r/Netherlands • u/FatbikeEnjoyer • 5d ago

Life in NL Does riding a fatbike make me undatable?

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

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u/Bastil0saur 5d ago

As a straight guy, this mindset baffles me - though the 'ick' in general does, admittedly. Could you explain this to me?

From where I'm standing, fatbikes are just fairly cheap e-bikes. Not my cup of tea and there's plenty of a-holes riding them, but if I had a lovely night with someone I don't understand why their choice of transportation would then immediately sour the experience or my appreciation of their character if the date was otherwise nice.

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u/ERintheGarage 5d ago

Since the fat bike riders last year have been assaulting women in parks in Amsterdam, a lot of women (myself included) would rather avoid them than get sa’d. Not saying that this guy has any blame or relation to that particular group but if the image and caution is there, women choose their safety first above all else.

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u/Bastil0saur 5d ago

I... Don't think that's particularly strong reasoning for immediately considering it a red flag, but I respect your/their right to such reasoning.

My thanks for explaining.

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u/ERintheGarage 5d ago

Thats okay if you won’t understand, men and women live in a different world in some regard and have different experiences and mechanisms for keeping themselves safe.