If you have trouble with your bike here in the Netherlands, you can get it fixed at a local bike shop... or just call the mobile bicycle repair mechanic. And if you live in the Amsterdam area, then Louis Ruiter will be the man who shows up at your door.
In the Netherlands there are more bicyles than there are residents (17 million). With those kind of numbers, you'd think there's enough work to keep bike mechanics in business forever, but many Dutch people don't make regular bicycle maintenance a priority, preferring to ride their bikes into the ground than get them fixed.
It doesn't help that, unlike cars, there are no mandatory sevice checks or annual maintenance requirements. But, of course, bikes still break down.
That's where the roving repair man comes in. Faced with a rattling mudguard, a flat tire or a broken chain, people can call Louis Ruiter, who will be there within minutes. But take note, the service is only available to people who have already registered.
That said, if time allows, Mr Ruiter will also repair a bike for someone who doesn't have a 'problem pass' and is not a member of FietsNed (Bikes Netherlands).
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no you just turn your bike upside down on it's saddle. A bike repair kit is really not that heavy or big, I carry one always in my bicycle bag. you do have to be prepared to walk the flat home sometimes, because sometimes you need a bucket of water to find the puncture. A broken chain is what I would use a mechanic for though.
Hiram is right! BTW, which English does RNW follow? I always thought-it was 'tyre'-on search I found this-A tire (in American English and Canadian English) or tyre (in British English, New Zealand English, Australian English and others)
A good service, to be sure, but people should really learn to fix their own flats. It's really not that hard.
JW, how many people carry the repair equipment with them while riding their bikes? People should learn to fix their own flats.
You really should get some sleep. You might accidentally post something silly.
JW, very sharp my friend.
Pity the bike mechanic isn't actually on a bicycle!!!!! You don't need a bike stand to fix a flat?!
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