Belgium/Netherlands touring bikes

When I visited Belgium and the Netherlands this summer, I noticed a number of old-fashioned touring bikes. The ones I
saw looked like pre-WW2 style bikes with full fenders with lights mounted on them, spring seats, and easy-to-reach
handlebars (upright style).

A Belgian friend said she thinks they are still being made, but didn't know brand names or sources for them in the U.S.

Does anyone have info on where such bikes could be purchased in the U.S.? I live in Colorado.

Thanks!

--Art

Look at the hybrids in a few bike stores. Some even have the mid fork
lowrider brazeons.

But I never did understand how and old fashioned configuration got called
"hybrid," as being part road, part mtb. Seems to me the "hybrid" came first.

Belgium and the Netherlands have some neat handlebars on some of their
hybrids. These bars look more comfy than straight or riser bars and they're
called "butterfly bars" among other things. To see them surf to

http://www.bikemotion.nl/outside.php?id=6

look at the "Ixion" and "Argeon"

Doug
Toronto

"Art Winterbauer" wrote in message
...
When I visited Belgium and the Netherlands this summer, I noticed a number
of old-fashioned touring bikes. The ones I
saw looked like pre-WW2 style bikes with full fenders with lights mounted
on them, spring seats, and easy-to-reach
handlebars (upright style).

A Belgian friend said she thinks they are still being made, but didn't
know brand names or sources for them in the U.S.

Does anyone have info on where such bikes could be purchased in the U.S.?
I live in Colorado.

Thanks!

--Art

Thanks, Doug. (Now I wish I spoke Dutch)



Doug Purdy wrote:

Look at the hybrids in a few bike stores. Some even have the mid fork
lowrider brazeons.

But I never did understand how and old fashioned configuration got called
"hybrid," as being part road, part mtb. Seems to me the "hybrid" came first.

Belgium and the Netherlands have some neat handlebars on some of their
hybrids. These bars look more comfy than straight or riser bars and they're
called "butterfly bars" among other things. To see them surf to

http://www.bikemotion.nl/outside.php?id=6

look at the "Ixion" and "Argeon"

Doug
Toronto

"Art Winterbauer" wrote in message
...
When I visited Belgium and the Netherlands this summer, I noticed a number
of old-fashioned touring bikes. The ones I
saw looked like pre-WW2 style bikes with full fenders with lights mounted
on them, spring seats, and easy-to-reach
handlebars (upright style).

A Belgian friend said she thinks they are still being made, but didn't
know brand names or sources for them in the U.S.

Does anyone have info on where such bikes could be purchased in the U.S.?
I live in Colorado.

Thanks!

--Art

On Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:55:04 -0600, Art Winterbauer
wrote:

When I visited Belgium and the Netherlands this summer, I noticed a number of old-fashioned touring bikes. The ones I
saw looked like pre-WW2 style bikes with full fenders with lights mounted on them, spring seats, and easy-to-reach
handlebars (upright style).

A Belgian friend said she thinks they are still being made, but didn't know brand names or sources for them in the U.S.

Does anyone have info on where such bikes could be purchased in the U.S.? I live in Colorado.

Thanks!

--Art


http://www.utopia-fahrrad.de/
http://www.gazelle.nl
http://www.batavus.nl
http://www.pashley.co.uk/ (Classics : High Head Roadster)
http://www.sparta.nl/ (granny)

but i got no idea where you can buy them in the us

Yannik

Art Winterbauer wrote in message ...
When I visited Belgium and the Netherlands this summer, I noticed a number of old-fashioned touring bikes. The ones I
saw looked like pre-WW2 style bikes with full fenders with lights mounted on them, spring seats, and easy-to-reach
handlebars (upright style).

A Belgian friend said she thinks they are still being made, but didn't know brand names or sources for them in the U.S.

Does anyone have info on where such bikes could be purchased in the U.S.? I live in Colorado.

Thanks!

--Art

i modified our burley tandem by installing a pair of rivendell
albatross handlebars on it. they offer the same upright position as
many of the european city bikes. both sets are also equipped with
their cork grips (very comfortable!). it involved cable changes, but
was well worth it for the added comfort it gives my wife. we don't do
long rides, usually 15-25 miles and don't push the pace. on my road
bike, which gets ridden harder and longer, i use rivendell noodle
bars. they are a drop bar with a very shallow ramp and a top portion
that sweeps slightly back towards the rider. IMHO, many of the new
road bikes on the market come with way too radical a riding position.
handlebars that are within an inch (or less) of the top of the seat
will be more comfortable for most riders. it also makes it a lot
easier to use the drops for extended periods, which helps
aerodynamics.
smokey