Multi-colored tulips. Whirring windmills. Iconic wooden shoes. All images likely to be conjured up when one's thoughts turn to the Dutch Netherlands.

But bicycles?

Not hardly, at least not in Chicago's Lincoln Park area. Don't be so sure in the future, though. That's because the Dutch Bike Co. opened shop last fall at 651 West Armitage. Sales and traffic have been, if you will, biking along very nicely since day one.

The Dutch, you see, have been designing and building world-class bikes for generations. Their products are omni-present on the streets and by-ways of city's all throughout Europe and are enjoying growing popularity all around the globe.

The Dutch Bike Co. turned the key on its first retail shop some three years ago in Seattle, owner/principal David Schmidt informed in a phone interview. He said that the company in that time has also established a strong Web presence.

Chicago came next, Seattle resident Schmidt informed, "...because I always liked the city. Besides, my wife is from Illinois." One senses that the entrepreneurial Schmidt knows a thing or two about starting a business. And that his due diligence included understanding that Chicago is one of the country's most bike- friendly towns. Not to mention that Mayor Daley is a big proponent of the eco-friendly mode for getting around.

A recent visit to the Lincoln Park shop found store manager Vince Spina eager to count the countless attributes of the cycles that are being bought up in growing numbers, even though current "Work Cycles" brand models (six in all) range in price from $1,300 to $2,100.

"First of all, our bikes are built to last a lifetime," Spina emphasized. "They are precision engineered and only the best, most durable materials are used in the manufacturing process. One example is the frame which is constructed of 100 per cent high-quality steel. Alloys are never used in our bikes," he said.

Spina pointed out that the gears are immune to the harsh elements of Chicago winters because they are snugly encased in a unique hub. The tires are made with Kevlar threads (the same material used in bullet proof vests) so flat tires are virtually a non-issue. And chances are excellent bikes leaving the shop likely will perform "...for years and years before making a return visit for adjustments or repairs," Spina said.

As for a profile of the typical Dutch Bike Co. customer, Spina with a smile said it is definitely not the Lance Armstrong, high-performance type person. "Our customer is looking for a bike for everyday transportation needs. A bike that by design is comfortable and very utilitarian," he observed.

Common uses are commuting to work, going grocery shopping, taking the kids sightseeing in the park or along the lake, even giving the family pooch a break from hoofing it.

If all goes according to plans, the company will be adding another line of outstanding bikes in late spring/early summer in a lower price range ($500 - $900).

"We get a lot of curiosity seekers in the shop," says Will Brehman, who sports both mechanic's bib and salesman's hat. "But tire kicking is where it starts, just as with cars. People come in three or four times before making a decision to buy. Sure, we are in the bike business. But we are very much in the people business, too. We love to have visitors to the shop," he said.

Dutch Bike is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed on Monday. Phone 312 265-0175. Web site www.dutchbikeco.com.

Reported by Tom McGavin / Photos by David Varnerin

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