I don’t think they’re saying hills make cycling impossible, I think they’re saying Dutch-style bikes are not the best tool for the job if you live somewhere hilly.
Most of the features of a Dutch-style bike are absolutely great for cycling as transportation regardless of your location, but riding a heavy steel frame with limited gearing? It’s absolutely fine if you ride somewhere mostly flat, but it isn’t a well-adapted bike for inclines.
Real old school Dutch bikes are pointlessly heavy and limited. A friend has one and it’s single speed ratio was monstrous and it weighed 45lb/20kg
However just a slightly more modern take is much better and suited for anywhere. I ride an extremely rugged and durable steel city bike with igh gears, lights, full fenders and rack and it’s 32lb/14kg and fine for hilly areas. They don’t need to be monsters.
it’s more about infrascruture than having the perfect conditions
I don’t think they’re saying hills make cycling impossible, I think they’re saying Dutch-style bikes are not the best tool for the job if you live somewhere hilly.
Most of the features of a Dutch-style bike are absolutely great for cycling as transportation regardless of your location, but riding a heavy steel frame with limited gearing? It’s absolutely fine if you ride somewhere mostly flat, but it isn’t a well-adapted bike for inclines.
Real old school Dutch bikes are pointlessly heavy and limited. A friend has one and it’s single speed ratio was monstrous and it weighed 45lb/20kg
However just a slightly more modern take is much better and suited for anywhere. I ride an extremely rugged and durable steel city bike with igh gears, lights, full fenders and rack and it’s 32lb/14kg and fine for hilly areas. They don’t need to be monsters.