Buying a bike in the Netherlands isn’t just a transaction; it’s practically a rite of passage. You’re about to join the ranks of a cycling nation that takes its two-wheeled transport very seriously, so what should you consider?
Take it from a seasoned international, choosing the right bike can mean the difference between Dutch cycling bliss and expensive regret.
Here are some things to take into account when choosing your ride. 👇
1. Should you get a new or a second-hand bike?
Let’s be honest, that shiny new bike is going to look awfully tempting to thieves. The harsh reality is that almost everyone who lives here has had their bike stolen at one point.
So ask yourself the question: Do you really need a brand new bike? Or will a more affordable second-hand bike do?
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Second-hand bikes are far less attractive to bike thieves, and if yours does get stolen, at least you have the comfort of knowing you didn’t pay €500 for it.
If you do go the second-hand route, Marktplaats and Facebook Marketplace are popular options.
However, there are also plenty of bike shops across the Netherlands that sell second-hand bikes if you want to take the more official route.
Univé’s bike insurance covers snazzy new e-bikes to second-hand bikes and everything in between. And the best part? Premiums start at just a few euros per month.
2. What type of bike do you actually need?
Do you plan on cycling to and from the supermarket, your friends’ houses, and the train station? Then a stadsfiets (city bike) or omafiets (grandma bike) will do you just fine. You’ll see them everywhere, and they’re perfect for casual everyday life.
Bakfietsen (cargo bikes) are brilliant if you’ve got kids to ferry around, but they’re expensive and increasingly targeted by thieves.
Electric bikes are fantastic for longer distances if your commute is especially tiresome, but they come with a hefty price tag.
A general rule of thumb is that, unless you’re planning cycling holidays in Limburg, you probably don’t need anything fancy. This is the Netherlands: it’s flat.
3. Do you really need gears?
Again, the Netherlands looks like someone took an iron to it. It’s super flat, which means gears have become somewhat optional, and most people ride single-speed bikes
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That said, if you’re planning longer distances or live somewhere with bridges, a bike with three to seven gears offers more flexibility.
However, I will say the beauty of the single-speed Dutch bike is its simplicity. There’s less to maintain, and less to go wrong.
4. Back-pedal or hand brakes: which braking system suits you?
The terugtraprem (coaster brake) is often a shock to internationals. Why? Because you brake by pedalling backwards.
Believe it or not, it’s the standard on most traditional bikes, and once you get used to it, it’s second nature.
The advantage of this is that your hands stay free for carrying shopping bags, holding an umbrella, or just clinging onto the handlebars for dear life.
Hand brakes are standard on more modern city bikes and electric bikes.
However, if these are what you’ve grown up with and what you’d prefer to use, you can still find stadsfiets and omafiets with this braking system (you may just have fewer options).
5. Do you have a high-quality lock?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the bike shed: locks. With bike theft as rampant as it is, your lock choice is arguably just as important as your bike choice.
The “10% rule” (spending 10% of your bike’s value on a lock) gets thrown around a lot, and while it’s not a bad guideline, experts emphasise something simpler: buy the best lock you can afford.
In the Netherlands, look for locks with an ART rating. The ART Foundation independently tests locks for security, and many insurance companies require ART-certified locks.
An ART 2 rating is the minimum for most bicycle insurance policies.
Univé’s bike insurance covers theft, vandalism, and damage, giving you peace of mind no matter which bike you choose. Check out their premiums now.
6. Does the bike have lights AND reflectors?
Dutch law requires working front and rear lights when cycling in the dark or in poor visibility conditions.
Something that people often forget is that you’ll also need reflectors: a red one at the back, yellow ones on your pedals, and white or yellow reflective surfaces on your wheels.
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Missing something? That’ll be a €70 fine, please.
Thankfully, many modern bikes come with dynamo lights that power themselves as you cycle, meaning you’ll never forget to switch them on.
7. Is the bike the right size for you?
Dutch bikes are designed for upright, comfortable cycling, but that doesn’t mean any ol’ bike will do.
Make sure the bike fits you properly. For example, you should be able to touch the ground with your feet when seated (not awkwardly teetering like a child who stole their big brother’s bike).
If you’re buying online, make sure to also ask about the frame size. A poorly fitted bike will leave you with an aching back and sore knees.
8. Which bike accessories do you need?
A basket or crate is practically essential for carrying groceries (or, as the Dutch like, basically anything, living or inanimate that will fit in there).
A bell is also legally required and culturally essential, as you’ll be ringing it constantly.
Consider side bags if you commute, a phone holder for navigation, and perhaps a rain cover for your bag. Let’s remember that the Netherlands is also extremely wet.
9. How much should you actually spend?
A functional second-hand bike from a private seller will run you anywhere from €50 to €150. Facebook and Marktplaats are the cheapest options, but you’re also taking a bit of a gamble.
Second-hand bikes from shops typically cost €80 to €180 and often come with a warranty and service check, which can be worth the extra euros for peace of mind.
Meanwhile, new bikes from shops start at around €200 and can easily exceed €500 for anything with gears or modern features.
Electric bikes are where the big bucks are spent, with prices starting at around €1,000 and going up from there.
Remember to budget for a good lock (€30-€80), lights if they’re not included, and possibly insurance. If you can’t afford to lose your bike, you can’t afford to cheap out on security.
Now, do you know what bike you want? Great. Go get your wheels, and introduce yourself to the cycle lanes, but remember to be careful and watch out for omas on surprisingly fast mobility scooters.
Did you fall for a flashy new model only to have it stolen within a week, or are you still riding the rusty €50 beauty you bought five years ago? Share your bike-buying wisdom (or horror stories) in the comments below.
