Photos

TDB :Traditional Dutch Bicycle.The Dutch call them 'omafiets',, which means..grandma's bicycle - but more as a statement of fact than derision.
In the Netherlands, it is impossible to avoid them, but one has to be discerning to spot a true classic. A genuine TDB should have all of the following: a sexy hooped frame; a covered chain guard; a built-in lighting and locking system; saddlebags that John Wayne would have been proud of; stern upright handlebars; a back-rack large enough to carry a friend; and, most important of all, it must be completely black (In terms of bicycle evolution, Holland is the Galapagos Islands; there is no real need to change).
Any other distinguishing features? yes..they have only one gear, a backpedalling brake system and they weigh a ton.
So how do you get your hands on one of these galleons of the cycle lane?
They are three ways:

1 Buy new from a Dutch bicycle shop
2 Buy one secondhand from a cycle shop
3 Hang around the dodgy areas by the central station until somebody hisses "Fietsen" (Dutch for bicycles). The bike will have been stolen and the seller will probably be a junkie . . . Not recommended :-)