Comments on: Batavus BUB review

By: Ask P

Ask P — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:21:15 +0000

A few comments from a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark.
As is mentioned we see a lot of people using the “granny” type bike for getting around town. We have a well renowned system of bicycle paths crossing the city.
Where the BUB differs to these bikes is the quality of the frame, and parts.
In Denmark it comes with a handoperated v-brake in front to go with the coasterbrake in the back. It is law in denmark to have two independent brakes on a bicycle.
And allthough we have a lot of paths for bicycles, they are pretty worn and it is not unusual to hit potholes whilst riding. The tires on the BUB are almost an inch wider than the most common tires on citybikes, and the frame is also only 49 centimeters in height, compared to 54 for womens bikes in Denmark.
The lower standover and riding height, together with the stable steering and comfortable tires makes it a superior bike if you are of smaller build. My 10 year old, 150 centimeter tall, daughter rides hers with great ease and confidence.

By: spiderleggreen

spiderleggreen — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:55:31 +0000

Nice review! Very through.

But you gotta get out of the bike racer box when riding these types of bikes. My water bottle solution on my Dutch bike is a PDW Bar-ista cup holder on the handle bars. It’s great! It’s right there in front of you. No reaching down, fumbling for it. That would be silly. And get rid of the water bottle all together. I have several travel mugs that fit nicely in the cup holder. I bet you it would work well with “to go” cups, too.

As for riding to work on these Dutch style bikes, I have a 25 mile round trip commute can’t say there are any road conditions that I wouldn’t ride mine on. One thing that the upright position offers is greater visibility. I’ve noticed the difference compared to my other bikes. I see more and people seem to notice me more.

Thanks again for the review!

By: Dacia

Dacia — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:15:59 +0000

Wheelworks in Santa Barbara may have ‘em. Give a call.

By: Dacia

Dacia — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:14:58 +0000

Wondering if I could tow a trailer with my kid in it…I love that this bike can take abuse as I’m not the ‘friendliest’ bike owner, but I fear for safety on the hilly terrain where I live with regard mostly to the brake system (which I’m glad you went into in your review). I’m no competitive rider (my last bike was a pre WWII cruiser, which I navigated my college years in Providence, RI on), but I want something I can safely tow my kid and/or get from A to B without killing myself withOUT my kid.

By: James T

James T — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:03:38 +0000

I think it will April before the bike is available.

By: Michael Hamiel

Michael Hamiel — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:32:58 +0000

So, I’m ready to see a BUB XC in person, anyplace on the West Coast?
Mike

By: James T

James T — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:52:25 +0000

Richard, I believe the tires were 26” x 2.15” and the rim was 559c

By: Richard Masoner

Richard Masoner — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:11:01 +0000

James, what’s the diameter of those Big Apple tires on this bike?

By: More hubless wheels and other links | Bicycle Design

More hubless wheels and other links | Bicycle Design — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:37:13 +0000

[...] Batavus BUB, which I reviewed recently, won a 2010 iF product design [...]

By: wvcycling

wvcycling — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:20:44 +0000

P.S. – how much does it weigh?