Biking in Amsterdam

Question
QUESTION: Hello Michael,

I'm planning a biking trip with my two teenage kids to Europe next
spring/summer. I thought we'd start in Amsterdam, bike around a week, then
take the train to Germany and bike down the Rhine Valley.

Is it possible to rent hybrid bikes where you are, already set up for touring
(i.e., panniers, etc.)? Also, can you suggest good bike path maps of Holland
and Amsterdam?

Thanks in advance!


ANSWER: Hello Mike,

Nice to hear that you want to visit my country as well.
I don't know where you exactly from, but I wouldn't advice to ride in Amsterdam with two teenage kids if you are outside a big city.
In Germany is it much less busy, so that I can recommend you!!
Especially to Bernkastel Kues, it is very beautiful.
We don't rent bikes, you can often rent a bike in Amsterdam but mostly not with carriers or extra speedgears.
Bike maps are everywhere available in the city, or at the tourist information desks.

If you need any other information, just let me know.

Mike

PS Sorry for the delay.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Michael,

Out of curiosity (and thank you for the advice!), why not ride in Amsterdam
outside a big city? Is it unsafe? Because of traffic or bandits?

So it appears we must pay extra to bring our own bikes over, and purchase
panniers and other carriers before leaving, yes? This is starting to get too
expensive...! LOL!

Thanks again.

Best,  

Answer
Hello Mike,

Amsterdam is a really nice city, when it is very nice/sunny weather to ride along the canals, have a drink on our famous squares like Rembrandsplein and Leidseplein. But as a tourist you need a lot to pay attention to. The language is different, customs and habits and yes indeed people who not planning to be very friendly/do unpleasant things. And it is a city with a lot traffic of cars, bikers, scooters, public transport. I am not scaring you, but Amsterdam is really a friendly town, as long as you pay attention to strange places or people and the traffic/cars. Especially when you have kids who aren't aware of all that. Maybe you can see a other fellow bike shop who maybe rent bikes with panniers/carriers.
Look at www.bikes.nl or just google op fietsenverhuur amsterdam or fietsen verhuur amsterdam.

And still, if you have questions just let me know.

Mike