I don’t think they’re saying hills make cycling impossible, I think they’re saying Dutch-style bikes are not the best tool for the job if you live somewhere hilly.
Most of the features of a Dutch-style bike are absolutely great for cycling as transportation regardless of your location, but riding a heavy steel frame with limited gearing? It’s absolutely fine if you ride somewhere mostly flat, but it isn’t a well-adapted bike for inclines.
Real old school Dutch bikes are pointlessly heavy and limited. A friend has one and it’s single speed ratio was monstrous and it weighed 45lb/20kg
However just a slightly more modern take is much better and suited for anywhere. I ride an extremely rugged and durable steel city bike with igh gears, lights, full fenders and rack and it’s 32lb/14kg and fine for hilly areas. They don’t need to be monsters.
This is cool and all if your country is flat as a mirror.
it’s more about infrascruture than having the perfect conditions
I don’t think they’re saying hills make cycling impossible, I think they’re saying Dutch-style bikes are not the best tool for the job if you live somewhere hilly.
Most of the features of a Dutch-style bike are absolutely great for cycling as transportation regardless of your location, but riding a heavy steel frame with limited gearing? It’s absolutely fine if you ride somewhere mostly flat, but it isn’t a well-adapted bike for inclines.
Real old school Dutch bikes are pointlessly heavy and limited. A friend has one and it’s single speed ratio was monstrous and it weighed 45lb/20kg
However just a slightly more modern take is much better and suited for anywhere. I ride an extremely rugged and durable steel city bike with igh gears, lights, full fenders and rack and it’s 32lb/14kg and fine for hilly areas. They don’t need to be monsters.
thats the thing. they’re awsome to ride on smooth, flat places
Just the city you live in would be enough ;)