Decisions, Decisions, Help! Vintage/Dutch style.

[Mevans]

Hello all!
Okay, I've got a bit of a dilemma, for years now I've had mountain bikes, which are very very useful, and great. However I've decided that I want to get a more girly bicycle.
I want to be very stereotypical, and get one with a wicker basket etcetera. I'm sounding cynical, I know, but just aware of how stereotypical it sounds!

But I'm not sure what to look at? I live in Brighton, so there's a few hills, but I don't really have to face them this year, maybe next year, so single speed isn't really an option, and I want it to be pretty too

As a student, budget is also a big problem, I'd really like a Bobbin Bicycle, but not much chance of that happening. I'm looking to spend under £300, ideally under £200, and am more than happy for the bike to be second hand. However I'm no bicycle brand expert, so was wondering what you could tell me about these two brands I've not heard of.
Hollander and Probike?
The other slightly more expensive contenders are:
Viking and Raleigh?
I've heard of both these brands :P
But any suggestions on models, as Viking have a HUGE selection!

And just in case I find a spare few hundred, does anyone have any experience with
Bobbins Bicycles?
Dutchie Bicycles?
Claud Butler?

Also open to any suggestions on bicycle brands that might be suitable, or websites that I mightn't know about that sell reasonably priced bicycle (Second hand or not)
Also any brands or sites to avoid?


Many Thanks
Mevs.

 

[biggs682]

theres loads of good old 80's ladies racers around that could quite easily be made to suit the bill ans some are mega cheap for what they are , compared to mens bikes .

just look on e bay , gumtree and preloved

 

[Mevans]

Thank you! Looking for a bike with a Sit up and Beg style though, just makes me feel a little more visible on the roads, and I find it a much comfier ride

 

[vickster]

What do decathlon have that may be suitable? Weight will be a big factor in a budget level Dutch style bike. Got the Pendleton range from halfords too, not sure how much they start at, and the pinnacles from Evans

 

[Sara_H]

Thank you! Looking for a bike with a Sit up and Beg style though, just makes me feel a little more visible on the roads, and I find it a much comfier ride

I recently picked a 1994 Raleigh Caprice on ebay - something like that may suit your needs.

 

[Mevans]

What do decathlon have that may be suitable? Weight will be a big factor in a budget level Dutch style bike. Got the Pendleton range from halfords too, not sure how much they start at, and the pinnacles from Evans

Thank you ever so much, the Somerby by Pendleton was absolutely perfect! Little bit more than I wanted to spend though! So, maybe have to go without food for a while Although they don't have the right size, so I guess I'll keep my eye on the site, and look around for a something a little bit cheaper

The suitable Pinnacle bikes were dearer, and the Decathlon site didn't have anything quite right /:

Would you consider the Viking bikes to be budget level, and thus have the weight issue? As they vary in price quite a lot. Perhaps, need to see where my nearest stockist is, and take a look :P
Don't suppose you have any experience with any of the other makes?

 

[Mevans]

I recently picked a 1994 Raleigh Caprice on ebay - something like that may suit your needs.

Yes, that's a good choice, not too heavy?
Just wondering if its particularly hilly where you ride it, and if so how it copes? Wasn't sure if I'd need one or the six or seven speed bicycles (:
Problem is I'm now a little bit taken with the Somerby

 

[Sara_H]

Well, I live at the top of one of sheffield's steepest hills and the three speed sturmey takes me most of the way!

 

[Cycleops]

Hello Mevans. Well, you've certainly got plenty of choice and options. The names you have seen like Raleigh, Claud Butler, Viking are old established firms once producing in the UK that have now been bought out and are now manufactured in the far east. That need not concern you but some cheaper bikes are made down to a price with poor equipment or finish. The best value bikes are often found second hand and if you can find a little used example, even if twenty or so years old it can represent excellent value. You can even get one that may have been made in the UK. Bearly used bikes exist as they are often bought as impulse purchases and after a while thrown in a corner. Try places like ebay, preloved, gumtree and the like.

Good luck and don't forget to budget for a helmet.