We've carried bikes from Linus for more than six months now, and in that time we've sent a surprising number of the little guys and gals out into the world in both Chicago and Seattle. It's been a pleasure to see them locked to bike racks downtown in the Loop , rolling down the Burke Gilman, and hanging from the chain link outside bars on Capitol Hill in Seattle. I've seen them used for commuters, bar bikes, kid haulers, and “couples' cycling incentives.” Just as Linus riders seem to have discovered the versatility of the design, we've had a great time expanding the capabilities of the bikes themselves. Here are a pair of the projects Alex and I have set up with some of the bikes. We've had a huge amount of fun thinking up ways to keep the Linus style undiluted while adding function and some new ways to ride!  If you cold winter riders are  looking to set up your Linus, Chicago Schwinn or  Raleigh with a similar light set-up ask us about the Schwalbe studded tires for winter riding.  

Classic headlight, classic tire generator, classic Roadster 3, and a nice warm yellow halogen beam.

Live on the top of a monster hill? The SRAM i-Motion 9 hub nearly triples the gear range of this Dutchi.

Dream it up and your Linus can probably do it.

It's a new year at Dutch Bike Co, with many big changes going on both here in Seattle and out in Chicago.  We're finalizing plans for the interior of our new Seattle shop space on Ballard Avenue, and they're looking great.  Despite the snowy weather and the temptation to hibernate, the boys in Chicago are developing some great ideas for the months to come.  Keep an eye on the blog for posts on all sorts of topics from all of us here at Dutch Bike Co.  We'll have information about upcoming rides, soirees, and maybe even a party or two in the style of the old days!

A few weeks ago our friend Mike Kleven came by and shot some gorgeous video of a Workcycles Opa coming together.  Now for the first time -- unless you've been hanging out in the shop -- you can see the mysterious, alchemical process by which a ragged transatlantic cardboard box is transformed into a beautiful bicycle.

The Dutch Bikes Classic from Michael Kleven on Vimeo.

    We hope you enjoyed this little peek into our Seattle shop, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the love that goes into each one of these bikes.

Sun Nov 8th and Sun Nov 15th, 6 - 8 pm, $65 per person

Join Fritz, for two Sunday evenings of two-wheeled wisdom and wit. You'll learn the anatomy of your bicycle, diagnosis of mechanical issues, and maintenance techniques to keep you independent and riding all winter. The first session will cover the anatomy and inner workings of your bikes, troubleshooting and safety checking, and fixing a flat. The second session will focus on fixes and tweaks for your bike that you can do in your garage, without a $400 professional workstand or too many special tools. The material will be tailored to your bikes, so bring them and your questions on both nights, and expect to get your hands dirty.

... of the saddle that is. You'll notice in most pictures of Dutch bikes that the nose of the saddle is turned up and not level as on most road bikes. Apart from looking cool or funny (you choose), there is an ergonomic advantage to turning up the nose of the saddle. Because of the high swept-back handlebars, a Dutch bike rider can sit completely upright, back straight, neck relaxed and with very little pressure on the hands. This position affords incredible comfort, if the saddle is adjusted correctly. The upright position versus a dropped position, as on a road or mountain bike, means that the hips are rotated onto the back of the saddle. You are sitting back on your sit bones (ischial tuberosities for you anatomy buffs) and there is little pressure on your pubic bone. The trick to all of this, especially with leather saddles is to get the angle high enough so that you are sitting in the "pocket" of the widest part of the saddle. Too high and you'll start feeling pressure on your pubic bone or like you are going to slip off the back. Too low (closer to flat/level) and it feels like you are getting pushed into the handle bars or slipping off the front. All of this can feel highly odd to anyone who may be used to riding in a dropped or forward position where there is more pressure on the hands and pubic bone. Sitting so tall and upright can initially feel like a new balancing act, yet ultimately allows a rider to pedal with a straight spine and relax their grip on the bars to the point where the hands can even rest on top of the bars. Improved visibility is an additional welcome side effect. Ultimately your everyday posture can improve by getting your seat properly nosed-up and raising the bars high enough so that you achieve the perfect "sit up and beg" position. Many may ask or wonder, what about hill climbing and getting up and out of the saddle from such a kicked-back position with the handle bars so close? Well, you can always apply the first rule of biking as an everyday utility: if you think you're going to sweat, slow down. All of our bikes come with gears — most eight speeds — so there is rarely a point where you'll need to imitate Lance Armstrong climbing the Pyrenees. But, if you do want to apply more power, you can rock your upper body forward over the bars on each down stroke of the pedals. You'll look turkey-necked and will have to decide if being in a hurry is worth looking turkey-necked, but I can assure you this is the way the Dutch add some power to their pedaling and it works. So, turn up the nose, raise your bars, sit up and enjoy a dignified ride.