I amsterdam - Best Bikes with Attitude

‘Stoere Fiets!’
Cycling is Amsterdam’s favourite form of transportation. But some people just crave to stand out from the crowd. Many of these can be seen cruising round town on low-riders: those chunky, funky bits of gleaming metal and phat-rubber, with four-foot-wide handlebars in every shade imaginable, from chrome to baby blue. These bikes are so striking that passers-by often cry out: ‘Stoere fiets!’ (Cool bike!) They just ooze attitude. Well, as much attitude as you can conceivably have for a bicycle.

It’s a Chopper, Baby 
They’re aerodynamic beauties, falling somewhere in the gap between art and engineering. If you want to examine one close up, try out a test-ride, or even go the whole hog and buy one, then get yourself to The Chopperdome on Admiraal de Ruiterweg. It’s a treasure-chest of all things chopper: handlebars, saddles, tyres and frames cover every surface (even the ceiling). The successful shop is a labour of love, run by a smiley, approachable bunch of enthusiasts, who are gagging to share their hobby with you. Sissy bars, banana seats or ape hangers - they’ll talk you through the lot. From a custom-built, pavement-skimming pedal-powered Harley, to a lucky dice-shaped tyre-cap.

Meet’n’cruise
Once you’re bitten by the chopper bug, you’ll never want the low-slung fun to end, and the good people at The Chopperdome are placed to put you in touch with like-minded bikers. They can tell you where the next drag race will be (they even have their own team), point you to a bike show, or tell you about the next cruise. But two absolute must-sees – for everyone, chopper enthusiast or not - is the annual meet ‘n’cruise, which takes place every summer in the Westerpark. Bikers from all over get together to ride round, show off, then take to the city’s streets for a late-night cycle. And in the winter, don’t forget to check out the DIY bike show – when the king or queen of custom gets crowned – and see some outrageous bikes.

The Chopperdome Amsterdam
Address: Admiraal de Ruyterweg 346
Website: www.thechopperdome.com
Tel: +31 (0)20 421 4864

Hours:
Wednesday 11.00-17.00
Thursday 13.00-21.00
Friday 11.00-17.00
Saturday 10.30-17.00