If you people want to do Dutch bikes because of esthetics, consider other brands like Cortina or BSP. If they are available abroad, that is. I had a lightweight but sturdy Gazelle for some time. Now a BSP. Both matte black, strong frame, etc.
Vanmoof has beautiful bikes, but one of the things I don't like about it is the sitting position. The steer is basically not higher than the frame. Very bad for back, shoulders and wrists. It even pains me when I only see people riding that bike here. That position is not maintainable for a longer time, especially if you're a desk worker.
What I did with my bikes - which had a slightly higher steer, but not enough - is turn the steering pen towards the saddle and then put the steer back and turn it slightly upwards with the ends. I also had a longer re-adjustable steering pen, which was perfect. See here for a pic: https://www.theredpanther.org/?module=timeline&link=1&title=...
> The steer is basically not higher than the frame. Very bad for back, shoulders and wrists. ... That position is not maintainable for a longer time, especially if you're a desk worker.
A slight forward lean is desirable. Sitting bolt upright on a bike makes it very hard to engage your biggest, most efficient muscles: your glutes and hamstrings. This is also why the "athletic position" is universal to just about every physical activity; the slight crouch is similar to the natural position on a bike. Those larger muscles help stabilize your pelvis, reducing the force on your shoulders, arms, and wrists. https://www.pedalpt.com/upright-bicycling/
(There are other benefits too—the bike's handling improves as weight is balanced between the front and rear wheels and the center of gravity is lowered—but I'll assume we're talking about purely recreational/daily needs riding where such concerns are secondary.)
Vanmoof has beautiful bikes, but one of the things I don't like about it is the sitting position. The steer is basically not higher than the frame. Very bad for back, shoulders and wrists. It even pains me when I only see people riding that bike here. That position is not maintainable for a longer time, especially if you're a desk worker.
What I did with my bikes - which had a slightly higher steer, but not enough - is turn the steering pen towards the saddle and then put the steer back and turn it slightly upwards with the ends. I also had a longer re-adjustable steering pen, which was perfect. See here for a pic: https://www.theredpanther.org/?module=timeline&link=1&title=...