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Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
About vanRaam
vanRaam is a Dutch producer of unique custom bikes. Want to know more about our company or special needs bikes?
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Customer experience Balance low entry bike - Harry Slinger
"As the singer of Drukwerk, I’m often on stage. Cycling helps me stay fit, but my balance problems made it a challenge. Thanks to the Balance low entry bike, I feel confident on two wheels again."
Cycling keeps me young
"My name is Harry Slinger, singer of the band Drukwerk, and I travel all over the Netherlands with a tour bus and with the band. We perform on stage two to three times a week. And as a hobby, whenever the weather is fine or dry, I enjoy going for a bike ride.
I used to have a beautiful electric bike, made in Amsterdam-Noord, because, well, it had to be a Dutch product. But I gradually started having more and more balance problems. It’s also true that I’m getting older. I was born in 1949; that sounds a bit nicer than saying I’m 76. On top of that, I have an ENT issue. I have a BAHA, a bone-anchored hearing aid that transmits sound through the bone to the inner ear. In the past, I’ve had extensive ear problems, which affect my balance and stability. And that became a problem when cycling: I kept falling off. So I needed more stability. And when you’re performing on stage two to three times a week, it’s important to stay agile. Everything has to function properly.
Cycling is an essential part of keeping me active and in good shape. When you move smoothly, you feel much younger."
A day without cycling is a day wasted.
Looking for the right bike
"I went to the bike shop in the Zaan region, Woudt Fietsen. We’ve known them for a long time. I tried out several bikes there, from all kinds of brands, but none of them were what I was looking for. Woudt Fietsen said, ‘Do you know what you should do? You should go to Varsseveld, to vanRaam. They also have balance bikes. You won’t believe it, they even have a full test circuit.’
I said, ‘Well, that works out nicely, because I’m going to the Zwarte Cross festival anyway, which isn’t far from there.’ So I went to vanRaam, and I really loved their circuit, the bike testing track. You can ride over gravel, up slopes, and take sharp corners. Once I’d cycled there, I thought: now I can take on the whole world!"
The test ride experience at vanRaam was very customer-friendly. I was given several bike sizes to try out, and plenty of time was taken to test the bike. Someone also accompanied me while I rode on the test track. For the first time in a while, I felt back in control on the bike.
The entire ordering process was clear as well. The Balance was delivered to Woudt, and they checked everything again, charged the battery, and adjusted everything precisely to my height. Then the Balance low entry bike was beautifully handed over to me."
Riding with confidence again
"I’ve had the Balance for about one and a half months now. Since I experienced how great it is to be able to reach the ground with your feet without leaving the saddle, I find it very strange that a traditional bike doesn’t offer this. It’s really something everyone could benefit from, it should be a standard feature on a regular bike.
For example, recently I was at the Amsterdam Marathon and riding on the cycle path with my wife when a cyclist came towards us. I was holding back to ride behind my wife, but then I suddenly got a push and flew straight into the bushes. Luckily, at that moment I could quickly put my feet down. Especially nowadays, with e-bikes, fat bikes, and cargo bikes, that’s no luxury. And another important point: always wear a helmet!"
Customer experience Harry Slinger (Drukwerk) | vanRaam Balance
You should be in control of the bike, not the bike in control of you.
The starting aid is a world-changing invention
"I think the best invention on the Balance bike is the starting aid. The moment you use it, you start moving. It gives you just enough time to place your feet on the pedals. That starting aid is truly a world-changing invention! You should have one of those in the morning when you get out of bed as well, a starting aid.
It would be silly for people not to buy a Balance bike. I certainly don’t feel embarrassed about having a low entry bike for my balance, why should I be, if it helps me? If you fall off your bike because you don’t want to admit it, I can just laugh about that.
My advice: keep both feet on the ground with the Balance bike. Times are already difficult, so keep both feet on the ground."
Harry Slinger - Westzaan, Netherlands
Bike: Balance low entry bike
Pros & cons
- Provides confidence and stability while cycling
- Can reach the ground with my feet
- Starting aid makes it easy to get moving
- Didn’t find the saddle comfortable so replaced it with another one
- Not all panniers fit on the bike
Want to share your experience?
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