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.

Vietnam is a country of over 85 million inhabitants and 20 million mopeds.  Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a city of over 5 million where many of these machines congest the streets.  If you think your commute is knarly, contrast these two videos below.  The first is taken by our friend and favorite man about the globe, Gregg Bleakney, during a non-rush hour (no kidding) period on Saigon's streets.  The second is our friend Paul Steely White's relatively sedate and well-produced interview through the streets of New York.

How does the vibe of your commute compare?

Dutch Bike Chicago customer Andrew Coffey and his son JP share their fall day with us.

Chicago 1 Year Anniversary Celebration — Tonight

Join us at our Chicago shop for a Belgian beer tasting tonight, Saturday evening, 6-9 PM, with Don Feinberg and Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg & Dewulf, the Belgian beer experts and founders of Brewery Ommegang, the first Belgian style brewery in the USA. Also, join us during regular hours in the shop,  for a weekend of sales specials on bikes and accessories.

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

We love that Chicago PD and the DOT have joined forces to produce this safety video which addresses and can appeal to many audiences. Thumbs up to our friend Alex (we miss you) who makes a poignant cameo appearance in the commuter interviews. Now if we could only require cab and truck drivers to watch this video.

Traffic Enforcement for Bicyclist Safety from Chicago Bicycle Program on Vimeo.

A recent email inquiry asked me to justify the price difference between a Workcycles Oma ($1589) and an Electra Townie Euro 8i ($999). Some the factors to consider are individual component quality, ergonomics, durability, all-around utility and ride quality.

As far as differences in the quality of components and features, there are quite a few. The Workcycles Oma (and all the Workcycles bikes) have the strongest wheels on any bike which ships in the US market: double-wall, anodized aluminum, with stainless steel eyelets and 13 gauge stainless steel spokes. The Oma frame is brazed high-tensile steel, much heavier-duty and smoother riding than the lighter-weight, welded aluminum frame of the Electra. Both the Oma headlamp and the tail lamp are powered by the dynamo, unlike the Electra which has a dyanmo-powered headlamp, but battery powered tail lamp. The Oma has a full chain case, Electra open (more chain maintenance required, as well dirt on your clothes). The Oma has a much stronger, welded steel rack on which you can carry your friends and a lot more cargo. We would never recommend carrying friends on a Townie rear carrier.

Exclusively, the Oma has a built-in frame/wheel lock, mud flap, Brooks leather saddle, all stainless steel fasteners, stainless steel handle bars, stainless steel stem and steering return spring system, and has bigger, more durable Schwalbe marathon, 1.75" (622-47) tires.

Let's get this out of the way: the Oma is heavy and the Townie is lighter. For that the Oma rides smoother, takes a bit more oomph to accelerate, but rides like a Mercedes limo. The Electra is easier to lift, if you are carrying your bike up and down stairs or in and out of your apartment. The Oma (with a good lock and simple seat cover) can live outside all year long. We can't recommend lifting an Oma on a regular basis - remember, bikes roll. Both these bikes have the Nexus 8 speed so you can ride them anywhere it's hilly.

The Oma geometry is upright, time-tested (since the 1890's), encouraging an perfect posture. It is a purpose-built everyday city bike designed as transportation. It is sturdier, rides smoother, will carry more, requires less maintenance, keeps your clothes cleaner, will survive poor road conditions better and is more weather tolerant.

The Townie is a modern interpretation of a hybrid, aluminum "comfort bike"/cruiser design with some Dutch bike-like features. The Electra's main ergonomic feature and claim to fame is that it is designed with such a relaxed seat tube angle, that riders can place their feet flat on the ground whilst still in the saddle. This makes for a more secure feeling for inexperienced riders when starting or stopping. Great for riding wheelies though not the best hauler.

For those considering a less-expensive, recreational (i.e., you mostly ride in fair weather and rarely haul groceries/cargo/friends) bike with all the benefits of the Shimano Nexus 8-speed and roller brakes, or for those with adaptive needs or new to cycling, the Electra can meet your needs.

Our pal and adventure photographer Gregg Bleakney is somewhere in Korea, but just posted this multimedia report for VeloNews. Below is Gregg's behind the scenes, narrated slideshow about his experience following the Colombia es Pasión cycling team during the Vuelta Colombia 2009. His full story will be featured in the October issue of VeloNews - available soon, at a news stand near you.