Trying & Reviewing a Dutch Omafiets in Amsterdam

The Omafiets is one of the most typical & classic styles of bicycle you will see in the Netherlands. In this video I borrow one and go through some of its features.
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[@captainchaos3667]

This is really the kind of bike you should be using to authentically experience Dutch cycling infrastructure.

[@MrSeine2]

Great video. Upright, no helmet. Great, great. We Dutch often have bicycle bags for groceries. The distances we ride vary. Kids often drive for 10 or 15 km to get to school. Draging their books with them. For groceries the bicycle bags are the best. It all has it's reason. Which gear you use is personal. My son always uses 1st gear. My daughter always 3th gear. and I use 2nd gear normaly, and 1st and 3th when needed. You are doing well. The rain gave the extra Dutch cyling experience. 🤣

[@dykam]

@@Elatenl Plenty do. Had a bunch in my high school class, they obviously came from a village next to the city, but there were quite a bunch. Indeed they would be using an electric nowadays. @MrSeine2, bicycle bags are called panniers for some reason.

[@jannetteberends8730]

The upright bike is safer for your head. It’s really a rare situation to hurt your head when you fall.

[@Andries7411]

I love the summer, the most beautiful day of the year in Holland

[@james-p]

One more thing - they are _comfortable!_

[@vincenttayelrand]

'Probably won't get stolen' and 'Amsterdam' don't go well together. I never lost as may bikes to theft as I did in Amsterdam. One of them was even nicked right in front of the Courthouse! 😁

[@derekjolly3680]

Ok so for Amsterdam, the thefts are happening up to what status of locking for your experience? Or were these just not locked at all?

[@spinningtrue]

Ha I guess I was half thinking about the US with that one

[@ohhi5237]

must have been all the drugs that made you lose your bikes, we all know why you went there, get real

[@ohhi5237]

@@derekjolly3680 nah dont be fooled, the whole "bike theft in amsterdam" hoax was over when rental companies put gps trackers in their bikes, they werent stolen, the rider was on drugs and forgot where it was parked

[@ohhi5237]

i bet you worked on the fake bbc docu too

[@brutus7650]

Coats or long skirts can be caught in the rear wheel of a bike while you ride. This can simply make a mess but it can also damage your clothes. Fully equipped Dutch utility bikes come with mudguards (fenders), chainguards and coat protectors.

[@derekjolly3680]

What I really dig about this concept with bikes is that the women are encouraged to dress in regular women's clothes, instead of like Tom Boys or mopes. Kind of brings out the better in them for looks.

[@dutchman7623]

You forgot two things: - reflection in the pedals, on the back rack, on the tires, all for visibility in the dark even if your lights are out - umbrella or rain jacket should be in the front basket (we cycle with umbrellas, not gopros...)

[@betsytb694]

Hi good video. What you forget to mention when explaining what this bicycle has is that in the Netherlands it is mandatory to have reflective tires so that you are also visible from the side in the dark.

[@betsytb694]

What you also forget to say is that because you sit upright on the bike you have a better overview of your surroundings. It makes it safer and you can make better eye contact with other road users, which is very important because without communication.......

[@betsytb694]

the white line you see on the tire is the reflection line

[@jhghendriks2993]

Good point. Also reflectors on the pedals and a reflector at the back

[@spinningtrue]

I did not know that but that makes a lot of sense.

[@mardiffv.8775]

A slight correction here: it is nog obligated to have a white reflective line on your tires, but side reflection in any form will is obligated. So orange reflectors in the spokes do fine too. The Dutch law says you need to have side reflection and that the colour must be orange or white. The law do not mention where and how many reflection must be fitted on a bike. I use a orange flag with reflection on it on my low trike. In addition to orange reflectors and white lines on my tires.

[@VacuousCat]

I visited the Netherlands once. Dutch people grew up with these bikes, I saw they go fast on these while chatting. Your example bike has steering stability problem because of the front basket.

[@ce17ec]

A real Dutch bike review in real Dutch weather. Respect for what you have to do for views! Imagine how you would be wet allover without the fenders.

[@user-xi6nk4xs4s]

I usually only use the 2nd and 3rd gear. My cadence is the deciding factor. Usually it's a bit above 80. 1st gear I only use in very heavy cycling traffic with a slow general speed.

[@ProducersGroupProd]

Thanks! Awesome Video as You always make 🙏🏽😊

[@spinningtrue]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@FlatpickinFreak]

Interesting to hear your gripe about the gearing, this is very similar to the bike I ride in Birmingham England, and I find first gear a bit too low for going uphill. I’m usually in first to start, second when cruising slow or going uphill, and third on flats or downhill. My previous bike was an 18 speed mountain bike, and I much prefer this. One other feature of internal gears, you can change while stopped.

[@buddy1155]

Can't believe you picked a spot 500 meter from the spot where NJB did his "Dutch bike" video.

[@spinningtrue]

Really???!!!! Okay I have seen that video but years ago, I didn't know he did his near there... I will have to check his out again!

[@dikkiedik53]

I liked this video. The almost standard Dutch bike for every day. It's also why many Dutch people have more than one bike. It's mandatory to have the reflective materials, permanent and not only in the dark, on the sides of the tires, on the front and back of the pedals and on the backside, most on the bike rack. There is often also a white reflective ring in the headlight. About the gears. The middle gear is like on the bikes with only one gear, lets call it standard. The first gear is for head wind and bridges etc. The third gear is for tailwind. You compared the roller brakes with drum brakes. I see them more as hand operated coaster brakes because they brake with the same principle.

[@ohhi5237]

thats not a law.

[@matthijspw]

The instability is caused by the front basket. You can also see this by how far the handlebars are turned when parked. If you take it off it is super easy to ride these bikes without holding the handlebars.

[@raatroc]

Are you shure the gears are adjusted correctly. If you have difficulties starting in first gear either you have rubber legs or you're not in first gear but in second due to bad adjustment of the gear cable. My mother rode a 3 speed bike every day - until 89 - and neverhad problems getting started.

[@wm7195]

The frame flexing depends on the quality of the bike. It comes with a price of course. Sometimes when a bike has had an accident or has fallen to often, it becomes more instable. Nice video. ⛈️😅

[@ohhi5237]

the more flex the more chinese!

[@bartvschuylenburg]

Looks like the standard 28 inch bike wheels that the Dutch have used on both omafiets as normal (none sports type) men and ladies bikes for over 90 years.

[@spinningtrue]

I think 28", 29" and 700c are all the same size

[@ohhi5237]

@@spinningtrue they are. (from 26 and up:) 26 road 26 mtb 27.5 road 28/29/700 numbers are soley different iso standards, size is same

[@alungibbon3396]

Is that Lancing near Cornell University? If yes,do you frequent Ithaca Farmers Market? If also yes, please say hello to Pete at his stall, Just a few Acres Farm.

[@spinningtrue]

Nope unfortunately not New York otherwise I totally would!

[@wilwulpje5684]

Don't forget the small hook under the saddle next to the lock, you can attach a pump there.

[@spinningtrue]

Great tip thanks!

[@Yvolve]

Don't worry about the rain, you're not made of sugar. You won't melt. Every Dutch kid grows up hearing that. The gearing is on purpose, for the true single speeds. It works both for short and long distance. I grew up riding an omafiets everywhere and you learn how fast to go for distance and in town. The take-off is bad but you get used to pushing off the curb, a lamp post or just stand up on the pedal. Once you're up to speed, it is fine. If the seat is set up right, it is a quite efficient way of pedalling, although it isn't ideal to have the seat behind the pedals. Much more comfortable, as you sit on your butt, like you would on a chair. With the pedals below the seat, you are tilted forward more and that can be uncomfortable. The flex in the frame is one of the main benefits of the oma fiets. You don't need suspension as it is built into the frame. I now own a much more rigid bike, upright riding still, and cobblestone, brick or other uneven roads are a lot worse to ride on with that bike. Despite the front suspension. The omafiets frame and the steel rims help it survive rougher roads, jumping the curb, potholes and such. Less likely to warp, twist or crack. The Dutch use their bike in a very different way to most people. It is just a means of getting somewhere and this does most of the jobs best, and lasts. The fewer things on it, the fewer things that can go wrong. The majority are easy to ride without hands but yours seems to be quite crooked. This happens to some of them. Usually the headstock twists and the front wheel wanders. Could be the front axle bearings or the headstock bearings. They're usually toast if the bike lives outside.

[@spinningtrue]

I agree with everything except for the gearing, just would much rather have it geared lower so it's not so hard on my knees.

[@Yvolve]

@@spinningtrue Gearing is always a personal preference of course. Most brands decided on the current gearing as it can be used in most situations. As always: a jack of all trades is a master of none. Gearing which works decent in most situations, never works great in any situation. For the way these bikes are used, it is the best option for most people. You will see quite a lot of more high end bikes for this reason. Especially e-bikes at the moment. A note on pricing: many people buy their omafiets secondhand, which is usually around 60,-. This is one of the reason maintenance is almost non-existent, as it is more expensive than a new secondhand bike in most cases. I've ridden mine until frame have cracked or properly snapped in some places. Great video, always fun to see what we take for granted from a new perspective.

[@ruudbuursema7590]

You're right about the handlebars...at 16:55 you see this girl behind you, holding 2 kilo's of apples and more stuff from the supermarket in plastic bags!

[@robdevent6080]

Had nobody seen the rear stand at the back? It is in the upright position under the back rack. The stand in the middle is extra and not necessary but is a bit more stable in windy conditions

[@krollpeter]

Thanks for suffering in the rain! This bike seems is unusually long translated.

[@frits1954X2]

If you buy a new granny bike, see if you can afford a more expensive one, they are also a bit more stable than the bikes of € 200 > € 350, especially if you are a bit older, take a test ride Best regards Frits

[@johnogrady2418]

How stable is this bike at slow speeds?

[@markzablocki8285]

Thanks!

[@spinningtrue]

Oh wow thank you so much!! Glad to be of help!

[@derekjolly3680]

It is a heck of a good concept for a practical utility bike. I'm guessing these would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 pounds assuming heavier, thicker steel and wheels. The swept back aspect with the handlebars, has never made real sense to me I have to admit, regardless of the traditional nature of it. The issue with the high gear ratio and flat lands, it's kind of the same thing with the single speed bikes they make. Any hills at all and those types of bikes aren't going to cut it or you'd have to restrict routes. Where I live there are hills all around where you have plan on stand ups, so that effects my cycling mindset. Very good effort with that rain situation. A good college try indeed.

[@frits1954X2]

you cannot compare apples and oranges, this is a city bike and not a €6000 road bike you have to sit on it like a prince on a throne so that you have maximum view around you and of the road in front of you you trade in your old bicycle when you buy a new one, the old one is refurbished and then goes on sale again as a second hand for €100 to €150 or the old bicycle goes to the US and is patched up there and sold for $400 the most rides on a granny bike are +/- 7.5 KM and in the Netherlands you can get all 4 seasons in 1 day Best regards Frits

[@spinningtrue]

'Sit on it like a prince' I love that

[@krollpeter]

For us this is a road bike. What you call a road bike for us is a race bike.

[@dykam]

@@krollpeter "road bike/wegfiets" doesn't mean anything in Dutch. The most accurate translation of "road bike" is simply "racefiets".

[@chanceasteria]

Can you expand on what you mean by "not as healthy"?

[@kubrabenelli9117]

A omafiets can have gears actually. When they became popular again (in the 80's) it was teenagers grabbing grandma's (Oma's) bike and ride to school on it.

[@spinningtrue]

Good to know!

[@philiprayner]

nice idea but for most of Canada they do not make one for hills and if you want one with gears they are more expensive than allot of e bikes

[@ohhi5237]

a 3 speed internal hub is less than 100usd get real

[@outtatrex]

These sort of bikes are not appreciated enough outside of Holland. I have an omafiets myself (I live in Amsterdam), and I love it. These bikes are very reliable. It is true that bikes in Amsterdam usually are parked outside all the time, so that is why most people don't have fancy bikes. (Also bikes are stolen a lot). You can get these bikes second hand for 50 euro.

[@cebruthius]

Now visit Dronten, Flevoland and try a Dutch recumbent or velomobile!

[@spinningtrue]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Bladel1965]

For better stability lose the handle bar basket.

[@RichardLigburger]

lol the "advanced" rim dynamo is standard in the Netherlands since decades (yes even when lightbulbs were the norm). love your video though.

[@ArjenHaayman]

I'm surprised you find first gear too hard. It's probably just for this particular bike?

[@jannetteberends8730]

On this bike you can ride without hands. Now I wonder if you can do that on American bikes? When I ride without hand you steer the bike more or less with your body and legs. And you sit upright. Oh, and not the whole country is flat. There are hills. I live in Amersfoort and had to bike uphills regularly, and didn’t have gears on my bike. Also lived in Maastricht, two hills on my way home. But one hill was a bridge. There I had gears.

[@bensonarizona7820]

Yeah, I didn't follow his point on the supposed bad stability either. I know nothing more stable than a classic dutch bike due to the big caster angle (a bit like on a chopper).

[@DCM777.]

@@bensonarizona7820 It's a Cortina problem, their are way better Omafietsen!

[@bensonarizona7820]

@@DCM777. Okay, that makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up. I have Gazelle Populair, which is a really great ride, but I somehow thought all Omafietsen drove like that.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I wish more Dutch bicycles were sold in Canada 🇨🇦. I an so upset with the high cost of everything and the bicycles cost so much I may as well by a used motorcycle

[@spinningtrue]

Sure only thing there is then you pay for insurance and fuel. I see bicycles as serving a different need to motorcycles, they can cover distance more easily and quickly. What about an ebike?

[@Conservative-Leftie]

You forgot the reflectors...those are lifesavers and without them you can be fined....

[@StanEby1]

Don't judge this genre by this single bike. Gazelle makes bikes of this very same style which are much more advanced, refined, sophisticated and with very wide gear ranges. All the best.

[@ohhi5237]

gazelle is notorious for its SHIT CHINESE QUALITY STEEL TERRIBLE FAKE CHROME COATING and FUCKNO warrenty

[@d3al3rplays68]

You have your gears wrong, the gear you call 1st is the 3rd gear. The brakes on the front wheel are just for extra support. You are supposed to brake with the back wheel so the fact that the front does not brake that well is by design, if it would bite hard you would go over the handlebar easily. The Coaster brake also work on your input. You complain they do not brake that hard, stamp on it harder and you can brake harder untill the wheel locks (Children love to do this). Input is output. So brake with the back and if you need extra use the front. And when you start moving start in 1st or 2nd and go to 3rd when you gain speed. Using it correctly increases the experience.

[@tubularap]

Tip: Do not have a basket or a rack on the front of the bike. Your comfort in handling the bike will go up 10-fold. And it is of course much safer without the swaying.

[@spinningtrue]

I can see that!

[@tubularap]

@@spinningtrue - Up until the early 1960s the only bicycles that had a front rack were the butcher boy's bikes. That were extra strong gents bicycles with a sturdy rack mounted on the front, to carry a large basket for delivering meat around town. There were yearly races where the butcher boys competed in races to show their versatility with those hard-to-handle bicycles. Also postmen had a big leather bag from their handlebars, besides the double bags on the back-rack. Somewhere during the 1970s it became slightly more common for everyday people to have a rack on the front, or a basket hanging from the handlebars, but only slightly. It was still much more common to have your small child in a seat hanging from the handlebars. The real explosion came about 15-10 years ago when it suddenly was totally fashionable to have a rack, with a plastic crate, especially for kids going to school. Easy to throw your stuff in, but terrible at handling. The quality of cycling behaviour of that generation has suffered. Luckily the trend seems to have faded, and there are more bikes without than with. And of course since the presence of the 2-wheeled bakfiets (since about 20 years), that is the best vehicle to carry goods (or kids) in the front. PS : In England up until the 1970s they had postmen- and delivery bicycles where the front-rack was part of the frame, so the front wheel was free from having to sway the load left and right. That is an acceptable way to have a front-loading capacity. Because of the protruding frame extension the front wheel had to be smaller, at 20" - 24". PS2 : The reason why, in contrary, it is so easy to cycle with a child in a seat, hanging from the handlebars, is because that load is on the lower side of the tilted steering column, and therefor balances well with the offset of the frontwheel. You should give it a try; cycle without any front load or even a rack mounted, then cycle with a fully loaded rack, and then cycle with a child seat with a representable load. You will feel the differences clearly. BTW: The best test is always: Can you cycle without using your hands? If so, your bicycle is well aligned, and your load is balanced.

[@hendrikbijloo]

Bad weather doesn’t exist, just bad clothing 😂😂😂

[@brulaapgaapmeester8052]

Those cheap caliper brakes are simply dangerous in the rain.

[@jeroen9637]

This is not a good bike. You want a bike where the gear cable runs through the frame and no hand breaks. Cables break when you park it in a bicycle rack and it gets stuck behind someone elses steering.

[@Paul_C]

Oh he lost the pump! Those two hooks along the downtube is the place to store it. Why wouldn't you shift gears? Typical American: If you don't know it, it is bad. That said, you are cycling in 2th gear, by the looks of it.

[@spinningtrue]

I'm just using my experience with this and other bikes I have ridden to come to a conclusion that works for me.

[@hondaryder3779]

😂Hard to paddle in first gear, meanwhile little girls rush through traffic in third🤣 Definitely not a born and raised Dutchie, good try tho, an A for effort🤪