Dutch bicycle

Dutch bicycle

Dutch bicycles (in the Netherlands mostly called "omafiets"; "grandmother's bike") are the most popular form of bicycle used in the Netherlands.

In their most classical form, they come with a step-through frame (or "loop frame", "woman frame", although they also exist with a "diamond" or "man frame") that is suitable for both sexes, their wheels are quite large (more than 26 inches), they are painted black (with a small white stripe at the end of the rear mudguard), and have a coaster (or "pedal") brake and just one gear.Nowadays they come also painted in other bright colours (pink, light blue, light green), and sometimes have a front spoon-brake, or a couple of drum-brakes, and may have three gear ratios, integrated in a hub-gear.

Outside the Netherlands (for example in Italy) "Dutch Bicycle" is used with even less precision: they almost always have cable-operated rim-brakes, and may have derailleur gears as well. "Dutch" means, in a general way, a "large" bicycle, definitely not sporty, with a high riding position, a full electrical system, racks and/or panniers, used in town or for city-commuters and with generally just one gear.

ee also

Gazelle (bicycle) - a popular brand of Dutch bicycle.


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