{"id":38937,"date":"2022-07-06T16:09:47","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T14:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=687367"},"modified":"2022-07-06T16:24:14","modified_gmt":"2022-07-06T14:24:14","slug":"ten-of-the-best-danish-city-bikes-spotted-at-the-tour-de-france-grand-depart","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/ten-of-the-best-danish-city-bikes-spotted-at-the-tour-de-france-grand-depart\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten of the best Danish city bikes spotted at the Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By George Scott\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 06 July 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Millions of spectators may have lined the roads of Denmark\u2019s capital city to greet the Grand D\u00e9part, but we didn\u2019t need the arrival of the Tour de France<\/a> in Copenhagen to confirm the country as a cycling-mad nation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Copenhagen rightly has a reputation as one of the world\u2019s most bike-friendly cities. Cycling is engrained in the fabric of everyday life, with cycle lanes criss-crossing the city and bikes lined up outside every bar, restaurant and apartment block.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BikeRadar team may have been in Copenhagen for the start of the 2022 race to cast an eye over the latest five-figure <\/span>Tour de France bikes<\/span><\/a>, but with 10 minutes to spare on our final morning in the city, I also took a closer look at the bikes everyday Danes ride to work, school and the shops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Bikes can be found lined up outside any Copenhagen office, shop, restaurant, bar or apartment block.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Practicality is the name of the game here. On my old commute in London, go-fast, drop-bar road bikes<\/a> would line-up for the Traffic Light Grand Prix on the elbow-to-elbow blast alongside the River Thames. In Copenhagen, flat bars, mudguards<\/a>, in-built locks, kickstands<\/a> and chainguards are key spec details.<\/p>\n

Consider this an antidote to the rest of our Tour tech coverage (but do go and check that out, as well\u2026).<\/span><\/p>\n

A Dutch bike in Denmark<\/h2>\n
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This is an excellent example of a Dutch bike in Copenhagen.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Here\u2019s a bike that represents the pinnacle of everyday style and practicality from a brand \u2013 Mustang \u2013 that can be found on just about every street corner in Copenhagen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Tension\"<\/picture><\/div>
This spring acts as a steering stabilizer, calming handling when riding with a heavy load. It also makes it easier to park the bike because the front-end doesn\u2019t flop so much.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Basket\"<\/picture><\/div>
You need somewhere for your shopping, right?<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Rack\"<\/picture><\/div>
Extra carrying capacity via this rear rack.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Chain\"<\/picture><\/div>
No-one wants dirty clothes or grease-stained legs.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Chain\"<\/picture><\/div>
Danish design for Danish practicality.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Lock\"<\/picture><\/div>
Built-in locks like this (sometimes called a \u2018nurses lock\u2019 in the UK), fixed to the frame and securing the rear wheel, are common on bikes in Copenhagen. Few people lock their bikes to a rack.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Kickstand\"<\/picture><\/div>
A final nod to practicality \u2013 the humble kickstand.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

This is the archetypal Dutch bike, with everything you need for city riding: an upright position, sensible tyres, a rack and basket, kickstand, chainguard, flat pedals, bell and lights. It\u2019s very smart, too, with a black finish and tan contact points.<\/p>\n

Family fleet<\/h2>\n
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A trio of family city bikes in Copenhagen.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Cycling is a family affair<\/a> in Copenhagen, with this trio of bikes racked-up alongside one another ready for the ride to school.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
Toot-toot!<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
A Shimano Nexus hub gear provides sensible near-maintenance-free shifting.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""A\"<\/picture><\/div>
Rack \u2019em up!<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Practicality extends to kids\u2019 bikes in Denmark, too.<\/p>\n

A Catalyst for commuting<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This Cannondale Catalyst has been given a new lease of life.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Most city bikes in Copenhagen are purpose-built for the job, but there\u2019s still life in this old Cannondale Catalyst, now being put to use for urban duties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
This Cannondale Catalyst hardtail has been pressed into commuting duties.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
A Copenhagen essential.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
Adjustability for a city-friendly riding position.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
Another Dutch lock strapped onto the seatstays.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
A kick-stand has been added, too. Avert your eyes from the disc brake rotor.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Catalyst has disappeared from Cannondale\u2019s range, but the hardtail mountain bike<\/a> has a few improvised practical touches for city life, even if it can\u2019t match purpose-built bikes.<\/p>\n

Commuting gains<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
An aero city bike? You love to see it.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We couldn\u2019t put together a Tour de France-inspired gallery \u2013 even one of city bikes \u2013 without an aero bike<\/a>. <\/span>This mash-up of wild aero tube profiles and big city practicality caught the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
A step-through aero frame? That\u2019s a first for us.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bottom bracket area is heavily-sculpted.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
Integrated cockpits are all the rage.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
But you still need a basket in Copenhagen.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
This Shimano Nexus roller brake is similar in design and function to a typical drum brake, but is more serviceable and weatherproof.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Avenue\"<\/picture><\/div>
The aero seatmast is filled with a propietary post.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Avenue is a Danish brand that describes itself on its website<\/a> as \u201cexciting and aerodynamic\u201d, with aero-sculpted tubes featuring across its range of city bikes. We love it.<\/p>\n

Car-free and care-free<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Cargo bikes are a common sight in Copenhagen.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Cargo bikes are the very definition of Copenhagen\u2019s cycling spirit in a bicycle: car-free and care-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Electric\"<\/picture><\/div>
A Bafang hub in the rear wheel provides electric assistance.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Electric\"<\/picture><\/div>
Foot-rests for easy access to the cargo haul.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Electric\"<\/picture><\/div>
Hopefully the owner has pre-emptively removed the seatpost from its quick-release collar.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Electric\"<\/picture><\/div>
A busy handlebar for day-to-day life.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

This electric cargo bike \u2013 or, more accurately, trike \u2013 is driven by a Bafang motor in the rear wheel.<\/p>\n

Who needs drop bars?<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A rare sight on the streets of Copenhagen.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Spending just a short amount of time in Denmark highlights how impractical most road bikes are for everyday urban riding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Drop-bar\"<\/picture><\/div>
A nod to city life.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Drop-bar\"<\/picture><\/div>
Most Danes ride flat-bars in Copenhagen.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

This was one of the few drop-bar bikes being used for city cycling that we saw in Copenhagen \u2013 otherwise, it\u2019s flat-bars all the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eye-candy<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This one caught our eye.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

This beautiful bike, with its Brooks saddle and chromed steel fork, caught the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Bell\"<\/picture><\/div>
Classy.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Brooks\"<\/picture><\/div>
We spotted a fair few Brooks saddles in Copenhagen.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Shimano\"<\/picture><\/div>
Shimano Nexus provides internal hub-based shifting and a coaster brake.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Coaster\"<\/picture><\/div>
This is the coaster brake\u2019s reaction arm. Pedal backwards and it brakes. Perfect for skids.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Pirelli\"<\/picture><\/div>
This chromed steel fork is very smart but look closer and there\u2019s a set of Pirelli Cinturato gravel tyres, too.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Folding\"<\/picture><\/div>
This bike might not have a built-in lock, but this folding lock does a similar job around the rear wheel.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIt looks great, but there are a few smart details when you get a bit closer, too.\n

Big frame, small wheels<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A mini-bike for a city big on cycling.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This Leader mini-bike has a big frame and small wheels.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""Leader\"<\/picture><\/div>
Daring commuters have the option of running this bike as a fixed gear, though the owner has perhaps sensibly opted for the option of freewheeling.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Leader\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Leader One is a mini-bike with a big frame and small wheels.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Leader\"<\/picture><\/div>
Simplicity for the drivetrain.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Leader\"<\/picture><\/div>
Another adjustable stem.<\/span> <\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

With a design like this, the overall profile of the bike can be smaller, so it\u2019s easier to store at home.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s similar to the Velo Orange Neutrino we featured on our YouTube channel<\/a> in 2020.<\/p>\n