The Netherlands is synonymous with cycling, and so are Dutch bikes, but it wasn’t always this way. In the 1970s, Dutch streets were dominated by cars, leading to thousands of road fatalities each year. Activist movements paved the way for transformation, and today, the Netherlands boasts world-class cycling infrastructure, making bikes the primary mode of transport for many residents.
While Copenhagen leads in cycling per city, the Netherlands as a whole has the highest percentage of cyclists globally. The majority of Dutch residents use bikes as their main transport or close to it, and a quarter ride daily.
Comfort, practicality, and durability define Dutch bicycles, and maybe that’s all part of the magic formula? They bike to work wearing their work clothes, they go a leisurely pace, and they arrive happy and ready. There is no spandex, no $10,000 road bike to worry about. Dutch bikes are low-maintenance, utilitarian sorts. Sure, there is bike theft, but the bikes used for transportation are generally not worth the bother.
What Makes Dutch Bikes Special?
The classic Omafiets (“grandma bike”) is the quintessential Dutch bicycle. It features a step-through frame, high handlebars, and a wide saddle, ensuring a relaxed, upright riding position. With few gears (often single or 3-speed), these bikes are designed for ease of use and low maintenance. Many brands now offer electric versions for added convenience. Most also have features designed for commuters like chain guards, fenders and dynamo lighting baked right in.
Dutch urban planning prioritizes cycling with dedicated lanes, separate traffic signals, and bike-friendly infrastructure. This cycling culture has led to some of the best bike brands in the world.
Dutch street life (Visit Copenhagen)
Top Dutch Bike Brands
1. Gazelle – The Dutch Classic
With a history spanning over 125 years, Gazelle is one of the most trusted Dutch bike brands. Awarded the “Royal” title in 1992, Gazelle produces around 300,000 bikes annually, emphasizing comfort and durability.
Gazelle’s city bikes feature their signature upright riding position, available in both traditional and electric versions. Their e-bike lineup offers battery ranges from 45–155 km, making them a favorite for commuters.
2. Pashley – A Touch of British Elegance
Though not Dutch, Pashley Cycles from England shares a similar philosophy of comfort and craftsmanship. Handmade in Stratford-upon-Avon since 1926, Pashley bikes are stylish and durable.
With steel frames and elegant designs, Pashley’s step-through models are perfect for urban riders seeking a blend of tradition and practicality.
Pashley
3. Veloretti – Minimalist Dutch Design
Designed in Amsterdam and produced in Europe, Veloretti bikes stand out for their lightweight aluminum frames and modern aesthetics. Their single and 3-speed models are popular among city commuters.
Veloretti also offers sleek e-bikes with silent motors, belt drives, and automatic shifters, delivering a smooth and effortless ride with a 60–120 km range per charge.
4. Azor – Built for Durability
Amsterdam-based Azor creates robust, long-lasting bikes designed for everyday use. Their models come with mudguards, chain guards, and practical accessories that require minimal maintenance.
Azor also excels in cargo bikes, catering to families and businesses. Their high-end e-bikes feature Brooks leather saddles and shock-absorbing tires, ensuring top-tier comfort.
Top Upright Bike Brands in North America
Linus Bikes is a California-based bicycle company known for its stylish, retro-inspired city bikes that blend classic European design with modern functionality. Founded with the goal of promoting sustainable urban mobility, Linus specializes in lightweight, practical bikes ideal for commuting, running errands, or leisurely rides around town. Although their iconic Venice shop is no more, the brand is alive and well online.
6. Peace Bicycles
Peace Bicycles, founded in 2002, is a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, comfortable, and fully equipped bikes designed specifically for daily commuting and lifestyle cycling. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Peace Bicycles focuses on offering utility bikes that meet the needs of everyday cyclists.
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. is a New York-based brand that designs stylish, durable, and practical bikes for urban riders. With models ranging from classic Dutch-style step-throughs to sleek single-speeds and multi-gear hybrids, Brooklyn Bicycle Co. focuses on high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design details, such as puncture-resistant tires and hand-welded steel frames.
8. Elops (Decathlon)
Although Decathlon is a global retailer, its Elops brand of bicycles are built for urban commuting and leisure rides around the city. Designed with comfort and safety in mind, these Dutch-style bikes come with a low step-through frame, ideal for easy mounting and dismounting, and is crafted to handle the daily demands of city cycling.
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