The Story
The 'bakfiets,' essential to daily life
In pre-War Holland, the bakfiets graced the cobblestone streets of every village across the country. Whether it was at work facilitating the bustle of daily commerce or making it easier for mothers to run their daily errands with energetic children in tow, the bakfiets was essential to Dutch daily life. Rain or shine, the milkman had dawn deliveries to make and mothers had fresh groceries to pick up at the market, and the bakfiets was their dependable partner. But after the War the world became mechanized, and the friendly honk of the bakfiet’s soft air horns yielded to the chugging motors of delivery vans and the family car. For the next fifty years, the bakfiets would be rendered to antiquity and fondly remembered by grandparents as a relic of a simpler time.
Fifty years later…the 'bakfiets' returns
Yalçin Cihangir and Dave Deutsch revived the bakfiets concept as a mode of transport and redesigned it to fit the modern world. They were inspired by the rising tide of active eco-conscious families who are eager to replace their SUV’s for their daily errands and family recreation. Yalçin and Dave’s vision of reintroducing the bakfiets into daily Dutch life became reality through the creation of De Fietsfabriek, literally, 'the bike factory.' In the same simple spirit they used to name their company, Yalçin and Dave create stylish bikes that are elegant and sophisticated by virtue of their simplicity.
Personal wheels for personal clients
Production was planned to be diversified and continuously adapted to the personal needs, tastes and whims of their clients, so an automated assembly line was not practical. Yalçin sought out his old welding and metalworking mentor in Ankara and together they created a frame ideal for withstanding Dutch conditions. It needed to be extremely durable as it would be left outdoors in typical Dutch tradition. It should possess inherent roadability so driving it would be pleasurable and safe in traffic. They also pioneered various new concepts that make up the De Fietsfabriek product line today. Our product line is continuously fine-tuned as we strive for the most ideal solutions through simplicity. Our factory is a place where customers are viewed as kindred spirits with a common passion and each new idea is geared towards enriching their lives.
The journey to North America
In 2007, shortly before returning to Chicago from a two year expat assignment in Amsterdam, Jon Lind made the aquaintance of Yalçin Cihangir at his favorite pizza spot in the Pijp neighborhood. After getting the chance to meet Dave Deutsch and test ride their unique creations, the seed was planted for Jon to start up the first North American De Fietsfabriek. The decision to start his own business importing the incredible Dutch cycling culture to his hometown was a simple one. Making this a reality has only been possible by the early support of trend-setting customers who have jump started the De Fietsfabriek USA movement. Come by our shop in Old Town to find out more about how you and your family can join in the fun.