Beautiful Bicycles: My Workcycles Azor Oma
Posted on 30 September 2009 | By Dottie |91 Comments
One year ago I purchased a Workcycles Azor Oma, and that decision has changed my life for the better. I already cycled to work daily, but with Oma I was able to integrate cycling more easily and fully into my life. I no longer needed to coordinate my outfits around grease and chains. I was able to cycle through the harsh Chicago winter with no worries about frozen drivetrains. I left behind annoyances such as falling chains, deflating tires, and compromised braking. Now I simply get on my bike and go. It’s really a lovely way to travel.
Oma is a 45 pound brick house. I’ll confront that elephant in the room. Her size is part of her charm and, in fact, her heft is a fair trade for an incredibly smooth ride and high quality build. Once I adjusted to going a bit slower and my leg muscles adjusted to upright pedaling, the weight became a non-issue.
Many components come together to make Oma the beautiful beast that she is. These bells and whistles are literally foreign to many people, so I’ll break it all down first.
My Workcycles Azor Oma
The skirt guard, as the name suggests, guards the wheel from catching my skirt or coat. The fabric and chrome chain case prevents grease from getting on me and the chain from eating my skirt or pants cuffs. I never worry about such problems. Nor do I worry about cleaning the drivetrain, which makes cycling in any weather much simpler. The O-lock immobilizes the rear wheel, and is useful for quick stops because a theif would have to carry Oma away with the O-lock engaged. The pedals comfortably and sturdily hold the soles of my shoes, even high heels.
Chaincase, Skirt Guard, O-Lock, Pedals
The Shimano internal hub in the rear wheel keeps the gears clean and out of my way. Oma has eight gears but no derailleur. Everything is tucked neatly in the hub. I change gears with a twist shifter on the handlebar when not pedaling. This is a huge benefit when I come to a stop light and realize that I’m in a gear that would require a lot of effort to start from. The roller brakes are also enclosed in the hubs, meaning they are protected from the elements and not compromised by rain or ice.
Rear Gear Hub
The front Shimano generator hub keeps the front and back lights working, battery free. Energy from my pedaling powers the lights. The rear red light stays on for several minutes after I stop pedaling. No worries about running out of batteries or forgetting to attach lights. Both lights are bright, but I attach blinkie lights during the winter for extra visibility.
Front Generator Hub
Front generator Light
The racks make Oma a true car replacement for me. The front rack attaches directly to the frame (easily removable without tools, just pull) and is approved to carry 50 pounds. The rear rack comes with strong rubberband straps and is approved to carry 75 pounds. Loads do not affect steering and a spring prevents the handlebars and front tire from swinging around when the bike is stopped. Usually, I attach my big Hershbergers Baker Basket on the front, handmade by an Amish family and purchased from Velo Orange.
Frame Mounted Front Rack
The double kickstand is heavy duty. Oma has never fallen over, no matter how much cargo I load on her or how long I leave her standing alone. I never worry about her tipping over.
Double Kickstand
The fenders provide full coverage from rain, slush, and other road mess. The mudflap on the front fender catches anything that the fender misses. I never get dirty on this bike, and I wore a cream-colored overcoat all winter.
Front Mudflap
The sprung leather Brooks B67 saddle is pure heaven. After a couple of weeks I broke the leather in and now it is the most comfortable I can imagine my bum being on a bike.
Brooks Saddle
Here is my Azor Oma next to my Rivendell Betty Foy for a size comparison. Yes, Oma is big. I ride Betty Foy when I feel the need for speed or have to ride more than 10 or so miles one way.
Next to my Rivendell Betty Foy for Scale
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Workcycles Azor Oma is more than the sum of her parts, and my review must extend beyond her technical benefits. Oma makes my daily bicycling lifestyle – in any weather and with stylish clothes – easy and fun. Viewed as a whole, she is bicycle perfection.
Oma leads the winter morning charge
Her lights and reflective tire sidewalls get me through lots of night riding, especially during the winter when my commutes are mostly in the dark.
Front Generator Light
Reflective Tire Walls
My seemingly endless winter riding is free from worry over frozen brakes or cruddy chains, since everything is covered.
Oma Plays in the Snow Like Nobody's Business
I stack loads on her racks without a second thought, confident that everything will fit securely. The front basket alone holds a 12 pack of bottled beer, two bottles of wine, and a small purse all at once (ask me how I know!). The back rack holds pretty much anything with the freakishly strong rubberband straps.
Back Rack Stack
Oma is simply a beautiful way to get around.
Bicycle Perfection on the Morning Commute
A Workcycles Azor Oma or other Dutch-style bicycle may not be for you if you live in a very hilly area, value speed over comfort, or have to carry your bike upstairs. For everyone else, an Oma may be the bike of your dreams.
I purchased my Oma from Dutch Bike Chicago for approximately $1500 plus $100 for the front rack. (Consider the cost of a car before saying this is expensive.) They have another location in Seattle and will soon be in New York City. They ship everywhere. Clever Cycles in Portland and My Dutch Bike in San Francisco also sell Workcycles. Workcycles is in Holland and its website is here. The owner Henry writes a fantastic blog, Bakfiets En Meer.
That's what oma talkin' about
I tried my best to cover everything. Questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. I love Oma and love to tell others about her.
Related posts:
- Beautiful Bicycles: Gazelle Toer Populair and Chamonix Pure A new Dutch bicycle brand has arrived in Chicago, and...
- Beautiful Bicycles: Velorbis Dannebrog – Victoria Way back in January I started a “Beautiful Bicycles” series,...
- Beautiful Bicycles: Velorbis Scrap Deluxe When my friend Ms. Elle called to ask if I...
- Beautiful Bicycles: Velorbis Studine Today I met a new beauty in town, the Velorbis...
- Beautiful Bicycles: Velorbis Mobii Trike When I visited Copenhagen Cyclery this weekend, I also test...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Comments
91 Comments
SPONSORS
Summer Games Players
Recent Posts
Looking for something?
Lively Conversations
- Jerk Season (138)
- Announcing the LGRAB Summer Games (130)
- How To: Bike Commuting in a Suit (113)
- Bike Cycle: Doomed to Repeat History? (101)
- Hand Signal Debate (91)
- Beautiful Bicycles: My Workcycles Azor Oma (91)
- I Believe in Peace, B_ _ _ _ (87)
- The Bike Commuter Stereotype (86)
- Stop, Collaborate and Listen (85)
- Out of My Way, Boys! (83)
- Getting Serious About Bicycling Safety (82)
- Beautiful Bicycles: Bakfiets (a real S.U.V.) (81)
- Bicycles on a Budget (78)
- Bicycling On Ice: My Studded Tires (76)
Discussion Leaders
- dukiebiddle
- Dave
- Lovely Bicycle!
- neighbourtease
- cycler
- Amy
- Miss Sarah
- Amanda Z from NYC
- Tinker
- Scott
- Simply Bike
- Cherilyn
Recent Comments
- Juliana from NC on Pashley Princess Sovereign: Impressions
- Maria on Joy Ride
- John on Joy Ride
- Scott on Joy Ride
- scott t on Accepting Fault
Archives
Our Story
More LGRAB
Beautiful Bicycles
How-To
Style
Dottie’s Chicago Guide
Bike Blog Universe
Dream Camera: Dottie’s Photo Blog
Thanks for the review!
Wow, I think that’s a better description of our Omafiets than our own website. Thanks very much.
FYI: I rarely comment but I do enjoy reading your blog. The non-techie, normal stylish women ride bikes like this, so what’s the big deal… perspective is a great antidote to our everything pushed to the extreme world.
No deflating tires? Needs elaboration!
I got a flat recently – the first in 6,000 miles. Schwalbe Marathon’s for the win!
I ride 14 miles each way on my commute. I’m glad you mentioned the 10 mile “limit”, because it is what I’ve always sort of assumed, that there’s a cut off of sorts after which the comfort of a bike like the Oma loses to other factors. My bike isn’t a lightweight (it’s a surly, so it’s steel) but I’m in the drops most of the time, because it is easier on my legs! I also have several significant hills.
How do you find the more upright position to handle hills (you must have some, even in chicago!)?
I have been thinking that I want to get a more upright bike for grocery runs and other close errands. But of course I still have the hills!
I have Schwalbe Marathon tires, too. So they could deflate, but hopefully not for a long time, as you experienced. The bike I was riding before Oma had flats all the time, it was ridiculous. So far none with Oma (knock on wood).
About the length of travel – Oma doesn’t become uncomfortable after 10 miles. I’ve never been uncomfortable on Oma. Time has more to do with it, since the bike is slower. Also, if the headwinds are bad, my legs will get tired more quickly on Oma. If you look at Henry’s blog, there are people touring Europe on similar bikes.
I love the upright positioning, but no – Chicago has no hills. Seriously. It’s the Midwest. Headwinds are kinda like hills, and I simply have to go extra slow in an easy gear.
Yea Schwalbe Marathons! Reflective and tough.
I’ve been commuting daily on mine for about 2 years without a flat (knock on wood) which is a really good thing because internal hub gears with roller brakes make it PITA to remove a rear wheel. Although that might be partly because of my non-removable chain case and the face that my rear dropouts have to be forced apart slighly to get the hub in….
Actually, Chicago has a couple hills that I discussed in depth with Dutch Bike staff before taking Oma home – the new train bridge by soldier field, the parking lot ramp at Trader Joe’s on Clybourn, and various hills over the Kennedy expressway as you head down Milwaukee. Verdict – not so bad in first or second gear, and Oma’s extra weight as I cruise downhill? Priceless. What I cannot do, is carry Oma up onto a commuter train. I blame this on the train. Seriously, who designed a commuter train car that requires mountain climbing agility. Now I have to get a fourth bike
Great review. I think eventually I’ll end up getting an Opa or other such Dutch kin, based solely on how just pure awesome they are as all-around daily bikes. Maybe once I get that Nursing degree done with.
That price is about $1G less than I presumed. It’s the same price as a moderate to economical road bike. Granted, road bikes are really expensive, but still… the Oma/Opafiets are much more affordable than I thought.
thanks for the review. I always wondered how the front racks worked for instance.
I think that the piece of mind that low maintenance offers is a real advantage on this style of bike. The idea that you can hop on the bike and go in any weather is priceless.
I am a fan of internally geared bikes and now ride them exclusively (except for my single speed). After years of fiddlng with derailleurs (esp in bad weather), I have found that 3 speeds in the hub is the way to go.
And if you ever wonder what Azor stands for: look at the decal on the rear fender. It’s Spanish for hawk (when I first saw the name I thought of French poodles, you know, Azor et Fifi, but it’s a bit more robust).
I like your review, and the difference in perspective; detailing your involvement with the bike in life around Chicago. It is as much a review about how the Oma makes you feel and answers needs as it is about the technology. How you appreciate the bike’s aesthetics is also evident in the images of the Oma surrounded by Chicago.
I concur with the city being nice and flat. I rode for a year from Logan Square to the loop. 12 miles a day and not a hill in sight – but ohh that wind…
i bought a batavus this spring and i love it, these really are the perfect bikes for chicago. haven’t had the “pleasure” of seeing how it handles in the winter yet…
Preach it, sister! Maybe soon I won’t be the only dude riding an oma in Chicago.
Scott, an oma or an opa, ya big Dutch sissy. ;-P
An oma!
Most Dutch men ride omas, I’ve heard. The step through frame makes a lot of sense for anyone wearing nice clothes or carrying cargo.
We’ll see who’s a sissy when I’m riding to work on the coldest day of the year (actually, this is not so hard to do on the oma). Until I see another guy on an oma in chicago, I will proceed with the understanding that I am so extremely hip that I do not yet even have my first copycat.
Very nice bike. I was admiring a similar one at the LBS. It looks like the internal gear hubs are the way to go for the winter.
Dottie what a great review
although I cycle everyday, I am failing in taking pictures… ops! So I keep on postponing my review 
And today I had my first cycle in proper autumnal rain… and I was fine 
I actually enjoyed it! YAY for sit-up-and-beg style bikes!!! L ♥
Thanks for the review. I purchased exactly the same bicycle earlier this year, and have been using it to commute in San Francisco. It’s the first bike I’ve ridden since I was a little girl, and I’m still getting used to being on it. When you say that you use the twist shifter when not pedaling, is that how one is supposed to change gears? I think I may be switching gears while in motion, and I’m worried about damaging the gears.
Brazenhussy, You can shift while pedaling or while stopped, the Nexus 8 speed doesn’t care much. I would only recommend not shifting while under heavy load, just pedal lightly for a couple seconds while shifting.
I suspect Dottie only meant that she CAN shift while stopped, which is both very handy and also impossible on a derailleur geared bike.
Wow, I was just thinking that a bike like that would be too tough for me to ride around hilly old Nashville, but I guess not if you’re riding it in San Francisco! Do you find it difficult on hills? (I ride a mountain bike w/ road wheels to work, but I also have a 3-speed granny bike that I ride occasionally, and it’s pretty exhausting if I’m going more than a mile or two.)
Dottie, GREAT review–the bike sounds wonderful. I’m also intrigued by WorkCycles’ Secret Service ladies bike. I’ll have to do a test ride next time I’m in Chicago.
henryinamsterdam, thank you for the clarification on shifting.
Jessie, yes, I do have trouble on hills. I can manage a very slight grade, but anything steeper than that, I have to get off and walk it for a few blocks. Fortunately, my 7-mile RT commute route is pretty flat, but there are certain places in SF that I can get to only in my car.
Great stuff!
Remind us when you next stop by the shop and we have a simple fix for your near-disassociated mudflap.
Will do
I have one of Henry Work Cycles Azor Pastoor Kruisframe/ Crossframe Preachers Bike for Two Years and it is the most Comfortable Bike I have ever Ridden. Very Smooth and comfortable Gearing. I get Admiring Glances from Everybody as I cycle along. We have a few Hills on Entering and Leaving Dublin but it is not to bad for going up them. I would take it on Touring but it would be a bit Tiring but Do Able all the same. The furthest I went on it was 20 Miles out and 20 back Home so making it 40 Miles,so it would be alright for Touring at a Pinch.But it would be very Heavy for Wheeling up a Mountaineous Road.
I mostly Travel about 10 – 15 Miles and the same Back to Home on it. It is great for carrying Loads of Stuff. I have since Found an Old Plastic Fruit Crate that was Dumped in a Skip and I put this on the front Carrier A LA Amsterdam Style. The only maintenance I have done is one Day I noticed the Kick Stand was a bit loose and so I tightened the Screw on top of the BB Bracket above the Crank Case and also Pumped up the Tyres a few Times,Brilliant Bike. Dublin Ireland.
Hi John, Great to hear from an Azor owner in Dublin. I’ve always wanted to visit there, especially because I’m mostly Irish. I love crates on bikes. I’m tempted to put one on Oma, but the current basket does the job well.
I have one of Henry Work Cycles Azor Pastoor Kruisframe/ Crossframe Preachers Bike for Two Years and it is the most Comfortable Bike I have ever Ridden. Very Smooth and comfortable Gearing. I get Admiring Glances from Everybody as I cycle along. We have a few Hills on Entering and Leaving Dublin but it is not to bad for going up them. I would take it on Touring but it would be a bit Tiring but Do Able all the same. The furthest I went on it was 20 Miles out and 20 back Home so making it 40 Miles,so it would be alright for Touring at a Pinch.But it would be very Heavy for Wheeling up a Mountaineous Road.
I mostly Travel about 10 – 15 Miles and the same Back to Home on it. It is great for carrying Loads of Stuff. I have since Found an Old Plastic Fruit Crate that was Dumped in a Skip and I put this on the front Carrier A LA Amsterdam Style. The only maintenance I have done is one Day I noticed the Kick Stand was a bit loose and so I tightened the Screw on top of the BB Bracket above the Crank Case and also Pumped up the Tyres a few Times,Brilliant Bike. Dublin Ireland.
Love the concept. But with no garage space, hauling a 45+ pound bike up to my place (especially in the winter – slippery steps!) would be a chore.
I got by for a year by storing the oma under some outside stairs with a tarp over it. Not ideal, but it worked. It’s too heavy to haul up and down more than 3-4 stairs.
This is the big drawback of my Pashley as well. I only have a set of 4 porch stairs to drag it down/up, but in the winter even this will be unsafe. Not sure yet what I will do.
Think of it this way…hauling such a machine up stairs gives your upper body a workout to match the one it gives your legs! Cheaper than a gym membership too…
3 out of 4 seasons yes. But what about the ice in the winter?
No way, carrying this thing up and down stairs would be a true workout. Much more work than riding it.
Lovely, I had three steps down to the basement last winter and was able to just walk the bike up and down. I didn’t have any problems with ice. I just stood next to it and used the brake to go slowly on the way down.
Yes… a few steps only would be nice… But even my “downstairs” storage area is 6 steps down and not a direct descent (too many angle to access the stairs and then the door).
Oh well…
Can’t speak to the ice, but slinging my 45 lb bike around (on and off the elevator at work, in and out of it’s understair lair, very occasionally up and down a couple of flights of stairs on the subway) is definitely my upper body workout! even more so when it’s loaded with cargo.
What a great profile of your bike! I used to have a dutch bike, it was third hand though – not as nice as yours : )
Ah, Oma. I can testify that this review is truly representative of the feeling you get when you ride one.
It just might be the ultimate beautiful bicycle!
And tonight maybe we’ll see a pink Oma? Eh?
I had no idea the chaincase was fabric, neat. I’m guessing it’s something substantial, like thick canvas. How has it held up over a year?
Yes, the chaincase is some kind of thick canvas. It has held up perfectly. Looks as good as new!
Two things — super jealous of your skirt guard. I have torn MANY skirts that I thought were ok to ride with and then got immediately caught in my wheels.
I’m also very impressed you can bike in heels! I’m gonna try it with my low pumps very soon. You’ve given me inspiration to try it!
What a great overview…and an interesting perspective on what makes a “true” commuter bike.
In the U.S., too many bikes that are billed as “urban” or “commuter” come with front suspension forks, harsh aluminum frames, quick release wheels and seatpost collars and assorted other gimmicky bits…and what they DON’T include is even more ludicrous. Where are the fenders, the chainguards, the racks and generator lights? Nowhere to be seen!
Meanwhile, Dutch and other European builds have all the things that make a bike utilitarian, clean and practical…and all of those bits come stock. Why don’t U.S. bike companies get it?!?
“Why don’t U.S. bike companies get it?!?”
I think they’ll get when the American consumer gets it. It isn’t like fenders and chainguards were never part of the standard American bike. It’s just that the manufacturers have not been able to sell non-recreational and nonperformance bicycles in decades, so the products on the market reflect that. But, from what we all hear, just about every bicycle manufacturer is now trying to address the burgeoning market of “old-fashioned” bicycles.
Good point…here in the U.S., we’ve been bombarded by the “need” for sleek, carbony race frames and dual-suspension wonderbikes. BUT, there is a “sea change” afoot, and more people are realizing that a utilitarian machine is the way to go.
Still, there are plenty of new bike examples that only partially get it — maybe a rack, maybe a front hub generator or IGH, but not nearly often enough the entire package of fenders, chainguard, rack, etc. Perhaps the bike companies (and shops) are still greedily eyeing the aftermarket-accessories sales?
Absolutely. My Jamis Commuter, voted best commuter bike by Bicycling, had kinda upright bars, fenders and … That’s all! I had to add rack, basket, lights, kickstand, bell. If a bike is going to hold itself up as the ultimate “Commuter,” it needs to follow through. Newer bikes are doing this better (the Trek Belleville comes to mind) but there’s still a long way to go.
It looks like Jamis is also reflecting the change, as their 2008 Commuter 4 included a rear rack and dynamo lighting. BS on there being no kickstand, though.
Joe Breezer does!!!! Actually that was the only reason I bought it….cause it had all the stuff you said….meanwhile…at the time the Store in Canada just started bringing in bikes from Holland and only had Old Dutch which I didn’t want (I wanted 8 speed and hub generater lights).
Kind of ironic I had to buy American to get all of that instead of Dutch
Well…just timing….they have all the fancy Dutch bikes now and I want one 
Ah, you’ve finally posted a review of your handsome bicycle!
I am intrigued by the front rack that you say attaches to the frame and is easy to remove. Do you know who makes it and where it can be gotten? Does your basket bounce or rattle at all upon the rack when you go over large bumps?
It was also useful to learn that you have springs installed that keep your wheel from turning. Do you know whether these are available for purchase separately?
Thanks for the great review, and the photos are always a treat. I love seeing the different outfits, different seasons, and different errands.
The Dutch Bike store on Armitage in Chicago sells these. It can be adapted to fit on many non-Dutch bikes. It mainly depends on your down tube’s diameter. Also, your downtube must be completely straight and round.
I’m presuming a downtube with 3 cables running underneath would be prohibitive to the spring installation?
The front rack consists of two tubes that are welded to the down tube. The rack itself has two stems that are pushed into the tubes on the frame. They are made by several manufacturers but if you contact one of Workcycle’s dealers they can surely help you out.
As for the spring to keep the front wheel straight, this comes with the two-legged Hebie stand. Hebie now has a universal type available through their dealer network. See http://www.hebie.de, home page under the wonderful definition of Elastomerlenkerumschlagsvermeidungsvorrichtung (Germans are well aware of the funny side of their language). Website is in German and English.
My rack and basket never make any noise. One of my favorite things about Oma is that she is so quiet, even with a loaded basket. I can hear and feel how perfectly she is built.
Steve and Frits pretty much covered the info for buying the rack above. I don’t know much about it, only that they installed the rack while I waited the day I bought Oma. A hollow cylindrical tube was bolted on each side of my frame. Those do not come off. The rack has two hefty prongs covered with rubber that slip in the tubes and hold firmly.
I really need to drive up to Santa Barbara to test ride an Oma! You make it sound like heaven.
AFAIK, the rack is built by Azor. It’s sold as an accessory in europe, for around 70E, but I’ve no idea where you can get one in the US.
Steco has a nice frame mounted rack too, but not removable. (http://www.steco.nl/pages/consumer/index.php?taal=nl&page=Producten&cid=8&pid=31)
The Azor rack is really great if you don’t mind the weight.
Full description of the rack is on WorkCycles website, here: http://workcycles.com/workbike/bicycles/accessories/pickup-frame-mounted-front-carrier.html
David Hembrow also ships them all over the world: http://www.hembrow.eu/frontrack.html
Unfortunately the Steco racks aren’t available in the US right now, except the pickup rack. On another thread, Henry from Workcycles said that they’re going to start offering them to the workcycles dealers in the US (Clever cycles, Seattle dutch bike co, et al), so if you want one let them know. Or book a trip to Amsterdam
Hi Dottie, I just had two Dutch guys in the bike store here in Toronto, who tell me Oma means Grandma – a bike like Grandma’s -Steve
Great review, thank you. I didn’t know they were manufactured in the Netherlands. Maybe I’ll order one from Germany one day.
Nico
Hi Dottie. I was trying to Source a Decent Willow Basket in Ireland but one Supplier I tried was Expensive. David Hembrows Baskets are Great that he makes in the Netherlands and Cheaper. I was looking for a Butcher Style Basket 16 + 12 by 16 Inches High but then eventually gave up on the Idea. I kept my Eye Open for a Discarded one and sure enough I found one. It is a bit Small but it will do until I can get a bigger one. There is only a couple of Dutch Bikes in Ireland that I have seen,one Bakfiets A Long John and a couple of Bulitts used by a Courier Company,and of course those Amsterdams.
Hi Dottie. I was trying to Source a Decent Willow Basket in Ireland but one Supplier I tried was Expensive. David Hembrows Baskets are Great that he makes in the Netherlands and Cheaper. I was looking for a Butcher Style Basket 16 + 12 by 16 Inches High but then eventually gave up on the Idea. I kept my Eye Open for a Discarded one and sure enough I found one. It is a bit Small but it will do until I can get a bigger one. There is only a couple of Dutch Bikes in Ireland that I have seen,one Bakfiets A Long John and a couple of Bulitts used by a Courier Company,and of course those Amsterdams.
I want one too!! S.
[...] Page Rides My Bike! Okay, so this is not actually “my” bike, but it is an Oma that looks identical. And, okay, she probably used it only once for a photo shoot. But still. Loveliness. I [...]
[...] Fietsfabriek imports bikes from Holland, similar to my Oma. This cargo bike is super cool, the ultimate in kid-toting. There is a cushioned seat for two in [...]
Nice review! It is so weird to read reviews of oma-style bikes originating from ‘overseas’. This type of bike has been the one we all have been riding for decades over here in the flat and rainy parts of Belgium (and the Netherlands). Oma-bikes were for going somewhere, for sports we’d step directly over to a race bike. Most of the oma-bikes over here have been replaced with more sportslike bikes, in alloy, with extra’s like suspension forks and a lot of gears. Those are more suited for the recreational touring which is a huge trend over here (mostly because of the well laid out “biking by number” trails). It is now actually the oma’s themselves (grantmothers…) that buy sporty bikes. The granddaughters now get back on the omafietsen because they’re so sweet and comfortable!
I wonder why the classic omafiets is only just now starting to spread in the states.
I’m very interested in an Oma.
Do you mind telling me how tall you are and what size your bike is?
Thanks very much!
Hi Kristyn. I’m 5′7 and Oma is a size 53.
Thank you so much Dottie. I was afraid that you might have had the smallest size bike. I’m 5′4″-ish, so will probably need a 48″, but I’ll contact some of the retailers for help.
I am looking for my first bike in a long, long time (cough), and stumbled on across you and Trisha’s blog while searching for info on the Pashley. The Oma has charmed me and I like the idea of being able to give my 23lb sheltie a ride, etc.
Love the blog and it really is helpful to see to ‘regular’ girls promoting biking. BTW, I detect no accent. Oh, I’m in downtown Memphis.
Hey Kristyn, I am 5′3″ and ride the smallest oma – 49 cm in much comfort and happiness …
Thank you, chibikegal.
That helps. I will be buying without seeing, much less riding, since the only dutch-style bike sold locally is the Electra Amsterdam. I thought about getting one of those first, but decided not to shell out $700 knowing I really wanted something else.
As a store owner here in San Francisco. I have sold a few omafiets with your height and 49cm frame. Goodluck!
[...] Workcycles Oma review [...]
[...] the ride feels quite a bit different from the ride of my Azor Oma. Although they look similar, there are subtle differences in the geometry – we measured! [...]
Great reading your blog. I will pass on to our customers! We have quite a few happy riders here in San Francisco.
Just coming back again to let you know that I am drooling over your bike. It is so pretty.
I love your blog and pics, I want oma also. I need to contact mydutchbike in sf. Thank you soooo! much.
[...] riding the bakfiets felt very similar to riding my Oma. They have the same swept back handlebars and similar slack seat tubes, which require the posture [...]
I’m glad to see people finally coming around to these kinds of bicycles, they always made sense to me. I had my first one in 1977, a Raliegh Tourist I bought when I was in the military overseas. Someone stole it recently, that’s when I got the Opa. Infinitely better brakes, but I still miss those quirky mechanical rods. I still ride 25 miles a day in northern Michigan. These kind of bicycles with raked back huge rugged frames and large wheels are some of the most comfortable and useful bicycles on earth, it’s probably why 95% of the world rides them. Unfortunately the majority of the United States seems to be fixated on mountain bikes, styrofoam happy-helmets, and spandex clothing. I really don’t understand it. I got an Oma for the wife but she refuses to ride it because, I quote “it looks funny”…..maybe I’ll show her this. Thanks
[...] I prefer my Workcycles Azor Oma for workhorse daily use, I certainly can imagine myself riding away on this fiery beauty. [...]
When you clip panniers onto your rear rack does it affect the paint on the rack at all?
Thanks! Fine review, and make us willing to own and ride on such little beasts. In Italy, we have a lot of bycicles, but for cultural reasons, are always too weak. Think it’s a matter of fashion. We are always worried about dress and smartness. So, simple and reliable things are disquieting and alarming.
Have quite a lot of fixed bikes, racing, but workhorses are rare things. Perhaps we are worried by everything not being thin, pale and enchanting.
@chibikegal – Most new commuter trains around the country have boarding level with the platform, so no need to carry up 6 steep steps!
See this photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellergraham/1483893498/
Hi John in Dublin!
Very interested in your Azor Kruisframe Pastoor, about which you blogged with Dottie. I’m keen on these clever Dutch bicycles: they’re complete, suitable for certain kinds of slowed-down touring that I’m getting interested in and built to last. I once owned a Danish Dursley Pedersen, an extraordinary bike – it’s a kind of Gothic Cathedral of bicycle frames – you can only ride them sitting bolt upright. I rode around Ireland on the Pedersen when I last lived in the oul place (Limerick to Dublin to Belfast and back, down coastal Co Clare and the Burren etc).
I’m wondering about your Kruisframe – are you tall? – the frames sizes are 57, 61 and 65, right? I’m 5′9 1/2, so a 57cm would work for me, but I’m wondering if the Shimano Nexus 8-speed is widely available for European use? Tires Schwalbe Marathons 47mm? It seems to me the Kruisframe would be a pretty good bike for Third World travel?
If you look on a site called Who rides a Workcycles city bike? you will see a photo of Zuzana riding her Azor Oma, the basket she uses is enormous. Beneath her is a photo of a 300-lbs (136 kgs) 6′5″ fellow called Cedric, on an a Kruisframe. Maybe these bikes are just indestructible?
Milo.
Hello to you all!
Nice to read about you all riding Dutch bikes,i live in Holland near Utrecht and we are used to ride our bikes all year ,all three of us (me ,my wife and my sun) own a “omafiets”,my sun owns an Azor Oma and uses it now for 4 (hard)years to highschool (about 10 miles away),it’s quality is terrific ! (good that is!),i owned all sorts off bikes but like my Granny best!
Greetings Walther.
beautiful bike! It is too bad that I can’t find a brand new bike like these in Manila. What we have here are those from China and Japan – mostly old bikes. If I find a durable working frame, I plan to restore it and make it look as beautiful as the bikes in your gallery.
Hello,
I have a few questions. I am a college student in the states and I have been looking for a bike I was thinking about the schwinn until I came across your page. Now I want a dutch bike!! I want one like the black one you have…I went to the chicago website but there were so many..what bike did you purchase? i want the basket holder too, did you have to request that? also where did you get your basket from i dont see many that sits low and perfect on the bike…i would want one of those too. also did you have to add anything extra on the bike?
Hello,
I’m K. from Paris and your blog has been a true inspiration when I had to chose my Dutch bike. I waited 4 months (!!!!) but I now ride the same Oma (manufactured from Azor) than yours. Just FYI and if anyone else is interested : it’s now called “Pick-up Classic”, and you can see it on Bakfiets.nl.
I can’t recommend Azor as a manufacturor : no reactivity when you question them about technical details, estimated time of delivery was initially 7 weeks, but it took 16 weeks (!!!!!!), plus transportation problem : initially transportation from Holland to Paris was included, and then they decided that we should organize it on France side…..
So I have to warn everyone that the product is awesome, but the manufacturer just don’t give a f***** about customers.
But don’t get me wrong : I’m very happy about the bike itself. Especially it was possible to customize its color (color chosen from 120 RAL colors options !). Let me know your comments, here goes the pictures link :
http://picasaweb.google.fr/koorenay/VeloKarine?authkey=Gv1sRgCMLcw_Dykvw-&feat=directlink
Thanks for your blog !!!!!!!
Hi, I really enjoyed your photos and review of your Workcycles Omafiets! I’m close to buying one myself and can’t wait!
I have one question though. You refer to the bike as an Azur Oma. I can’t find any information on this as a model anywhere. From workcycles cite, all they have is the Workcycles Omafiets – which looks exactly like your bike. I know that Oma is short for Omafiets, but I’m wondering if the Azur some sort of special model, or is it part of your nickname or ….?
thanks!
jason
I figured it out!
An Azor Oma is the same as a regular WorkCycles Oma. WorkCycles made the Oma for Azor. No difference that I’m aware of, whether it’s called an Azor Oma or WorkCycles Oma.
Good luck with your purchase!
Yeah, buy what you really want. I just got an Amsterdam myself, but that’s what I really wanted, so I’m happy. You gotta be happy with your bike.