Legend has it that on their first Valentines Day together, he built for her a beautiful bicycle. From that day hence, a partnership was forged, and years later, the Flying Dutchman was born.

Founders, Flying Dutchman shop

Kristina and Harry (we met in Edinburgh)

Our experience as ‘bike people’ comes from two young lifetimes thus far lived without a driver’s licence between them. As students, we both encountered problems with commuting for everyday purposes, especially in places like the UK where practical accessories like chain guards, kickstands, and dynamo lights are hard to come by. After several years of ‘making do’ with touring equipment, it was the year that we spent in the Netherlands that really changed our approach to utility cycling.
In places like Amsterdam, we saw first-hand how practical bikes can be so integrated into the fabric of people’s daily routines that they are no longer seen as an alternative way of getting around; riding elegant upright bikes in all weathers and in ordinary clothes, alongside all the mamas and papas, the kids, and the grandparents – it was enough to make anyone fall in love with the Dutch approach to transport!

This is how we roll!

 

On our return to the UK, we decided to start Flying Dutchman Bikes as a way of sharing our enthusiasm for everyday cycling. Although bicycle shops do, of course, already exist, Dutch bicycles (and their very particular accessories) are difficult, if not impossible to find over here. By choosing to specialise in only top-quality, low-maintenance Dutch bicycles, the Flying Dutchman sets itself apart from other retailers.

Our down-to-earth, personal service stems from the fact that we are a small, family business, inspired by Amsterdam, and passionate about promoting the most efficient form of personal transportation on the planet: the humble bicycle.

The Flying Dutchman's commitment to long-term bicycle ownership:
1. We don’t do ‘pressure selling’ – we only want happy customers, so we listen carefully to your requirements
2. Test rides are available (and encouraged!) on all bikes
3. All bikes are assembled and checked by a Cytech-qualified mechanic prior to delivery
4. Free check-up and adjustments on new bikes for first six months
5. If we don’t think that a bike is right for you, we won’t sell it to you (unless you force us!)

Find out more about our bicycles