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Amsterdam Classic Bike Belt-Drive 8-Speed $898 (Was $1,698) + $62 Delivery ($0 MEL C&C) @ Lekker Bikes

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Amsterdam Classic Bike Belt-Drive 8-Speed $898 (Was $1,698) + $62 Delivery ($0 MEL C&C) @ Lekker Bikes
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kiaraso on 22/05/2024 - 11:39 lekkerbikes.com.au (8080 clicks)
Last edited 22/05/2024 - 22:53 by 1 other user

Decent quality belt-drive (Gates CDX) bike with internal 8-speed hubs and internal routing. Best price yet judging from previous deals.

I bought one earlier this year when it was the same price as one of the previous deals, and am super satisfied - it comes about 95% assembled, just needed to attach pedals and the handlebar, pump up the tyres and was good to go!

Shipping varies between $52 to $182 depending on where you are: https://lekkerbikes.com.au/pages/shipping

Edit: Updated with coupon code for an extra $100 off, thanks @noone!

Edit 2: It looks like the code has expired… Still a good deal at $898 I reckon though, at least compared to the $1048 I got it for!

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Instagrampost Lekker

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closed Comments

  • jentb0y on 22/05/2024 - 13:43
    +1

    Great price.
    I have the limited edition Orange/Dutch version and the only fault i have is i don't ride it enough! Lazy.
    I also have the Polygon belt driven commuter from a few years ago and they are such an easy ride with the gearing.

  • mooreshady on 22/05/2024 - 13:59
    -2

    are these one of the bikes that were from the river?

  • z0s0 on 22/05/2024 - 14:29
    +7

    I bought this in one of the past deals to replace a very worn out 8-speed Alfine commuter bike (Specialized Globe). Have to say the quality on the Lekker leaves much to be desired, and their choice of some parts is bewildering.

    The gearing is too tall for this kind of bike; and being a gates system changing the final drive ratio is a complex and costly job. If you're carrying loads up a hill around the city you'd certainly appreciate lower gearing; and you'll very rarely need the top speed of the 8th gear with the current ratios.

    The handlebar choice is also strange; this style of bike really ought to have swept back Dutch style bars, rather than the wide and reach-forward MTB style it comes with.

    Crankset and BB very cheap. Tyres are also cheapie OEM "lookalike" Horizons; very heavy and not supple at all like the TLR versions that are quite exxy.

    Frame has horizontal rear dropouts which make changing the rear tyre much more difficult than it ought it be; quality belt drive bikes have vertical droppouts and a seperate mechanism for tensioning the belt.

    All in all I can't really recommend it; even though I'm currently using it as my daily driver.

    • wishcresp on 22/05/2024 - 19:58

      Agree with most of these points. WTB horizons weren't a great choice on an urban bike, they have low puncture resistance and I ended up replacing them with contact urbans after a nasty flat with a torn sidewall. Definitely don't use all the gears, I'm in 3rd or 6th 95% of the time and basically never use 8th. The horizontal dropouts are definitely terrible since the mudguard blocks you from removing the tire.

      Overall I'm happy enough with the bike though, I've done about 4000km on it over the last year with only a little maintenance.

  • XanderYuan on 22/05/2024 - 14:44
    +1

    Negative voting to share my experience with Lekker a few years back. Purchased a similar model and the nut securing the back wheel lost tension causing the wheel to drift and detach from the frame while going downhill. Lucky that I had no injuries. Extremely dangerous, would not recommend this kind of design where there isn’t a ‘hook’ to hold the bolts in place. (I have also explicitly asked the shop to check for the torque when I picked up my bike)

    • tsunamisurfer on 22/05/2024 - 17:28

      Didn't the belt keep the wheel to the frame?

      • XanderYuan on 22/05/2024 - 18:43

        Not at an angle

    • 4foxache on 22/05/2024 - 18:04
      +2

      I mean basic bike maintenance make sure everything is torqued up. That's with any bike

      • XanderYuan on 22/05/2024 - 18:43
        +1

        It was after 2 weeks of the new bike, clearly the shop didn’t use a torque wrench

    • sriver on 22/05/2024 - 22:40
      +2

      Having owned a lekker I am not entirely surprised by your comment

  • kaleidoscope on 22/05/2024 - 14:45

    Did a test ride back in December, really good. Sales bloke told me to wait few more months for the color I was after and looks like prices have dropped too.

  • FlyingMiffy on 22/05/2024 - 14:45

    Have the older 7 speed hub gear model. Love it. Great price.

  • pressPlay on 22/05/2024 - 15:28
    +1

    I have a Polygon Path 3 and if I didn't I'd be sorely tempted by this deal.

    Dealbreaker for me though is the lack of quick release axles. I can chuck the Path 3 into a hatchback (seats folded) as the front wheel comes off in seconds. Something to consider.

  • noone on 22/05/2024 - 15:51
    +5

    Had it in the cart and didn't go through with it and it sent me a code "exclusive100" in the email for an extra $100

    • kiaraso on 22/05/2024 - 16:09

      That's amazing!! Can confirm it works on my end as well! Updating the deal now

  • drillvoice on 22/05/2024 - 16:44
    +3

    I used to own this bike. Mixed feelings about it.

    What I liked was the simplicity and convenience. The belt drive and hub are handy, it meant I could just hop straight on my bike. I really liked the fenders when it rained.

    However I did find the bike ungainly. It was heavy, and it felt quite sluggish and non-responsive. I never had that feeling of agility or speed that I like when I cycle.

    I also found that Lekker's support was less good than other online stores (maybe not an issue if you can buy locally). I found the manual was not up-to-date, and they were less helpful than BikeOnline had been with a different bike purchase.

    Also this price is pretty deceptive - they've been selling the bike about $1000-1100 for over 12 months. So it's a discount, but I'm pretty confident they haven't sold the bike anywhere near $1600 in a long time.

    I ended up selling the bike second-hand after a year and took a big hit on resale value, but that could be the fate of all new bikes. I now ride a second-hand road bike which ticks all my boxes, and I have a rack on it.

    • scratchy on 22/05/2024 - 16:53

      Yup, Big heavy tyres, cheap rims, smaller wheels (650b/27.5") are smaller than the normal 29" wheels (700c), it's going to ride like a slug but be comfortable once up to speed.

      • tsunamisurfer on 22/05/2024 - 17:29
        +1

        The 650 is a big problem for me.

        So hard to source tyres and tubes.

  • Ausdealguy50 on 22/05/2024 - 17:24

    Thanks OP bought 3! one for each of my adult kids

    • TBR77 on 30/06/2024 - 21:13

      Assuming you used the extra $100 discount code, any chance you could share proof of the purchase price? Just after it for credit card price protection. Cheers!

  • aniki_xiao on 22/05/2024 - 17:27

    Tempting, but already got a lekker single speeder…

  • shaybisc on 22/05/2024 - 17:42

    There is so much misinformation on this page re wheel size.

    https://www.bikeradar.com/features/what-is-650b

  • axcairns on 22/05/2024 - 18:58

    LOL Firefox keeps crashing on that page for me

  • gonpleursb on 22/05/2024 - 21:04

    code no longer works?

    • kathmanducas on 22/05/2024 - 21:59

      Code no longer working for me either - bugger

  • dopeweasel on 22/05/2024 - 22:04

    I have no expertise in bikes and i'm tossing up recommendations with decathlon triban rc520. Clearly not well versed with bikes (although this seems more suited for casual and city riding- does it actually make a difference?) but was just wondering how this bike would compare when it comes to iron mans and other triathalons? Would love to learn if anyone has an opinion + experience :D

    • apey2000 on 22/05/2024 - 22:18
      +1

      Yeah nah this is not a triathlon bike. Probably best used for short commutes.

  • sriver on 22/05/2024 - 22:51
    +2

    Not going to go into the history of my lekker ownership as it’s kinda late. Lekker promote and price themselves as upmarket but the bikes and after sales service didn’t leave me impressed. It’s hard to recommend their bikes but..

    If you don’t mind some mechanics and take the time to check every bolt on the bike carefully and
    You don’t mind learning how internal gear hubs work for removing rear wheels and changing tyres and
    If you understand that belt drives are their own compromise, they are clean and strong but they work different to chains and aren’t perfect (but nothing is) and
    don't expect much from lekker for servicing then it’s a reasonable buy.

    Oh also internal gear hubs are less popular so there is less good knowledge online and even the shop mechanic can stuff things up

  • shaybisc on 23/05/2024 - 08:21

    Any thoughts on the Jordaan, the ahem ladies bike? I'm not a lady but it may suit my purpose - 5km to town and back on a (badly) sealed dead flat rural road and maybe some shopping carried in a rear basket. I know it's very heavy and the 3 speed doesn't offer much gearing assistance. I don't care how slow I go - comfort is key.

    • non-core promise on 23/05/2024 - 14:21
      +2

      It uses a chain with a chain guard, not a belt.

      The guard may help with protecting it from the elements and leaving oily stains on your pant legs, but you still won't benefit from the minimal maintenance and longer life of belt drives.

      If you maintain the chain very well, the efficiency will be higher than belts. If you neglect it, the efficiency will gradually drop off and go below belt drives.

      Efficiency order from highest to lowest: Well maintained chain drive > belt drive > poorly maintained chain drive.

      Longevity order from highest to lowest: CDX belt drive > CDN belt drive > chain drive.

  • raiamino on 23/05/2024 - 23:41

    Bike is a slug, and uses cheap components. Main issue being the rear hub is super heavy and makes the bike feel heavier than it is as the weight is all on one end. Belt drive on a single is a much nicer setup. I've been trying to fix my colleague's with the older Enviolo CVT hub and Lekker can't source parts for it even though they sold it. The brand is all marketing and not much tech.

    • sriver on 24/05/2024 - 12:26

      What was the problem with the hub? I had a whole host of problems and the internet was not helpful. There’s a lot of talk of a ‘break in period’ for nuvinci/enviolo hubs but that’s a lot of bs.

      The three important things that stand out for me are cable length, cable tension, belt tension and cable routing.

      • raiamino on 24/05/2024 - 12:42

        There is a shallow freehub assembly which goes over the axle on drive side, the sealed bearing inside that freehub had failed due to water ingress (I assume) which meant there was lateral play in the hub which destroyed the belt drive cog splines and made the hub emit some really bad noises as the cog now had a lot of runout.

        The freehub assembly also rust welded itself onto the axle shaft. The fix is to replace the freehub assembly but they are a custom Enviolo part and Lekker couldn't help out. Only option is importing but $100+ for what is basically a bearing, I'll keep trying with a puller and heat.

        In reference to your comment, the actual hub and how it shifted was generally fine, it just kinda self destructed due to water.

  • scepticpsych on 24/05/2024 - 12:02

    For those ragging on this bike, what are some price comparable alternatives for a hybrid/road bike?

    • shaybisc on 24/05/2024 - 12:18

      Should be interesting.

    • sriver on 24/05/2024 - 12:39

      If it’s belt drive and internal gear hub that is a must there won’t be any comparable bikes around. For chain drive a couple quick bikes that would be just as capable would be:

      Norco Indie 4 Hybrid Bike Blue/Silver - seeing $399 at 99bikes
      2024 Marin DSX - Flat Bar Gravel Bike - seeing $999 at bikes online.

      That’s a 5 minute search, there’s other bikes around but belt drive is not common amongst bikes (the advantages around cleaning and wear are very compelling though).

      • sriver on 24/05/2024 - 13:41

        Curiosity led me to ‘2023 Marin Presidio 3 - Carbon Belt Drive City Commuter Bike’ $1299 as the closest I could find. Internal hubs have their pro’s but it’s not like they have zero negatives either.

        • raiamino on 24/05/2024 - 14:53

          700c wheels plus a bit less weight, I bought the other half one recently. It wasn't this exact model but the chain drive as it was on clearance and have been really happy with it.

  • shaybisc on 24/05/2024 - 17:07

    2023 Marin Presidio 3 - lower spec Gates,45% more expensive, 700gm lighter.

  • shaybisc on 25/05/2024 - 09:52

    The electric version of the Amsterdam costs $3,000 more? What do you get for $3,000? The Bafang 80nm motor and the batteries and display. Enviolo 8 speed gears instead of Shimano Nexus. Shwalbe tyres instead of WTB.. Front and rear LED lights. Anything else?

    $3,000 seems a lot to me but I am always surprised when I see the price the well known bike brands I am familiar with, like Giant, Specialized, Merida etc are charging for ebikes.

    • non-core promise on 26/05/2024 - 13:47

      $2.5 to $4k for an electric bicycle (out of the factory, not the dodgy DIY ones that explode) is on the lower end of the spectrum. Many of them are over $5k, some go into $10k.

      1. The target market for high end electric bicycles tends to be people looking for a car replacement where they experience the outdoors a bit more and exercise a bit more without having to struggle up hills at 10-15kmph. This is especially so for bicycles that cost almost as much as some used cars.

      2. A lot of people living in inner urban areas want to use a bicycle as their only vehicle, no car. These people tend to be more bourgeoisie and have more disposable income. They don't see a problem with spending a few thousand dollars upfront on an electric bicycle, especially one with a belt drive that will be lower maintenance. Recharging the battery is also going to cost a tiny fraction of filling up a car with petrol.

      So overall, it all depends on whether:

      • you will own a car for longer journeys alongside your bicycle or not,
      • how bicycle friendly the nearby streets are (most people won't ride a bicycle if they have to share with cars on a busy road),
      • how steep the hills in your area are (gentle slopes + fit person may not need electric power, steep hills + unfit person might).

      A fat person who still inputs some pedal power on steep hills is still shedding kilos as opposed to telling them to struggle up a hill with a traditional bicycle at walking pace. The latter might make them not want to ride in the first place and use a car instead.

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