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This (Dutch) Batavus Topper belonged to my grandfather, but after he passed away 10 years ago it just sat in the garage. After seeing an ad in the history books for the ‘Tour de France 1904′ I noticed that it would be an ideal project to bring life again in the form of a old racer. since it is already a single speed it didn’t need that much in terms of technical updates. I had to re do the spokes of the wheels since they weren’t usable. I changed the pedals and tires to retro ones and a original Brooks saddle to top it of.
Some short specs:
Frame:
Batavus Topper
1950′s (I guess)
Wheels:
Torpedo (single speed painted in retro gloss black)
Tires:
Vredestein sport tour
Saddle:
Vintage Brooks
I hope you like. I know its not exactly what comes to mind when you hear of single speed, but I think this qualifies as the sheer essence of what a single speed is about. 1904 tour de France riders needed reliability as much as they needed a bike which would function everywhere.
Ramon Pronk
Submitted by Ramon Pronk
15 Comments Received
December 4th, 2011 @4:22 pm
fine but for that stupid stem setup. Why?
December 4th, 2011 @4:49 pm
Fine history. People of all ages ride bike in Holland. Built for a comfortable ride in more refined style.
December 4th, 2011 @5:45 pm
who the fuck can think this is a good idea
December 4th, 2011 @6:59 pm
just like sun tan lotion for the mout
December 4th, 2011 @7:27 pm
Cant really tell from the pictures but it looks like a decent save. I guess the springs in the brooks would help stave off future spinal-issues brought on by the absurdly high stem.
December 5th, 2011 @9:23 pm
Love it. Looks comfy. I don’t get the negative comments. This is a time piece, and that’s how they did it.
December 6th, 2011 @12:33 am
I was going to comment on another bike with a high stem, then looked here. Is this a trend? Are high stems suddenly cool? Are you serious?
December 6th, 2011 @12:43 pm
http://www.rijwiel.net/fietsen/bat/topper_n.htm
The Batavus stems have been this high since the 1960′s. I wouldn’t say they’ve “suddenly” become cool.
December 6th, 2011 @2:32 pm
Ik vind ‘m prachtig!
Origineel, zoiets zie je niet snel op deze website!
December 6th, 2011 @7:19 pm
One of the reasons we slightly arch our spinal column forward (while pedaling on our bikes) is so we do not cause undo compression on the vertebra. By stacking each bone vertically (aligned with the downtube) we will transfer vibration, weight and balance in the wrong direction and to the worst place possible -our backs. I know, many seniors prefer to sit upright –that arching forward is counterintuitive. Its bad form that shortens ones riding time and will help the retirement programs of many a back specialist.
Having said that, I really do enjoy authentic re-builds that hold true to the conventions of a bygone era. Faithful recreation or not -the stem is still absurdly high.
December 6th, 2011 @8:04 pm
@ jqnyc: thanks for saying that. I prefer to be a little hunkered over, but if you look at the head tube and seat tube the rider was designed to be upright.
December 6th, 2011 @8:29 pm
Before butt krack was style, people had wool slacks pulled up to the nipples with shirt and tie and skirt hems to be stepped on. Head gear was a fadora. Handle bar can double as rack for overcoat in the event of a rainshower. Wingtips are the favored riding shoe unless all you have is work boots.
December 7th, 2011 @1:53 am
Love this. Bar level with the saddle is my vote. Looks like some nice country-side to ride. Where’s the nearest bar?
December 7th, 2011 @11:53 pm
nice one
December 20th, 2011 @3:29 am
Just want to comment on the remarks about the (high or not) stem. I originally thought the thing was to high as well, and I am still looking for a more leveled and rounded steering bar that will be more true to the 1904 tour de france racers. I found out that after decades of wear and tear the stem is just locked up, with almost no way of saving it intact. As of now it is a nice tourer (as I am using it) and when you drive you’re surely not sitting upright (but not near to a racer ofcourse). As I am using this as a daily driver I found it more comfortable this way. (I still have another -drop bar-fixed in the garage as well
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