Lighter bikes for rental?

Ash333 · Post by **Ash333** » Wed 21st May 2008 11:11 am

We had the yellow bikes whilst we were away. Very heavy but they work and do what they say. Anyone had any experience of a hire place with lighter weight bikes. the bike I have in London is Aluminium. The rentals were Heavy steel.

Pala · Post by **Pala** » Wed 21st May 2008 06:08 pm

I like:

http://www.bikecity.nl

They have regular oomafiets and some lighter mt. bike types.

Rollez,
chuckje

Ash333 · Post by **Ash333** » Sat 24th May 2008 02:38 pm

to be a bit more clear, i would ideally like an oomafiets, or an oopafiets. however, is there anywhere that would rent me a traditional design manafactured to a lighter weight?

the yellow bikes are designed to be SOLID, and that adds kilos.

milehigh · Post by **milehigh** » Sat 24th May 2008 09:32 pm

Ash333 wrote:to be a bit more clear, i would ideally like an oomafiets, or an oopafiets. however, is there anywhere that would rent me a traditional design manafactured to a lighter weight?

the yellow bikes are designed to be SOLID, and that adds kilos.

Are you planning on carrying it somewhere? Riding or pushing is easier imo.

The answer to your question is not really. Bikes are bikes, try several until you find one you like. Don't be afraid of the ones with ads. The locals will cut you more slack.

Bernum · Post by **Bernum** » Sun 25th May 2008 02:47 am

i was amazed at the lack of proper mountain bikes on the streets of Amsterdam.

Twichaldinho · Post by **Twichaldinho** » Sun 25th May 2008 01:02 pm

Amsterdams flat as fuck man, no need fur mountain bikes.

Bernum · Post by **Bernum** » Sun 25th May 2008 03:30 pm

true i just don't get/like the look and feel of them 60's style bicycles.....this is the 21st century and all....
say you were riding from i dunno Amsterdam to Zandvoort or somewhere a fair distance away....i'd get there in half the time on my trusty mountain bike, than i would on one of them Dutch bikes.

Dave J · Post by **Dave J** » Sun 25th May 2008 06:27 pm

I have to say that a lot of the bikes in Amsterdam certainly look old fashioned compared to what you would find in other countries etc. But it is a little unfair to judge a style in another country based on that of your own.

I think that part of the charm of Amsterdam is all those old looking baikes around the city!. I mean would things really look the same if, around Central Station say, if they were all mainly modern mountain bikes and racer bikes?, even if a load of them seem never to have be touched in many years?.

I think the bikes will evolve over time, you just have to let the Dutch take things at there own pace.

milehigh · Post by **milehigh** » Mon 26th May 2008 07:54 am

Many of those "old style" bikes you see are brand new. Bikes are for transportation in Amsterdam. Most other places they are for recreation. The more cables, hand brakes, gears, etc. the more problems.. KISS Keep it simple stupid and you will always have good transportation.

Ash333 · Post by **Ash333** » Mon 26th May 2008 06:00 pm

I see what you are saying with the gears etc making it more complex, but even just a second gear so you could have fast and slow would be good. he gearing on the rental bikes seems to be designed to go slow, and to go to Haarlem would just not happen.

milehigh · Post by **milehigh** » Tue 27th May 2008 01:33 pm

They are geared well. As transportation, you don't need to go fast. You will quickly learn that you will last much longer if you just go at a steady comfortable pace. Stay to the right always, be aware of what is behind you, signal your turns, and DO NOT ring your bell unless you really need to. Nothing pisses off locals more then a visitor riding through town ringing his bell because he does not understand what it is for.

Haarlem? Consider renting a bike there, or taking yours on the train for an extra 6 euro.

cheers,