Your Questions answered!
In this section of the website, we've included the questions we regularly get asked, and hope that if it's your first visit to our website or one of our shops, that this section will help you understand more about Batavus Dutch Bicycles.
Do you sell secondhand Dutch bikes?
We don't.
Occasionally, we do get trade-ins of previously sold models, and on these rare occasions, the bikes for sale will be shown on our website. As Batavus models fetch very remarkably high prices on ebay and so on, we recommend our customers if they want to sell their bikes, they do so privately.
The reason we don't import second hand Dutch bikes to the UK - is that most Dutch bikes are hub geared bikes, and have been ridden/extensively in the Netherlands, it's very difficult to be sure that a used Dutch bike's hub gears haven't come to the end of their lives.
Also, many older Dutch bikes - were fitted with drum brakes which may contain asbestos and cannot be worked on, but replaced. Which is why if you phone us up with an elderly Dutch bike you've bought and want it serviced, we're not going to be able to help as the costs of replacing the brakes far outweigh the price you've probably paid for the bikes.
So beware when buying elderly, secondhand Dutch bikes. You might think you're getting a bargain at £200 or so, but in fact, you could well be buying some clapped out bike which they couldn't sell in Holland, which is why it's for sale in the UK.
Like everything else, component parts in bicycles do wear out and given the extensive use bicycles get in Holland, there comes a time when they've had it, regardless of what the salesperson tells you.
Why don't Dutch bikes have gears?
They do!
Batavus build a range of bicycles from single speed to those with 27 gears.
The most popular bikes we import to the UK will have 3-24 gears.
The main reason we believe, why people assume that Dutch bikes don't have gears, is because with most models the gears are located in the rear HUB, thus giving rise to the term 'hub geared bikes.'
If you're confused by hub gears - don't be, think back to the famous Raleigh Chopper bicycle which had a gear stick in in the centre and 3 speed gears in the rear hub.
In the UK, hub gears went out of favour with the arrival of the mountain bike which came with up to 29 gears.
I'll come to the benefits of hub gears in a moment, but for now, be assured that all our Batavus models come with gears. So if you live in a hilly area, we still have a model suitable for you.
All Dutch bikes are heavy?
No.
Everyone in the Netherlands from the youngest to the eldest rides Dutch bikes, and quite literally fly along.
Modern Batavus bicycles are not heavy - frames are all made using lightweight 7005 alloy and the hubs fitted are Shimano Nexus, the lightest hub gears on the market.
We cannot speak for other Dutch manufacturers, but Batavus, build their bicycles using lightweight 7005 alloy for the frames. This material is not only lightweight, but, strong.
When comparing weights - or as some people like to do - lift a bike to deterimine how heavy it is, this somewhat unscientific test tells you nothing about the bikes, or how they easy they are to ride.
Most Batavus models come with a amazing list of standard features - which include things like - mudguards, locks, carriers, side stand, front hub dynmao lighting, re-inforced spokes and hub gears, roller brake and so on - of course these bikes are going to weight more than your friend at work (you know the one who knows all about bikes and rides and tells you that Dutch bikes are too heavy..) lightweight road bike.
But, the Dutch bike gives you a practical, comfortable biking experience, while the lightweight road bike won't suit everyone, particularly those who find cycling to be uncomfortable or painful on their back.
So if you want the lightweight road bike - or road racing bike, as they're often called, then go and buy one, but you won't get all the features of a Batavus Dutch bike. But if you do want the features and benefits of a Batavus Dutch bike then you've got to appreciate that the more features you include in your bike, the heavier it becomes comparative to other bikes that don't have the same features.
What are the advantages of hub gears?
There are a number of advantages of using a bike with hub gears-
- Easy to use - All you do is turn the twist grip located on the handgrip and the bike changes gear.
- You don't have to be pedalling to change gear. If you find you're at the traffic lights/or come to a sudden stop and you're in too high a gear to start off comfortably, you can simply change gear while you're stationary. Which you cannot do with derailleur gears.
- Less likely to get damaged. As the gears are enclosed in the rear hub they are not exposed like derailleur gears and so less likely to get fouled in things as you ride along. They also don't need any external gear mechanisms to operate, so are very low maintenance.
- Low Maintenance. Hub gears won't require the same amount of regular maintenance and adjustments you'd normally associate with derailleur gears. Thus in the long run, you're saving money, and if you're not technical you're saving yourself lots of bother in ensuring your gears are operating as they should be.
- Chain is enclosed allowing you to wear what you like. This is the one of the most attractive benefits of using hub gears. As the gears are located in the hub, your chain can then be enclosed in a chain case, thus allowing you to cycle without having to tuck your trousers in your socks, or use cycle clips or risk getting oil and dirt against your clothes. As the Dutch Bike is primarily a utility bike - as opposed to a racing/mountain bike, it's designed to used for every-day cycle riding - commuting, shopping and so on.
On the downside -
1. A hub gear is usually more expensive than derailleur gears
2. A hub gear is marginally heavier than a derailleur gear.
But, we believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Obviously, hub gears aren't for everyone, and certainly those that enjoy road bikes wouldn't be in favour of using them, but then those that enjoy road bikes aren't the typical customer our bikes are aimed at.
So essentially, it's different bikes suitable for different people.
Some people like a beer while others like wine, others will like spirits, while others won't drink at all.
Everyone's different - we're not trying to sell a 'once-size fits all' cycling solution - but meet the needs of those customers who want a comfortable, reliable, easy-to-ride bicycle with the benefit of not having to buy a shop load of cycle accessories once you've bought the bike!
Prices - I've seen Dutch bikes cheaper elsewhere - why should I pay extra?
We only sell quality, Dutch bikes from Holland's leading manufacturers.
Our business isn't about pawning you off with some cheap, low quality imitation of a genuine Dutch bike - but the real thing.
Be very careful when it comes to comparing prices on Dutch bikes.
Certainly there are lots of 'Dutch bikes' out there which cost far less than a Batavus, and there are many reasons for this.
Batavus are a premium Dutch bicycle manufacturer. Part of the ACCELL PLC group, which builds over 1.3million bicycles a year - and as such can achieve enormous buying power.
I'm not going to insult you by giving you a hundred reasons why you should buy a Batavus over a cheaper brand, however, ask yourself this question - how could another cycle company build a similar Dutch bicycle to the same standards as Batavus - who enjoy huge buying power - and do it cheaper?
We don't believe that anyone can, which is why in our shops we only sell bikes from premium brands. Batavus have been building bikes since 1904 and they're bikes have an excellent reputation world wide for quality.
Every bicycle comes with a 10 year warranty on the frame, and 2 years on component parts.
All Batavus models are factory built in Europe -either in Holland, France or Germany and the company uses only water based eco-friendly paint - 5 coats for each bike - and the factory uses green electricity and has a water treatment plant to reduce damage to the surrounding environment.
When you buy a Batavus you get:
- A quality Dutch bicycle built using quality components.
- The peace-of-mind that can only come with buying from a world leading manufacturer who has built it's business not just on the quality of its bicycles, but as importantly, its after-sales service.
- The pleasure of riding a truly beautiful bicycle.
When you buy from The Littlehampton Dutch Bike Co you get:
- The peace-of-mind from buying from a business that has based it reputation on only selling premium, quality products. Every product in our shop has been tested by us. We only ride Batavus bicycles - and regularly test and evaluate every new product we bring in. If we don't like, or don't think it's up to the hype, we don't stock it.
- A bricks and mortar business that employs staff and adds benefit to the enconomy.
- The UK's first and only dedicated Dutch bike Shop. We don't sell any other bikes than Dutch bikes.
- A first class service.
If you've any more questions, please phone us on 01903 730089 or if the lines are engaged - 01273 774061.
Thanks for visiting us!