Comments on: bakfiets: “It can haul groceries”

By: daniel

daniel — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:51:13 +0000

Hi Mark, Yes I have seen these bikes you are referring too as well when I was looking into these bicycles and they indeed look pretty bad, thanks god these bikes are not the same as the one I bought as mine looks solid and still in top shape wile leaving it outside for over 4 months now, I ride it to work every day and so far I am extremely happy with mine I will keep you posted on its state!

By: Mark Stosberg

Mark Stosberg — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:31:38 +0000

Daniel, I'm afraid you've bought a cheap Chinese model (one that someone recently posted here to import directly from China for $1000). You can see photos of these kinds of bikes falling apart after a year of use in Amsterdam. The hinge in the middle (which makes them easier to ship, not ride) seems particularly like a bad idea. See a sagging hinge here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10392335@N07/3209520358/in/set-72157612693597651/ More photos like that: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10392335@N07/sets/72157612693597651/ Also see this review of what may be the same company operating under a different name: http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2008/12/08/guest-post-experiences-with-faya4you-bakfiets/

By: daniel

daniel — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:43:48 +0000

Hi Mark,
I found mine on http://www.doubledutchbikes.com
I have investigated and compared others before I decided to go with mine as it simply is the best buck for your money, These guys import these into the US so there is no hassle with import duties, freight charges and what not.

By: Mark Stosberg

Mark Stosberg — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:08:50 +0000

daniel,
That sounds like a good deal. Who did you buy yours from?

By: daniel

daniel — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:08:35 +0000

Great bike, I just bought mine here in NYC for $2100 shipped from the Netherlands and am loving it!…

By: Mark Stosberg

Mark Stosberg — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:00:26 +0000

Sara, Yes I bought mine remotely, without ever test-driving one myself, and had it shipped to me. I'm not sure what the closest dealer to you is. The dutch bike shop that just opened in Chicago might be of interest. With kids your age, Something like a tag-a-log might also be worth considering. Also, I would also put an XtraCycle, or longtail bike design on the table as option. They also work for kid and cargo hauling, but are cheaper and weigh less than the bakfiets.

By: sara

sara — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:02:07 +0000

Hey Mark~
I have been exploring the idea of a rickshaw to commute with my six year old twins to school (where they attend & I work) here in New Haven. My husband commutes with our three year old by bike (seat on back). A friend recently told me about bakfiets and I am totally interested in this option. Curious to hear about your experience. Did you buy yours online? Any advice?
MANY THANKS,
sara