. This again makes it easier to cycle with one or no hands on the handle bars.

You're correct about the state of mind. My day starts with a 45 minute commute. My head is clear, I sort out things to do for the rest of the day, get my best idea's and write my best letters ... all in my mind, while riding.

I live in Essex, UK. I lived in Holland for 10 years. After my return I bought a cheapy road cruiser bike, and slowly adapted it to be a Dutch set up bicycle. It’s my pride and joy.

I rented a brand new upright bike in Fethiye Turkey for one month recently. It was awesome, great handle bar 7 gear shifter, had a basket on the front...my manhood looked at the bike initially and thought..no way, 30 minutes later I was sold. The bike was solid, handled the hills with ease. Getting on and off was not a challenge.

My dad has an old Gazelle which used to belong to his dad, it's from just post ww2 and it's still going strong! Although a lot of parts have been replaced by now because well... Look how old it is but the frame still has 0 rust, almost no damage to the still original paint, it's been very well taken care of and it now serves as my dad's commuter for inner city travel

As a Dutch man, i sweat by the 'upright bikes'. And until my mid 40s or so, I would still overtake many who cycle on sports bikes if I want or need to go fast. Its versatile, comfortable and allows great overview of the traffic. And you feel the wind more through your hair. And you can bring a few bags, transport a friend ... oh well, you get the idea.