WE FINALLY BOUGHT BIKES IN THE NETHERLANDS

In this episode, Michelle and Alex FINALLY buy their bikes after moving to the Netherlands nearly one year ago. Learn what makes Dutch bikes so unique (omafiets), how to buy a bike in the Netherlands, and follow Michelle and Alex as they go on their first journey on a bike to... a bakery, of course!
Episode 69 (nice.) · Filmed on June 24, 2023 · Dordrecht, the Netherlands
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0:00 Introduction
0:47 Why did this take you so long?
1:22 Do we even know how to ride a bike?
1:44 What are we looking for in a bike?
2:48 How do you buy a bike in the Netherlands?
3:11 What was our experience like?
3:35 Bike reveal and riding around Dordrecht
4:04 OK, so what's so special about Dutch bikes?
5:14 What we got vs. what we were looking for
6:11 More riding around Dordrecht
6:29 First destination: Banketbakkerij Brokking
7:54 Insurance and bike locks
8:22 How much did our bikes cost?
9:09 What's it like biking in the Netherlands?
9:43 Wrap up
#expatlife #netherlands #bikinglife
---
WHO IS BUNCHARTED?
We're Michelle and Alex, an American expat couple living abroad in the Netherlands. 🇳🇱
In 2020, we quit our jobs to travel the world, and... well, that didn't happen. So in 2022, we decided to make an even BIGGER change by packing up our lives (and our cats 🐈) and moving from Austin, Texas, in the US, to Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. Subscribe for new videos like this every week!

[@DeDoentje]

A 5 minute bike ride instead of a 20 minute walk is a perfect example of how to use a bike.

[@brantregare]

Agreed. This is why the bike is viable transportation.

[@sd-ch2cq]

Exactly: most dutch cities are too big to walk everywhere, but with a bike most locations can be reached in 5-15 minutes (supermarket, cafe, train-station, etc)

[@basvanderwerff2725]

The covered part are actually so your wheels dont fling a bunch of water on your back/shoes when you end up driving trough the rain/puddles, you can get aditional cover for the side of the rearwheel that do protect against stuff getting in the spokes they call them jasbeschermers which translates to coat savers, the upright sitting is not only more comfortable but it also safer you have a better view of other traffic and it easier to check behind you when upright!

[@MabuyaQ]

Congrats at becoming half Dutch, once you both get your second bike you have become fully Dutch.

[@buncharted]

😂😂😂

[@mariekedekruiff2884]

@@buncharted Also you should consider buying panniers (fietstassen) for your groceries and such. It'll make your shopping trips easier. If you do decide to get a second bike, I recommend you to buy a classic second-hand black Gazelle omafiets from the 50's, 60's or 70's. Preferably with as many original parts still on them and not with gears or hand-breaks. These are quite inconspicuous and fairly cheap bikes over here but very chic and expensive in Berlin. The classic Gazelle bikes are the most sophisticated and elegant bikes around if you ask me! Very practical too :)

[@Lars_erik]

Although being mid thirty, I still use a backpack for my groceries 🤣

[@darknessblades]

*Ebike, and use their regular one for the short commutes. Ebike insurance is also quite cheap depending on here you live, 500 euro for FULL casco [with theft insurance, and accident insurance] for 5 years. some insurance require a 2nd lock depending on the value of the ebike. though this is just a 50 euro additional expense at most

[@TheSuperappelflap]

I have 4 bikes. 2 at home, always nice to have a spare or for when I want to go to the beach with my girlfriend. Then one at my parents house so I can get around when I visit them. And then I get one wherever Im working so I can get around there too. Thats like the bare minimum.

[@bashumgood239]

For the Sausigerol: next time ask the shop owner if he can warm it up for you and if he can not, take it hope and stick it in the oven for like a minute or 2, then they are excellent to eat ;) From a friend in Utrecht ^^ Thanks for the entertainment

[@henkvandijkwoerden]

I am impressed how fast your "inburgering" is going! You even found "Marktplaats". That's the true Dutch commercial spirit. Have fun with your brand new bikes!

[@janvanleeuwen2535]

Becoming real Dutchy's😊👍

[@Michiel_de_Jong]

Regular bike: the right choice. Destination options: 1. Dordrecht - Biesbosch (pontje kop van't land) - Lage Zwaluwe (pontje) - A16 - Dordrecht 2. Dordrecht - Baanhoek - Papendrecht centrum - Alblasserdam - A15 - Hendrik Ido Ambacht - Zwijndrecht - Dordrecht 3. Dordrecht - Kiltunnel - Strijen - Maasdam - Pontje(Puttershoek) - Zwijndrecht - Dordrecht.

[@lysannedrop3092]

before taking a 'pontje' anywhere in the Netherlands make sure to check how you have to pay them. Some only take card, some only take cash and then some only take cash but have a hard time giving you change. They are usually not expensive but making a huge detour for a bridge or having to swim 😉 is way more annoying.

[@Michiel_de_Jong]

@@lysannedrop3092 | I had that experience in Brakel (pontje),... having coins but no card.. quiet annoying.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Dont forget the coastline, you can bike from Hoek van Holland to Noordwijk through the dunes, have a beautiful ride and then just take a train home. Veluwe and Limburg are also beautiful but you have to watch out for elderly people on ebikes.

[@dutchflyingpilot]

My recommendation would be to explore the Dordtse Biesbosch first (Kop van het Land area). Beautiful countryside relatively close to the city centre (approx 45min if you take it slow). Now here's a pro tip: if you're planning to go on a bike trip, carry a mini bike pump and a tire repair kit with you. They usually come with a manual on how to fix that flat tire.

[@MrPAlberst2]

As a dutch viewer it is so much fun to watch these video's. What is totally normal for us groing up, can be weird for an outsider.

[@Fuzz82]

Good choices. This really is the type of bicycle you would want in the Netherlands while living in a smaller town. Most people in Amsterdam go for a second hand refurbished beater. with little extra on it. And the uglier, the better! I agree with always using two locks. I have always done it, and never had a bike stolen. Also try and always attach it to something when locking up. If both of you are going somewhere, locking the bikes together works great. Oma and Opa fietsen are basically old style bicycles. I wouldn't call yours this. But simplicity is where it comes down to.

[@roberts6035]

Take the Waterbus to Kinderdijk and make a nice bike ride along the iconic windmills.

[@markruitenbeek]

Or cycle from home via Barendrecht to Rhoon alongside the river Oude Maas and have a beauttiful walk through the Grienden. You won’t regret it, including a stunning lunch.

[@Wintertalent]

This. It doesn't get more Dutch than that.

[@johnatkins2665]

Oh yes, good suggestion. If they are in Dordrecht you couldn't do better !

[@JoopHbR]

From Rotterdam you can easily cycle: 15 km's

[@FrankHeuvelman]

Or, rent a rowboat and go visit one of our beautiful windfarms on the North Sea. It's such a lovely sight. Especially at dawn.

[@TheAnoniemo]

Make sure you have a bike pump so you can keep the tired nice and inflated. The difference between soft and hard inflated tires is HUGE! Also tightening loose screws and doing small fixes around the bike will make it last a lot longer.

[@seesharp81321]

Hard inflated tires increases rolling resistance....

[@TheAnoniemo]

@@seesharp81321 I'd love to hear why

[@dukejohn2898]

En een plaksetje ook handig als je een lekke band krijgt.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

​@@TheAnoniemo better inflated tyres do indeed increase rolling resistance.. marginally, but tbh I'd rather have properly inflated tyres than getting a flat. When rolling resistance is a concern the advice is to buy a different brand of tyre. Also the big disadvantage of inflated tyres which have been pumped to the max is it's just not as comfortable to ride, having a tyre at for example 70psi as opposed to say 130psi max indicated on the tyre is that a lower pressure tyre will better absorb road buzz and provide greater comfort when riding over gravel or riding over debris on the path.

[@TheAnoniemo]

@@BikepackingAdventures but higher pressure reduces rolling resistance. The harder the tire the lower the deformation and contact patch, and therefore lowers the rolling resistance.

[@InfiniteCyclus]

Just so you're aware: you're not allowed to take a normal bike into the train or metro during rush hour. Only folding bikes are allowed during rush hour. And you'll have to buy a separate ticket for your bike, for the train, and the metro. You don't have to buy tickets for folding bikes.

[@hermanfinkelstein5039]

Folding bikes are great if your destination is around the station, there not made for large communtes. in the train you see quite often people who go our for a day, they bring there sportbike/regular bike to a new location in the netherlands, ride it along for a day and enjoy the scenery and then in the evening ride the train back. As far as I understood this was there goal and not commuting the last mile. thats where folding bikes are for.

[@hvputten]

Outside of rushhour bikes are free in the rotterdam metro. Not allowed in rotterdam tram

[@PatrickSlamp]

The Veluwe is a nice place to cycle, its a lot of nature and a bit hilly.

[@MarkDDG]

And there are a lot of cute little towns as well

[@bomhof2002]

Apeldoorn Hoenderloo Veluwe is great to visit.

[@ronaldvanderhorst4936]

Velp, Rheden, Dieren (13 km between the first and last mentioned) all accessible by train, and directly at national-park de Veluwezoom. If you like cycling through the forrest or over moorlands on really good maintained bicycle pathways. This is really worth trying for a weekend. As others mentioned, its hilly, the highest point is just over a hundred meters above sea level. I lived in that region almost all my life, and still find it stunningly beautiful. The contrast of the also beautiful landscape along the river Ijssel is huge. And you got them both directly besides each other.

[@anouk6644]

You made the right choice! With handbrakes, some gears and not to heavy you can get around easily. Although a lot of bikes get stolen in all my 40 years of owning a bike and living throughout the Randstad, mine never was *knocks on wood. So it’s not that inevitable, but maybe highly probable ;-) Have fun riding and exploring!

[@xxwookey]

Right and you don't 'have' to insure them (as implied in this video), especially if they were relatively cheap. It's optional. I've had several bikes stolen over the years but I don't bother with insurance. Unless you know you are an above average risk, you will (probably) be better off in the long run not paying all those premiums - that's pretty-much the definition of insurance. And it's not like buying a replacement bike is ruinously expensive, especially in the Netherlands.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Just make sure your bike looks cheaper than the other ones at the train station and get a chain lock. Ive only ever had one bike stolen as a kid, from in front of a friends house, because I forgot to lock it.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Just make sure your bike looks cheaper than the other ones at the train station and get a chain lock. Ive only ever had one bike stolen as a kid, from in front of a friends house, because I forgot to lock it.

[@mormacil]

De Betuwe is beautiful on a bike. It's essentially fruit farming country with a ton of orchards. The rivers also facilitated a lot of trade since forever so there's also a lot of (medieval) history there.

[@bregtolla]

Agree, the Betuwe has beautiful(the best) bike routes... have fun !!

[@jeroencote5212]

good idea you could take the train to geldermalsen direct from Dordrecht and you are almost in the Betuwe or go to the Veluwe. Anyway sure you will enjoy whatever you do. Some other great places to get to are Enkhuizen, Middelburg/Vlissingen a Waddeneiland and a place i never been is called Bourtange (now when you go there you most likely need your bikes as it is a bit diffcult to get there with public transport)

[@chubbymoth5810]

Just get on your bike and explore the area. It is a really good way to explore a small city like Dordrecht. If you follow the dikes, you'll be able to follow the river. A pedestrian ferry can easily get you on the other side as well. Once you're a bit more experienced and less anxious, you may go for a day trip, to for instance Kinderdijk which has a large cluster of windmills and is not overly touristic. Taking a ride through the Biesbosch should be nice. It's a nature reserve and you may even see some beavers building their dams there.

[@buncharted]

ah, thank you! biesbosch is already on our list but we hadn’t considered kinderdijk!

[@billhart9832]

I'll be moving to the Netherlands in about 2 weeks for job expected to be for 2 years. I'm 64 and an experienced cyclist so I'm looking forward to bicycle commuting, again as I did previously in Germany. I was happy with the German bicycle infrastructure but I can only see the Dutch model being even better, especially their integration with public trasit. Thanks for the pricing guide too. 15 years ago in Friedrichshafen, DE, I bought a used 16-speed (2x8) bike for 240 Euros, rode it for 9 months, thru the Fall, Winter, and Spring and sold it back to the same shop for 200 euros. 40 Euros for 9 months of daily riding and zero mechanical issues was great! I expect a similar experience in Alkmaar. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@weetjijwel050]

400 euro's do not buy you a bike that will last you for many years (lesser quality). For only 2 years, it will hold up tho. A good bike that will last longer will cost 750 euro's upto 5000:). Also: try the chesse in alkmaar:)

[@billhart9832]

@@weetjijwel050, Bedankt voor het advies, zowel voor fietsen als kaas. Ik ben al meer dan 50 jaar een liefhebber van fietsen en kaas, dus mijn opdracht in Alkmaar is een droom die uitkomt. The Dutch via Google Translate so please pardon any errors.

[@weetjijwel050]

Opdat het maar moge bevallen, veel plezier. Laatste tip: strand bij Bergen aan Zee 👍@@billhart9832

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@weetjijwel050 Depends, I inherited a bike from my granddad, a Koga Miyata, which he used for many years. On that solid steel frame I was able to replace all the parts myself with high quality Shimano parts for about 200 euro in total. The bike originally cost maybe 500 euro at most adjusted for inflation. Its the toughest frame you will ever find and it will probably outlive me.

[@weetjijwel050]

koga miyata used to be top quality. Never in the old days would you get one for, now, 500 euro. And DYI is always cheaper ofc, i get that@@TheSuperappelflap

[@BrazenNL]

Probably too late now, but if you have a wheel lock that has a mysterious 1 cm hole in it, that's for a chain, so you only need one key! Anyway, I'm so happy to see you guys go all-in on our culture. Good that you picked up on the eye contact, we like to look out for each other. You also look very relaxed, love it.

[@mediocrebastard]

NOT recommended. The one-key lock combinations are much easier to steal, apparently. I always assumed they'd break or cut a lock, but apparently, thieves now use something called a poolse sleutel, making it look like you're just opening your lock with a key. They even get stolen from guarded parkings like this. So get two locks with two different keys.

[@BrazenNL]

@@mediocrebastard Oh,thanks for the warning!

[@robhofkes3221]

The bikes that you have is not a Omafiets. You have more like a city or tourbike. And they look good. Have a lot of fun riding the bikes

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Tour bikes are generally more of a lean forward model with a longer frame and look more sporty. They are for longer tours and bike camping trips. More heavy frames than racing bikes because you need to be able to put a bunch of bags on them to carry your tent and other camping supplies around. These are city bikes.

[@ricardoberkhout]

From Dordrecht you should goto the Rottemeren, which is a lovely place close to Rotterdam. Also I really really really recommend you to go to the Biesbosch, which is very close from your place...if you like nature, trees, water, climbing, picnicking, etc of course. Njoy your bikes! You rock!

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Canoeing in Bieschbosch is also amazing and there are some wonderful campsites there on farms on small islands that are wonderful to stay at, and not expensive either!

[@nout1972]

This is what "Going Dutch" really means, getting a bike 🙂

[@tubularap]

There !!! Thanks for setting that misunderstanding straight 🙂

[@5erendipity754]

true, I arrived here in Nov 2023 (4 mo ago) and very soon after that I heard myself telling my family and friends: "I will consider myself Dutch not only when I speak Dutch but 1) when I get a job (done last week ✅ 😊) and 2) when I start going to work ON MY FIRST BIKE 🚴😃 . I am happy to report that yesterday I ordered my first bike - very similar to the M & A's omafiets, backpedaling breaks and no gears, as I want to use it as exercise machine 😉 , as well. I came here to see if I have omitted anything, and thanks to this post and some great comments, I just ordered a mini pump, a second lock, and a tire repair kit.

[@Joost8231]

Taking the Waterbus to the Kinderdijk windmills is indeed a very nice option. But as a test ride there are also beautiful cycling routes on the island of Dordrecht. For example, you can cycle via de Dordtse Biesbosch and de Elzen naar de Zuid Haven and take a walk along the river. From de Zuid Haven you can cycle via Kop van 't Land to de Wantijdijk. When you cycle down this dike along the river Wantij, you automatically end up in the Wantijpark. Have fun!

[@Sheilanagig]

If you guys want to plan a route, you should use the fietsknoop system. There's a numbered system on the bike paths that you can follow, and it's all over the country. In Dordrecht you can also get to the Merwekade and take the waterbus when you're ready to go a little further afield. We live along the waterbus route between Dordrecht and Rotterdam and we use it all of the time when we plan a longer ride because you can take your bike on it and it saves us having to cross bridges. Another thing that might be good to learn is how to take a bike on an escalator, because you'll need it here sometimes. If you can figure out the fietsknoop system you can keep from getting lost because you just have to look out for the signs along the bike path.

[@sd-ch2cq]

If you take a bike up or down an escalator you can push one of the wheels down against the escalator: when one wheel can't move the rest of the bike can't move either

[@qedqubit]

9:30 "There are no stop signs in the Netherlands" ; "Everyone just looks out for each other" -my favourite part of this video🤣 especially on beautiful summer days, i notice strangers passing each other , greet each other ; making it even a better day😁!

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

The cover up on the back is for rain, and dirt. There are separate clothing protectors that your bike does not seem to have. And technically an original 'omafiets' has no handbreaks and different steering, but that's...just nitpicking

[@darkknight8139]

Really nice, congrats guys! Finally, you are truely Dutch :D Buying a "normal" bike is a good choice, also choosing hand brakes is the best choice. The only thing I was a bit surprised about is the "derailleur" type gear shifters, instead of the more common 7-speed hub gear, like a Shimano Nexus. Of course the derailleur type rides more smoothly and is easier uphill, but hey, we don't have real hills here. The hub gear is almost maintenance free, you have to check, clean and lube the derailleur shifter more often. Anyway, you chose a great bike. One final tip to avoid your bike getting stolen: always use the ring lock provided with the bike to lock it, and always (I mean always) use a second, good quality chain lock to secure the bike to something fixed like a street lamp or fence. It sounds so obvious, but the simple thing is that bikes will mostly only be stolen if they scream value or if they are less well locked compared to the bike parked next to it. Safe journeys!

[@BabzV]

At 41 I don't own a drivers license. I bike or walk everywhere, and that should say enough about the infrastructure of the Netherlands. :) Oh and I had a Oma fiets for many years, just recently switched to a bike with gears(old one was worn down), quite the change but I'm very happy with it now. :) I'm glad you guys are enjoying the biking culture here. 😊🌷

[@ralphvanz.7925]

Where to go during summertime? Hop on a train to Vlissingen and just ride along the coast and relax on a couple of beaches near Dishoek, Zoutelande, Westkapelle and Domburg.

[@buncharted]

that sounds like a GREAT idea

[@ralphvanz.7925]

@@buncharted Also don't forget Middelburg, if you are ever in this area.

[@lbergen001]

You made a very good deal with these bikes.👍👍 Tip: Be sure that the lock on the chain is close to the frame when locked, so they cannot smash/bang it on the pavement until it breaks. Tip2: Just take you bikes on the train and visit all the other provinces.

[@Lars_erik]

And in addition to that, never put it on the front wheel. That’s a guarantee for a nice surprise; finding your front wheel neatly locked 😂

[@RS-Rdam]

Since you’re living in Dordrecht now, and want to experience and enjoy typical Dutch rural scenery with typical windmills, you should try cycling from Oud-Ablas along the river De Alblas to Bleskensgraaf, Molenaarsgraaf and so on. Could start (or end) at restaurant de Krom

[@dustinbranham9746]

This is great news!! I'm looking forward to seeing videos that show where y'all go and how you enjoy getting there on two wheels. Having a bike really expands your options for social activities and fun destinations within a 15 minute ride compared with walking.

[@sanderdeboer6034]

I understand you might want to take them on the train, however I have only done this a couple of times in my entire life here in the Netherlands. (Usually to move the bike to my new place). I do have a ‘vouwfiets’ as well, and even this one I hardly take on public transport. (Now use it to easily store it near my door in stead of my storage box that is in another street) Taking a bike on the train costs 7.50 euro (vouwfiets / folding bike is free), while hiring an OV fiets at the train station costs 4,45 euros for the entire day. And and OV E-BIKE costs 10 euros a day. You will quickly notice how inconvenient it is to take a bike on a dutch train. Especially if you both take your bikes. Not a lot of space, and doing a quick ‘overstap’ to another train is also a hassle most of the time. It can obviously be done, there are elevators, and special areas on the train to store the bikes. But you have to stay with them, so you can show the ticket for the bikes. I once have seen the conductor remove a bike from the train, after he asked over the intercom who stored them there. He needed to see the ticket. One tip, Action has a bike basket on sale starting tomorrow for around 7 euros. With an adapter for the steering column, so you can easily remove it for shopping for example. I also have special bike bags that can be easily attached to the bike quickly. Made from leather in a messenger bag format they are great to use for going to work. I use KLICKfix as a system, which has hundreds of options for bags, baskets or any other add ons you might need to transport stuff. And be careful with parking, because the city council is often the one who takes it away. (Not sure how this works in Dordrecht)

[@TheSuperappelflap]

I did take my bike on the train a few times. For example, I took my bike to Zeist from South Holland on the train for a bike vacation visiting several campsites on the Veluwe and then cycled back home in the last 2 days, going south around Utrecht. However if Im moving I just bike 40km to my new place, its fun to explore new routes and you get much more of a sense of the topography than by driving a car on the highway. And 40km takes 2 hours so whats the hassle? Take a nice break and get some coffee along the way, 3 hours, youre home and you had some good exercise and fresh air, if you avoid biking along the busy roads that is.

[@mariskavandasselaarofficial]

Congrats on having bikes! I am looking forward to seeing more of your trips.

[@MIGHTYcbu]

Cycling with less energy tips: Put the ball of your foot, or where your toes start, just behind the axle of the pedal (you'll feel the sweet spot). Keep your knees pointing straight forward, so not bowlegged or x-legged. Now push down the pedal down with the front of your feet in stead of pushing the pedal down with your upper legs (this also prevents your body moving back and forth). Only use your upper legs if you need some extra power, like going uphill. Have fun cycling!

[@sergeleon1163]

While I'm living in a village in between Rotterdam and Dordrecht myself and been biking around I can say there are plenty of options from taking routes that are more urban to routes that are more rural/in nature. If you want to explore near Dordrecht, you could bike to the national park the Biesbosch, also biking to/or at Kinderdijk along the windmills is nice, on a beautiful sunny day it's specially nice around sunset and if you struggle with the distance you could take your bike on the water bus from/to there. As some other also suggested Fietstassen (bike bags) can be very handy for doing groceries or just packing in a blanked, food and drinks etc. if you go on a bike ride and have a picknick somewhere along the way. If you are unfamiliar and want the aid of a navigation assistant like google maps, many of those can be set to biking and as an accessoire you can find phone holders for on bicycles. Many cities also have a VVV store (information for both tourists and residents) and yours would be called indordrecht on the website you can also find suggested bike routes, which often have multiple options with shorter and longer distance, with options to download the routes in a PDF or have them opened in google maps, in the store they also sell paper bike maps. You can also find a city map there with marked (tourist) sites and points of interest which might also be handy for you being new to Dordrecht.

[@SwirlingSoul]

Drenthe is famous for being the biking province. Little villages, lots of trees, and lots of interesting routes. But, our entire country is suitable for biking.

[@NaomiClareNL]

If you ever get tired of cycling through Dutch polders, my suggestion is Nationaal Park Veluwezoom between Arnhem and Dieren in the province of Gelderland. After that it is off to the hills in the south of the province of Limburg, between Maastricht, Valkenburg and Vaals! Or just cycle around the province of Drenthe in a week or so.

[@robvantriet2138]

Limburg is for the more advanced cyclists, getting up at a hill at 22% is not for the starting cyclist (and getting down even less). Better to train a little longer on our biljart table of a country.

[@AlexRobert1967]

Congratulations with your bikes! It’s fun to see you’re happy with it.

[@Random.ChanneI]

Those look nice!! I especially like the light blue one. And the 20 minute walk example is the best example you could give. I even go to my local shops by e-bike because it gets me there in 1-2 minutes while walking would be something like 5-7 minutes.

[@jacques7799]

Nice video! Go with Waterbus to Kinderdijk and enjoy the windmills over there. Happy cycling!

[@bertschalk1798]

When using a cable lock or a chain lock, make sure you attach it to something solid and....try to attach it as high as possible. That will make it harder to use a cable cutter as all pressure needs to be applied by pure muscle power rather than making use of solid surfaces, putting one leg of the cutter on the ground.... Hope this makes sense ? 😊

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Its been a while since you posted this - so you've probably had this recommendation already - but if not I recommend the paths behind the coastline through the dunes. From Dordrecht its a breeze to get to Hoek van Holland by rail and riding north to Den Haag and beyond is some absolutely superb riding. this route should be on the bucket list of any cyclist (I've ridden along the entire coast about tn times) - highly recommend it.

[@bertoverweel6588]

Hallo lovely people, you can go to Kinderdijk for the windmills with the fastferry.

[@brantregare]

Congratulations, welcome The Netherlands, and thank your for trying out bicycles here. You will find all sorts of destinations open to you now that would inconvenient by foot, car or, public transport, (bus, tram and, train.)

[@prutteltje1300]

You have several bike routes in the Netherlands were you start at a point and leads you round al nice sights and get you back to the start. Often they start at a train station like "de Peel en Maas route" you see lots of nature and you can get those routes digital or you just follow the signs by the road.

[@antoinewesthoff4417]

I love cycling in de Achterhoek! You might too. Just take the train to Doetinchem, Zutphen or even Winterswijk. There are plenty of nice routes to cycle there.

[@D0G_CN]

good choice on what kind of bike you got's, usually a lock on the rear wheel is sufficient to keep it from getting stolen. im sure you both will get the ins and outs of dutch biking in no time...

[@bronkolie]

FYI an omafiets is actually a specific type of bike. This is just a regular stadfiets (city bike)

[@josschakenraad6415]

Take your bikes on the train to Winterswijk and experience the beauty and tranquility of the Achterhoek. Book a hotel or a B&B there for a few days. From there you can cycle daily through the hamlets with the many forests, meadows and sandy roads along farms and streams. Places where you sometimes don't see anyone. All a stone's throw from the center of town. You can even easily cross the border into Germany and experience how the landscape there is slightly different. You can visit the Mondriaan museum there. Afterwards you can go for a swim in the historic open-air swimming pool and then have something to eat or drink there or on one of the terraces around the square around the church of Winterswijk.

[@Crankshaft_NL]

There are some bikepath apps that can give you cool bike tours true out the netherlands. Most of the time you can select distance or time. Most of these tours also have fysical signs so you can just follow them once you are on the right path. I think you should go to the "veluwen" it's like a big nature reserve, in the east of the netherlands. You can make a great weekend out of it. But do go in summer so you can enjoy the landscape on your bike. Most dutch do these day trips when the have multple stops and relax on a terras. First stop around 10 you have coffee and applepie than you just hop on the bike agian, second stop you go lunch third stop you have some beers or whine with a "bittergarnituur" and than you go to your hotel freshen up and have diner. Great day of exercise, food, great views and beeing outside.

[@eddys.3524]

Congratz!! One step closer to becoming a real Dutchie !! And there is enough to explore in and around Dordrecht.

[@JulesStoop]

Nice bikes! Enjoy them🎉

[@albertlay8927]

You can go to the bridge over the Noord, parallel to the A15 highway. When you're on the bridge, you can look down (on the north side) and you will see a wharf. It's the wharf of Oceanco: they built superyachts there. Some 6 months ago, I crossed that bridge a few times and there was this (almost finished) yacht moored at the dock. I didn't know it at the time, but later I heard that it was Steven Spielberg's new superyacht. So, if you can find a source that gives info and updates on what they are building there, you can see some interesting boats. Also nice: along the river Giessen

[@evertjethoe]

Next to the Oma Fiets (Grandmother Bike) you also have the Opoe fiets (Grandfather bike). They both have history here in the Netherlands.

[@spoonman2605]

Huh? Opoe=oma. I think you ment opafiets 👍

[@AaronTremblay]

New, subscriber and follower! Looking at moving me and my family to the Netherlands, so I will be binging your videos! Hope to run into you guys once we move there!

[@casual5813]

Looking forward to extra expats in this neck of the woods

[@sanshukan]

We are just back from a 2 week holiday in the Netherlands, we went specifically to test out our new e-bikes (we are older than you two!) and we found the Netherlands wonderful compared to the UK. The 'node' system for mapping bike tracks is great (and has a proper Dutch name!) and all the intersections between bike tracks are mapped for all of the Netherlands, a lot of Belgium and some of Germany. We used Topo GPS with the full node map that we got for about €3 . If you just pick where you want to go the map gives you the node numbers you have to follow and makes journeys really easy

[@TheSuperappelflap]

We actually had a better system previously where there would be little stump signs on almost every bike intersection that listed the distances towards all the nearby towns. They were called mushrooms because they kind of looked like that. Theres still some around but most got removed and Im still sad about that. You could just plan a route through some nice old towns without having to memorize a bunch of numbers or get a gps tracker. People would also hide boxes around those mushrooms with little toys in it that kids could exchange.

[@DonOctane98]

Very nice bikes!! Just a tip buy yourself a Simson repair kit and good hand pump for tires, because when i go biking i always have a flat one. Hahahaha. Good luck with da bikes and i will watch the progress.

[@shannontrainer5857]

The Dutch do they take their bikes to repair shop if they got a flat because Dutch bikes are very hard to work on.

[@atropatene3596]

Yay finally! Congrats on the new bikes. I noticed there was no jasbeschermer on the bikes. I highly recommend getting one so you can cycle in flowy dresses and stuff.

[@anrmlumlwundlistr7620]

You could take the Blue Amigo to Rotterdam, and then cycle around at strand Nesselande in the afternoon. Altho cycling in Rotterdam can be a bit intimidating, the area at Nesselande is really nice to cycle around.

[@arjansnoek7257]

As a nice starter expedition. Cycle to the Biesbos national park. Just south east of Dordrecht. As a day trip or an overnighter

[@ikke5212]

😉😊 take a nice dune trip on your bikes

[@Ivovify]

Welcome to Dordrecht (first time hearing you moved here). Hope you'll have a good time here and maybe I'll see you around.

[@ericdenissen1229]

hello alex and michelle have fun with your new bikes and make many km with your bikes for example loonsche and drunense dunes

[@Dennisboetes]

Congrats. You made a big step into dutchhood. Next step.. appropriate cursewords. Very handy as a biker in the netherlands 😊 We are more than willing to help you on the way

[@buncharted]

😂😂😂

[@pel666]

You would be amazed by the real 'Oma Fiets'...mine is over 50 years old and cycles like no other bike. Big wheels and so comfortable, unlike any new bike you buy today! And she is still so amazing. Kudos to you guys with the way you handle immigration, Dutch language is a thing but you are doing well on all fronts! Michiel has great pointers for Cycling in the area!! Pontje is always great ;). Betuwe is great, Veluwe (Posbank near the city of Arnhem) is probably the most iconic place to ride a bike, but it is not near Dordrecht.

[@dirkklijn9472]

I'd take the ferry towards Werkendam and then rent a canoo, then spend the day canooing in the Biesbosch, its realy nice this time of year

[@tisgautzo]

Handy get some ‘fietstassen’ (panniers) for stuff to take on your trips or for groceries to take home.

[@esenel92]

Have fun with them! Only thing I would have suggested was going with an internal gear hub instead of derailleurs because they aren't as messy and the chain is more protected, less fragile when the bike is parked in crowded bike racks and require way less maintenance. Nice bikes to start off with though :)

[@xxwookey]

Indeed. Hub gears are way better (and these days a belt too). And a hub dynamo is vital too IMHO on a day-to-day bike. But that probably involves spending a bit more money than they did.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Most bikes with a derailer have a solid steel bar covering the derailer so it wont get bumped while youre parked or if your bike falls over.

[@woutvanostaden1299]

I have 3 bikes and 3 unicycles. 1 bike for work, 1 bike for other stuff, 1 bike in case 1 of the others breaks down. My unicycles, 1 unicycle is at the circus where I teach, 1 is for groceries and public transit (it fulfills my folding bike needs, for free and on any form of public transit) and 1 to loan/teach others.

[@Claudiaatje212]

As others mentioned, those are actually not oma- or opoefietsen, which are typically black with coaster brakes. Also, traditional men's bikes usually have an additional horizontal bar. Glad you didn't get helmets, though. Very Dutch 😉 Someone mentioned taking the watertaxi to Kinderdijk, great idea. You could also take the watertaxi to Rotterdam instead of the train, for a very different perspective from the river. If you intend to commute a lot by train with a bike, it might be worth it to look into a foldable bike. It's not uncommon for Dutchies to have multiple bikes, e.g. a regular city bike, a race bike, etc. My grandfather was an avid biker and he had a 'fancy' one for long-distance trips and an old plain one (i.e. less likely to be stolen...) for everyday errands.

[@johnnamkeh1290]

I don't think anyone owns or maintains that "definition".

[@ellenbrugmans9447]

Watching this video was so much fun - I literally rode this route past the construction to the city center (and back) twice today! I just came across your channel by accident and was pleasantly surprised to see the familiar surroundings 🙂. Btw, you did try the famous Brokking hazelnootgebak, right?

[@buncharted]

of course! we try it in our dordrecht video :)

[@marctenoever7941]

Hi guys, Rotterdam is biking friendly like Dordrecht. As a matter of fact the Netherlands are bike friendly. I can imagine it is learning to cope with more traffic. Enjoy biking!

[@buncharted]

it was just the part that we lived in - of course rotterdam is bike friendly. lots of construction and speeding cars.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

When it comes to bike friendliness, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are the worst places in the country.

[@vanderquast]

Very good decision but lock them very well everywhere 😉 From Dordrecht you can bike to Kinderdijk Windmills or to the Biesbosch

[@tubularap]

Great, finally mobility for you two. Yes, you "can go anywhere", so ... go everywhere. You cannot go wrong 🙂

[@TheSuperappelflap]

You could end up in Schiedam

[@sd-ch2cq]

Good choice on the bikes: simple and on the cheaper end is perfectly fine for most people (just don't go under €250: can't make a decent bike for less than that). For more luggage you can get a fietskrat in the front or bike-bags on the back.

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Good thing, buying bikes! Be very careful in Dutch bike trafic, you're not alone! 😉👍

[@davevanbeers6944]

I think there is a cycle around the island option in Schiermonnikoog.

[@toaojjc]

You might want to add in a "jasbeschermer"(coatguard), a plastic cover that sits on both top sides of your back wheel that stops you coat or skirt from getting caught in the wheelspokes. Or some nice double "fietstassen" (bikebags) that do the same job and add storagespace to your bike.

[@bertkassing8541]

Enjoy your new bikes. They look good! It will give you maximum freedom.

[@macbosch64]

Enjoy your bikes…you even can get special bags for your bikes to carry your shopping…. Nice trips would be Kinderdijk, Biesbosch or just visite the small villages in the area of Dordrecht. Great video again.

[@rensbuist]

You should eat the "Saucijsebroodje" warm

[@buncharted]

they didn't warm it up for me :( it was still very good

[@jakobdieckmann]

Warm is nicer, but cold is nice too sometimes.

[@mariusalders]

Haha that was my question too, if it was warm or not, warm is really the best! Greetings!

[@BeeRich33]

I'd visit Vuilendam and further, towards Gouda. Nice stuff.

[@Paganstars]

Take off the grey protector, the bikeshop forgot to remove it. love the fact you got traditional bikes! And Way to go on actually sticking out hands when changing lanes or taking a turn (I sometimes just "conveniently" forget to do that)

[@Simon2_6_80]

Yield (look look) .. I hope you guys understand that on a clean crossing, traffic (bike car ) from the right always goes first. Nice bikes 👍🏼🙂

[@j.l.boekestein3201]

Now you're living in Dord and have bikes, you can visit Villa Augustus and Huis ter Merwede, which is the ruins of a castle.

[@Wielie0305]

Good for you. We have some old (real 😉) omafietsen for short daily trips into the city and e-bikes if we want to tour for 50-60 km. Enjoy your bikes and especially the freedom! You can bike anywhere you want in NL. It’s all connected. Don’t be afraid. Take it slow and make eye contact and you’ll be fine!!

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Just watch out for old people on ebikes going 30km/h and tokkies walking their dogs

[@jjanvier1443]

cover at the back is preventing spraying the rain water on road. all over your back (it’s called a spatbord) normally on the sides of the rear wheel you may have plastic covers, those are for preventing coats or dresses ending up in your rear wheel. but it seem your bike doesn’t have them: jasbeschermers

[@MarcelVolker]

Interesting bit of info on the wheel lock - to claim insurance if your bike gets stolen, you need to provide both keys that came with that lock. You can't remove the key without locking it, so that way the insurance company knows you didn't just take out the key and sell the bike, or left it unlocked.

[@OsmosisHD]

Take the bike and hit the 'biesbosch' on a early morning or early evening. It's lovely

[@stepig84]

Ride along a typical work commute from burbs to downtown 😊

[@buncharted]

this is a good idea!

[@wassimmahmoud7062]

Love the scenic cycling routes in the Netherlands! 🚴‍♂️ Any recommendations for must-ride paths or hidden gems?

[@PJHMX]

Cycling in nature is definitely recommended

[@jurrienvanrooy7469]

The plastic covers are still on the wheelnuts. You should take ‘‘em off. Make sure to go back to the store to get it serviced after a few months and then regularly have it serviced (every year or so) to make sure it will survive a long time.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Just watch some youtube videos and do the service yourself. Its a good skill to learn, and its fun, and you can make sure its done right.

[@conniemendeszoon9789]

Good thing you buy your bike in the summertime, so by the time Autumn comes, you wil more convidence and Energy , to ride on the wind days.. have fun

[@buncharted]

that’s the plan!

[@michielpolorocks]

quick thing about yielding in traffic, that's in large part because of the law and in some small part due to a traffic course you get in primary school. So all kids learn how they should behave, and drivers learn that in the eyes of the law they are always at fault during an accident because cyclists and pedestrians are considered more vulnerable.

[@bartalleblas2248]

You are living very close to the Biesbosch National Park, that would be an awesome bike ride (or boat-ride if you're adventurous)

[@damarmar1001]

I was surprised when you both as Americans never talked about riding a bike without head protection. Nice to know that it's doable to go to Kinderdijk on bike which is a great attractiion iI the weather is fine of course

[@tielemobiel]

Hi guys, great to see your adapting the dutch lifestyle. If you can find it, try a zeeuwse bolus. This is a sweet and sticky cinnamon, brown sugar sandwich in the shape of af turd. Sorry for the visal nut I couldn’t descibe it any other way. These bolussen are great with some salted butter on top. Hope you like them

[@TheSuperappelflap]

appelflap is beter

[@user-xi6nk4xs4s]

Eindelijk!!!! Another hurdle taken. I would start with getting yourself familiar with your bikes, before going for trips. You should be more relaxed on your bikes, otherwise you won't enjoy them. I always preferred to take my own trips into the South of Limburg (The Dutch Mountains), or around Nijmegen. We had flat country all around, so some elevation was welcome. PS. For pedalling, use the ball of your feet. Your bike will ride in a straight line more easily, and it costs way less energy and injuries.

[@TheBronchitus]

Bike through the old Maastunnel in Rotterdam. It really is a little bit of an adventure

[@buncharted]

great idea - loved the walk, would be a lot of fun on a bike