My New Batavus

[Tonislegs]

If this thread is too long my apologies in advance and if its in the wrong place please feel free to move it.
I first saw a Batavus in Amsterdam last year and wanted one at once, and last week I took delivery of a Batavus Mambo Spirit from The Dutch Bike Shop in Littlehampton.
It really is beautifull but unfortunately for me it rides like a sherman tank! I have a Dawes Red Feather which I have been riding for the past 12 months doing 2 trips per day of 6.5 miles. These trips are round the same circuit and take me 32mins within a few seconds each way each trip.
I am doing the same thing with the Batavus and instead of going round in 6th or 7th gear I am down to 4th and when I go up a slight incline I am down to 3rd or 2nd, if there is any wind then its 1st gear going up a gradient. Consequently it takes over 37 minutes to do each trip and I am knackered at the end of it. Surely there is something wrong here I mean I know its a heavier bike but surely it shouldnt make that much difference.
A couple of things I've noticed are that if I turn the crank in reverse by hand it feels very stiff in comparison with the other three bikes in my shed and I have felt a "groaning or creaking" transmitted through my feet while riding it - I can't hear this at all I can only feel it! This morning after my ride I touched the hubs ((Front wheel dynamo and roller brake - Rear wheel roller brake and hub gears) and they were both cold but, the bottom braket was warmer than the frame, not hot but noticeably warmer. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong or have I just bought a bike thats too heavy for me?

 

[Fab Foodie]

If this thread is too long my apologies in advance and if its in the wrong place please feel free to move it.
I first saw a Batavus in Amsterdam last year and wanted one at once, and last week I took delivery of a Batavus Mambo Spirit from The Dutch Bike Shop in Littlehampton.
It really is beautifull but unfortunately for me it rides like a sherman tank! I have a Dawes Red Feather which I have been riding for the past 12 months doing 2 trips per day of 6.5 miles. These trips are round the same circuit and take me 32mins within a few seconds each way each trip.
I am doing the same thing with the Batavus and instead of going round in 6th or 7th gear I am down to 4th and when I go up a slight incline I am down to 3rd or 2nd, if there is any wind then its 1st gear going up a gradient. Consequently it takes over 37 minutes to do each trip and I am knackered at the end of it. Surely there is something wrong here I mean I know its a heavier bike but surely it shouldnt make that much difference.
A couple of things I've noticed are that if I turn the crank in reverse by hand it feels very stiff in comparison with the other three bikes in my shed and I have felt a "groaning or creaking" transmitted through my feet while riding it - I can't hear this at all I can only feel it! This morning after my ride I touched the hubs ((Front wheel dynamo and roller brake - Rear wheel roller brake and hub gears) and they were both cold but, the bottom braket was warmer than the frame, not hot but noticeably warmer. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong or have I just bought a bike thats too heavy for me?

Hi
It does sound like something's not running as smoothly as it should, I have to say I've never felt whether the bottom Bracket of my bike is warm after a ride... but I'd be severly concerned if it was even slightly warm. The best way is to remove the cranks and turn the B/B spindle by hand, you'll need special tools to do this. It sound like an assesment best made by somebody local who knows about cycle mechanics unless you have a very trustworthy local bike shop who will take a look for you for a reasonable fee. Bottom bracket assemblies come in 2 types, cups and loose ball bearings or a completely sealed unit. If cup and ball bearing type it could simply be done-up too tight.

 

[palinurus]

Perhaps enquire at the place you bought it. Can't say I've ever noticed whether bearings get warm or not on any of my bikes. Do the wheels spin smoothly? wondering whether the rear brake might be binding a bit- you might feel this through the pedals.

 

[snorri]

As it is a new bike, I would suggest you go back to the shop with it. You could perhaps get a knowledgable friend to visually check it and confirm your thoughts before going to the shop. If anyone else starts tinkering with the bike it could complicate the issue in the event of a warranty claim.