Intro
This blog is the only bicycle guide you need in the Netherlands. The first thing you need to do once you get to the Netherlands is get a bike, especially if you live in the city center. Bicycles are obviously an essential to live in this country, indeed. Besides the fact that riding a bike is healthy and cheap. It can actually get you to places faster than a car or public transportation do. Driving in the city center can be a nightmare for many reasons. The roads are busy ,narrow and you cannot access some due to time limitations. In fact, parking spots are expensive ( it can reach 7 euros an hour ). In addition, public transportation is not cheap in the country either, and sometimes not convenient.
There are routes dedicated for bicycles, and only bicycles. Don’t you dare even walk in the biking lane. Those routes are more or less connected, so you can get anywhere, and I mean anywhere with a bicycle. Those roads have traffic lights, so make sure you adhere to that. In this blog, I will explain to you everything you need to know about bicycles in the country.
Since this is the only guide you need for a bicycle in the Netherlands, I will have to cover as much information as possible.
Renting a bicycle for tourists:
You definitely need a bicycle, whether you are here for a visit or moving here. Without a doubt, there is nothing better than exploring the cities with a bike. A lot of hotels offer bicycles upon your stay or for a small cost. Please check with your concierge. If this service is unavailable, don’t worry. You can actually rent a bike from several locations. One of the easiest and most convenient ways is an OV bike. OV is Openbaar vervoer (Public transport). You can surely rent a bike from one of their stations around the country, or by locating a nearby bike by visiting the NS app. Renting a bicycle costs €4.15 per bicycle for 24HR. Make sure you and the bike come back in one piece. There are several rental shops around the city centers too. Some bike repair shops also offer the service.
Bicycle guide for residents:
If you are living in the Netherlands and you are looking for a long term bicycle ( trust me you need one ) this is for you. You have different options to choose from. I will explain everything to you. You can either rent a bike for a long term, or buy one, either brand new or second hand.
Long term bicycle rental:
Once you move to the Netherlands, there are several option for you. You can lease a bicycle If you do not want to own a bike nor want to fix it when it breaks. Swapfiets is a company where you can have a hustle free bike. You will receive it serviced with a nice strong Ring lock & chain lock. They have around 4 different types of bicycles to fit your purpose. The original, a single speed bike. The Deluxe 7 has a 7 speed gear. The Power1 and Power7 are both E-bike. The first is single gear and the second is 7 gear speed. The last two have different ranges so make sure you check all the specs on their website. The membership starts at €18.90 a month, including repair and service. Anything goes wrong, all you have to do is contact them with the issue.
Buying a bicycle:
Now, If you would like to own a bicycle, well I will get you all the tricks on how to land the best deal ever. First things first, Get yourself a bike that reflects your style and based on your journey plans. There are plenty of options to choose from. There are vintage bikes, mountain bikes, BMX, city bikes, race bikes, Phat bikes etc….
New Bicycle:
Buying a new bike is always a good idea. You can find nice deals on several shops. I will share with you my favorite shops where you can buy a nice new bike online.
Fietsen winkel Discounter
Fietsen winkel Discounter has plenty of options for brand new bikes. You can use the link below and the filters provided on the website to catch a nice deal. The shop has very good quality bikes for very good prices.
Fiets Accessories
Fiets Accessories is one of the most recognized shops in the bicycles business. The shop has 4 stars on trustpilot website from more than 5000 reviewer.
Fiets Web
A very trusted shop with more than 10 years in the business. Plenty of options are available in their stock that will match everyone’s needs.
Second hand bicycle:
Moreover, You can have your hands on a very nice second hand bicycle for a good price. For a used bicycle, please keep on reading. You can check some of the bike repair shops as they may have some bikes for sale. Some customers never come back for their bicycles and the shop has to make some space so they end up selling them. Don’t worry, it’s risk free. Also, sometimes they buy several bikes through governmental auction portals. As a result, you can get a nice bike for a fair price. Another method is to find a used one online through Facebook or Marktplaats. Here are some tips I wish someone shared with me before I start searching for a bike.
Put a set budget
Have a certain amount you are willing to spend on a bike. The amount should also include a 20 euros buffer and a 50 euros repair cost in case. Bicycles in the city center are surely more expensive. However, they seem to be in average to bad condition. The only thing is, you need to make sure that you don’t waste your time travelling all the way there for nothing. Furthermore, that, you have to find a way to bring the bike back. Either you ride the bike back home if it’s not too long, or you can travel by train. Make sure to check the timings when you can bring a bike with you on the train, buy an extra ticket and be in the right cabin. Aim between 100 and 130 euros.
Too good to be true
Stay away from cheap bikes ( a too good to be true deal ), it’s either broken, stolen, or both. If the bicycle has a ring lock, always ask the seller if that lock is operational. If the lock is not working, stay away as it could be stolen. Obviously, Don’t do it even if it is tempting, bad karma.
Information
Get as much information as possible. Always ask for photos of the bicycle, ask the condition of the tires, brakes, the gear, the steering. You will have to check those anyway again once you meet the seller, but it’s always good to know beforehand. Ask if the lock is included, as good locks can be very expensive. If not, make sure after you get the bike, or even before, get a nice lock. I have tried this lock AXA and its very good quality and a lot of people recommend it as it is hard to break. The longer the lock the better, so it can go through and between the bike and tires.
Make sure the bike has mudguards. Trust me, you do not want to ride a bike in the rain without mudguards, I may share with you the story in another blog.
In addition, you need to have a front light, backlight and a ringbell, as the police might fine you if your bike doesn’t have a light. Don’t worry, those are not a deal breaker, you can get them cheap and working fine through this link.
The meet-up
Once you meet the seller to buy the bike, and he/she looks shady, please walk away. In other words, If there are issues with the bike that the person meant not to share with you beforehand, please walk away. Test ride the bike ( make sure you don’t steal the bike and actually come back ). Try the brakes, you need good brakes. Check if it shifts smoothly, test the gears if it has any, as this can be costly in repairs. Check the condition of the tires, the seat, the steering, whatever, check everything.
Unless you are a handy person, don’t even think of bringing it to the repair shop. Labor and material are expensive. I once had to pay 25 euros for a tire change, and I had the tire with me. The 25 euros were labor. It took them no more than 10 mins. Never again. I now know how to change the tires myself.
My Peugeot
I got my bike from an old gentleman in a village outside Amsterdam. The guy had a hobby of restoring cars and bicycles. Once I got there, the bike was in pristine condition. In case you are wondering, I am a fan of vintage things, whether it’s cars or bikes. I got a 1985 Peugeot equipped with Pirelli tires. It costed me 90 euros. Similar bikes in Amsterdam are in worse condition than mine, and are being sold for 150 euros. My tires only cost 60 euros. I consider myself lucky. I had to fit the thing in the car, which wasn’t very hard at all. Until now, I ride it with a smile on my face.
Road manners
Congratulations! Now that you have your safe, secure and good looking bike, and ready to hit the roads. I will share some of the biking manners. Always use your arm to show where you are turning. Raise your right arm once you are turning right and the left when you are turning left, obviously. You will see people who don’t do it, be ready. You don’t need to wear a helmet or protective gear, unless you don’t feel safe without them. Watch out for electrical bikes, delivery guys, some scooters, pedestrians. I wouldn’t recommend riding a bike with earphones or headphones on with music. Listening to music is allowed but using your phone while riding is illegal and you can get a heavy fine.
I have very good earphones that I use while I am riding my bicycle that I would like to mention. SoundPEATS T2 has the option of noise cancelling and pass through. I usually put them in the Pass Through Mode whenever I am in the city center. This mode allows me to keep on listening to music, and hear everything around me. You can check the link below for more information about the earphones.
Using phone while riding a bike, is not allowed but sometimes needed. For example; the navigation apps is very helpful when you are biking. To do so safely, I recommend getting those phone mounts, which can be very handy. Get one from this link.
Planning on riding your bike regularly? I recommend you getting a tire repair kit. Get a small pouch to hang on the bike to place the kit inside inside. You can get them through the next links.
Conclusion
Finally, I have prepared you for the roads, make sure you enjoy the nice scenery on the way. Let me know if this blog is the only bicycle guide you need in the Netherlands. Did I forget anything to mention? Did my tips help you? Do you have any questions? Please leave a comment below and I will make sure to answer.