Here follows a list of useful subjects and practical tips. If you have any comments or questions, please let me know.
Practical information (in Dutch):
Videos about general bicycle technique
A first series of bicycle technique and maintenance videos. Made by me in cooperation with the Royal Dutch Cycling Association. Dutch spoken with English subtitles.
- Change a spoke
- Adjust a derailler
- Fix a Puncture
- Change a chain
- Replace a cable with V-Brakes
- Replace brake pads with V-Brakes
- Adjust a thread fork head set
- Adjust an A-head head set
- Take off cassette with a NBTII (comming soon)
Magura hydraulic rim brakes
We have made instruction movies for the HS11 and HS33 hydraulic rim brakes in association with Magura.
But to be honest, these movies are superfluous, because Magura brakes don’t break down.
Don’t forget to bring a service kit, if you take an airplane.
- In the first movie I explane how to adjust the levers and change the brake pads.
- In the second movie I show how to replace a line (although this is hardly ever neccessary)
- In the third movie I show how to add oil.
Good luck! (if the movies don’t show, press here)
1. Adjust the levers and change the brake pads:
2. Replace an oil line:
3. Add oil:
More practical tips
Rohloff-naaf
We also made Rohloff films. Why? Because we are the biggest Rohloff dealer in the Netherlands and I believe cyclists should be able to fix their own bike. Or at least try to.
- Chain tensioning with a Rohloff speed hub:
- Rohloff speedhub oil change
- Rohloff sprocket turn or change
Eric Schuijt en Bernhard Rohloff voor De Vakantiefietser
Dear Eric holiday cyclist
I am coming to Amsterdam and planning to cycle the Danube starting 3rd May 2024. I am wanting to explore hiring or purchasing a bike to ride with panniers.
A bike that is light weight as have knee problems and low gears would be my preferred option.
I currently ride a 17 inch Giant Alias mountain bike
Can you please advise me of some suggestions of bike options?
I am unclear whether to hire or purchase a bike as traveling onto several places after the Danube ride. Is there an option to ship the bike home after i return to Amsterdam and receive the tax rebate if the bike travels separately to me, as I return home to Victoria Australia in August 2024
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
If i purchased a new bike would it be ready for me to ride come the 3rd May so I can get used to it come the big ride.
Bikes in the past have included Giant Hybrid, Azzuri road bike and now the mountain bike.
You are currently organising a bike for my cycling companion Lillian Duthie for this trip.
Thank you
Kind regards
Marie
Hi Marie,
Thanks for your mail. We have developed a questionnaire especially for people who would like to be aided (on a distance) with the selection process of a custom built touring bike.
Based on your answers, we can advise you and provide you with a tailor-made offer. And it gives you an idea about our bicycles and the budget you need. Please send us a mail when you have filled it in as reminder.
The questionnaire can be found via the link below:
https://forms.gle/mh9MrYZyBQX1XSzt9
Some links are in Dutch only, my apologies for this inconvenience.
So for sure we can put you on a ‘bikefitted’ bicycle. We can help you with packing the bicycle to take with you on the plane home (I have done that dozens of times). And of course you can get the VAT (21%) back when you live outside the EU.
But when you want us to send your bicycle to Australia, you have to arrange that yourself.
And say hello to Lilian from Carrajung! Her bike will be waiting for her in April 2024. It is her second bicycle from our shop:-)
Greetings,
Eric Schuijt
Oh, If you have taken your inseam and total length measurements and have bit the bullet on which bike is right, we can proceed determining the frame size. Then we can order it.
We ask for a down payment of 30 percent which you can transfer to our bank account or PayPal account (add 4%). The remainder can be paid when you fetch the bike.
One to twelve weeks later, your bicycle will be sent to our shop where we finish building it. When you come to the store, we will still measure you on our sizing frame. Then we adjust everything and you will have your perfect fit. You can take it with you the very same day!
Hello Eric – I am travelling to The Netherlands, Belgium and northern France for an 8 week cycling tour and a Dutch cyclist I met touring in NZ last month sent me your contact. I want to purchase a second hand bicycle when I arrive on 26 March as I don’t want to fly from Vancouver Island, BC with my bicycle. I’m wondering if you sell any reconditioned bicycles or if you can recommend a shop please? I am a short lady 5’ 2” and I currently own a Surly LHT, a 1960’s Raleigh Sports 3 speed and an Opus Mondaro. I cycle tour in NZ on my Raleigh and though she is an old steel bicycle we have toured over 20,000 kms together. As you say a bicycle is a very convenient way to travel.
I am also wondering if you might suggest a few scenic routes in the Netherlands as there are many options unlike cycling NZ, Alaska or western Canada where there might be only one route. I am interested in seeing various landscapes, architecture and historical sites. As I’m planning to loop south through Belgium I am looking at the Flanders Route to connect to Arras, Ypres and Dunkirk. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you.
I am a Warm Showers host and I hope to meet other hosts along my route and I am also planning to camp. Are there any good websites for cyclists tent camping?
Thank you very much Eric for your advice. 🙂
Hi Barbara, I am sorry we don’t sell second hand bikes. Because even we never know what is wrong with them. But why don’t you take your bicycle with you on the plane. I have done that many many times. Have a look at the (dutch) films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrRQLUvdmWI
Often customers from abroad order a bicycle, pick it up (and we do then the bikefitting) en take it back home and get the VAT back (app 21%).
As for the routes; please come to the shop where we have many maps en guides.