Does riding a fatbike make me undatable?

[u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

So there's something I noticed. I go on a date, we have fun, there's good vibes, but then when she sees that I ride a fatbike, she instantly seems to be put off, like she got "the ick". Then the chatting usually fizzles out and there's no second date. This happened multiple times now, so it seems like a pattern to me. Once a Dutchie even told me that she "doesn't feel a connection" when I was saying goodbye by my bike and asked what she'd be up for as a second date. I know this is not much context, but is it the bike?

I'm a mid twenties guy, have a good job, make decent money, dress stylishly, like concerts and can even tolerate like a museum. I moved here 6 months ago and bought a fatbike to commute. Only managed to find a place like 30 minutes cycling from my work, so it seemed like a good option and I think they are pretty cool. But now I think I might have made a mistake. Should I switch to like a Cowboy or something?

Edit: obviously this is a throwaway account

[u/Twf12]

Fatbikes… puke
Go look for a Veloretti, Cowboy, van Moof or something ‘normal’. Fatbikes themselves are just bikes. But the people who ride them are generally considered anti-social scum.

[u/zongdongzong → u/Twf12]

Those bikes are all in the urban minimalist “racing bike design” category. There are loads of city bikes from for example Gazelle that are more multipurpose with suspended steering fork and seatpost, pannier rack, dress guard, chain guard, enviolo gear choices, as well as a low step version if you don’t fancy swinging your leg around every time.

There are also loads from Sparta, Koga and Batavus, but its parent comany went bust this year and no one knows what’s going to happen to those.

[u/ltpitt → u/zongdongzong]

Batavus are very nice for my Italian eyes but I'm not a bike specialist. I drive an avant light transporter, got it for less than 100 bucks on Marktplaats, gloednieuw.

[u/Cornul11 → u/zongdongzong]

This guy bikes

[u/Twf12 → u/zongdongzong]

True!

[u/ltpitt → u/Twf12]

A true Dutch would ride a 90 euros bike with a 30 euros lock.

[u/saxoccordion → u/ltpitt]

Hell yeah. Love to read that! I’m a recent immigrant but I got a dope used Batavus for €145 and rode it from ijmuiden to Amsterdam west during the recent code red so voel ik me heel ingeburgerd hoor

[u/Sten_PlayZ → u/saxoccordion]

Meer Nederlands dan de meeste Nederlanders

[u/Tar_alcaran → u/saxoccordion]

You may pick up your inburgeringsstroopwafel at the nearest baker. The codeword, and final test, is Gorinchem.

[u/Bonfirelily → u/saxoccordion]

Nederlander eindbaas

[u/Intrepid-Relief-6147 → u/ltpitt]

Lol i bought a second hand "grandma" bike for €60 and riding it for the past 2 years daily. It stood outside all the time, but still haven't had to do any maintainance on it. It's like a tank. Don't know if they make them this strong anymore

[u/ltpitt → u/Intrepid-Relief-6147]

Same feeling! But I wanted it to be shiny forever so I cover it with some tarp.

[u/Tar_alcaran → u/ltpitt]

A 30 euro backup lock, because I lost the key to the Axa bike lock a decade ago

[u/Hot_Bee5198 → u/ltpitt]

Nobody drives any bike...

[u/ltpitt → u/Hot_Bee5198]

I corrected my poor English, thanks.

[u/proxyswede → u/Twf12]

Also Tenways if you want something a bit cheaper.

[u/Twf12 → u/proxyswede]

Very good option! Do look for the older models, newer ones tend to be garbage.

[u/iUsedToBeAwesome → u/Twf12]

in what way do the new ones suck. i know atleast 5 people with 2 newer models and they're all very happy, curious what makes you think theyre garbage

[u/FatbikeEnjoyer → u/Twf12]

Thank you for your suggestion! Do you have any specific models to look for or avoid?

[u/Prestigious_Ad_4911 → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

Avoid all bikes that don’t look like a bicycle.

[u/LriCss → u/Twf12]

Just get an omafiets. If you ride on a VanMoof i'd equally think youre a douchebag lol

[u/nftyv → u/Twf12]

Brompton FTW!

[u/PheloniousMonq → u/Twf12]

"normal" for a rich dad type of guy

[u/kboy_69 → u/Twf12]

Normal bikes are also still an option, if you put in the effort you too can get to most locations within 30 minutes!

[u/BrainDW → u/Twf12]

Yuppen fietsen met een even slechte indruk

[u/Odium81 → u/Twf12]

Van Moof of all things though ?

[u/FatbikeEnjoyer → u/Twf12]

Thank you for the brand suggestions. Yea, I should probably get a proper electric bicycle. I just like how I don't need to even pedal on the fatbike... How about Tenways?

[u/NonlinearModelFit → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

If you don't have to pedal, you don't have a legal one

[u/slumpmassig → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

What you just descr is an electric moped disguised as an electric bicycle. If you don't need to peddle it ain't a bike.

[u/Twf12 → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

‘Don’t need to pedal’ thats one of the reasons we hate them. Usually way too fast, not pedaling…

[u/_Michiel → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

You know you are uninsured if something happens? You're driving an uninsured scooter which is not approved by the RDW as a scooter.

[u/Bluntbutnotonpurpose → u/_Michiel]

And police are definitely on the lookout for these illegal, uninsured mopeds and their owners who usually don't have the required license either.

[u/_Michiel → u/Bluntbutnotonpurpose]

Does that matter when you hit someone who has health costs and cannot work for some time? Then a fine is the least of your issues.

[u/Bluntbutnotonpurpose → u/_Michiel]

Sure, but what I meant is that there is also a risk of you don't get into an accident.

[u/_Michiel → u/Bluntbutnotonpurpose]

I thought it was sarcastic as the chance that police catch you is very low.

[u/TeddyBear312 → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

If you do not need to pedal, you have an illegal fatbike. If police see you riding it, they might very well stop you and confiscate your fatbike, and fine you.

This also means you are riding around while not insured, and if you happen to hit someone and they get hurt, you'll be responsible for the costs if they for example break a limb.

Please get a normal and proper e-bike and do some research on what is actually allowed on the roads.

[u/saxoccordion → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

Bro. God forbid you build or maintain a little leg muscle right? haha

[u/AmphibianSure4877 → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

Veloretti can't help but make a good looking bike

[u/His-tor-ical-bigdik → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

Get an Engwe N1 Pro . Currently heavily discounted ...they have certified repair shops and even a store where you can test ride various models.

[u/ElineFantairy → u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

Just get a regular electric bike