If you want a bike with a bold design and a vintage look, then you might want to browse the Electra Amsterdam three-speed retro city bike range.
I actually mentioned Electra back in 2014 with its Californian-style Cruiser bike. But this range is a very different affair.
Different in terms of the design and definitely in terms of the finish. This is part of a ‘fashion’ range, a term I really don’t like as it gives the idea of something short-lived and disposable. That isn’t the case here, with the design very much in the classic city bike mould. Yes, it has a striking finish, but that again isn’t exactly a current trend.
Those finishes bring the 1960s and 1970s to mind, some (like the Joyride model in pink) more than others. If you want more subdued, you can have that. But this range really comes to life with the bolder colour schemes.
Not just a splash of paint either. As you can (hopefully) see on some of the more close-up shots, everything down to the seat and the bell carries through the theme. A wonderful attention to detail.
Talking of details there are five bikes in the Amsterdam range, all of which have a lightweight aluminium frame, Shimano Nexus three-speed gears with coaster brake, a Shimano Revo twist shifter, Shimano Nexus front roller brake, a full chain guard and integrated alloy crank, a Shimano dynamo front hub, dynamo-powered front and rear LED lights, al alloy rear rack and a matching bell and mudguards.
They look great and are no doubt perfect for getting around town and getting noticed. But they do come at a price, if you can find them.
I’ve spotted a couple of the models at Bikestar from £568.99, one model at Backpacking United for £496.87. Also, Ridelow is a stockist. If you are outside of the UK, especially in the US, they should be much easier to locate.
