I have been riding my Ultimate for 6 weeks and in that time I have made several emergency stops. MY GOD! This thing stops so much more aggressively than any bike I ever rode in 60 years. So nice
I really hope these type of bikes with the belt and enviolo system become mainstream in the next couple of years. It’s been 3 years since I bought my bike and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else with a belt or nuvinci hub since I got it. It’s really starting to grate on me how the industry as a whole is so resistant to change. You can count the truly progressive bike companies on two hands. Thousands of companies just going through the motions.
Hi Chris! It is nice to see a bike like this adopting some of the new technology. I think Gazelle may be introducing a second battery pack option as well, so you'd use the bottle cage bosses on the seat tube for a PowerPack 500 to extend range! To me, that's super exciting as well!
@@ElectricBikeReview It’s nice they give you that option, but at the same time that’s one thing I love about e-bikes that range isn’t a major factor for people in 99% of cases. Very different to electric cars where people still freak out over range when in reality it would work for them.
This will probably be my next ebike. Your reviews are detailed and you are very picky about the little things, which I appreciate. I bought a Ride1Up 700 after your “picky” review. But by the time I ordered and received the bike they listened to you and moved the kickstand back and added a slap guard for the chain. Love your detailed reviews before you ever begin to get on the bikes and ride. Nobody goes though so much detail and I for one really appreciate it.
Love, love, love Gazelle. I have the cheapest variant in this line (C8 HMB), and the engineering is just as impressive. Bicycle as daily driver, not just an adult toy. Stability, handling, comfort, durability- they have it all covered.
I really love your reviews for your honesty and your warm personality. I am off to try one of these this afternoon! Thanks for all of your work in bringing such valuable reviews to us. :)
You introduced me to my first Gazelle, Court. I believe you just introduced me to my next Gazelle. What I've learned while owning mine is what sets Gazelle apart is the ethos that premium and value are not mutually exclusive. They provide a top tier product built with top tier components, and fully kitted, and one can almost afford it. You've taught us pretty well, too. From day one you told us the Nuvincis and Enviolos were nice, but heavy, so expect a heavier bike if you go that route. Send me out with $4000 in my pocket 100 times for the best ebike; 100 times I'm riding back on a C380. Happy New Year to the EBR team!
Hey, happy new years Gary! Thanks for the thoughtful comment, I always enjoy hearing your perspectives and am so glad that you're enjoying your Gazelle :D here's to lots of fun rides in 2021! Which model did you get, by the way?
@@ElectricBikeReview After watching the video of you and New Wheel Brett with the Arroyo I bought one of those, and fell in love with cycling again. I'd been hunched over on my Trek but the Dutch upright position is soooo comfortable. Still have it, but on an Ultimate T10 now too. When I bought my Arroyo I hopped the train from Seattle to Portland because The eBike Store was having a sale. In the two+ hours I was there they sold 6 Gazelles, 7 including mine. I talked to all the other buyers and asked where they learned about the brand. 5 of the 6 had watched your video and read your review; the 6th was a woman, and her husband had watched the video and read the review - so that counts. That's a remarkable amount of influence on the buyer journey. That's why when somebody in the comments thinks you should hold the camera a different way I just chuckle.
Thank you for always reviewing these wonderful eBikes and giving us a good look at them. You’ve gone to some great extremes to thoroughly do these reviews in all kinds of places, terrains, and weather... and with different types of people. This has been, and continues to be, such an amazing journey and experience, and it just keeps getting better and better. I have my very first eBike that I’m so pleased with. My eBike didn’t cost nearly what these eBikes costs, but I really love my Arizona big fat tires (Hint-Hint). I’ve added some comfort and fun-ness to it, which makes my neighbors look forward to seeing me ride through our community with my spray of colorful blinking lights shining down to the street around me. And I love to listen to music from my Bluetooth speaker with FM radio. But Who Knows What The Future Holds? Meanwhile, I’ll keep enjoying your wonderful reviews and going along with you as you travel from place to place! You’re doing an absolutely amazing job! Thank you Be Blessed, Safe, and Healthy. Have a Very Happy New Year 2021... and BEYOND!!!
Really great review, thank you. I have a blue one on order for mid January. Your review with meaningful details, while also being enjoyable to watch, has confirmed I’ll be more than happy. Thanks again & a very Happy New Year to you & yours.
@@martinwfarrell I absolutely love it. Rode 780 km last summer with it, don't forget that it has the battery to help but the weight + is considerable so it is still very cardio if you decide to or not.
As always taking us through ever component proves out the added cost . Great production on the video . Almost no time riding this bike. Could you you ride a $1500 bike along side this for 50 miles so we can see that this justifies the cost?
Wow, that's awesome! I can't help but notice your username says Solarize and it made me think of this wonderful video: th-cam.com/video/aS5VhfCuKJU/w-d-xo.html
Great review. Much appreciated as I'm in the market for another e-bike. Would love to see how this bike ( Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB) compares with the forthcoming Serial 1 (Harley-Davidson ) Rush / CTY since they both have the Gates carbon belt drive and Enviolo constantly variable transmission drivetrain. I'm ready for an upgrade from a bike with a rear-hub motor/cadence sensor with traditional derailleur and bike chain. I'm very interested in this advancement in e-bike technology since it requires potentially less maintenance. I'm also a fan of the Schwalbe tires that both bikes feature. Not to mention they are also both really great-looking bikes!
Thanks for the New Year review. Happy New Year to you and the team. Seems like an awesome bike. I have the Raleigh Misceo Sport IE that you reviewed in 2017 or 2018. I love the bike but it does have 7500 flawless miles on the Shimano E6000 motor. Gazelle in general and especially this bike interests me when time to upgrade. I really love the Gates belt drive as the chain is the one component I have replaced most often. It seems to have great components and at a price point lower than Reise and Müller. I just wish there were Gazelle dealers closer to me. Great review as usual. Thanks for carrying on during this trying time for all.
Great video. While I am intrigued by Dutch bikes, the differing diameter of the handlebar is ridiculous. In my opinion, it would’ve been much more flexible (for adding accessories) for the handlebar diameter to be consistent from one end to the other.
@@nahnisjourney1406 I dont think my bike is very expensive. I paid $1000 for it about 5 years ago. 250w beach crusier style bike. I put it on a credit card and had to make payments. I just cant afford anything new right now anyways and its still running so I dont want to try to buy another bike when I can still get miles out of this one. Battery is pretty much dead and needs replacing but it gets me around when I need it.
@@klumze9911 thank you for replying. I agree... you’re making the best decision. Sounds like you purchased a really good eBike 5 years ago. A replacement battery is always cheaper than buying an entire eBike. I paid $899 this past August, and my 500 LECTRIC XP STEP THRU FAT TIRE folding eBike arrived on October 7, 2020. I have been having a wonderful time riding it, and I know that like you, it’ll be a good while before I even consider a second eBike. Though I am already thinking about a backup battery for extended range. Right now, I’m able to get 43.8 miles on a single charge. Have a lovely day. Be eBike safe! 🚲🚲🚲
Great video. The Gates Carbon belt and the CVT drivetrain caught my eye. I think both are game changers. I probably won't upgrade to that now, but it's something to look for on my next e-bike.
Awesome! It caught my attention too. The implementation on this particular model is one of the best I've seen. EVELO has also done a good job with Belt and CVT on the Aurora Limited electricbikereview.com/evelo/aurora-limited/ but I like how this Gazelle looks.
I love how quiet it is! On louder ebikes I feel a bit silly on the bike path. Some bike motors can be obnoxious in those quiet nature-y settings and around people riding regular bikes or walking. The rear rack is also awesome. Is it worth the money? I think so considering the components and overall quality. I have a mid-drive bike now that is fairly quiet but I’m looking for a step-thru. It just gets harder to get on a bike the older you get.
Hey, I like your name Journier! Yeah, this bike does a lot right, in my eyes. The quiet but capable motor, the beautiful but also utilitarian frame and rack choices... it really covers all the bases, one of my favorite bikes in 2020/2021 for sure. I like your Ness and Liv ebike reviews btw, it would be fun to go ride and maybe review together someday. You bring unique perspectives and it sounds like you've owned a few models now? What part of the world are you from? Feel free to text me anytime 650.930.0342
@@ElectricBikeReview Thanks! Yes I’ve had quite a few ebikes and enjoy introducing them to others. I live in Illinois and it would be awesome to ride with you some day! I first learned about ebikes from your videos.
Another great review. What a fantastic bike. I have a Gazelle impala not an bike and that has luxury build quality. Probably weighs nearly as much a this one too lol. Happy new year to you.
I have searched TH-cam and found this.... But not yet seen one showing a flat fix beside the rode stranded where most of my flats in the past happened. I've purchased a stubby 15m wrench, plus my usual patch supplies for emergency fixes
You provide good detail on the bikes. I've been shopping Gazelle and really helpful. But isn't the Gazelle front mono shock adjustable? I've seen other information stating it's actually adjustable. Can you clarify? TIA
Currently an R&M, belt drive rider with 4K miles, mostly touring. First I'd have to change on the C380 would be the bars. Need more real estate to mount electronics, horn, bear spray, hand positions, etc etc. How does rain not get into that top-mounted battery? Front rack? Need lots more battery life.
Many of the comments I have read below express concern over the price of this bike. I have to agree...$4K just seems excessive for an excursion bike....IMO, too expensive to safely lock up at a bike rack or even leave momentarily out of your sight.....this particular bike has some nice features but fails to present a value proposition.....I get the feeling that commuter e-bikes at this (and over) price point are toys for well-heeled buyers.
Yeah, it seems like the sweet spot price wise if you want the belt and CVT. EVELO has a very similarly specced model called the Aurora Limited for the exact same price! electricbikereview.com/evelo/aurora-limited/
While I agree with you that a $4K bike is scary for errands in a crime town.... I am OK with this risk when I follow strict overkill on lock-ups. I always lock at least 3 systems for any stops: Bordo Granite X, Café lock, and a 110db disc brake lock. This lock-up takes about 1 minute. Additionally I'll take the battery with me if I'm really nervous. Also the bike is on bike registry and insurance
I added a Keox display on my synapse néo 2, and it was expensive, i could have paid much less buying one on ebay and installing it myself but then no shop would have performed the firmware update. I do not regret it at all, i get cadence and power + all sort of stats + an nice remote. Power sensor cost a lot, weego sells some pedal or crank but the cost is like 500-1000 euros. So manufacturers selling bike above 2000 euros should always include the Keox, if you install it in the factory the extra cost is probably no more than 100 euros and it adds a lot of value to the bike. This is especially true considering about bad and outdated is the Purion, on my synapse i had 5 bars for the battery but the last one was like 5% , so with 2 bar you would wonder if you have 6% or 25% and there was no remote. The purion looks like electronics of the early 90s. The author also reviewed the Purion and mentioned how bad is the Purion interface (the +/- button are very tough to click). Since my bike use a gen3 Bosch i was thinking i would get quite limited features, but indeed i get almost everything, the phone app even connects to the Keox and upload my courses on Bosch web site. The author of the video did a very exhaustive vidéo about the Keox, and indeed it is even better that on the vidéo. So my advice to Gazelle is to have by default or as a 100 euro option the Keox display. Last the is another display with even more feature but it is very large, more expensive and only works with gen 4 systems.
It would be great if you could provide more comparison information about this bike vs the C8 HMB. Is the more powerful motor because the CVT isn't as efficient or do you really end up with more power. How do users react to the CVT vs the 8-speed shifter? When would you recommend one or the other?
Thank you so much for this review. Your reviews are the best! I just bought this bike, and it’s wonderful. Although the battery rattles in the frame when riding. I was wondering if you started to experience this when test riding more (if you rode it more than what was shown on this video.) Still loving it though! 🙂
My Ultimate battery cover squeaks and rattles too. There was a post on Facebook Gazelle group last week with a cure.... You place some kind of special tape where the battery lid closes and eliminates this annoyance. Haven't done it yet
This bike looks perfect and very well thought out.. Unfortunately there are two very big (crushing) negatives.. 1. The price 😵 if a high quality non ebike can sell for £1500 where do they justify the £2500 extra? A motor shoudnt be more than £500 and a battery pack the same.. And that's a generous mark up.. So I think there is a incredible profit gouging going on in the ebike world - just like vehicles but % wise ebikes are more guilty.. 2. That weight! It must be having a serious effect on potential range.. When persons try to get that up stairs to a flat or in a city centre it must be a nightmare.. Additionally even with removing the battery pack loading this bike onto a car bike carrier or even worse the rear space would make it impossible for all but the most muscular types.. A pity because I see these as a better environmental solution than the super expensive, super heavy EV's... Unfortunately these ebike prices and also (but to a lesser degree ) the weight will exclude 95% of potential users...
You could go over and compare a nearly identical Riese Mueller step through with the same design, same components, same weight, but $2500 more in price.
Court, this is another amazing review, I have already ordered an e-bike but am having to re-evaluate.... as I watch more of your Gazelle reviews... I feel I am being swayed towards them vs. Specialized Como SL @ 7K, but having found a dealer in Edmonton selling same for 5K, I'd love to know how they do that?
Thats a really nice bike. What should be standard is a 100lux front light, with 50lux you have to buy a new one. Yeah and one thing, that Purion display is very underwhelming for that price.
Good points... I was happy about where the headlight is mounted and the design, but there are brighter options available. I also feel that a Kiox display would be nice for this price level. I think it's at $4k because of the many frame and color options + dealers.
Hey, You Totally Missed the Fact of the Butted High Tech Handle Bars,, Wholley Cow @! That's a very expensive process usually for motorcycle cruisers. And We LOve It. The whole time your hands are resting on them at 27:00. That rattle across the grass was the handcuff in the cafe lock. He is a First Class E - Bike - No Doubt @! At $4K - he looks all of the $7K others get. The seat post has better shock response than the Front Fork. Forks should also move that easy. But that was missed as well for compression test. But I haven't seen a fork yet that is plush,, after several hundreds of reviews of any Bike. May have to get into a girder design.
I think the OHM bikes will travel 120 miles fully charged.I have tern folder they say you can 75 miles.If I was on a tour the 120 miles would. Be wore appealing.Thanks
My thought is the front wheel has a quick release because the front wheel needs to come off every time the bike is put into the back of a small hatchback if that is the way the bike is transported. I have always done this. Cheers Phill.
All more sportive bikes over here in the Netherlands have quick release on both wheels front and rear (deraileur equipped types) since more than 30 years, I would say. Greatest advantage: makes it easy to take out the wheel to repair a flat tyre.
That's a great insight... I remember Cannondale introducing tech like this, and the Lefty suspension fork. Seems like they've had some creative people over the years. Do they own a patent on single shock forks or something?
Why throttle? I had a throttle bike previously and now with the Ultimate I find it pointless. You simply need to think ahead as you approach a stop by switching to lower gears, and placing the motor in Turbo and the bike powers nicely from the stop
I have a Black Gateway Booster 750w with less than 500 miles on it and a White Gateway Booster 750w with less than 100 miles on it. I also have 2 extra 17.5a battery's. I've added aftermarket mirrors left and right and a alarm with remote. I live in Los Angeles California. If anyone is interested in buying, make me an offer. Have a blessed day. Happy New Year.
Hi! I loved this bicycle... Could you tell me how it feels when pedaling with Power off, on flat terrain? I'm worried because it's a relatively heavy e-bike.
I got this bike 6 weeks ago. Last week I mistakenly rode 4 miles away from home to then realize the battery went dead. Moderately hilly. Happy to say that with proper use of the Enviolo gearing it was a relatively easy peddle home. OK... On hills at about 4% grade where I'd normally blast up in a lower gear on my conventional bike, I was forced to "collect the mail" switchback and forth to climb. Not a big deal. The Ultimate (as all ebikes) is not only 50+ pounds, but also has a slightly noticeable drag from the motor and gearing. But, this drag is nothing compared to the cheap hub motor ebikes where I'd need a rescue truck to get home. Hope this helps. I love this bike
Great review Court. Can you please tell me where you got the glasses your wearing? My eyes water terribly when I bike in colder weather and I need some glasses that help keep some of the wind from getting to my eyes.
Sigh, delicious looking bike. I could see myself basking in the wind atop this precious. And as usual, something i can never afford but do want. 😫 $4000 for a bike is my equivalent of a King's ransom (albeit a child King). Someday...🤞🏽
Awesome! I hope you get there someday and this is a worthy product to spend some money on because it's so well made and healthy to ride! I've spent most of my adult life living with room mates and driving older used cars to save money to do my website and buy nice bikes!! I only have one, but it's a $5k Specialized full suspension mountain bike, I love it... nicest thing I own :D
Oh yeah, that's a good one. Did you already get it or planning for this year? Here's the bike for anyone who hasn't seen it: electricbikereview.com/magnum/ranger/
Per your comment on touring; the average traditional bike touring cyclist rides fifty miles per day at 12.5mph. Ot is not like they can't ride further, but unless anticipating a rest day or coming off one, ot is hard to get up and put many more miles in the next. Touring is about the trip, not the destination. You want to meet people, see the sites and experience the food. If this bike really can give a pedaling cyclist 50 miles without totally draining the battery, it really could do the job. Certainly, most e- idea won't. Once you fill panniers with gear, I bet my steel traditional touring bike isn't ten pounds lighter. It doesn't have as good fenders, no suspension, except in the leather sling seat, much lighter racks and linear pull brakes. They are even similarly priced. Too bad there are no low rider rack mounts up front.
Hi Sandeep! Yes, I weighed the bike twice and am pretty sure that's correct. The motor is 7.05lbs and the battery was 6.9lbs... all parts together were 63.4lbs on the medium sized frame. Just to be sure, I called the shop that let me borrow the bike for this review and they also confirmed 63lbs using their own scale. I think the metal fenders, rear rack, kickstand, PowerTube battery all add to the weight.
Tony here from Reckless Shipyards.. Yes Court is correct about the bike weighing 63 lbs on the scale when fully loaded. It’s interesting how some bikes feel heavy when you ride it and some feel lighter even if they weigh the same. Weight definitely matters most especially when you need to lift the bike up the stairs/bike rack. During the ride, the gravity and riding geometry play a bigger part to how manageable the bike feels. What we noticed on the Gazelle Ultimate is its gravity is highly concentrated, low to the ground and placed right in between the pedals - resulting in one of the most agile and balanced ride we’ve experienced
@@ElectricBikeReview and @Tony Sun, Thanks! Great to know!! The 3rd person shot looks good. It almost doesn't look like a low-step or there is an illusion where the top-tube (of the frame) is filled in automatically by the brain giving the impression that there is something there. Great bike. Thanks for the review.
@@ElectricBikeReview The devil is in the details. Per the Gazelle "brochure", the listed weight is "excluding battery". A bit deceptive on their part since pretty much nobody will buy an ebike to ride it without a battery. www.gazellebikes.com/media/gene-cms/p/g/pg_2021_usa.pdf
That bike came to mind for me immediately too! Very similar setup except it has electronic shifting vs. the manual here. The Aurora Limited and Galaxy 500 from EVELO are the same price and offer a similar experience but don't look quite as refined or offer the frame sizing options like Gazelle here. I think they are both worth considering, difficult for me to say which is better because EVELO also offers great customer support, just not the same big dealer network. Here are the two bikes I'm talking about for anyone else who hasn't seen what EVELO has: electricbikereview.com/brand/evelo/
The Evelo Aurora Limited has nicer pedals than the C380, but on every other component the Gazelle wins. Evelo is based in Seattle, I'm in Seattle - but I could not find a Dapu service center on North America. Bosch repair is available everywhere. Good riding, Alan!
I was wondering what are your thoughts between the rear hub Bafang vs Shengyi? Is one better then the other? Also, since everybody can order on Alibaba and for many companies you can order only one unit, why not order from them when you can find almost all the models on the market at a very cheap price with 2 years warranty?
I found out why the Dutch leave the key in their cafe locks while riding. It’s due to bike regulations there. They don’t want the child riding on the back, like they often do, accidentally pushing on the lock with their feet while riding! 😂😂😂
It is also an insurance requirement. If your bike is stolen, the insurers will only pay out of you can prove that you locked your bike. The way you prove this is by having the key in your possession. You can only have the key in your possession if the cafe lock has been locked.
@@annagilda1 That is correct. Pushing the lock accidentally is not the reason. You can only operate the lock when you turn the key against the spring resitance: that is the protection. This has of course nothing to do with the fact if the key is in the lock in the open position or not. We have those locks with "key in at open position" already since more then 70 years over here in the Netherlands. The protection against unwanted locking by a kid on the back was not there in the past, lets say 40 years ago. After some accidents the lock manufacturers introduced the type with the additional spring resistance.
Great question! It rains a lot in Vancouver (been raining daly for weeks now) and these boots are waterproof. I moved here with everything I own that would fit in my car, so I've only had a couple pairs of shoes and some flip flops... anytime I'm walking around and there's a chance of wet (or it's cold) I will wear my boots ;)
Good questions Kush, I don't think it would work with 24" wheels and no... I don't think this frame accepts fat tires or even high volume city tires. Here's a bike worth checking out though... it has 24" wheels with NuVinci CVT and belt drive electricbikereview.com/evelo/galaxy-500/ and here's a 20" fat tire bike you might like that's pretty affordable and fun: electricbikereview.com/pedego/element/
Schwalbe 29”x2.25” Racing Ralph are the largest we can find compatible with the Gazelle Ultimate, which is more than adequate for rough terrains/MTB. Anything wider may work better on snow/mud/sand but will add unnecessary weight/drag/noise for city riding. Pictures can be found on EBR forum.
th-cam.com/video/M9xnw_vOla8/w-d-xo.html They're expanding into e-mountain bikes so their new range will be predominantly in the off-road segment presumably.
Depending on the hill, yes. In Turbo I suppose I could reach 20 mph in a slight incline with aggressive peddling. I've had mine for 6 weeks and I love it. %90 of the errands I once used a car for are now on my Ultimate. There are rare moments when I kinda wish I'd have test rode the 28mph version of a Gazelle... But these are rare moments. I'm finding that beyond 20 mph on flats it pretty fun pushing to 25 mph
Please, we all know you really care, but you need to learn more about bicycles. That suspension really is for comfort. The big heavy ones you seem to like are absurdly heavy and I have yet to see even a reasonable quality one on any but a high end dual suspension e-bike. Those suspensions are for control, not comfort. Tied to absurdly wide or flat out fat tires, you get way too much dive. Wider tires, with taller sidewalls have a minor problem with squirm. When you add a suspension fork, it multiplies the problem with squirm in cornering. This bike deals with all those questions.
Well said Mark, thanks! Could you explain squirm a bit more? I am trying to grow my knowledge and combine that with my basic observations as a non bike expert. I got into the space as more of a computer tech person with a light background in hardtail mountain bikes. I've learned a lot but am not nearly as advanced as some people. I've thought about doing a bike repair school to learn more, what are some good resources you suggest for learning more? Also, where are you located, maybe we could team up on some reviews!
What a kind and thoughtful reply...bless you! Please know, my comments come from a very real frustration with the direction e-bikes have taken. In fact, I hated the very concept until my friends started paying premium prices for stuff that is total junk (have been very disappointed in some recent Gazelles as they seem to be following the herd). I started building custom bikes based on kits. They are far outperforming factory bikes for a lot less money. I swear, I wish this were not true. I mean, this is my 50th year as a bicycle mechanic. BTW, this is a very noisey e-bike compared to anything I have built and out of the dozens I sold last year I have had a total of two warrenty issues. I do wish though that you would not start in high hears, much less high boost. We used to cringe when folks would do that on bikes with double butted steel frames. Add aluminum and one or three Lance Armstrongs to yourself with a high boost e-bike...yikes! I have torn apart these motors and its hard on gears, belts, chain and even cassettes/freewheels. If you look closely on e-bike lists, you will find at least 50% of the complaints are from those who throttle ride or start with a throttle under high boost. Sorry to ramble. Squirm is that uncomfortable wiggly feeling you get with real comfortable, tall side wall tires. It is why modern cars and motorcycles have so much lower profile tires than what you saw when you were a kid (when I was a kid, 70 series tires were considered crazy, now cars come from the factory with 50's). Anyway, squirm is dramatically more noticeable on fat bikes and cruisers. It makes bikes and cars far less stable cornering or stopping. It extends stopping distance regardless of the brakes you use. Now you add the dive of mtb suspensions and handling goes right out the window. Stopping distances soar! I am not a particularly skilled or reveered tech. I do a lot of custom fittings only because a shop I used to manage had a now famous frame builder. This is my retirement gig. I fix bikes and build e-bikes in a tiny section of a craft brew tap room with an award winning chef. If folks wait for a repair and buy a few beers, the owners are thrilled. I do soo love it though. Still looking for an affordable, reasonable quality line of factory bikes to carry. Currently upgrading Reid Blacktop 2.0's with some success (suspension stem, sprung seat and/or thud buster), eight speed, close ratio 105 (most robust chain, more useable gears, smoother shifting...). It's funny, people race across The Alps with 11-24-26 gearing. We have bikes with up to three pro cyclists powering them, that never get tired and then wonder why customers spend all their time in one or two high gears riding to the corner market. When was the last time you needed a 32 tooth rear to climb a hill on an e-bike?
I have this bike and the suspension is really not for comfort. It prevants perhaps that you loose the grip on your steer if you bump on a hard obstacle. The quality of monoshock systems is poor. I have riden 6.000 km and the frontsuspension is already quite worn out. The bike of my wife, also a Gazelle Ultimate C380, needed a complete new frame including fornt suspension and fork within 1.000 km because the front suspension had too much play. Luckily it was under warranty. Monoshock has a nice design and it is cheap: that is why it is used. Definitely not for comfort or relialibilty. I have also a normal bike Koga with monoshock. Same problem.
@@theofaassen7807 oh, I am not saying it is a good quality suspension, but I did assume so coming on this bike and from Gazelle. I gaurentee, the shocks normally used on e-bikes would have been destroyed long before (never have seen a good air/oil shock one might expect to find on any traditional bike near this price range). It is painful to watch folks riding around on worn spring suspensions that bottom out at every stop. At least this set up isn't heavy and yes it is designed for comfort. It is not an off road suspension, seat or fork. Cannondale quit using it on some of their all road and hybrid bikes. Why do we use suspension posts instead of sprung seats (not elastometers)? Any bike mechanic will tell you that, with the exception of The Thud Buster and a few copies, suspension seat posts are junk. Would we choose a suspension on a traditional bike we might ride in the same application? How about giant marshmellow tires? Bicycles and their frame geometry were developed over a hundred years! If your e-bike does not look like the traditional bike you would ride under the same circumstances, it is probably not efficient. There's a reason we gave up balloon tires in the 50's. Then we wonder why these heavy bikes get such terrible range. Breaks my heart to see some tiny women in my bike club trying to manage all that weight at a stop, or to get situated to change direction. God forbid they have to make a sharp turn or maneuver through a bike trail cattle gate. I ride a Dutch bike as much because it is odd in The U.S. as as anything. Still, it is supremely comfortable for my short, daily commute. It was designed that way as are all Dutch style bikes. They work. I get amazing range in spite of the heavy internal seven speed, steel frame and awful heavy rear rack battery (hey, it was a gift from a supplier). That is because of reasonable tires and no need for suspension.
I didn't realize that the bike may have a PowerPack 500 second battery option in Summer 2021, which to me is very cool and kind of unique compared to the more affordable bikes... except DOST that kind of sits in the middle. In any case, yeah, this model is more premium and efficient vs. value like Rad, RIZE, NCM, Magnum etc. Nice to have choices though, especially because most of the cheaper products don't use internally geared hubs, CVTs, or belt systems.
@@ElectricBikeReview Hi Court, Tina from Gazelle here. The Ultimate C380 is dual battery-compatible for the 53 (medium) and 57 (large) cm frame sizes. You don't have to wait until summer. :)
Solid state batteries won’t be coming anytime soon. Estimates are end of this decade and they will be very expensive and if you think this ebike is expensive then it’ll be found only on premium e-bikes costing a lot more.
First of all... that's a beautiful machine! powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/super-cub-c125 And yeah, it's feedback I see a lot on these expensive electric bikes... and it's true. I see these more expensive ebikes as like "best in class" so you can get cheaper stuff for less than $1k if you want. If we do the same thing in the motorcycle world, some of the really nice bikes like the CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport are $20k+ have you seen the dual battery Riese & Müller products by any chance? They also cost more but are pretty impressive.
@@popholmes5825 Eh, your not polluting and getting some exercise, and it’s still a bike and not a motorcycle. They’re two different things. And the more your in traffic the more likely you are to get hit. It’s just a faster type of bike that takes out all the crappy parts about riding a bike like head winds and hills.
@@ericknighton7881 Another advantage that I never experienced to the same extent when I had a motorcycle is this: You really get to meet new friends on the bike trails. You can park anywhere for free, bring the bike right up to the coffee shops, bars, etc. and get to explore the myriad of bike friendly towns with hundreds of kms of trails. Hills? What hills? No license or insurance required, etc.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 78 | คู่เอก "ปกรณ์ vs ฟาบิโอ"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LSOmgl0Th2c/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been riding my Ultimate for 6 weeks and in that time I have made several emergency stops. MY GOD! This thing stops so much more aggressively than any bike I ever rode in 60 years. So nice
Nice! Well, I hope the emergency part of your stops wasn't too bad. Glad the bike has been working well for you :D
I really hope these type of bikes with the belt and enviolo system become mainstream in the next couple of years. It’s been 3 years since I bought my bike and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else with a belt or nuvinci hub since I got it. It’s really starting to grate on me how the industry as a whole is so resistant to change. You can count the truly progressive bike companies on two hands. Thousands of companies just going through the motions.
Hi Chris! It is nice to see a bike like this adopting some of the new technology. I think Gazelle may be introducing a second battery pack option as well, so you'd use the bottle cage bosses on the seat tube for a PowerPack 500 to extend range! To me, that's super exciting as well!
@@ElectricBikeReview It’s nice they give you that option, but at the same time that’s one thing I love about e-bikes that range isn’t a major factor for people in 99% of cases. Very different to electric cars where people still freak out over range when in reality it would work for them.
I find this guy to be so pure. I love the way he speaks
This will probably be my next ebike. Your reviews are detailed and you are very picky about the little things, which I appreciate. I bought a Ride1Up 700 after your “picky” review. But by the time I ordered and received the bike they listened to you and moved the kickstand back and added a slap guard for the chain. Love your detailed reviews before you ever begin to get on the bikes and ride. Nobody goes though so much detail and I for one really appreciate it.
Love, love, love Gazelle. I have the cheapest variant in this line (C8 HMB), and the engineering is just as impressive. Bicycle as daily driver, not just an adult toy. Stability, handling, comfort, durability- they have it all covered.
I really love your reviews for your honesty and your warm personality. I am off to try one of these this afternoon! Thanks for all of your work in bringing such valuable reviews to us. :)
Your reviews are just FANTASTIC!! I love the look of this bike- for me it feels that this is what an E Bike should offer- it's a great package.
My own sentiments exactly! I am off to ride one this afternoon, thanks to this review.
You introduced me to my first Gazelle, Court. I believe you just introduced me to my next Gazelle. What I've learned while owning mine is what sets Gazelle apart is the ethos that premium and value are not mutually exclusive. They provide a top tier product built with top tier components, and fully kitted, and one can almost afford it. You've taught us pretty well, too. From day one you told us the Nuvincis and Enviolos were nice, but heavy, so expect a heavier bike if you go that route. Send me out with $4000 in my pocket 100 times for the best ebike; 100 times I'm riding back on a C380. Happy New Year to the EBR team!
How long have you been working with Gazelle now? 😂😂😂
Hey, happy new years Gary! Thanks for the thoughtful comment, I always enjoy hearing your perspectives and am so glad that you're enjoying your Gazelle :D here's to lots of fun rides in 2021! Which model did you get, by the way?
@@ElectricBikeReview After watching the video of you and New Wheel Brett with the Arroyo I bought one of those, and fell in love with cycling again. I'd been hunched over on my Trek but the Dutch upright position is soooo comfortable. Still have it, but on an Ultimate T10 now too. When I bought my Arroyo I hopped the train from Seattle to Portland because The eBike Store was having a sale. In the two+ hours I was there they sold 6 Gazelles, 7 including mine. I talked to all the other buyers and asked where they learned about the brand. 5 of the 6 had watched your video and read your review; the 6th was a woman, and her husband had watched the video and read the review - so that counts. That's a remarkable amount of influence on the buyer journey. That's why when somebody in the comments thinks you should hold the camera a different way I just chuckle.
@@GaryFujiokaSr Hallo, my wife considering This bike or the the Ultimate T10. Wich one would you prefer🙏🤷♂️
@@ElectricBikeReview Hallo, my wife considering This bike or the the Ultimate T10. Wich one would you prefer🙏🤷♂️
Thank you for always reviewing these wonderful eBikes and giving us a good look at them. You’ve gone to some great extremes to thoroughly do these reviews in all kinds of places, terrains, and weather... and with different types of people. This has been, and continues to be, such an amazing journey and experience, and it just keeps getting better and better.
I have my very first eBike that I’m so pleased with. My eBike didn’t cost nearly what these eBikes costs, but I really love my Arizona big fat tires (Hint-Hint). I’ve added some comfort and fun-ness to it, which makes my neighbors look forward to seeing me ride through our community with my spray of colorful blinking lights shining down to the street around me. And I love to listen to music from my Bluetooth speaker with FM radio. But Who Knows What The Future Holds? Meanwhile, I’ll keep enjoying your wonderful reviews and going along with you as you travel from place to place!
You’re doing an absolutely amazing job! Thank you
Be Blessed, Safe, and Healthy.
Have a Very Happy New Year 2021... and BEYOND!!!
Really great review, thank you. I have a blue one on order for mid January. Your review with meaningful details, while also being enjoyable to watch, has confirmed I’ll be more than happy. Thanks again & a very Happy New Year to you & yours.
so do you like your new bike ?
@@TerkelNL I'd like to know this also. I just ordered the blue
Just bought one yesterday, thanks so much for the review! Can't wait for the delivery!
I'm close to taking the plunge and buying one of these bikes.
What is your verdict ? Are you pleased with it ?
@@martinwfarrell I absolutely love it. Rode 780 km last summer with it, don't forget that it has the battery to help but the weight + is considerable so it is still very cardio if you decide to or not.
As always taking us through ever component proves out the added cost . Great production on the video . Almost no time riding this bike. Could you you ride a $1500 bike along side this for 50 miles so we can see that this justifies the cost?
I just test rode one today...first ebike ride ever... Nice...
Wow, that's awesome! I can't help but notice your username says Solarize and it made me think of this wonderful video: th-cam.com/video/aS5VhfCuKJU/w-d-xo.html
Test rode this bike today. Absolute 100% BUTTER. I've a T10 for a couple of months and love it, but this ride is next-level x4.
I wondered about this. Everyone talks about the T10 but I'm confused whether it's better or worse. I received my Ultimate 380 a month ago and love it
Great review…Because of you I bought a Gazelle 2.5 years ago and I have 10k miles on it…
Great review. Much appreciated as I'm in the market for another e-bike. Would love to see how this bike ( Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB) compares with the forthcoming Serial 1 (Harley-Davidson ) Rush / CTY since they both have the Gates carbon belt drive and Enviolo constantly variable transmission drivetrain. I'm ready for an upgrade from a bike with a rear-hub motor/cadence sensor with traditional derailleur and bike chain.
I'm very interested in this advancement in e-bike technology since it requires potentially less maintenance. I'm also a fan of the Schwalbe tires that both bikes feature. Not to mention they are also both really great-looking bikes!
Thanks for the New Year review. Happy New Year to you and the team. Seems like an awesome bike. I have the Raleigh Misceo Sport IE that you reviewed in 2017 or 2018. I love the bike but it does have 7500 flawless miles on the Shimano E6000 motor. Gazelle in general and especially this bike interests me when time to upgrade. I really love the Gates belt drive as the chain is the one component I have replaced most often. It seems to have great components and at a price point lower than Reise and Müller. I just wish there were Gazelle dealers closer to me. Great review as usual. Thanks for carrying on during this trying time for all.
Great video. While I am intrigued by Dutch bikes, the differing diameter of the handlebar is ridiculous. In my opinion, it would’ve been much more flexible (for adding accessories) for the handlebar diameter to be consistent from one end to the other.
The rattling noise you hear is the engaging and disengaging of the clutch of the Bosch motor.
Beautiful bike. Im still a few years away from being able to get another bike but this one is awesome.
You must already have a very expensive eBike. I’m riding my very fat tire eBike and I finally got 240 fun miles on it. 🚲😃🚲
Have a Very Happy New Year!
@@nahnisjourney1406 I dont think my bike is very expensive. I paid $1000 for it about 5 years ago. 250w beach crusier style bike. I put it on a credit card and had to make payments. I just cant afford anything new right now anyways and its still running so I dont want to try to buy another bike when I can still get miles out of this one. Battery is pretty much dead and needs replacing but it gets me around when I need it.
@@klumze9911 thank you for replying. I agree... you’re making the best decision. Sounds like you purchased a really good eBike 5 years ago. A replacement battery is always cheaper than buying an entire eBike.
I paid $899 this past August, and my 500 LECTRIC XP STEP THRU FAT TIRE folding eBike arrived on October 7, 2020. I have been having a wonderful time riding it, and I know that like you, it’ll be a good while before I even consider a second eBike. Though I am already thinking about a backup battery for extended range. Right now, I’m able to get 43.8 miles on a single charge.
Have a lovely day. Be eBike safe!
🚲🚲🚲
Great video. The Gates Carbon belt and the CVT drivetrain caught my eye. I think both are game changers. I probably won't upgrade to that now, but it's something to look for on my next e-bike.
Awesome! It caught my attention too. The implementation on this particular model is one of the best I've seen. EVELO has also done a good job with Belt and CVT on the Aurora Limited electricbikereview.com/evelo/aurora-limited/ but I like how this Gazelle looks.
Harley-Davidson transitioned to belt drive between 1980 to 1992 in case anyone is curious
@@ElectricBikeReview That EVELO Aurora looks pretty awesome too. Thanks.
@@ElectricBikeReview It's like the Priority 600 except with a motor and a battery. I like the idea of a no maintenance drive system.
I love how quiet it is! On louder ebikes I feel a bit silly on the bike path. Some bike motors can be obnoxious in those quiet nature-y settings and around people riding regular bikes or walking. The rear rack is also awesome. Is it worth the money? I think so considering the components and overall quality. I have a mid-drive bike now that is fairly quiet but I’m looking for a step-thru. It just gets harder to get on a bike the older you get.
Hey, I like your name Journier! Yeah, this bike does a lot right, in my eyes. The quiet but capable motor, the beautiful but also utilitarian frame and rack choices... it really covers all the bases, one of my favorite bikes in 2020/2021 for sure. I like your Ness and Liv ebike reviews btw, it would be fun to go ride and maybe review together someday. You bring unique perspectives and it sounds like you've owned a few models now? What part of the world are you from? Feel free to text me anytime 650.930.0342
@@ElectricBikeReview Thanks! Yes I’ve had quite a few ebikes and enjoy introducing them to others. I live in Illinois and it would be awesome to ride with you some day! I first learned about ebikes from your videos.
Another great review. What a fantastic bike. I have a Gazelle impala not an bike and that has luxury build quality. Probably weighs nearly as much a this one too lol. Happy new year to you.
I want one - in that color, large frame, maybe with a Nyon (it will be our second Gazelle). If you see me on one around FTC, say Hi :-)
How about a video on changing the rear tire on a ebike with a Gates chain and enviolo auto hub. That would be greatly appreciated.
I have searched TH-cam and found this.... But not yet seen one showing a flat fix beside the rode stranded where most of my flats in the past happened. I've purchased a stubby 15m wrench, plus my usual patch supplies for emergency fixes
Great review, thank you very much and greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱👍🙋♀️
You provide good detail on the bikes. I've been shopping Gazelle and really helpful. But isn't the Gazelle front mono shock adjustable? I've seen other information stating it's actually adjustable. Can you clarify? TIA
Currently an R&M, belt drive rider with 4K miles, mostly touring. First I'd have to change on the C380 would be the bars. Need more real estate to mount electronics, horn, bear spray, hand positions, etc etc.
How does rain not get into that top-mounted battery? Front rack? Need lots more battery life.
Many of the comments I have read below express concern over the price of this bike. I have to agree...$4K just seems excessive for an excursion bike....IMO, too expensive to safely lock up at a bike rack or even leave momentarily out of your sight.....this particular bike has some nice features but fails to present a value proposition.....I get the feeling that commuter e-bikes at this (and over) price point are toys for well-heeled buyers.
Yeah, it seems like the sweet spot price wise if you want the belt and CVT. EVELO has a very similarly specced model called the Aurora Limited for the exact same price! electricbikereview.com/evelo/aurora-limited/
While I agree with you that a $4K bike is scary for errands in a crime town.... I am OK with this risk when I follow strict overkill on lock-ups. I always lock at least 3 systems for any stops: Bordo Granite X, Café lock, and a 110db disc brake lock. This lock-up takes about 1 minute. Additionally I'll take the battery with me if I'm really nervous. Also the bike is on bike registry and insurance
I added a Keox display on my synapse néo 2, and it was expensive, i could have paid much less buying one on ebay and installing it myself but then no shop would have performed the firmware update. I do not regret it at all, i get cadence and power + all sort of stats + an nice remote. Power sensor cost a lot, weego sells some pedal or crank but the cost is like 500-1000 euros. So manufacturers selling bike above 2000 euros should always include the Keox, if you install it in the factory the extra cost is probably no more than 100 euros and it adds a lot of value to the bike. This is especially true considering about bad and outdated is the Purion, on my synapse i had 5 bars for the battery but the last one was like 5% , so with 2 bar you would wonder if you have 6% or 25% and there was no remote. The purion looks like electronics of the early 90s. The author also reviewed the Purion and mentioned how bad is the Purion interface (the +/- button are very tough to click).
Since my bike use a gen3 Bosch i was thinking i would get quite limited features, but indeed i get almost everything, the phone app even connects to the Keox and upload my courses on Bosch web site.
The author of the video did a very exhaustive vidéo about the Keox, and indeed it is even better that on the vidéo.
So my advice to Gazelle is to have by default or as a 100 euro option the Keox display.
Last the is another display with even more feature but it is very large, more expensive and only works with gen 4 systems.
It would be great if you could provide more comparison information about this bike vs the C8 HMB. Is the more powerful motor because the CVT isn't as efficient or do you really end up with more power. How do users react to the CVT vs the 8-speed shifter? When would you recommend one or the other?
The Nexus Shifters don't allow you to rotate the pedals backward to get a good start position. I hate that feature.
Thank you so much for this review. Your reviews are the best! I just bought this bike, and it’s wonderful. Although the battery rattles in the frame when riding. I was wondering if you started to experience this when test riding more (if you rode it more than what was shown on this video.) Still loving it though! 🙂
My Ultimate battery cover squeaks and rattles too. There was a post on Facebook Gazelle group last week with a cure.... You place some kind of special tape where the battery lid closes and eliminates this annoyance. Haven't done it yet
@@kippywylie Great - thank you!
Thank you for your great review, thinking hard on this bike
This bike looks perfect and very well thought out.. Unfortunately there are two very big (crushing) negatives..
1. The price 😵 if a high quality non ebike can sell for £1500 where do they justify the £2500 extra? A motor shoudnt be more than £500 and a battery pack the same.. And that's a generous mark up.. So I think there is a incredible profit gouging going on in the ebike world - just like vehicles but % wise ebikes are more guilty..
2. That weight! It must be having a serious effect on potential range.. When persons try to get that up stairs to a flat or in a city centre it must be a nightmare.. Additionally even with removing the battery pack loading this bike onto a car bike carrier or even worse the rear space would make it impossible for all but the most muscular types..
A pity because I see these as a better environmental solution than the super expensive, super heavy EV's...
Unfortunately these ebike prices and also (but to a lesser degree ) the weight will exclude 95% of potential users...
really 95%? Damn, Gazelle must be bankrupt by now then.
You could go over and compare a nearly identical Riese Mueller step through with the same design, same components, same weight, but $2500 more in price.
quick release is on the front wheel so you can take it with you.
Court, this is another amazing review, I have already ordered an e-bike but am having to re-evaluate.... as I watch more of your Gazelle reviews... I feel I am being swayed towards them vs. Specialized Como SL @ 7K, but having found a dealer in Edmonton selling same for 5K, I'd love to know how they do that?
TNX for doing a great job
Thats a really nice bike. What should be standard is a 100lux front light, with 50lux you have to buy a new one. Yeah and one thing, that Purion display is very underwhelming for that price.
Good points... I was happy about where the headlight is mounted and the design, but there are brighter options available. I also feel that a Kiox display would be nice for this price level. I think it's at $4k because of the many frame and color options + dealers.
Thankfully they have upgraded the display to the Kiox 300 on the U380HMB. Purion really shouldn’t be on a $4k e-bike.
Love your reviews! 🚲🚲
What is the Max weight of rider for this bike please? Thanks for the excellent review.
Hey, You Totally Missed the Fact of the Butted High Tech Handle Bars,, Wholley Cow @!
That's a very expensive process usually for motorcycle cruisers. And We LOve It.
The whole time your hands are resting on them at 27:00.
That rattle across the grass was the handcuff in the cafe lock.
He is a First Class E - Bike - No Doubt @!
At $4K - he looks all of the $7K others get.
The seat post has better shock response than the Front Fork.
Forks should also move that easy. But that was missed as well for compression test.
But I haven't seen a fork yet that is plush,, after several hundreds of reviews of any Bike.
May have to get into a girder design.
I think the OHM bikes will travel 120 miles fully charged.I have tern folder they say you can 75 miles.If I was on a tour the 120 miles would. Be wore appealing.Thanks
My thought is the front wheel has a quick release because the front wheel needs to come off every time the bike is put into the back of a small hatchback if that is the way the bike is transported. I have always done this.
Cheers
Phill.
All more sportive bikes over here in the Netherlands have quick release on both wheels front and rear (deraileur equipped types) since more than 30 years, I would say. Greatest advantage: makes it easy to take out the wheel to repair a flat tyre.
Gazelle must have the headshock licenced from Canondale.
That's a great insight... I remember Cannondale introducing tech like this, and the Lefty suspension fork. Seems like they've had some creative people over the years. Do they own a patent on single shock forks or something?
Best way to describe the gears is a CVT.
There is a bicycle that works on the principle of double speed, without charging electricity .... I wish you could make a video on it
Great review but I wish you made it clear this is a Class 1 bike. Many of us have to use Class 2 bikes (with a throttle). This is a deal breaker.
Why throttle? I had a throttle bike previously and now with the Ultimate I find it pointless. You simply need to think ahead as you approach a stop by switching to lower gears, and placing the motor in Turbo and the bike powers nicely from the stop
@@kippywylie you have obviously not travelled around the sun many times.
@@skepticsr_us 72 times. And 65 of those I have been on a bicycle
I have a Black Gateway Booster 750w with less than 500 miles on it and a White Gateway Booster 750w with less than 100 miles on it. I also have 2 extra 17.5a battery's. I've added aftermarket mirrors left and right and a alarm with remote. I live in Los Angeles California. If anyone is interested in buying, make me an offer. Have a blessed day. Happy New Year.
Hi!
I loved this bicycle...
Could you tell me how it feels when pedaling with Power off, on flat terrain? I'm worried because it's a relatively heavy e-bike.
I got this bike 6 weeks ago. Last week I mistakenly rode 4 miles away from home to then realize the battery went dead. Moderately hilly. Happy to say that with proper use of the Enviolo gearing it was a relatively easy peddle home. OK... On hills at about 4% grade where I'd normally blast up in a lower gear on my conventional bike, I was forced to "collect the mail" switchback and forth to climb. Not a big deal. The Ultimate (as all ebikes) is not only 50+ pounds, but also has a slightly noticeable drag from the motor and gearing. But, this drag is nothing compared to the cheap hub motor ebikes where I'd need a rescue truck to get home. Hope this helps. I love this bike
Great review Court. Can you please tell me where you got the glasses your wearing? My eyes water terribly when I bike in colder weather and I need some glasses that help keep some of the wind from getting to my eyes.
Try Guard Dogs brand available from Harley dealers, I use an over the glasses model with variable tint that works well riding into a sunrise or sunset
Sigh, delicious looking bike. I could see myself basking in the wind atop this precious. And as usual, something i can never afford but do want. 😫 $4000 for a bike is my equivalent of a King's ransom (albeit a child King). Someday...🤞🏽
Awesome! I hope you get there someday and this is a worthy product to spend some money on because it's so well made and healthy to ride! I've spent most of my adult life living with room mates and driving older used cars to save money to do my website and buy nice bikes!! I only have one, but it's a $5k Specialized full suspension mountain bike, I love it... nicest thing I own :D
@@ElectricBikeReview oMG, a reply from Mr Rye himself 😃. Thanks.
Magnum Ranger in white for me !!
Oh yeah, that's a good one. Did you already get it or planning for this year? Here's the bike for anyone who hasn't seen it: electricbikereview.com/magnum/ranger/
Wow Québec love M.T.L
Per your comment on touring; the average traditional bike touring cyclist rides fifty miles per day at 12.5mph. Ot is not like they can't ride further, but unless anticipating a rest day or coming off one, ot is hard to get up and put many more miles in the next.
Touring is about the trip, not the destination. You want to meet people, see the sites and experience the food. If this bike really can give a pedaling cyclist 50 miles without totally draining the battery, it really could do the job. Certainly, most e- idea won't.
Once you fill panniers with gear, I bet my steel traditional touring bike isn't ten pounds lighter. It doesn't have as good fenders, no suspension, except in the leather sling seat, much lighter racks and linear pull brakes. They are even similarly priced. Too bad there are no low rider rack mounts up front.
The best site for ebike reviews.
This or Specialized Como 3.0 igh ? Thx.
Any hubs not Enviolo chinese made?
Nice bike. One observation though, that the weight is spec'd at 54.6lb. Is it really 63.4lbs?
Maybe depends on choice of rear hub.
Hi Sandeep! Yes, I weighed the bike twice and am pretty sure that's correct. The motor is 7.05lbs and the battery was 6.9lbs... all parts together were 63.4lbs on the medium sized frame. Just to be sure, I called the shop that let me borrow the bike for this review and they also confirmed 63lbs using their own scale. I think the metal fenders, rear rack, kickstand, PowerTube battery all add to the weight.
Tony here from Reckless Shipyards.. Yes Court is correct about the bike weighing 63 lbs on the scale when fully loaded. It’s interesting how some bikes feel heavy when you ride it and some feel lighter even if they weigh the same. Weight definitely matters most especially when you need to lift the bike up the stairs/bike rack. During the ride, the gravity and riding geometry play a bigger part to how manageable the bike feels. What we noticed on the Gazelle Ultimate is its gravity is highly concentrated, low to the ground and placed right in between the pedals - resulting in one of the most agile and balanced ride we’ve experienced
@@ElectricBikeReview and @Tony Sun, Thanks! Great to know!! The 3rd person shot looks good. It almost doesn't look like a low-step or there is an illusion where the top-tube (of the frame) is filled in automatically by the brain giving the impression that there is something there. Great bike. Thanks for the review.
@@ElectricBikeReview The devil is in the details. Per the Gazelle "brochure", the listed weight is "excluding battery". A bit deceptive on their part since pretty much nobody will buy an ebike to ride it without a battery. www.gazellebikes.com/media/gene-cms/p/g/pg_2021_usa.pdf
How does this bike compare to the Evelo Aurora Limited? Which is the better of the two?
That bike came to mind for me immediately too! Very similar setup except it has electronic shifting vs. the manual here. The Aurora Limited and Galaxy 500 from EVELO are the same price and offer a similar experience but don't look quite as refined or offer the frame sizing options like Gazelle here. I think they are both worth considering, difficult for me to say which is better because EVELO also offers great customer support, just not the same big dealer network. Here are the two bikes I'm talking about for anyone else who hasn't seen what EVELO has: electricbikereview.com/brand/evelo/
@@ElectricBikeReview Thank You! Are you going to review the Priority Current Ebike?
The Evelo Aurora Limited has nicer pedals than the C380, but on every other component the Gazelle wins. Evelo is based in Seattle, I'm in Seattle - but I could not find a Dapu service center on North America. Bosch repair is available everywhere. Good riding, Alan!
Very Riese Mulleresue (Superdelite) colour scheme I notice.
I love that bike! Definitely costs more, but the full suspension and integrated rack is amazing electricbikereview.com/riese-muller/delite-gt-rohloff/
Being an enviolo there is normally a pictogram , why is it missing here.
i have that battery and you can easily do 70 miles in sport mode
I was wondering what are your thoughts between the rear hub Bafang vs Shengyi? Is one better then the other? Also, since everybody can order on Alibaba and for many companies you can order only one unit, why not order from them when you can find almost all the models on the market at a very cheap price with 2 years warranty?
T hank you, very helpful.
❤ it looks like I might get this Bike!@
I found out why the Dutch leave the key in their cafe locks while riding. It’s due to bike regulations there. They don’t want the child riding on the back, like they often do, accidentally pushing on the lock with their feet while riding! 😂😂😂
Thanks for sharing that, it's good to know that little tidbit of knowledge.
It is also an insurance requirement.
If your bike is stolen, the insurers will only pay out of you can prove that you locked your bike. The way you prove this is by having the key in your possession. You can only have the key in your possession if the cafe lock has been locked.
@@annagilda1 That is correct. Pushing the lock accidentally is not the reason. You can only operate the lock when you turn the key against the spring resitance: that is the protection. This has of course nothing to do with the fact if the key is in the lock in the open position or not.
We have those locks with "key in at open position" already since more then 70 years over here in the Netherlands. The protection against unwanted locking by a kid on the back was not there in the past, lets say 40 years ago.
After some accidents the lock manufacturers introduced the type with the additional spring resistance.
will you ever review the super 73 s2
S what’s better, Gazelle or Devinchi ebikes
What kind of cafe/ring lock is used on this bike? Is it compatible with the Medeo t9 city bike?
AXA Cafe lock. I believe their site has a kit to place on your bike
Do you recommend an ebike for a 250mi ride (95% flat ground)?
You will have to charge it, unless you are riding a road like a Turbo Creo SL you will not enjoy pedaling.
I noticed you always wear very sturdy hiking boots to ride in. Is there a reason for that?
Great question! It rains a lot in Vancouver (been raining daly for weeks now) and these boots are waterproof. I moved here with everything I own that would fit in my car, so I've only had a couple pairs of shoes and some flip flops... anytime I'm walking around and there's a chance of wet (or it's cold) I will wear my boots ;)
He got them from your mother’s wardrobe! 😂😂😂
Gazelle needs to offer wider tires for the North American market. It's the only reason I won't buy one.
Great review!! I 💕 this bike. Thanks
where do you mount a water bottle?
What's the weight of the smallest model?
Is it available in 24 inch wheels? Can we put fat tires?
Good questions Kush, I don't think it would work with 24" wheels and no... I don't think this frame accepts fat tires or even high volume city tires. Here's a bike worth checking out though... it has 24" wheels with NuVinci CVT and belt drive electricbikereview.com/evelo/galaxy-500/ and here's a 20" fat tire bike you might like that's pretty affordable and fun: electricbikereview.com/pedego/element/
Schwalbe 29”x2.25” Racing Ralph are the largest we can find compatible with the Gazelle Ultimate, which is more than adequate for rough terrains/MTB. Anything wider may work better on snow/mud/sand but will add unnecessary weight/drag/noise for city riding. Pictures can be found on EBR forum.
Pitt Meadows!
keren" mudah"an segera punya
So what justifies that crazy price ?? Nice paint job - 🤷♂️
Is it waterproof ?
I wonder why do we not see Yamaha mid drive motor anymore.
th-cam.com/video/M9xnw_vOla8/w-d-xo.html
They're expanding into e-mountain bikes so their new range will be predominantly in the off-road segment presumably.
Can you reach max speed when you up hill?
Depending on the hill, yes. In Turbo I suppose I could reach 20 mph in a slight incline with aggressive peddling. I've had mine for 6 weeks and I love it. %90 of the errands I once used a car for are now on my Ultimate. There are rare moments when I kinda wish I'd have test rode the 28mph version of a Gazelle... But these are rare moments. I'm finding that beyond 20 mph on flats it pretty fun pushing to 25 mph
nice
Yeah, this one is beautiful :)
If there is more than one person and they have a van they can still steal your bike
Nice bike but expensive
‘Riese Mulleresque’.
Yeah, I can see that... Similar to the Nevo? electricbikereview.com/riese-muller/nevo-gx-rohloff/
Well maybe even between brands imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Please, we all know you really care, but you need to learn more about bicycles. That suspension really is for comfort. The big heavy ones you seem to like are absurdly heavy and I have yet to see even a reasonable quality one on any but a high end dual suspension e-bike. Those suspensions are for control, not comfort. Tied to absurdly wide or flat out fat tires, you get way too much dive. Wider tires, with taller sidewalls have a minor problem with squirm. When you add a suspension fork, it multiplies the problem with squirm in cornering. This bike deals with all those questions.
Well said Mark, thanks! Could you explain squirm a bit more? I am trying to grow my knowledge and combine that with my basic observations as a non bike expert. I got into the space as more of a computer tech person with a light background in hardtail mountain bikes. I've learned a lot but am not nearly as advanced as some people. I've thought about doing a bike repair school to learn more, what are some good resources you suggest for learning more? Also, where are you located, maybe we could team up on some reviews!
What a kind and thoughtful reply...bless you! Please know, my comments come from a very real frustration with the direction e-bikes have taken. In fact, I hated the very concept until my friends started paying premium prices for stuff that is total junk (have been very disappointed in some recent Gazelles as they seem to be following the herd).
I started building custom bikes based on kits. They are far outperforming factory bikes for a lot less money. I swear, I wish this were not true. I mean, this is my 50th year as a bicycle mechanic. BTW, this is a very noisey e-bike compared to anything I have built and out of the dozens I sold last year I have had a total of two warrenty issues.
I do wish though that you would not start in high hears, much less high boost. We used to cringe when folks would do that on bikes with double butted steel frames. Add aluminum and one or three Lance Armstrongs to yourself with a high boost e-bike...yikes!
I have torn apart these motors and its hard on gears, belts, chain and even cassettes/freewheels. If you look closely on e-bike lists, you will find at least 50% of the complaints are from those who throttle ride or start with a throttle under high boost.
Sorry to ramble. Squirm is that uncomfortable wiggly feeling you get with real comfortable, tall side wall tires. It is why modern cars and motorcycles have so much lower profile tires than what you saw when you were a kid (when I was a kid, 70 series tires were considered crazy, now cars come from the factory with 50's). Anyway, squirm is dramatically more noticeable on fat bikes and cruisers. It makes bikes and cars far less stable cornering or stopping. It extends stopping distance regardless of the brakes you use. Now you add the dive of mtb suspensions and handling goes right out the window. Stopping distances soar!
I am not a particularly skilled or reveered tech. I do a lot of custom fittings only because a shop I used to manage had a now famous frame builder.
This is my retirement gig. I fix bikes and build e-bikes in a tiny section of a craft brew tap room with an award winning chef. If folks wait for a repair and buy a few beers, the owners are thrilled. I do soo love it though. Still looking for an affordable, reasonable quality line of factory bikes to carry. Currently upgrading Reid Blacktop 2.0's with some success (suspension stem, sprung seat and/or thud buster), eight speed, close ratio 105 (most robust chain, more useable gears, smoother shifting...).
It's funny, people race across The Alps with 11-24-26 gearing. We have bikes with up to three pro cyclists powering them, that never get tired and then wonder why customers spend all their time in one or two high gears riding to the corner market. When was the last time you needed a 32 tooth rear to climb a hill on an e-bike?
I have this bike and the suspension is really not for comfort. It prevants perhaps that you loose the grip on your steer if you bump on a hard obstacle. The quality of monoshock systems is poor. I have riden 6.000 km and the frontsuspension is already quite worn out.
The bike of my wife, also a Gazelle Ultimate C380, needed a complete new frame including fornt suspension and fork within 1.000 km because the front suspension had too much play. Luckily it was under warranty.
Monoshock has a nice design and it is cheap: that is why it is used. Definitely not for comfort or relialibilty. I have also a normal bike Koga with monoshock. Same problem.
@@theofaassen7807 oh, I am not saying it is a good quality suspension, but I did assume so coming on this bike and from Gazelle. I gaurentee, the shocks normally used on e-bikes would have been destroyed long before (never have seen a good air/oil shock one might expect to find on any traditional bike near this price range). It is painful to watch folks riding around on worn spring suspensions that bottom out at every stop. At least this set up isn't heavy and yes it is designed for comfort. It is not an off road suspension, seat or fork. Cannondale quit using it on some of their all road and hybrid bikes.
Why do we use suspension posts instead of sprung seats (not elastometers)? Any bike mechanic will tell you that, with the exception of The Thud Buster and a few copies, suspension seat posts are junk.
Would we choose a suspension on a traditional bike we might ride in the same application? How about giant marshmellow tires? Bicycles and their frame geometry were developed over a hundred years! If your e-bike does not look like the traditional bike you would ride under the same circumstances, it is probably not efficient.
There's a reason we gave up balloon tires in the 50's. Then we wonder why these heavy bikes get such terrible range. Breaks my heart to see some tiny women in my bike club trying to manage all that weight at a stop, or to get situated to change direction. God forbid they have to make a sharp turn or maneuver through a bike trail cattle gate.
I ride a Dutch bike as much because it is odd in The U.S. as as anything. Still, it is supremely comfortable for my short, daily commute. It was designed that way as are all Dutch style bikes. They work. I get amazing range in spite of the heavy internal seven speed, steel frame and awful heavy rear rack battery (hey, it was a gift from a supplier). That is because of reasonable tires and no need for suspension.
👏👍👍👍
Glad you liked it!
4000 seems insane considering what ncm and rad power have to offer at half the price
this is nothing like a rad. apples to oranges
@@bookooc5605 I agree..... It is nowhere near as good a value for dollar spent.
@@bookooc5605 Rad has more performance and a larger battery....
I didn't realize that the bike may have a PowerPack 500 second battery option in Summer 2021, which to me is very cool and kind of unique compared to the more affordable bikes... except DOST that kind of sits in the middle. In any case, yeah, this model is more premium and efficient vs. value like Rad, RIZE, NCM, Magnum etc. Nice to have choices though, especially because most of the cheaper products don't use internally geared hubs, CVTs, or belt systems.
@@ElectricBikeReview Hi Court, Tina from Gazelle here. The Ultimate C380 is dual battery-compatible for the 53 (medium) and 57 (large) cm frame sizes. You don't have to wait until summer. :)
A
Too expensive, not readily available and soon there will be new solid state batteries for ebikes.
Solid state batteries won’t be coming anytime soon. Estimates are end of this decade and they will be very expensive and if you think this ebike is expensive then it’ll be found only on premium e-bikes costing a lot more.
Pan yays? Lol
I got a Honda Super Cub 125cc for what this bike cast. I know this is off topic just goes to show that these ebikes are way to over priced.
First of all... that's a beautiful machine! powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/super-cub-c125 And yeah, it's feedback I see a lot on these expensive electric bikes... and it's true. I see these more expensive ebikes as like "best in class" so you can get cheaper stuff for less than $1k if you want. If we do the same thing in the motorcycle world, some of the really nice bikes like the CRF1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport are $20k+ have you seen the dual battery Riese & Müller products by any chance? They also cost more but are pretty impressive.
You can’t ride the Honda on the bike lane tho!
@@ericknighton7881 You can't ride the bike down the road at 55mph either.
@@popholmes5825 Eh, your not polluting and getting some exercise, and it’s still a bike and not a motorcycle. They’re two different things. And the more your in traffic the more likely you are to get hit. It’s just a faster type of bike that takes out all the crappy parts about riding a bike like head winds and hills.
@@ericknighton7881 Another advantage that I never experienced to the same extent when I had a motorcycle is this: You really get to meet new friends on the bike trails. You can park anywhere for free, bring the bike right up to the coffee shops, bars, etc. and get to explore the myriad of bike friendly towns with hundreds of kms of trails. Hills? What hills? No license or insurance required, etc.
Bla bla bla 😂