I rode Dutch bikes in Holland and France, on bike and barge trips. My DH liked his so much that he bought a Dutch-style bike for commuting. It has lights so he can work late, a chain guard that keeps his pants out of the chain, and fenders that keep whatever was on the road or trail off his back. He loves it.

For myself, I don't like to work that hard. Those bikes, at least the ones I rode, were pretty heavy. I'm heavy enough myself, so I need all the help I can get to keep up with him or whoever else I might ride with, although I usually ride alone. In fact I've just started shopping around for something lighter than the Specialized hybrid I've been riding. (And, while I'm still heavy, I'm 50 pounds lighter than I used to be. ) I'm going to be asking for advice soon too, I think. I still consider myself sort of a new rider.

Kris