There is something so elegant and so stylish about the classic Dutch-style bicycles. The bicycles put their riders in the kind sitting-up-straight position that your mother taught you was best. It is an elegant position—a way to survey the streetscape around you in comfort. A girl can easily wear high heels, a dress and a past-the-knees coat as she pedals off to work, to school or to the café down the street for lunch with friends. The Europeans have been making them this way for a hundred years and have perfected their designs and brought them up to date.
It is true that for some bicycles and models, you have to visit Europe to buy them, but it has gotten a lot easier. There are several bicycle shops here in the US and Canada that carry European bicycles importing them from across the pond, so to speak. Copenhagen Cyclery in Chicago is a relative newcomer and carries Italian-made Abici line, the Dutch Batavus bicycles, Danish/German Velorbis and the Danish cargo bikes Larry vs. Harry. If you want to see a beautiful Velorbis bicycle under the tree in a few weeks, you can order the bicycle and it will be shipped to your local bike shop where it will get its finishing touches so it is ready to ride. The Swedish Company Skeppshult has a website and American presence that makes it possible to get a Swedish-designed bicycle like the Nature model below.

Skeppskult' s Nature is a beautifully classic bicycle with a true Scandinavian look. From the Brook Leather saddle to the mesh wire basket, it has been graced with thoughtful desgin touches that make for a very appealing bicycle.

Velorbis' Victoria Classic has a "Copenhagen Chic" look that will have you commuting in style.

Batavus offers a line of great bicycles from the classic Old Dutch to other family friendly bikes.

Italian made Abici bicycles are beautiful bikes with simple clean lines. Their designs combine classic looks with some high tech elements. Yes, you can wear your Gucci shoes and a Prada skirt on this Italian bicycle—it has a fully enclosed chain guard that will protect your clothing from the dirt and grime of the streets.

Italian made Abici bicycles are beautiful bikes with simple clean lines. Their designs combine classic looks with some high tech elements. Yes, you can wear your Gucci shoes and a Prada skirt on this Italian bicycle—it has a fully enclosed chain guard that will protect your clothing from the dirt and grime of the streets.

(Thanks to Michelle of Skeppshult and Brent of Copenhagen Cyclery)