tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post7829062321207624331..comments2023-07-01T10:21:32.918-05:00Comments on Chicargobike: "Dutch" Bikes - build 'em yourself - take 2Chicargohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-3479732205039086122023-07-01T10:21:12.956-05:002023-07-01T10:21:12.956-05:00We are always sure to use a strong steel stem. I w...We are always sure to use a strong steel stem. I wouldn’t use carbon fiber. Aluminum can work if it’s strong enough. Good point. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-26308971152858356002023-06-30T03:24:55.866-05:002023-06-30T03:24:55.866-05:00Child seat on stem, is that a good idea? I am not ...Child seat on stem, is that a good idea? I am not sure. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-61510098061139847702019-07-23T01:05:12.199-05:002019-07-23T01:05:12.199-05:00Nice Best bike cleaning kit blog and i will share ...Nice <a href="https://www.worldofwheelz.in/tools-and-maintenance/cleaners" rel="nofollow">Best bike cleaning kit</a> blog and i will share to my friends. Also i suggest <a href="https://www.worldofwheelz.in/cycle-accessories/mtb-grips" rel="nofollow">MTB Handlebar grips</a>.World of wheelzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00925140147377044942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-9386037953235123572018-05-19T08:48:38.829-05:002018-05-19T08:48:38.829-05:00The stem is kalloy. The stem is kalloy. Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-23508776070493986002018-02-22T15:09:14.373-06:002018-02-22T15:09:14.373-06:00What is the manufacturer of the stem?What is the manufacturer of the stem?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-18251235368668664752013-09-26T18:22:44.682-05:002013-09-26T18:22:44.682-05:00AMAZING! I can't wait to refit my '90s ste...AMAZING! I can't wait to refit my '90s steelies and start overcharging the local hipsters who don't know how to ride fixies. Thanks for the tips!SinoSoulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07881843982716449480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-65957102261801899642013-08-21T23:26:47.013-05:002013-08-21T23:26:47.013-05:00Wondering if this would be a good way to bring my ...Wondering if this would be a good way to bring my old Huffy Jackyl back to life. Say what you want about that brand, but that bike served me quite well for several years. I never challenged it to a really technical trail, but we spent lots of time on nearby singletracks with little trouble. It's one of the later US-built Huffy's, made before they sent 'em to China and a once-decent brand pretty well went to Hell.<br /><br />The downside would be that the reason I retired it was cause I was just the slightest bit too tall for it by then. Replaced it with a Haro Flightline Sport. Maybe frame size is less critical when fitting the new city-type parts. It's just been collecting dust in my storage alcove. Little or no rust, still technically ridable.William K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-44782092299287152262012-08-19T18:00:54.130-05:002012-08-19T18:00:54.130-05:00Well, the stem in the blog post and most similar o...Well, the stem in the blog post and most similar ones we've seen are steel quill stems, in this case stainless steel, and though they are heavier than aluminum they are designed for regular use. Any stem that's inserted up to its 'minimum insertion' line should be safe whatever it's made from. The tall stems don't make the bike hard to control at all, but they certainly change the seating position. The upright position that comes from using such a stem gives you a better view over traffic and makes you easier to see, too. It changes your pedaling position a bit also. When you have a tall stem you will probably sit differently on the seat and a wider, sprung seat begins to make sense. <br />Your main point is very important though - that you should always be sure your stem is safe. If in doubt, don't use it.Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-52589487316421487642012-08-16T17:27:11.478-05:002012-08-16T17:27:11.478-05:00Is a stem that high safe, though? I thought it wou...Is a stem that high safe, though? I thought it would make the bike hard to control, or be likely to bend...?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-71867293245901293132012-05-27T15:55:21.319-05:002012-05-27T15:55:21.319-05:00Thanks for the feedback!
Since I wrote the post t...Thanks for the feedback! <br />Since I wrote the post the better roller brakes have become more available here, and they do seem a lot better, but not for heavy loads downhill since they overheat. You are right about the high bottom bracket but on the early mountain bike I used it feels about the same as our dutch dutch bikes. Maybe the frame angles are an advantage, especially heading uphill, since so many dutch products now available here have a laid back seat post - comfortable but inefficient. <br />Again thanks for the note.Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-74282597673764840512012-05-26T17:58:33.804-05:002012-05-26T17:58:33.804-05:00You can see my finished conversion here: https://w...You can see my finished conversion here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2778799408157&set=o.5519804147&type=1&theater<br /><br />I have had always had city bike tires - pretty much from day one over 20 years ago (and I gave away the knobbies).<br /><br />I did pretty much the same as you but replaced my normal front wheel and cantilevers with a hub gen wheel and new roller brake. (I might have just used a bottle generator but my wheel was somewhat worn out...I needed a hub gen to be legal in Germany with a bike over 11 kilos). I disagree with your roller brake analysis as the brakes are both damage-resistant and good in the wet - I have used this bike for over 20 years and while the cantilever brakes are okay in wet, I think bad brakes are a barrier for some people with low bike investment opportunities). As you can see I still have the rear cantilevers.<br /><br />"...just as good"? Hmm... I wrote that I kept the wide-gearing (but would have scrapped the front if it was in bad conditions) and while the frame angles are not ideal the one bad thing that cannot be changed is the high bottom bracket. Even with that Brompton add-on I cannot get my mtn bike to a relatively-efficient saddle height that also allows me to put a foot down while seated.Slow Factoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12056080802746709323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-51360665186082587212012-02-02T13:17:05.791-06:002012-02-02T13:17:05.791-06:00Thanks for the note. You have a good point, but I&...Thanks for the note. You have a good point, but I'm pretty sure we spent less than $150 for ours. Since a plain old plastic bucket with an orange bar across it costs over $100 most places I've looked, it made sense to us. <br /><br />More important is making sure the seat fits your needs. We have had problems with the Junior, which is comfortable and popular even with the 11 year old, but it's really hard to hook up any pannier under or on it (unlike the other Bobike seat - the Maxi- that we have and use all the time) and the seat stay clamps just won't stay clamped on the mountain bike's wide tapered stays. The seat lurches crooked suddenly on this frame and I need to pull out the Allen keys to fix it.<br /><br />So I think the seat isn't bad, probably works really well on a traditional frame with a straight seat stay, but it isn't what we'd hoped for. For the price compared to other things we've seen it was probably worth it. Wish there were something better for bigger kids - perhaps just a padded board that fits on a strong rack is as good. JC Lind used to have them or you could make one. GMG makes a couple of options that might also work.<br /><br />The German test magazines liked Hamax seats better last time I looked, no idea where to find one.<br /><br />Bobike is carried in the US now by Kool-Stop, I think, so many bike stores have access to the wholesaler - can't hurt to ask your local store.Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-7615016558158296172012-02-02T08:16:52.171-06:002012-02-02T08:16:52.171-06:00Probably worth noting that the Bobike Junior is a ...Probably worth noting that the Bobike Junior is a $215 purchase at the only place I've been able to find in the US that lists a price on-line. I'd love to get one but it's not cheap. http://www.adelineadeline.com/kids/child-seats/bobike-junior.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-34456592420512921812011-06-20T18:51:44.313-05:002011-06-20T18:51:44.313-05:00Oh- here's a link to Sheldon Brown about how t...Oh- here's a link to Sheldon Brown about how to change the chain on one of those. Could it help you figure out how to remove it? <br /><br />http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_g.html#gearcaseChicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-22788628250269830652011-06-20T18:45:21.695-05:002011-06-20T18:45:21.695-05:00Hmmm. If it's an old or retro bike with an enc...Hmmm. If it's an old or retro bike with an enclosed chainguard made of leather or cloth stretched around a frame, I'm not sure. I think there is lacing to remove on the back side, carefully remove the cloth thing, then see what's next. Maybe you could leave the what's next undone if you are just painting.<br />Or is it metal? Most of those bolt to brackets brazed to the frame (or wrapped around it). Undo the bolts and it pops off.<br />If it's more recent it's probably easier. The plastic full chainguard on our bikes clicks apart at the very back, then a couple of screws come out and it can be wriggled free, passing the chain through the pry-openable gap between front and back pieces of guard.<br />The one on the bike up above is another design that's common - they screw onto a frame that's held by the bottom bracket. Maybe you can remove the guard part and leave that frame attached to the bike, unless you are removing the crank arms and bottom bracket. <br />I'll see if I can find anything about those fabric chainguard covers. Maybe there's something near the picture of the 1910 Raleigh at the top of this post that would help.<br />Does anyone else reading this blog have a better idea? <br /><br />Thanks for the note. We love NZ- both of us have spent time there. So say hello to Otago for us. Is the Wizard still there?Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-64636212419445803132011-06-20T04:14:24.565-05:002011-06-20T04:14:24.565-05:00help! i scored me an old dutch(ish) bike at online...help! i scored me an old dutch(ish) bike at online auction and now i fancy painting it up! problem is, can i get that chainguard off? i have searched and searched for 'how to's, but i just can't find one. other than saying 'it's difficult', any top tips?pascal and bechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14835521391397190470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-1296365280089508642011-05-21T19:32:45.912-05:002011-05-21T19:32:45.912-05:00Those center stand kickstands you see on Dutch bik...Those center stand kickstands you see on Dutch bikes are mostly from Hebie. Greenfield/pletscher/esge and copies also made of cast aluminum come in 2 variants - both fold on one side or each leg on a side. And there's a dual leg steel stand widely available if you google it called an m-wave; never seen one to notice it. I think the classic steel Trygg used on many Raleighs is my absolute favorite dual leg kickstand since it folds in, and it holds a load solidly, but it won't hold a 10-year old who jumps up and down on it as we found recently. I just put a rear triangle kickstand on this bike and I don't use it if a kid is jumping on.Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-41095937951938751582011-05-08T20:16:36.211-05:002011-05-08T20:16:36.211-05:00Custom is Cool!
I saw a woman with a Dutch Style ...Custom is Cool!<br /><br />I saw a woman with a Dutch Style Bike online that had a kick stand like a motorcycle center stand! That was a nice touch... great for loading and unloading<br /><br />I have to lean my big rig<br />http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/2011/03/few-shots-by-chris-of-franken-bakfiet.htmlgwadzillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11339430458139731808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-43753173799308463182011-05-06T17:23:35.273-05:002011-05-06T17:23:35.273-05:00The first few comments on this post are still avai...The first few comments on this post are still available, at http://chicargobike.blogspot.com/2011/05/dutch-bikes-build-em-yourself.htmlChicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-36849659262843555292011-05-05T22:28:25.109-05:002011-05-05T22:28:25.109-05:00The chainguard I used is kind of a pain to install...The chainguard I used is kind of a pain to install but works well once it's on. I think the generator lights are a really good idea too - see if Peter White Cycles still has the special prices on the Lumotec Ovals and save some money. Did you see our post about generator lights? <br /><br />The important thing is just getting out and riding around, so make your bike comfortable to hop on and go. Let us know what you do.Chicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-29875224063879299032011-05-05T21:44:38.360-05:002011-05-05T21:44:38.360-05:00I eye those Dutch bikes, and I wonder how much bet...I eye those Dutch bikes, and I wonder how much better they would be than my current bike, they're certainly pricier. I think that what I would do to Dutchify my bike is add a chainguard and generator lights. Hmmm. Something to consider. I have a Novara Mia ( http://www.rei.com/product/744789/novara-mia-womens-bike ) which already has the upright position, if not the trendy vintage / utilitarian feel.elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10402752423642292065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7682899986857040901.post-9346506756679935252011-05-05T08:04:30.306-05:002011-05-05T08:04:30.306-05:00Edited the post and lost this comment:
Julian sai...Edited the post and lost this comment:<br /><br />Julian said...<br />Great post, well-detailed. To go "full Dutch" it's helpful to slacken the virtual seat tube angle with a layback seatpost or Brompton seatpost adaptor, especially with a Brooks saddle that is challenging to push back as far as others.<br /><br />My version of this:<br />http://totcycle.com/blog/queer-eye-for-the-mountain-bike-guy.html<br /><br />That bike is an xtracycle now, but still loving the practical, upright, laidback geometry. And the fat franks.<br />May 5, 2011 12:51 AMChicargohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03166650767505966551noreply@blogger.com