Testing Dutch bikes in DC

Seth Stevenson of Slate tested out Dutch-style bikes in urbane Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Contrary to his urban warrior friends, he quite likes the upright, fendered, be-belled bikes. His favorite: the Batavus.

My third test bike was the Batavus Breukelen ($1,150). Here at last was the iconic Dutch bicycle of my mind's eye. Batavus has been making these things for about a century and seems to have mastered the art. It was all there: the thick black tubes, the refined posture, the sturdy luggage rack (where might sit my imaginary Dutch girlfriend, her legs a-dangle).

Dutch bikes are designed to withstand the elements without deteriorating. Everything is internalized so as to be hidden from the weather: The chain is in a case, the brakes and the seven gears are tucked away inside the two wheel hubs, and all the cables are fully insulated. This bike can sit outside in the drizzle for decades with very few ill effects.