Update: 5000km on. Alles gut 👍 The bike is performing like day 1. Absolutely a 5 star bike. Comfortable and reliable. The winter was challenging. The mindset is the special ingredient, you just have to put your head down and do it, but gets a lot easier with winter equipment, specially rain protection (coat, pants and shoes) and always keep your hands and head warm ( I use a light motorcycle helmet (may look weird but it’s warm) and winter/ rain gloves. Bought one of these this year. My round trip commute is 60 km. This bike checked all the boxes: 1 - confort. The upright position is great for your arms/hands. 2 - the enviolo transmission. When you decide to use your bike everyday, you want to spend the least amount of time fixing the bike. 3 - it’s a gazelle. Premium quality and you won’t have a problem in 3 years to find components and fix whatever needs to be fixed. Most of the new brands will just disappear in a couple of years. This bike was life changing and allowed to go completely car free. Overall I spend 15 min more a day commuting, compared to a car, but the ride is so much better and relaxing. and this difference would disappear if the speed limit with the assistance of the electric motor was not limited to 25kmh (probably the stupidest law in this world of ebikes).
On Dutch bike lanes it is very busy with non-electric bikes and biking kids. That’s why the 25 kmh limitation is very usefull in our cities. When they would go faster, they belong on the main road together with motorbikes. But our situation is different from yours obviously. Keep up the biking !!!
@@j.vanderson6239 My point is, like with cars, you don’t go full speed all the time: you adjust your speed to the road and/or traffic. The same with bikes. My problem is, when I have to go on the road with cars, a 30/35kmh speed is safer. Greetings from Germany, btw. And I love the Netherlands.
Great review Chris. I have the Avignon and its a genuinely excellent e-bike. The Bosch smart system on it and Gazelle's other 2023 models is awesome for so many reasons: a) when the rider turns off the bike, the system locks the motor making it useless the thieves, b) for about $100 you can get the ConnectModule that adds GPS to the bike, with real-time tracking, motion alarm, and a proximity sensor. I admit to being cynical about Auto mode, but oh man, it is the answer for hills! I used to have to shift and feel if I'm in the right gear, and listen for the sounds my derailleur made, and then check again if I need to shift gears and on and on. Auto mode ends that. It automatically and silently changes the assistance level to maintain your pace regardless of topography. I'm an older guy and I like to take in the scenery; now I can do so without worrying what gear or mode I'm in.
Same experience for me with my Moustache Xroad 2 smart system. I use auto mode when I am commuting to work and do not want to think about assistance level or do not want to break on sweat. When I finish my work or if I am just going for a ride, I use my derrailer lot more and leave my assistance level to eco most of the time.
Thank you for this new review. You cover so many important points like saddle height for those who bike less often which is covered so little. Plus, your style and editing is really fun.
A reflector strip on the tires is mandatory in the Netherlands. That's why the strip is on the tire. Btw this is not the most premium comfort e-bike from Gazelle, but perhaps the most premium on sale in the USA. The Gazelle Eclipse C380 HMB is the most premium (C380 series) for sale in the Netherlands. But they have even more expensive city bikes for sale :-)
Interest, I didn't realise it was mandatory. The strip is way more effective than having a little yellow reflector on the spokes, as is required in the UK.
@@liamness yeah it is also mandatory in germany. You either have to have the cateyes in the spokes, single spoke reflectors, or the strip around the tire. You can ofc ride tires without all that, but only in daytime.
Jeez I’m running my 26” 2.0” wide Marathons’s around 20 psi. Just putting around the neighbourhood dropping my kids off to school and I’m getting close to my battery’s 120 km range. I don’t like how everything rattles when I have my tires pumped to the recommended 30-70 psi. I’d really like to order a hat. Do you ship to Canada?
Enjoyed listening to this and have to say that this channel is a fantastic resource and I have learnt so much from it. I still have yet to take the plunge, but one of things I still have yet to resolve is the relationship between the motor and the gears. I live in a part of the world (Devon UK) where the hills are abundant and epic and historically on mountain/touring bikes I would have run something like a 28 chainring and a 34 on the cluster on the back, to get up some of my local hills. Now later in life I would like to tackle some of those hills on an e-bike but don't see anything like this kind of low ratio? I suspect incidentally that this bike is probably not for me (very few hits in Holland). If you could tackle this question sometime, it would help a lot - There must be other potential e-bike customers out there who are not city based and don't live on flat terrain…
I have been riding a Gazelle Orange C7+ for more than five years. While it's a fantastic bike, the more powerful motor on the Avignon would be a nice upgrade as we have some very steep hills around here. My dealer told me Gazelle no longer exports to Australia which is a shame.
Not a big fan of the front light being built into the mudguard (or fender, as you say), or the frame. It surely must make things more awkward if you ever want to add a front rack, and need to move the light onto the front of said rack, so it doesn't end up being obscured by any bulky items you store on top. I get that it looks sleeker, but I don't see any other upsides really. There really is something special about having a bike with a front rack and a big crate on top. No need to get special bike-specific bags, any old backpack or shopping bags can just be dumped in there. It's just a big flexible space that you can use for whatever. Plus, it's very easy to reach in and grab things while you're stopped at some lights or something like that. Regarding only being able to take the key out when the rear wheel is locked, the flip side of this is, you can only ride the bike if you have the key inserted. So you can't absent mindedly cycle off to your destination, then only realise once you arrive at your destination that you have no way to lock up (happened to me more than once). A frame lock is not exactly a high security option, but it's better than nothing!
If you would add a crate, the light would shine underneath it. If a light was above the fender somewhere, you'd have to move it somewhere to be able to mount the crate. It only makes things easier.
Most bikes with a belt drive have a cutout in the frame to allow the belt to be replaced. But it seems like this one sits entirely on top of the drivetrain and doesn’t need such a cutout. I wonder if it helps with the stiffness. It looks really slick and modern but still has that classic character from a distance.
There are two Avignon C380 HMB in the Netherlands now. Wonder if the more expensive one labeled NEW was available a year ago or not. If not it’s the one that’s a bit less expensive .
The online difference I could find, was the build in GPS sensor that comes with a one year theft recovery team and insurance (EU). Afther that year you need to pay for that service. The "cheaper" model doesn't have that.
Aesthetically, it looks good, but I still want the loop of the rear rack closed to the frame. In other words, have the rear cargo rack also welded to the seat stays. Two points of support at both ends would increase the weight the rack can support by making it sturdier. Instead of a hook, the rack would resemble a reclining numeral six. For riding a 10-mile (16-kilometre) radius, this bicycle should do well on pedal-assist.
"Avignon" Even the name sounds expensive. It's a lovely bicycle, I'd be terrified to lock it up though lol. Gazelle's are just really wonderful looking bikes, maybe someday lol.
Thanks for this review, it looks like a really nice bike. At time 6:30 you mention that the tires are made in PRC, it means People's Republic of China, not the Philippines.
What is the general maintenance or things the owner of an ebike should know ? If I bought an elite there would be a limited if any places where I live for service
Bosch service network is global and extends beyond Gazelle dealers so there may be a shop close than you think. As for maintenance, the belt drives are virtually maintenance free and I've heard they get several times more use of them than a chain.
Just the tires are from China. You can easily change those. All the rest of the bike is build in a super modern factory, some parts still by hand, in The Netherlands. The elctronics are from Germany. That is the case for the EU market. They probably have a factory in the US. So not a Chinese product by far.
Yes but those alternatives woud pollute. This bike is all about replacing a car or moped. Enjoying your free time in prettige surroundings, de-stress, getting payed to ride to work,... I thought the Dutch were all about bikes? 😊 There are cheaper, good bikes. This is a flagship for those how are willing to spend the money.
Update:
5000km on. Alles gut 👍 The bike is performing like day 1. Absolutely a 5 star bike. Comfortable and reliable.
The winter was challenging. The mindset is the special ingredient, you just have to put your head down and do it, but gets a lot easier with winter equipment, specially rain protection (coat, pants and shoes) and always keep your hands and head warm ( I use a light motorcycle helmet (may look weird but it’s warm) and winter/ rain gloves.
Bought one of these this year. My round trip commute is 60 km. This bike checked all the boxes:
1 - confort. The upright position is great for your arms/hands.
2 - the enviolo transmission. When you decide to use your bike everyday, you want to spend the least amount of time fixing the bike.
3 - it’s a gazelle. Premium quality and you won’t have a problem in 3 years to find components and fix whatever needs to be fixed. Most of the new brands will just disappear in a couple of years.
This bike was life changing and allowed to go completely car free. Overall I spend 15 min more a day commuting, compared to a car, but the ride is so much better and relaxing.
and this difference would disappear if the speed limit with the assistance of the electric motor was not limited to 25kmh (probably the stupidest law in this world of ebikes).
On Dutch bike lanes it is very busy with non-electric bikes and biking kids. That’s why the 25 kmh limitation is very usefull in our cities. When they would go faster, they belong on the main road together with motorbikes. But our situation is different from yours obviously. Keep up the biking !!!
@@j.vanderson6239
My point is, like with cars, you don’t go full speed all the time: you adjust your speed to the road and/or traffic. The same with bikes. My problem is, when I have to go on the road with cars, a 30/35kmh speed is safer.
Greetings from Germany, btw.
And I love the Netherlands.
Thanks. Yes, I understand. Enjoy your weekend!
Great review Chris. I have the Avignon and its a genuinely excellent e-bike. The Bosch smart system on it and Gazelle's other 2023 models is awesome for so many reasons: a) when the rider turns off the bike, the system locks the motor making it useless the thieves, b) for about $100 you can get the ConnectModule that adds GPS to the bike, with real-time tracking, motion alarm, and a proximity sensor. I admit to being cynical about Auto mode, but oh man, it is the answer for hills! I used to have to shift and feel if I'm in the right gear, and listen for the sounds my derailleur made, and then check again if I need to shift gears and on and on. Auto mode ends that. It automatically and silently changes the assistance level to maintain your pace regardless of topography. I'm an older guy and I like to take in the scenery; now I can do so without worrying what gear or mode I'm in.
You still need to manually change gearing.
You can if you want to, but I'm not exaggerating when I say you do not have to. @@cadriver2570
Same experience for me with my Moustache Xroad 2 smart system. I use auto mode when I am commuting to work and do not want to think about assistance level or do not want to break on sweat. When I finish my work or if I am just going for a ride, I use my derrailer lot more and leave my assistance level to eco most of the time.
How many thieves you think are going to know that when they hoist the bike........
Thank you for this new review. You cover so many important points like saddle height for those who bike less often which is covered so little. Plus, your style and editing is really fun.
A reflector strip on the tires is mandatory in the Netherlands. That's why the strip is on the tire. Btw this is not the most premium comfort e-bike from Gazelle, but perhaps the most premium on sale in the USA. The Gazelle Eclipse C380 HMB is the most premium (C380 series) for sale in the Netherlands. But they have even more expensive city bikes for sale :-)
Interest, I didn't realise it was mandatory. The strip is way more effective than having a little yellow reflector on the spokes, as is required in the UK.
@@liamness
yeah it is also mandatory in germany. You either have to have the cateyes in the spokes, single spoke reflectors, or the strip around the tire. You can ofc ride tires without all that, but only in daytime.
This is the most premium COMFORT bike by Gazelle. The Eclipse is even more premium but it's not in the comfort range. It's in the active range.
His store is based on the U.S., so who cares whats sold elsewhere. Plus, your nuts if you spending more than $5,000 on an ebike.
Jeez I’m running my 26” 2.0” wide Marathons’s around 20 psi. Just putting around the neighbourhood dropping my kids off to school and I’m getting close to my battery’s 120 km range. I don’t like how everything rattles when I have my tires pumped to the recommended 30-70 psi. I’d really like to order a hat. Do you ship to Canada?
I was on the fence last year for getting a Gazelle comfort bike. Glad I waited…this looks like one!
Would this be a good bike for commuting with a 1 year old?
I need to do a ~5 mile ride.
Enjoyed listening to this and have to say that this channel is a fantastic resource and I have learnt so much from it. I still have yet to take the plunge, but one of things I still have yet to resolve is the relationship between the motor and the gears. I live in a part of the world (Devon UK) where the hills are abundant and epic and historically on mountain/touring bikes I would have run something like a 28 chainring and a 34 on the cluster on the back, to get up some of my local hills. Now later in life I would like to tackle some of those hills on an e-bike but don't see anything like this kind of low ratio? I suspect incidentally that this bike is probably not for me (very few hits in Holland). If you could tackle this question sometime, it would help a lot - There must be other potential e-bike customers out there who are not city based and don't live on flat terrain…
I have been riding a Gazelle Orange C7+ for more than five years. While it's a fantastic bike, the more powerful motor on the Avignon would be a nice upgrade as we have some very steep hills around here. My dealer told me Gazelle no longer exports to Australia which is a shame.
Not a big fan of the front light being built into the mudguard (or fender, as you say), or the frame. It surely must make things more awkward if you ever want to add a front rack, and need to move the light onto the front of said rack, so it doesn't end up being obscured by any bulky items you store on top. I get that it looks sleeker, but I don't see any other upsides really.
There really is something special about having a bike with a front rack and a big crate on top. No need to get special bike-specific bags, any old backpack or shopping bags can just be dumped in there. It's just a big flexible space that you can use for whatever. Plus, it's very easy to reach in and grab things while you're stopped at some lights or something like that.
Regarding only being able to take the key out when the rear wheel is locked, the flip side of this is, you can only ride the bike if you have the key inserted. So you can't absent mindedly cycle off to your destination, then only realise once you arrive at your destination that you have no way to lock up (happened to me more than once). A frame lock is not exactly a high security option, but it's better than nothing!
If you would add a crate, the light would shine underneath it. If a light was above the fender somewhere, you'd have to move it somewhere to be able to mount the crate. It only makes things easier.
really well thought out design. Nice video, thank you for the video
My wife just bought one - and it is a bright blue version!
This looks like a great competitor to the Riese & Muller Nevo. I'm a Nevo owner and the specs are similar.
PRC actually stands for People's Republic of China, not the Philippines.
Probably made by slaves.
Came here to say this
Bingo
Gotta love the worldliness of Americans 😅
Anything made in China parts or otherwise is a “no” for me!
I would love to see you review a simplon with the e-pinion MGU. Also discussion on e-pinion availability as a part or in what bikes and when.
Most bikes with a belt drive have a cutout in the frame to allow the belt to be replaced. But it seems like this one sits entirely on top of the drivetrain and doesn’t need such a cutout. I wonder if it helps with the stiffness. It looks really slick and modern but still has that classic character from a distance.
How much would it cost just as outfitted here? Thx
4999
There are two Avignon C380 HMB in the Netherlands now. Wonder if the more expensive one labeled NEW was available a year ago or not. If not it’s the one that’s a bit less expensive .
The online difference I could find, was the build in GPS sensor that comes with a one year theft recovery team and insurance (EU). Afther that year you need to pay for that service. The "cheaper" model doesn't have that.
I have Avignon! But 2001 year crmoly frameset. It's a funny hybrid bike - Dutch bike with short wheel base. Still going hard.
Seems about the same wheel base as any of the upright ebike frames out there. Looks similiar to my Aventon Pace 500
Aesthetically, it looks good, but I still want the loop of the rear rack closed to the frame. In other words, have the rear cargo rack also welded to the seat stays. Two points of support at both ends would increase the weight the rack can support by making it sturdier. Instead of a hook, the rack would resemble a reclining numeral six.
For riding a 10-mile (16-kilometre) radius, this bicycle should do well on pedal-assist.
It’s not a cargo bike, but the rack should be more than sturdy enough for anything you can carry yourself.
"Avignon" Even the name sounds expensive. It's a lovely bicycle, I'd be terrified to lock it up though lol.
Gazelle's are just really wonderful looking bikes, maybe someday lol.
You should be even more terrified if you dont lock it up when you go inside the store.
Thanks for this review, it looks like a really nice bike. At time 6:30 you mention that the tires are made in PRC, it means People's Republic of China, not the Philippines.
Paul says a really nice E bike
What is the general maintenance or things the owner of an ebike should know ? If I bought an elite there would be a limited if any places where I live for service
Bosch service network is global and extends beyond Gazelle dealers so there may be a shop close than you think. As for maintenance, the belt drives are virtually maintenance free and I've heard they get several times more use of them than a chain.
Normally the belt should last 30.000km before service is needed.
Is there a way to plug your phone into the bike to charge it?
It’s very elegant 👍
How much! Please
Just the tires are from China. You can easily change those. All the rest of the bike is build in a super modern factory, some parts still by hand, in The Netherlands. The elctronics are from Germany. That is the case for the EU market. They probably have a factory in the US. So not a Chinese product by far.
Just FYI: your timestamps are misaligned - it looks like you didn't account for the "sponsor" :)
Price 4600 euro. Is it a lot? Yes, you can buy two electric motorbikes (mopeds) for this price. You can buy a used car.
Yes but those alternatives woud pollute. This bike is all about replacing a car or moped. Enjoying your free time in prettige surroundings, de-stress, getting payed to ride to work,...
I thought the Dutch were all about bikes? 😊
There are cheaper, good bikes. This is a flagship for those how are willing to spend the money.
Hahaha! Distractions galore!
no storage
6:34 P.R.C means china, not Philipipnes..
4600 euro here in the Netherlands. The best candidate to be stolen.
The author is speaking badly. He didn’t used to do this.
You lost me at 35 seconds. A new tyre is not grounds for a "new" bike.