Bicycles “suitable for suits” is how Joni Uhlenbeck and Philip de Roos describe the handcrafted bikes they are importing from Amsterdam and selling through their website. The bikes are designed to make you sit upright – so no go-faster lycra gear is required – and come with mudguards and chainguards to stop clothes getting dirty or damaged. In the Dutch tradition, the bikes are fitted with ding-dong bells, loud enough to alert car drivers, and front-mounted baskets to carry packages.
There are men’s and women’s designs (€690), as well as this retro delivery bike (€1,690). “In Amsterdam, parents mainly use this delivery bicycle to bring their kids to school and to do their grocery shopping. The bicycle includes a bench with two seatbelts where two children can sit. You can add another bench for a third child,” Uhlenbeck says. People interested in the delivery bike can contact Bear bikes for a free test ride. We’d love to hear from anyone who buys one of these to start up a new eco-friendly delivery business (email magazine@irishtimes.com). Bear also sells cycling accessories, such as sturdy locks, coffee cup holders and saddle caps. See bear-bicycles.com or tel: 087-1499455.
