Electra Amsterdam Classic - available at Big Wheel Bikes.IMPORTANT UPDATE: THIS BIKE HAS BEEN RECALLED!
Electra calls the Amsterdam “style and speed running hand in hand through a field of tulips.”
These photos are from bikeportland.org, which also has a review of the Electra Amsterdam.
2008 Specs:
High-tensile steel frame, lugged fork
Saddle: retro leatherette with steel springs
Shimano Nexus Internal 3-spd rear hub
coaster brake
pinstripe fenders including front mudflap
Built-in generator headlight and rear LED tailight
Platform with resin, non-slip pedals
Rims/wheels: aluminum
Chainwheel 38T; rear cog 19T
Chainguard
Tires: 700 x 38c
Some comments I’ve received about the Electra Amsterdam:
Fritz: Electra's ride like your typical Euro junk. They're heavy clunkers that will rust out and fall apart, but they do have a fan base and excellent marketing. They're made of hi ten steel and the cheapest no-name Chinese components they can spec. Their vaunted "flat foot" design means more pressure on your peritoneum. They're great for a few blocks to the coffee shop, not so great for actual utility use.
Michael: The Electra Amsterdam is a beautiful machine, a classic Euro bike. It has two fatal flaws from my experience: coaster brakes, and a very light "tinny" feel.
I like a bit of heft to the bikes I ride around town. No racing, no sew-ups, no superlite.
If anyone else has feedback on the Electra Amsterdam, please leave a comment.
8 comments:
You know, I don't doubt that Fritz is right on the cheapness of it, or that Michael's got a good point about the coaster brakes. But this bike has some fantastic lines - it's just beautiful. And I'd like to think I've got a little bit of understanding about beauty in utility.
I think I've seen it before in glossy, two-page ads right inside the front cover of Bicycling magazine, which makes me a little wary. I'm not sure it's "for the rest of us" so much as it's "for cyclists who already own a dozen highly specialized bikes and want to add a classy Dutch cruiser to their collection." How would it fare being banged around on the subway in the middle of winter?
MB: You're right, it's a beautiful bike. As is your 3-sp - thanks for sharing the pics!
jennifer: This is a heavy bike - I'm guessing close to 40 lbs. (the Breezers are 32-33 lbs). It would probably do OK in the subway as long as your wheeling it.
So get the Amsterdam Sport 3 Custom model with the aluminum frame and f/r cantilever brakes.
I've had one of these for 6 months and i love it, do at least 5 miles a day and had just two punctures. Not that its important but people come up to me all the time and say how much they like it's looks. I dont know enough about bikes to comment on the other peoples comments here but like I said I love it.
I've also gotten one of these recently and have been riding it about 5 miles per day, and it has held up great so far (except for one screw that whoever built the bike at the shop didn't tighten all the way). But that's hardly the bike's fault. Not for you if you have a lot of hills to climb (seattle or san francisco, for instance). I think it gives a pretty solid ride though, and also looks wonderful.
I've had my Electra Amsterdam for a couple of months now and use it to commute every day. I've had no problems with it. I love my bike!
IMO Fritz is part right: this probably has cheapo components, and the whole thing is likely made in the far east (tho' not priced to reflect that). It's made to emulate something it's not; but genuine 'european 'clunkers' are built to the highest standards, have the high quality componentry and are made to last.
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