Today, Dutch bike brands are known for their innovation and functionality. But the roots of bicycle craftsmanship in the Netherlands stretch back to the late 19th century, when cycling emerged as a popular mode of transportation across Europe.
Dutch brands like Gazelle, Batavus, and Union were among the pioneers, laying the foundation for the local industry. Gazelle is one of the oldest brands, starting its journey in 1892 in Dieren. Batavus emerged in 1904 and has since prioritized innovation and modernization—captivating riders seeking a blend of performance and style.
Union, another stalwart in the Dutch cycling realm, traces its origins to 1904, and its focus on durability and functionality has turned it into a household name in Dutch cycling history.
In this famously flat country, cycling culture goes beyond mere functionality. It is not just a means of transport, but a way of life. On these pages we explore some of the lesser-known brands, unraveling their stories and marveling over their often classic, occasionally cutting-edge style.
After a relaxing festive season, it’s time for us to return to a new year of miles upon our favorite vehicle, and what better way for The Spoken readers to celebrate 2018 than with a big orange roadie, handmade by Alex de Kraker of Eindhoven’s St Joris Cycles.
If clearance is the new black, then this custom adventure bike by Amsterdam’s Lester Cycles is ready for the runway. Or rather – Swedish gravel and snow. Measuring a petite 48cm, it’s the smallest frame yet built by Lester Jansen, the man behind Lester Cycles.
S & S Machine are an unsung hero of the custom framebuilding industry. To count the number of bikes on The Spoken that have been…
My Wild Love is an outfit from Amsterdam that makes raucous steel frames in Treviso, Italy. While they started as a project to complete NOS…
The name of Herman Braun and Braun Cycles will not be instantly familiar to many living outside of The Netherlands, or if you were a…
As they say in the classics… Now for something completely different. There’s plenty of antique and vintage frames to be found in Europe — the…
With a distinct lack of hills in The Netherlands, it’s no wonder crit racing has become popular. RIH Sport Amsterdam is one of the main…
Google Nederland just released some very exciting news, which has been tested on the streets of the world’s cycling capital and the capital of the…
How many of you even knew that MTB beach racing was actually a ‘thing’? Along the European coastline, apparently, it’s quite a big thing, with…
How many of us sit for hours every day in front of a computer screen? We’re all connected — except for those who choose to…
For the bicycle tourist, Japan is a heavenly destination — one filled simultaneously with bright excitement and serene hideaways. You can pitch a tent just…
With the myriad of options for frames, accessories and apparel out there, it can be very daunting for a new cyclist to know which is…
The legend of St George and the Dragon, while adopted by the Christian tradition, is actually Eastern in origin, brought back by the Crusaders. He…
There are a lot of beautiful bicycles riding around The Netherlands, although most of them are heavy, built to withstand a nuclear blast and look…
A Classics season in full swing is a vibrant reminder of how cycling is a big part of European sporting life. Well, after football. Having…
