E-bikes in the Netherlands are Better | Bike Tour, Day 6

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 559

  • @nicthedoor
    @nicthedoor  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +30

    A BONUS video is in the works. It will be available for free on my Patreon page after a weeks access to members. www.patreon.com/NicTheDoor
    Netherlands Bike Tour Summer 2025 is confirmed! Looking for suggestions and tips! Current must visit cities include Eindhoven, Nijmegen, Arnhem and Groningen. Any suggestions within and without of these places is welcome. 👇 🇳🇱 🚲

    • @yepyepyepyep4602
      @yepyepyepyep4602 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      nice video, nice tour! Better for your fitness using a regular bike.💪

    • @dimrrider9133
      @dimrrider9133 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Pleur op met je bonus man

    • @cebruthius
      @cebruthius 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Next time, try a recumbent. They have a lot of the same advantages as ebikes, without the need to recharge.

    • @lws7394
      @lws7394 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have second thoughts on the surge of E-bikes in the Netherlands. Especially from the health benefit aspect. The University of Twente did a test how much physical activity it is, when cycling an e-bike. Full throttle it did absolutely nothing ! As the tester said 'shopping is more intensive' .
      And as any repair shop in NL can tell you from the software , 90% of bikes are ridden full throttle on the battery. That means all those people don't improve fitness and leg musscles with cycling (very important for elderly ! ) .
      Of course there is the argument of hills and getting people out of a car. But there are not many hills in NL and just as 50% of US car trips is

    • @mesiroy1234
      @mesiroy1234 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you dont tell the name of te bike
      Brand if will💔

  • @GulliNL
    @GulliNL 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +384

    Came for Not Just Bikes from Wish, stayed for 6 excellent videos about cycling in my country, narrated in such a pleasant way. You have earned yourself a subscription.

    • @KuleGuy27
      @KuleGuy27 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +58

      "Not Just Bikes from Wish" 💀

    • @nicthedoor
      @nicthedoor  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

      😂

    • @papp1001
      @papp1001 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      I wish I had a bike

    • @Mug-Red
      @Mug-Red 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If you are not the popular dude, you are just a knock-off?

  • @aristaeus2514
    @aristaeus2514 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    As a Dutchy, I loved watching this series, great content.
    You are 100% right about what people can take away from this all, this is a choice and work of labor, not impossible.

  • @tardvandecluntproductions1278
    @tardvandecluntproductions1278 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +80

    You have experienced my country in a better way then most Dutch do themselves. Most of us tend to stay close to our homes with our bikes. You went through all of the randstad on one!

    • @rogerwilco2
      @rogerwilco2 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      A bike holiday in the Netherlands is something I can recommend to any Dutch person. I've been from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen to Groningen (not in one holiday) and bicycle is the best way to have a holiday in the Netherlands.

    • @iamjoestafford
      @iamjoestafford 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      @@rogerwilco2 And with Vrienden op de Fiets, you can stay in people's homes all over the country for only 25 euro a night!

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ... in a better way than*

  • @evan
    @evan 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    I own the cowboy cruiser and it makes cycling in London so incredibly fun and easy

    • @prophetzarquon
      @prophetzarquon หลายเดือนก่อน

      Does yours have a front rack? The one in this video is shown with a front rack, but their site doesn't list such an option.

  • @nfboogaard
    @nfboogaard 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +289

    Goedemorgen Nic!
    De omafiets is de AK-47 onder de fietsen 😂😂😂

    • @CoenFierst
      @CoenFierst 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

      The omafiets is way less lethal in practise, we’re lucky.

    • @MsUltrafox
      @MsUltrafox 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@CoenFierst Omafiets is simple, rugged, easy to ride, and Perfect for beginners.

    • @jybuys
      @jybuys 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      I have an old 'omafiets'. It won't get stolen, because it looks rusty.

    • @platinaatje6134
      @platinaatje6134 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have a Cortina U4 mothers bike. 😃

    • @justlovelyaintit
      @justlovelyaintit 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      That kid carrier is a killing machine.

  • @captainchaos3667
    @captainchaos3667 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +70

    The reason they were so trusting with that e-bike is probably that it has GPS and was reporting back your every move. 😂

    • @prophetzarquon
      @prophetzarquon หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Note that it's not GPS that reports your location; GPS is only a receiver.
      Ebikes like this use Bluetooth/UWB & the Apple FindMy network, via nearby iPhones, to report their locations.

  • @ActiveTowns
    @ActiveTowns 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Congrats on this fabulous series, Nic! And thanks so much for the shout out. I’ll mention it to Roy as well. Cheers! John

  • @forgbiye7683
    @forgbiye7683 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    If you are visiting Amsterdam, Donkey Republic also has ebikes that you can rent for short trips. When I was there, I rented one to get back from a club and it was so much fun!

  • @benefiet
    @benefiet 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +151

    Cowboy is a Belgian bike brand not a Dutch one.

    • @barneyklingenberg4078
      @barneyklingenberg4078 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +32

      And they are not the most popular either. You won’t see one beyond hipster places.

    • @MrBlueBurd0451
      @MrBlueBurd0451 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +53

      Belgium isn't real.

    • @yellfire
      @yellfire 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Vast en zeker.

    • @avwie132
      @avwie132 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      Belgium is just a province

    • @Lambalex
      @Lambalex 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      ​@@yellfire Zeker en vast

  • @1957mattes
    @1957mattes 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +30

    A nice travelogue. You have a talent for this. Wish you a good return trip and good luck convincing your fellow citizens. 😁

  • @TheRealWindlePoons
    @TheRealWindlePoons 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    I love the Netherlands, a great destination from the UK. I usually fly but enjoyed the one time I took the train. Took most of the day: Derby > London, London > Brussels, and Brussels to Amsterdam. Cost three times the air fare but worth doing at least once!
    My favourite trip was to a youth hostel in Haarlem which did a package deal to include bikes - these were high spec and only a few months old. Strongly recommend the country, particularly for cyclists.

  • @jayziac
    @jayziac 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    So jealous, thanks for pointing out the lack of stop signs too, that's a small detail, but very important for the flow of traffic.

  • @LuisAlberto-yq6dy
    @LuisAlberto-yq6dy 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Wow! What an AWESOME 6 episode series! Thank you Nic for taking us along!

  • @Terrorrai1
    @Terrorrai1 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +31

    Time to cycle round the afsluitdijk. You might even come across some hills in Gelderland. or visit our famous (not a) mountain! Vaalserberg in Limburg!

    • @captainchaos3667
      @captainchaos3667 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      First check that the cycle path on the Afsluitdijk is open again!

    • @lkruijsw
      @lkruijsw 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@captainchaos3667 The cycle path is partially open. But on the locks, you still have to go with the bike bus. th-cam.com/video/SW8KuBNkXgI/w-d-xo.html

    • @trikkik
      @trikkik 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My home is the Zuid-Veluwe, Gelderland. Everyday I take my bike (non-electric, 3-speed-gear, made in the seventies, still going strong) upon the hills for daily trips to my work and supermarket. Not any physical discomfort, breathing fresh air, heart in top-condition (ask the ladies). My age is 68. Have 4 bikes and 2 cars to choose, keep moving on!

  • @jsmit9484
    @jsmit9484 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    I could listen to you talk about sawdust. Such great narration

  • @barbarabauling7513
    @barbarabauling7513 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Well done with the videos! You have created something really worthwhile. The bike infrastructure is something that we take mostly for granted over here, but seeing it through fresh eyes makes it something special and something to be proud of. The Netherlands is a great country. Thank you for your positivity. You'll love Middelburg! :) Come back soon! x

  • @SpikeyTech
    @SpikeyTech 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    If you live in Canada or the US you can get your hands on a genuine imported Dutch bike via the "Plain Bicycle Project" (online or in-person in Winnipeg, Canada). In the spirit of making Dutch cycling culture accessible to NA, most of the bikes are used (and thus more affordable) but a few new ones are available too as well as cargo bikes. If you're ever in Winnipeg, you can rent bikes to get a feel for Dutch-style bikes beforehand. Would definitely recommend if you need a sturdy 3-season workhorse bike.

  • @annemaria5126
    @annemaria5126 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I have another 'lease'-e-bike and I love it. I am 76 and biking every day. Just here and there, everytime new biking-roads. Trough the crowded cities and in no time down the green meadows.

  • @rowan6383
    @rowan6383 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Hi Nic, really enjoyed your video's. As a Dutch guy your appreciation of our cycling infrastructure makes me appreciate it more too - for us it sometimes feels like nothing special.
    Thanks again and hopefully you come back for another series !

  • @SwiftySanders
    @SwiftySanders หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    These are some good points you are making at 3:40. Thanks!!! I have a gazelle C380+.

  • @ashleycurrington5866
    @ashleycurrington5866 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Just got back from the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago, I ride all the time in the UK, Ebike and standard bike. Hired an old beat up coaster brake single speed bike and loved it. It was noisy. The handle bars were bent and out of alignment, but it was comfortable and relaxing at a snails pace compared to UK. There was no real fear of being flatterned by a lorry at any moment either.

    • @ohhi5237
      @ohhi5237 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      maybe if we change the name lorry to giant volvo truck it becomes safer in th uk

  • @itsocks3396
    @itsocks3396 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video! Thanks for having so many great things to say about our beautiful country :)

  • @ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc
    @ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc 24 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I love Northern Europe and will definitely return someday. I walked the majority of my time during my last stay. Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. All magnificent in their own way. If you haven’t been, just go … you won’t be disappointed. I would love to experience the Netherlands by bike, e-bike for sure. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the 6 part series.

  • @djsiii4737
    @djsiii4737 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I did a very similar bike trip in 2018. I can attest it's an amazing route and country and was super fun and pretty simple.

  • @CapnD505
    @CapnD505 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for your series Nic. We just spent a week on a bike/barge trip through the southern part of the Netherlands. It’s cycling heaven and we loved every minute of it. We’re Americans and love the cycling culture. We will do e bikes next time as well, just so we can cover more ground. We really enjoyed the small ancient towns like Ellsburg and Bronkhorst.

    • @nicthedoor
      @nicthedoor  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks!
      Appreciate the suggestions, I'll add them to my list.

  • @kruszielski
    @kruszielski 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    If you live in USA, the Vella Bikes is very close to this concept - and a gorgeous bike. It started as a brazillian company, however it moved to USA and is locally produced.

    • @prophetzarquon
      @prophetzarquon หลายเดือนก่อน

      Does it have a front rack? I clicked on this video specifically because the ebike shown here has a front rack, but their website doesn't show such an option!
      Frame-mounted front racks are so much more stable than fork-mounted; anything more than a few pounds is enough to justify a frame-mounted front rack!

  • @marcelmori8219
    @marcelmori8219 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Hey Nic, nice vid. I always get a sense of pride when I hear/see people from around the globe enjoying the cycling infrastructure we have over here, it seems to me we take it for granted... I feel it's only fair to say the Cowboy bike is not Dutch but from Belgium (shout out to our neighbours, it's a really good looking bike).

    • @jybuys
      @jybuys 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh really! I thought it was Dutch. I see them a lot here in Amsterdam. Also e-bikes from Veloretti.

    • @marcelmori8219
      @marcelmori8219 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@jybuys Veloretti is Dutch, I made a test spin on their Ace 2 but I just couldn't find my suite spot, too bad: the bikes is very good looking.

    • @jybuys
      @jybuys 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@marcelmori8219yes, sure good looking.

  • @kplhpa
    @kplhpa หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved this series. I first noticed part 6 because of the ebike. I then decided to watch the series in order. I especially enjoyed the scenes from Delft. I visited there with coworkers during a work trip to Leiden. I did not get a chance to bike in the the Netherlands, but enjoyed walking around the city centers of Leiden and Delft. I have subscribed and look forward to your future videos.

  • @randomnickify
    @randomnickify 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    "Grassy Trams" are difficult to maintain. Grass needs lots of water so they have to be artificially watered. Especially that there is actually almost no soil below the grass, it lives on a concrete base of the tracks. It might not be that big issue in Netherland climate, but when my city tried it, it quickly failed. Daily watering turned to be too expensive, and the grassy tram part turned into brown dead dust trams :D
    Edit: "Hungover and tired" - that's a great way to get arrested for DUI, police do check bikers too, get a Taxi 😅

    • @jUQMtDmf
      @jUQMtDmf 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I have never ever heard of anyone getting in trouble for riding a bike drunk. Let alone riding a bike simply being hungover.

    • @richardpetty9159
      @richardpetty9159 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      New Orleans pulls off the grassy trams pretty well. One of my favorite things to see when I’m there.

    • @prophetzarquon
      @prophetzarquon หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It helps to use grasses that tolerate the native climate! 🤦
      There is another issue though: The grass has to be trimmed _at all times_ or it *_severely_* degrades braking distance.

  • @eldiabl0953
    @eldiabl0953 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just did a similar trip and wanted to relive the moment, really enjoyed this series!

  • @Barrrt
    @Barrrt หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Laughed out loud at the "Omafiets is basically the AK-47 of bikes" -> so apt! Best way to describe these.

  • @wandeling127
    @wandeling127 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I really enjoyed watching you explore our country on a bike. Things are not perfect here, but videos like yours make me appreciate what we've got. And serve as a reminder to do my own little part to make it better. There are many more cities and regions worth visiting. So, until next time 🙂👍

  • @kaydesign
    @kaydesign 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Best serie about the Dutch cycling culture on TH-cam yet. Many compliments! 🏆

    • @kaydesign
      @kaydesign 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      PS The tip I alway give to visitors: bike tru the central Nature reserve park; ‘De Hoge Veluwe’.
      At the famous Kröller Müller museum you can bike tru fantastic landscapes on your own bike or on one of the many free ‘white bikes’. Amazing experience 🙏

  • @LalaDepala_00
    @LalaDepala_00 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    I can't tell you how humbling and mindblowing it is to see these types of videos as a Dutch person.
    I have traveled to many countries, but mostly in Europe and Northern Africa. "Walkable" cities is all I know. Weither it's at home in the Netherlands or on holiday.
    Being stuck in a car-focussed city must feel very lonely and isolating. A simple walk - or bike ride - every day does so much for your physical and mental health.

  • @finneysimon
    @finneysimon 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Watched your excellent series and look forward to future episodes. Content and visuals were splendid, well told and edited. Keep up the good work.

  • @floris-janvandermeulen8054
    @floris-janvandermeulen8054 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent series! I hope you’ll be able to cycle all other provinces in future visits. A good e-bike is indeed the best for moving around larger distances. 😊 I use a foldable e-bike that one can take on a train ride for free.

  • @rubentullenaar2934
    @rubentullenaar2934 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks Nic, I loved your videos. Safe return to the States and hope to see you back soon with more videos.

  • @hasan0770816268
    @hasan0770816268 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I loved this! those bikes look so good.

  • @Jedders1968
    @Jedders1968 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

    The Dutch are way ahead of most countries in their forward thinking. I admire them. Nice video btw. 🇬🇧

    • @ohhi5237
      @ohhi5237 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      were

    • @apenneukende
      @apenneukende 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      no, we're not lol

  • @DennisAbad
    @DennisAbad หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    awesome video Nic!

  • @ic5889
    @ic5889 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Most relatable part of this video is being nervous about the cows on the bicycle path near the end. Same brother same I know they probably won't do anything but they are just so Big

    • @suicidalbanananana
      @suicidalbanananana 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Having grown up in "the countryside" of the Netherlands, in my experience cows are incredibly harmless and chill, even if you go over some line (ie: get into their field when there are lots of young) they will first try to gently push you away (and since they're big & heavy they tend to be successful) before they would go further and start really charging you 😉 Cows seem well aware that most people mean no harm and they could definitely harm us if they tried, so there's a sort of mutual understanding there
      Bull's are a different story, but they are not nearly as aggressive as media likes to portray them, they actually don't respond to red at all and are usually not interested in you, only the ones that are kept for breeding can get wildly aggressive if you get into their field during breeding time, so stay on the safe side and NEVER get in a field with a bull unless the farmer tells you that you can. But if you see a bull like that (essentially on public road) it will have had its privates snipped and is pretty much a cow, it's just grazing and chilling & not really interested in you at all 🤷‍♂
      For both its worth mentioning this: the farmer (and his staff) will very often talk to the cows/bulls & this calms them, so if you ever find yourself in some situation where you worry about your safety, just talk to the cow/bull like you would talk to a dog or a child, slightly higher tone/positive tone, the animal will just go "oh hey you sound like the things that bring me food" and instantly revert to being chill

  • @Nobody_Home
    @Nobody_Home 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Some years ago, I attended a conference in The Hague. My wife and I decided to take the train to Amsterdam to see the city. I was a beautiful place. The most baffling thing was the amount of bikes parked at the train station. There were seemingly thousands of them walking down the ramps team the station to the street. I’ve wondered ever since how you could find YOUR bike in this maze of bikes, all with the same black frames.

  • @legomattie3295
    @legomattie3295 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    What a great series. Loved to see my country from another ones perspective. The part you wrote in, is often seen by Dutch people as one big metropole, without any nature. Now you can clearly see that metrpole called Randstad has a lot of green and nature. Well, that part is called: "het Groene Hart"(the green heart) and mostly is agriculture, but not just that. you probably will get a tons of tips where to cycle next in the Netherlands. I suggest 2 options: a trip along the so called big rivers in an area called "de Betuwe". You would see the inland constructions to protect the land against the rivers. Also you can see how the rivers function as big transportroad to supply a big part of Europe. Another part worth visiting for you is Zeeland. All the waterworks are very interesting to see. Especially the so called Stormvloedkering: a large construction to protect the Netherlands against the sea. Ofcourse there is a whole lot more to see. These are just 2 suggestions I think you like based on this 6 part series you've made.

  • @TheDutchMitchell
    @TheDutchMitchell 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    I wish this series would never end, I love your videos!

  • @mailtoray
    @mailtoray 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I believe you done a great video for the cycling. Great job!

  •  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +28

    Anyone considering to buy an E-Bike: Please buy a bike with detachable batteries. You'll thank yourself later.

    • @kristofsomers2020
      @kristofsomers2020 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      for real! that way you can charge it indoors and when the battery starts to deteriorate, you can easily have it refurbished or swapped out with another one. also: get something that's OEM (I went for all Bosch) so you'll be able to actually find parts a few years from now. It would be foolish to depend on some cheap chinese manufacturer to keep supplying spares.

    • @fallenshallrise
      @fallenshallrise 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Great advice. Don't want to pick on any 1 bike company but it's really obvious what the objective is when they make crazy shaped batteries that integrate into the frame and on the same bike there is a one-piece bar/stem combo off of an escooter and the seatpost is a weird shape and the optional fenders and racks all bolt on in unconventional ways. They are designing a platform where 100% of your money has to go to them and not the aftermarket for accessories or repairs or customization.

    • @volt8684
      @volt8684 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@kristofsomers2020ignorance. Bafang have been making e bikes for 80 yrs. extremely reliable much more so the pan Bosch etc. FACT

    • @kristofsomers2020
      @kristofsomers2020 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@volt8684 and cowboy is a startup using proprietary batteries. Good luck finding a replacement when it goes out of business

    • @davidmanix3592
      @davidmanix3592 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@volt8684Área you sure that Bafang has been producing bicycles, bicycle systems, and bicycle batteries for 80 years? I looked up information about Bafang, and I read that it came into existence in 2003. Is there a possibility that it existed as Chinese state owned company prior to 2003?

  • @United326
    @United326 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I have an e-bike love it the only problem is the weather especially the rain. An e-bike encourages you out and excellent exercise

  • @georgetaylor2640
    @georgetaylor2640 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Brilliant review - thank you

  • @cosmiceye9357
    @cosmiceye9357 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’ve just completed a 2000km bike-packing trip from Amsterdam to the south of France. The infrastructure for biking is by far the best in the Netherlands compared to Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Although, I must say biking through Paris is also pleasant these days as pretty good infrastructure is in place too.

    • @roelkomduur8073
      @roelkomduur8073 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I "did" Paris a couple of years ago, This was before "Covid" ( i'am Dutch), on my bike from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. That means strait true the heart of Paris... It was GREAT! These Parisian car drivers were so patient and gallant, it blew my mind! It was even better than in my own country!

  • @4431705
    @4431705 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Come to Groningen next time! It has its own nyuuuge bike parking garage and it has 'green lights from all directions' bicycle intersections. Mayhem! But very effective.

    • @catlady356
      @catlady356 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I second that! Groningen is the place to go! :)

  • @gordonmculloch4904
    @gordonmculloch4904 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Very entertaining as well as being informative and interesting. 👍

  • @absolute_abundance
    @absolute_abundance 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Excellent video Nic !

  • @Immudzen
    @Immudzen 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I am planning to get a similar kind of ebike soon in Germany. These things have really gotten practical. I have been told it would be a good idea to get one with hydraulic breaks because of the higher weight and I plan to get a step through frame.

  • @JoostvanDrogenbroek
    @JoostvanDrogenbroek 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for the nice Fiets movie! I own a Tenways 600 which also is an Urban bike like the Cowboy. I love it. Nice and simple. See you in the Netherlands! Come and visit The Hague next time😊

  • @BlueAlgon
    @BlueAlgon 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nicely presented. Thanks.

  • @visgraatje859
    @visgraatje859 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great series!

  • @bertkreft9689
    @bertkreft9689 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    was last year two times in groningen - and took the opportunity to hire a bike - was very happy - and i have to confirm your description 100% 👍

  • @burkec33
    @burkec33 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent closing statements! This infrastructure is a result of thoughtful planning and consideration for the entire population. After living in NL for a few years, I still long for even a semblance of bike infrastructure here in the car-centric US.

  • @Frazec_Atsjenkov
    @Frazec_Atsjenkov 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +42

    Ebikes are great. But when you are used to riding ordinary bicycles nearly everyday in your life, riding one takes zero effort. And it keeps you in shape. I love my body getting a daily free workout. When I see people riding ebikes to the gym to do some spinning... I gotta scratch my head. But when I get old and riding becomes an effort, sure.

    • @lichtloper
      @lichtloper 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      E-fietsen zijn prima voor sommige mensen.
      Helaas raken steeds meer kinderen erdoor verwend in plaats van leren Op Eigen Kracht Vooruit te komen in het leven.

    • @ashwin8084
      @ashwin8084 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I completely agree with you. Recently I had to hop on the e-bike purchase because it was getting tiring to do a daily commute to the office 8 km each way, coupled with padel or gym sessions on most days. Tie that with the strong winds, and unpredictable weather in the NL, it seemed like a blessing to finally get one.
      Though if people are used to riding one since their childhood on a daily basis, it doesn't take a lot of effort indeed.

    • @tns5044
      @tns5044 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Daily bike commute is 26 kms, and that's without shopping. I don't need the gym, cycling keeps me fit. Strong headwind? Drop a gear and get pedalling.

    • @CrazyCoach
      @CrazyCoach 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Studies have shown that people who ride class 1 e-bikes, tend to ride further and longer than traditional cyclists. I'm not sure where this attitude has developed in terms of e-bikes. Maybe for the Class 4 e-bikes, which are essentially scooters, but I still have to pedal my bike for it to move.

    • @iraklimgeladze5223
      @iraklimgeladze5223 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      e-bike is about more cruise speed with less afford

  • @Kreeftleeft
    @Kreeftleeft 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent video!

  • @autohmae
    @autohmae 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Something else to know: and it doesn't nee to cost an arm and a leg to build this infrastructure, first of all: Netherlands usually only builds things when they are ready to be replaced. This means transitions are slow, but doesn't cost any extra money. Also: alternatives to cars means less cars, which means less maintenance !

  • @FrankVolkers-c2q
    @FrankVolkers-c2q 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are very well informed, i loved your vudeos, especially the end of this one: people made choices ...!!!

  • @kamolhengkiatisak1527
    @kamolhengkiatisak1527 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for creating this video.

  • @thedude2178
    @thedude2178 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent VLOG

  • @Marnix7386
    @Marnix7386 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    cool to see this video cuz im cycling daily at the place at 3:22. Its about a 4.6 km drive.

  • @asgobol3730
    @asgobol3730 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    what Im not really understanding why no one talks about the totally free bicycle ferrys in amsterdam for me as a german they have been the most special things i have seen there. Seeing 100-200 hundred bicycles taking of from them every 10 minutes in rush hour is crazy.

  • @wileydewitt
    @wileydewitt 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video, great takeaways. Glad it was so enjoyable.

  • @GuusJanssen
    @GuusJanssen 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    Nic: "The cowboy cruiser, becoming one of the most popular in the Netherlands"
    Me, a Dutch guy that cycles daily: *never ever heard of, or seen, a cowbow cruiser* 🤔

    • @kristofsomers2020
      @kristofsomers2020 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      you're not missing out on much, from what I've heard. many issues with batteries and software

    • @Volkbrecht
      @Volkbrecht 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      From the look of it it's nothing special. I'm currently looking for a new "daily driver", and while I'm probably not yet going to get an electric one, what's noticable is how similar they all are in terms of price and what you get for your money. At this rate it's probably best to pick one from the shop where you will likely bring your bike for repairs, just to make sure you'll get service.

    • @kristofsomers2020
      @kristofsomers2020 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      @@Volkbrecht get a bike with standardized parts, like motor and battery. Avoid proprietary parts like the plague

    • @eekee6034
      @eekee6034 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I clicked on this thinking I'd say some choice words about my Gazelle -- an actual Dutch-made ebike, but it looks like these cowboy cruisers are worse. I'm mostly ticked off with this Gazelle due to having paid so much only to find cheap parts. The crank bearings haven't lasted half as long as my much cheaper Urban from a tiny little shop called Eco Voltz, and the grips were the second nastiest I've had in 50 years. Worse and an ever-present nuisance, the Bosh electrics were designed with bad assumptions about when to reduce power for starting off, meaning it hates going at a slow pace appropriate for the narrow local trails. This also reduces the assistance on hills.
      I got my Urban back out because it's all standard parts and no Bosh. The motor is Beng or Bang or something; I forget the name but they're the biggest electric motor manufacturers in the world. On the flip side, the Urban is direct-drive and thus even worse on hills. Oh well.

  • @Barrrt
    @Barrrt หลายเดือนก่อน

    An article was published in the Netherlands citing biking as the most timesaving transport device available, and therefor the fastest. I loved it.
    The reasoning was this:
    1) If you bike a minute, you live a minute longer at the end of your life because of the cardiovascular exercise. I haven't verified this but there seems to be research.
    2) Cars are of course faster. But if you compare costs, the amount of time you have to work for a car makes it much 'slower' if you take it into account. A car saves you 10 minutes on a trip but to afford it you have to work x minutes extra.
    3) Bikes and other motorised vehicles are not good for health
    So if you take your total life and bike to places you save a lot of time compared to going places by car - because you live longer and spend less time working.

  • @PieterBreda
    @PieterBreda 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Outside of the biggest cities, you see mostly more regular ebikes. The type of bikes as van Moof and Cowboy are a rare sight in the rest of the Netherlands. Probably because the biggest showoffs live in Amsterdam.

    • @nonegone7170
      @nonegone7170 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Or because the rest of the provinces are 'autogeil' ?

  • @CrazyCoach
    @CrazyCoach 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi Nic. Avid cyclist here in Prince George, BC, and just got back from Germany where I marveled for three weeks at how good the cycling is in Germany. I was able to borrow a bike for a couple mornings and take some rides. German laws ensure cyclists take priority on all roads and even on narrow roads, if you are biking, traffic will pass you with a wide berth and without people flipping you the bird, even big trucks. I would love to see more of your videos and hear your thoughts on how we could start to bring a little bit cycle friendly attitudes to Canada.

    • @nicthedoor
      @nicthedoor  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! Rode a bit in Germany as well. The intercity connections we're quite good where I was. Though there were a few hairy spots.
      I am always working on more ;)

    • @ramdynebix
      @ramdynebix 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      According to many Germans their cycling infrastructure is a hell hole comparable to North America… Having ridden thousands of kilometers there (including big cities like Berlin and Cologne) I am not sure I agree with them

    • @roelkomduur8073
      @roelkomduur8073 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ramdynebix Surely never visited Munster or Freiburg...

    • @ramdynebix
      @ramdynebix หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ No, not those cities, but I’ve been to Bremen, Hamburg (area), Berlin, Cologne and many other smaller towns. Never felt unsafe. Now ask me about the A9 north of Inverness between the A862 and the Evanston exit during afternoon rush hour, *that* was scary on the bike 😲

  • @mistahl87
    @mistahl87 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    I'm a mailman in the Netherlands. My bike is my life. Oma fiets is easy to maintain and repair. Good luck dismantling your E-bike and find new parts.

  • @_PJW_
    @_PJW_ 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    And I repeat what I said before : top notch, the episodes should be combined and broadcasted.

  • @cycologist7069
    @cycologist7069 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Interesting. A buddy of mine originally from Amsterdam (now here in San Diego) said when he goes back (twice a year) that e-bikes have somewhat dropped off in popularity. Reason being it’s flat and most people are only going relatively short distances so to them, an ebike is more hassle that it’s worth. He said e-bikes are still popular but more and more are opting for the standard Dutch bike.

  • @wilsonwombat3456
    @wilsonwombat3456 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I lived and worked in the Netherlands in ‘91/‘92… day one I got a bike off a guy at the Central Station for 10 guilders. 😉🚲

    • @ali-rikabrands8637
      @ali-rikabrands8637 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      probably a stolen one.

    • @roelkomduur8073
      @roelkomduur8073 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's called receiving stolen goods.. Even worse that actually stealing. You should know better!

    • @wilsonwombat3456
      @wilsonwombat3456 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@roelkomduur8073 just one of 10's of thousands stolen each year. Given I returned it when I left, you could say I rented it 😉

  • @BXL-1080
    @BXL-1080 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    It's a Belgian bike.

  • @totoroben
    @totoroben หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The gap between Dutch bicycles and USA bicycles has closed tremendously since ebikes were introduced to the market, often featuring racks fenders and lights standard, where ten years ago this wasn't the case at all. In USA i prefer class iii ebike because bicycle infrastructure mostly doesn't exist here and i gotta share the road. In Netherlands many ebikes are restricted to 16 mph 20 kmh and you gotta share the path with other non ebike riders so it's harder to see a point i think

  • @CyclingAroundToronto
    @CyclingAroundToronto 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    A great video!

  • @jeroen2535
    @jeroen2535 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Please come again and visit the Southeastern part of the Netherlands! Totally different vibe and way more beautiful bike routes through the woods and nature reserves.

  • @apertamono
    @apertamono 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice series! A suggestion for your next trip: you might want to visit Arnhem and Maastricht to see how cycling works in a city that's not entirely flat. That would also give you the opportunity to compare the infrastructure across the border in Germany and Belgium.

  • @MacMM
    @MacMM 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That bike parking garage looks so cool!

  • @jamesmoore9511
    @jamesmoore9511 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great, but my only problem is to get away from the house it's a 1/2 mile hill 420 feet hight on a dead end road. I still love the idea though. That E bike design is smooth simple and functional, it's great.

  • @Basieeee
    @Basieeee 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    OG's know that good old oma fiets is the best mode of transport.

    • @suicidalbanananana
      @suicidalbanananana 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Plus you can bash somebody's head in with one if you ever need to defend yourself 😂

  • @weezersthebluealbum9479
    @weezersthebluealbum9479 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I considered getting a Cowboy for ages because my work gave me a discount code for one but I live in the north of England and the only place that Cowboy said could do repairs was in London and I didn’t fancy getting a train to the other side of the country to have my brakes checked.

    • @barneyklingenberg4078
      @barneyklingenberg4078 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Don’t, get something with OEM parts.
      We’ve seen what happened with VanMoof.
      When the company goes your “tech”product is useless.

    • @weezersthebluealbum9479
      @weezersthebluealbum9479 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@barneyklingenberg4078I’d heard about that as well, very annoying that e-bikes are treated more like tech companies than actual bicycles.

    • @suicidalbanananana
      @suicidalbanananana 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Get something cheap from China, will work for several years and then when it breaks you can just get cheap spare parts from China as well 🤷‍♂😉

  • @MasticinaAkicta
    @MasticinaAkicta 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    There will be a lot of areas that will require MANY changes before they are bike friendly.
    But yes, it is a great way to move around. As long as the area allows for it.
    Also, going through many european cities is easier on a bike. With a car you need parking, one way streets, and so on. With a bike, you tend to be able to ride over special connecting bike roads.

  • @sionnachog894
    @sionnachog894 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Your last point is the strongest: that cutting down on traffic took work , tenacity and time.

  • @wj9494
    @wj9494 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Glad you like the granny bikes! For $3500 US, that’s a really steep price for 1/3 of a horsepower…I know 250 watts is the law, and maybe if you are on flatland, it’s helpful, but I can’t justify the price. Looks like fun :)

    • @nicthedoor
      @nicthedoor  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed. 500w would be minimum for where I live.

  • @KandidKanuck
    @KandidKanuck 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The chronicle of your recent bike trip in the Netherlands has inspired me to visit this beautiful country once again. Can anyone recommend a bike shop in Amsterdam that rents e-bikes for a two week trip?

  • @Co-km6cl
    @Co-km6cl 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    cool bike trip! enjoyed it!

  • @markielinhart
    @markielinhart 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Melbourne🇦🇺has sooo much to learn here. And not a TdF wanna be anywhere. How refreshing✌️

  • @peterpels2
    @peterpels2 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's should also be noted that between January and June it only rained twice. FIrst time from January to April, and second time from May till end of June. But you had some great days definitely.

  • @shakapedia17
    @shakapedia17 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The Dutch e-bike design is much more friendly to the type of bicycling I would like to do. Too many e-bikes sold in the US are basically mini-mopeds with fixed seats that frankly are uncomfortable for pedaling. I made the mistake of buying one of those wannabe motorcycle-like e-bikes and ended up welding on a regular bicycle seat mount to replace the fixed "moto" seat that came with it, (similar to the bike seen at 06:45). More e-bike designs that are actually for bicyclists need to be made: lighter frames, lighter (thinner) wheels, lighter more ergonomic suspension, (for heck's sake, stop trying to make bikes into motocycles with dual fork suspension!), better touring seats, and very high mileage ranges. It figures the Dutch, who actually ride bicycles routinely, would adopt the most sensible e-bike designs as well.

    • @deansmits006
      @deansmits006 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      There is a large variety of bikes sold in store and online. Dutch is a particular style not as common here but still available. Beach Cruise isn't far off

  • @JohnDoe-uc7et
    @JohnDoe-uc7et 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    These videos are fun.

  • @treakzy_9594
    @treakzy_9594 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    cool video as always! ive visited the netherlands like 5 months ago. i'm from germany so train and cycling were my only modes i used to get there. in the netherlands i only rode bike. i dunno how many km's but it should've been around 300 aswell.
    i also like the ideas of pedelec's (how e-bikes are acutally called) but also see a few negative points, at least for my usecase. they are more likley to be stolen and are difficutl to store. if you live in seoncd or third level it's difficutl to get it up. also if companys like vanmoof gos bankrupt you won't be able to use their bike properly if there's no company like mclaren the buys them. the servers could've been shutdown so noone could even unlock their bikes. there'd be no repair service and no appsupport.
    sorry for the bad english. i wrote a lot more, clean but deleted it by accident. so not gonna redo all this shit

  • @ilkyway5854
    @ilkyway5854 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A German here, we just spend a 9 Day holiday in Amsterdam, we do love how bike friendly this country is but we also where iritated by how walkers unfriendly this country is. We had side walks where we had to walk in single file while the bike lane was three times wider. So wierd

  • @SJITZ
    @SJITZ 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    NO. Don't advertise those road hazards. Dutch here, those things are the worst thing to happen to cycling since cars.

    • @wackrapsatire
      @wackrapsatire 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It´s the people though. Accessability for many people who can´t even walk the sidewalk correctly and no understanding and awareness for traffic regulations. Red light? Who cares! right of way? Nope, not today. All these people do this on regular bikes aswell but now they´re much faster which is worse. The most terrible breeds are moms on cargo bikes and the kiddy coke dudes with rusty chains hammering the padel like a maniac almost taking you down while passing by or coming your way 🤣

    • @fuzzyd2121
      @fuzzyd2121 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Don’t be such a Dutch elitist, OG, hater. Ebikes are fucking rad! Some people suck and don’t know how to navigate life, true, but that not the bikes fault. I’ve always loved biking. I’ve been riding since the late 70’s. Ebikes are just another fun way to enjoy 2 wheels man. I like mopeds, scooters and motorcycles too. It’s all just fun.

    • @nonegone7170
      @nonegone7170 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I find those blind grannies going 5 kph in the middle of the road/bikepath a lot more dangerous than even the fatbikers...

  • @stuarthys9879
    @stuarthys9879 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This was a great series of videos. Have you ever gone cycling in the Alps? I think it’s possible, not as easy as the Netherlands, but the views and scenery would be spectacular

  • @IncogNito-gg6uh
    @IncogNito-gg6uh หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    How many of these will end up in the canals?

  • @thegaelicgladiator665
    @thegaelicgladiator665 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Do you think you'd ever come to Ireland for one of these sorts of videos?
    We only have two cities where cycling is actually viable, but one of those cities (Limerick) is making seriously good progress, and i feel it's not talked about enough, its still in transition so there are definitely still bad places, but on the southside and our biggest suburbs, its fantastic... its mainly just the northside and city centre that needs to be worked on, but there's already many upcoming projects to do so

    • @nicthedoor
      @nicthedoor  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It is certainly on the list.
      Thanks for the insight.