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Four Batavus models now available in the states
by Tim GrahlSeattle Bike Supply recently stocked four models from the Netherlands based Batavus. They’re available for order through your local bike shop. These are some extremely sexy and functional bikes.
The Old Dutch is my favorite… I’ve opened that picture a half dozen times just to stare.
Below is the official language from SBS on their bikes…
The Old Dutch
Here is the bike famous for its traditional looks and quality that has lasted over one hundred years. 28” wheels using stainless steel rims and spokes give a luxurious ride coupled with an easy to use 3 speed with coaster brake. Complete with fenders, integrated lock, rear rack, lights and bell, just the way it has always come.
MSRP $799.99
Jakima X-Light
A deluxe trekking bike with an Aluminum frame, with carbon fiber fork and seat stays. Shimano Alivio 24 speed derailleur’s and shifters provide smooth control over all terrain. Aluminum alloy 700c wheels with Schwalbe puncture protection tires. “Fully dressed” with locks, lights, fenders, and a rear rack. A comfortable saddle and a fully adjustable stem let you achieve your ideal riding position.
MSRP $ 1499.99
Socorro
Top of the line trekking bike using Shimano 27 speed Deore LX derails and shifting. A hydro formed aluminum frame with a shock fork give a smooth and predictable ride. Lights, lock, fenders, rear rack, water bottle and pump are all included as standard equipment. A fully adjustable shock seat post and high rise stem make cockpit adjustments a snap.
MSRP $1799.99
Ouverture NuVinci™
Recreational bike using the continuously adjustable NuVinci™ transmission built on aluminum 700c wheels with puncture protection tires. “Fully dressed” with locks, lights, fenders, and a rear rack. An anatomical saddle combined with a shock seat post and easy adjust stem and bar provide rider comfort. Other deluxe features are the shock fork, dynamo front hub, and roller brakes.
MSRP $1669.99
Fourth Floor Distribution in Canada has been awarded the authorized distribution for North America. We have been selling Batavus in Canada for over a year with great success. While I am not entirely sure why SBS dropped Batavus (I suspect they are simply too busy with their own brands, which is fair enough), we are already supplying a rapidly growing number of US stores. Call us up and let us know what you’re after. Our number is 1.416.920.3354
http://www.onthefourth.com
I bought the shiny black Old Dutch from the Upper East side bike store this spring. I LOVE it. I really recommend it – especially if you live in a city area – (I cant imagine riding it around in rural/hilly places…)
I get so many comments from people around New York when i ride it…people stop and study it and ask me where I got it etc – it causes so much interest. The only down side is that i have to wrap in chains and locks where ever i go and i fear that it will get vandalized, so i rarely leave it alone for long. Its so funny because I had one in Denmark where they are as common as cars – nothing to gawk at anyway – but over here its like i rode in to town on an Arabian Steed or something!!It cracks me up.
Anyway – there seems to be plenty of interest for these bikes in NYC area – but of course there is a difference between looking at them and actually forking out $900 for one.
Emma, is the name of the bike store where you purchased your bike the Upper East Side Bike Store or is it some other name? I’d like to check it out.
Thanks!
Hi Renee
no – that’s just me calling it that..here is the correct info..
2ND AVE BICYCLES PLUS
1690 2ND AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10128
i think Larry is the owner – he is really cool. You should go and see if they still have any in stock.
there is also
SPOKES N STRINGS
140 HAVENMEYER STREET
BROOKLYN NY 11211
they had one or two earlier in the summer.
If you get them on the phone first, not all the employees seem to know that they even have Batavus, so you have to sort of be a bit persistant – then they suddenly find one in the store….
good luck
As I write the Canadian dollar is $0.25 below the USA dollar. This is absolutely unprecedented (and hopefully won’t last too long!!!). However, if you want a Batavus bike for a great price with free shipping, you should us check out at:
store.curbside.on.ca
For instance, a 3speed Old Dutch that retails for $850 CDN an $830 US is now only $670 USD. Heck, if I was an American right now I would buy everything in Canada.
Curbside is the first and still the largest retailer of Batavus in North America. We stock a large breadth of models, sizes and colours. Now, If only we had the power to do something about our dollar. Yeesh.
-Eric
Batavus bikes are fine on the level terrain found in Holland, but are too heavy for traversing the hills of Seattle.
Doug,
Sure, if you are talking about a classic Batavus Old Dutch 1speed or 3speed you certainly have a point. This is a common misconception.
However, Batavus makes a lot of different city bike models, and a great deal of these models are exported to countries in Europe that are just as hilly as Seattle. (I know Seattle well, my girlfriend lives there…what I am always so surprised to see is kids on fixed gear bikes riding up those massive hills!). Batavus doesn’t just make bikes for the Dutch, Batavus exports their bikes to France and Germany which have some sizeable hills (and mountains) and have designed bikes that are up to the task. Mind you, if you have ever ridden in Holland the wind is so fierce it is almost like climbing a Seattle hill it’s not as ideal as you think!
We have some pretty good sized hills in Toronto too, and the bike we sell to many of our customers is the Batavus Entrada. It has an durable aluminum frame that isn’t easily dented, lighter but durable parts, and a wide-range 7-speed hub. Most importantly it is a true city bike designed for people who dress professionally, want to preserve their clothing, and above all want a bike that is almost zero-maintenance and very comfortable and safe. It’s probably the most versatile city bike we’ve ever seen and we’ve sold a ton of them out in Seattle and San Francisco with very good response.
Hope that helps!
Eric Kamphof
General Manager
Curbside Cycle http://www.curbsidecycle.com
Fourth Floor Distribution http://www.onthefourth.com
Gazelle Orange City Lite: has Shimano Nexus 8 speed internal hub and doesn’t weigh much. I haul it up and down stairs at railway stations and I’m only a petite 5′2″. I’ve had it more than a year and ride it mercilessly year round. Its longest trip in one day was 120 km and it was a comfortable ride all the way. Low maintenance too.
Eric said;
“Gazelle is really a nostalgic name brand for most Netherlanders. In the past, Batavus was the more stylish choice while Gazelle was the more technical choice. Today, Batavus has won far more awards for technical innovation than Gazelle and the bikes still remain far more stylish….As for the rest of Gazelle line – I was not impressed, Batavus bikes are much prettier……But Gazelle has nothing on Koga, not even Batavus.”
Ha ha…. come on Eric…I know you sell Batavus but please get the facts right. Style is subjective and Gazelle still sells more bikes in Holland than Batavus. Gazelle and Batavus are considered A-brands in Holland. Most readers here wouldn’t know the the finer details of the Dutch market, but as a worker in a tweeweiler (bike shop) that sells both Batavas and Gazelle, both are great brands. If you made these comments here you would be laughed at….except you are right about Koga…they are very nice.
Peace,
Hans.
Hey Hans,
Style is certainly very subjective. In fact style is so important that we not only chose Batavus over Gazelle but also designed several new models with Batavus that appeal to the inner-urban North American tastes. This ability to create, support and respond rapidly to exports market is the basis of my comments. That being said, I do still love the Gazelle bikes, especially the Tour Populaire.
-Eric
Hey all.
Anyone know if the Batavus 3 speed is sufficient for the hills of NYC? Can have that 3 speed changed to an 8 speed by my LBS?
I bike about 10 miles each way in NYC to work and although I don’t have any major hills, there are some decently large ones on the north shore of Queens.
My current commute is done on a road bike (1989 Trek 1000) which is light and fast but somewhat unsafe and uncomfortable.
Does anyone have experience traversing the bike byways of NYC in the Batavus Dutch beauty?
I really want one but because of the weight I don’t want to make a mistake and not use my nearly $1000 bike.
Any guidance or shared experiences to help me make my decision would be awesome. After reading through this and other threads on this site I am sure I will get some quality responses.
TY!
Hey Enrique,
Don’t worry about the weight so much, the bikes actually ride very light – they only lift a bit heavy. It’s really more an issue of gearing.
The Batavus bike that would suit you best would have either 5, 7 or 8 speeds. It would also be a little lighter, since are made of aluminum (it’s still thick aluminum though, you don’t want dents!).
I am thinking of last years Entrada model, the 2009 Breukelen model, or (if you smitten by the classic steel frame) the 2009 Fryslan model. Talk to George at HubStation in NYC or Oye at ModSquad (Oye has an Entrada in stock right now). And, of course, be sure to test them out!
Eric Kamphof
General Manager
Fourth Floor Distribution
1.866.965.6582
Enrique,
I used to have a gazelle 7 speed and I used it in Cambridge, MA and in NYC to commute. It was my first commuter bike. I used to say to people that I was just not good at biking. Somehow I finally discovered that the problem wasn’t me, it was the bike- it was heavy! Now, believe me, I’m none too happy that I forgot to lock it up one day and essentially gave it away to whomever biked off it with it. But it DID liberate me to find a lighter bike. The lightweight Batavus with which I fell in love wasn’t stocked in my size by anyone on our continent and I eventually found a great Bianchi. Point being, I did not acquire another heavy bike, and I am much less sweatier for it. I used to arrive everywhere drenched, and since I do use my bike to get everywhere, it was sort of awkward to arrive everywhere sweaty. I love the aesthectics of the heavy Dutch bikes and they still turn my head with envy every single time I see one. There was one in the window of Club Monaco on 5th recently and I honestly almost started weeping. But my lightweight bike is still much better for commuting. In particular, if you’ve been commuting on road bike, you will be shocked by how slow the Batavus 3 speed will be. For me, it was the reverse- I got a road bike for doing triathlons, a simple steel specialized, and I couldn’t believe how FAST it went. I know some find it contentious when people say that the steel Dutch bikes are slow and tough on hills, but I honestly don’t understand why. They’re built to be solid, and that they are. The ride is beyond luxurious, but fast it is not.
There’s my million cents.
Wow – I knew I would get some great responses but I didn’t imagine it would be so fast! I am a very strong bike rider and have been riding 20 miles and up 4 or 5 times a week on the hills of North Shore Long Island with breaks in the winter since I was about 12 years old to about 26, at which point I move to the city. Now I started commuting to work on my bike and its a 10 mile clip each way.
I’m not as concerned about the weight as the gearing with a 3 speed. Will first gear make me sweat up small hills (no more then 30 degree angle) or long ascents? Can I always go back later and upgrade a 3 speed to an 8 speed if I need more gears?
Anyone out there done the Central Park Loop in one of these?
Again, TY for all the insight.
Do keep us posted once you get your bike. Since I’m clearly obsessed, I’d love to hear someone else’s perspective.
I am going on Saturday to test ride a few bikes at Hubs Station in the Village. I will def keep you updated as to my progress.
I wish I could afford the 8 speed versions but I can barely afford the 3 speed so hopefully if it is not sufficient I will be able to upgrade the gearing.
My other option would be to get the Electra since it’s cheaper but again, I would rather get the quality piece even if I have to spend more on it later.
TY again for all the advice!
Have fun riding your bike… and know your riding around on something thats made to be fuctional …and last
…would recommend anyone a 7 or 8 speed nexus hub vs. a 9speed derail system if your scenery is anything like ours. (flat as a pannekoek lol)
Greets from the Netherlands!!
I have found a 1962 Batavus Kent Americana. I have yet to go look at it but hear it is in mint condition and is selling for $150. I am wondering if the cost is worth it? And would it be worth upgrading with new tires, brooks b67 saddle, and gears vs buying new? I have no experience in this. I am looking at either this or a new OMA I can purchase here (Seattle) locally. I’m looking to get out of my car and I prefer to be as sustainable as possible and would feel if I could upgrade vs buy new that would fit my lifestyle. Thank you for your time and responses. Melissa
Portland also has Batavus bikes, mostly the delivery and personal bikes, at Clever Cycles (www.clevercycle.com) and at Joe Bike (www.joe-bike.com).
So I finally bought my Dutch style. Due to monetary limitations I purchased the Biria Classic Dutch which has a 3 speed Shimano hub gear.
The bike rides great – just like a real Dutch cruiser. My normal 1 hour commute now takes 1 hour and 10 minutes but it’s definitely worth the added safety and comfort. The bell is indispensible and I don’t know how I ever lived without one before. The upright riding position allows me to even see over some SUVs. Seeing above cars is a definite bonus when commuting through the mean streets of NYC.
I only have a few complaints. Things seem to be coming loose and need retightening (the pedals, the seat, the headlight, the bell, the handles on the handle bars). I don’t know if that is normal on a new bike since it’s been over 20 years since I had a brand new bike. Time will tell if this keeps up.
Also I think some of the materials might be a little cheap. I stripped a screw cause I tightened it too much. That’s never happened on my Trek or my girlfriend’s Wal-Mart Schwinn.
My final complaint is the handlebars. They don’t seem to go up very high limiting my turning radius unless I bring my knees in. A friend of mine who lived in the Netherlands for 13 years assures me that is normal and I just need to get used to it but I see pictures of Dutch bikes all over the Netherlands and most of them seem to have the handlebars set higher.
For those wondering how the 3 speed does in the NYC hills I have faced so far, well, it’s not always easy. I haven’t met a hill yet I can’t best on this 45lbs beast (with full Basil Panniers too which adds a few pounds) but hills are not my friend. In the coming weeks I will test this beast out on the Central Park loop and give you all an update. I took my road bike the other day (Trek 1000) and I couldn’t believe how fast I was going. I actually got a little scared going down some hills because for the last month I have been riding at such a leisurely pace.
Eventually I may change the handlebars if I can’t get used to them and if possible at some point I will change my 3 speed to more speeds because like I said, hills are not my friend. Fortunately I am a strong biker but I feel bad for those out there who aren’t and decide try NYC hills on a 3 speed weighing over 50lbs fully loaded.
I have 3 bikes now – a mountain bike, a road bike, and my commuter bike and everyday when it’s time to go to work I choose my Dutch style bike. Even with its minor faults it can’t be beat for comfort and most importantly safety.
Hello people, I’m tijs (tys) in english from the netherlands, and I’m looking for a Batavus socorro from 2007.. the problem is that I cannot find that bike in the netherlands anymore cause it’s a passed model. can enybody tell me where i can find this bike online
best regards
tijs.
ps. it’s damm good bike
I just bought a Batavus Sport this last weekend. I had never heard of the brand prior and would like to find any information available on this bike. The tag on it says it was manufactured by Batavus Intercycle, Heerenveen-Holland, 7610. It is a five speed in decent condition, I was just wondering if it was worth my $10. Can anybody help me out?
Thanks.
That’s awesome for you!
I would say any bicycle you get for $10 that works is a good deal.
If this is the dutch style bikes you are going to fall in love!
Batavus is one of the best bikes you can buy. the dutch are artists in making regulair bikes and sporting bikes. just like the usa is master in making atb bikes. Batavus now under the Accell group. a bigger coporation also dutch that also have sparta bikes and koga miyata. that are some examples thay have many more bike producers under there name.
these are some more great dutch bike builders.
Gazelle.com
Sparta.com
but to anwser the question of jamie..
10 dollar for a batavus is not much and i think you would have lots of joy on your investment.
sorry for my bad enlish
grtzz tijs from the netherlands
There is an American bicycle company making affordable ($600) high quality hand made Dutch Style bikes. They’re called Bowery Lane Bicycles – http://www.bowerylanebicycles.com
They’re made American steel in a factory using solar energy in NYC and have been receiving a lot of press.
[...] by the name of Batavus. (Commute By Bike has mentioned Batavus a couple times before, here and here.) Although a recent arrival to the North American market, Batavus is a century-old quintessential [...]
I just purchased for $277, no kidding, a new but dusty Oma Fiets here in Tucson. The bike shop couldn’t sell it! It is pink and looks like maybe a 2007 model. Anyway, great price and their ignorance is my bliss!
But the shop did not have any manuals- lost in the years transitions.
Can anyone tell me about maintenance or provide me with directions on how to find a service manual. I have gone thru all the standard web sites with no luck.
I just love my pink Oma Fiets and looking forward to many years on her!
Thanks, Ellie in Tucson