Why are bicycles so expensive in Amsterdam?

I'm biased. I'm a Dutchman — I suspect you're not comparing like-with-like… A Walmart bike is a cheaply made Chinese bike imported by the container load. They're mostly toys and use low-spec components. read more

A Walmart bike is a cheaply made Chinese bike imported by the container load. They’re mostly toys and use low-spec components. Compared to a Dutch bike it is also stripped bare. read more

Define expensive. I live in Amsterdam and I don’t think Amsterdam is not too expensive. For me Oslo (Norway), Stockholm (Sweden) or Copenhagen (Denmark) are expensive, while locals over there would disagree with me. Another expensive city, or even country is Switzerland. read more

Naturally, carbon fiber works better at absorbing shock from rough road surfaces, so if you plan to log big miles, it may be worth investing the extra money into a carbon fiber road bike. But even if you can’t afford the extra cost of a carbon fiber road bike, an aluminum or steel frame with carbon fiber components like a fork, handlebars and seatpost can make a noticeable difference in shock absorption. read more