Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Today, Dutch bike brands are known for their innovation and functionality. But the roots of bicycle craftsmanship in the Netherlands stretch back to the late 19th century, when cycling emerged as a popular mode of transportation across Europe.

Dutch brands like Gazelle, Batavus, and Union were among the pioneers, laying the foundation for the local industry. Gazelle is one of the oldest brands, starting its journey in 1892 in Dieren. Batavus emerged in 1904 and has since prioritized innovation and modernization—captivating riders seeking a blend of performance and style.

Union, another stalwart in the Dutch cycling realm, traces its origins to 1904, and its focus on durability and functionality has turned it into a household name in Dutch cycling history.

In this famously flat country, cycling culture goes beyond mere functionality. It is not just a means of transport, but a way of life. On these pages we explore some of the lesser-known brands, unraveling their stories and marveling over their often classic, occasionally cutting-edge style.

Three Fiets High And Rising: Lester Cycles Grinder

Three Fiets High And Rising: Lester Cycles Grinder

If clearance is the new black, then this custom adventure bike by Amsterdam’s Lester Cycles is ready for the runway. Or rather – Swedish gravel and snow. Measuring a petite 48cm, it’s the smallest frame yet built by Lester Jansen, the man behind Lester Cycles.

Sman Cruisers

The wooden bikes of Arnolt van der Sman

I have fond memories of my grandfather in his workshop where he used to practice his love for woodwork. I can smell the lacquer and feel the shavings even now. He was forever fervently restoring bentwood chairs, turning wooden apples for gifts or making me billy carts or swords. As a result, after a long…

Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Elian Cycles X Anothersomething

Cycling is so integrated into Dutch society that it’s actually possible to feel unlike a ‘cyclist’ by riding a bike there. For a nation that’s…

Van Hulsteijn

If you’re interested in bicycles and have access to the internet, you’ll surely have seen the amazing frames by Herman Van Hulsteijn, which caused quite…

Gazelle Primeur Special

William van Beek just completed the restoration of his Gazelle Primeur Special, and it’s a superb example from the Dutch builder. It doesn’t take much…

Primarius Artisan

Given the otherworldly fascination the Dutch have with the bicycle, it wasn’t going to be too long before it was elevated beyond the utilitarian fiets…

Miyata Mixte

Well, it looks like the mixte has grown up. ‘Mixte’ is a direct appropriation of the French word meaning ‘mixed’ or ‘unisex’: despite the fact…

Deus Ex Machina Rudge

The crew at Deus Canggu continue to regale us with tales of tropical adventures, buccaneering and discoveries of long lost wrecks from the days of…

Elian Cycles 02 Commuter

While I usually prefer to see bikes shot outdoors, I’m going to say that this is one of my favorite shoots. With a typical Dutch…

Deus Ex Machina Fongers

Before and After photos always gets me going, especially when the Before shot is of a rusty wreck that no-one else would look at —…

Spyker Aeroblade

Bespoke Dutch super car builder Spyker have a motto, ‘Nulla tenaci invia est via’ which translates as ‘for the tenacious, no road is impassable’. It’s…