Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB

[Rider678]

My 2018 RadCity Stepthru has over 5K miles and while it’s still working well, I’d like an upgrade and more enjoyable riding experience.

I have my sights set on a Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB. Denim Blue. I’m located in the US. I have test driven several Gazelles. I also test drove an Aventon and did not find it much of an upgrade from my Rad.

My question is although I am 5’8” and Gazelle suggests the 53 cm frame, the smaller 46 cm frame feels so much more comfortable to me. But I was only able to test drive the C380 HMB in 53. The 46s I rode were C8 And T10.

I reviewed the geometry of both frames and their specs say these 2 sizes are exactly the same except the seat tube length.

Any thoughts on size or this model of bike? TIA.

 

[Base]

Most important factor is the reach, so the distance between the saddle and the handlebar. So I wonder why the 46 felt better than the 53?
You could alter the position a bit by moving the saddle to the front and set the stem (part between fork and handlebar) a bit more upright so the handlebar comes closer to the saddle.

Or get the dealer to swap the stem for a diffent moddel so it would better fit you.

 

[Chazmo]

That’s a sweet bike! Good luck! $3,500 seems like a very good price for a mid-drive, belt-driven, IGH ride like that. Plus, I like the color!

 

[Rider678]

Most important factor is the reach, so the distance between the saddle and the handlebar. So I wonder why the 46 felt better than the 53?
You could alter the position a bit by moving the saddle to the front and set the stem (part between fork and handlebar) a bit more upright so the handlebar comes closer to the saddle.

Or get the dealer to swap the stem for a diffent moddel so it would better fit you.

Thanks. I think their specs are off. Because on all 3 smaller bikes, the reach was better for me in that it was closer. I have long legs but short torso.

 

[Rider678]

That’s a sweet bike! Good luck! $3,500 seems like a very good price for a mid-drive, belt-driven, IGH ride like that. Plus, I like the color!

The C380 HMB is $5200. I wish it was $3500! The C380 is less ($3900 here before state rebate) but it doesn’t have as nice a Bosch system, front fork isn’t as nice, and computer screen not removable and nowhere near as nice. Also less torque.

 

[Base]

If the 46 fits better than get the smallar one. The "problem" with powertube frames is that the downtube has a minimal length. So for our brands I do now that the seattube angle and hight are the ones which are different for the smaller frame sizes and some other brands share 2 or 3 framesizes which only have a shorter seattube. Easier for producing the frames

 

[Roamers]

We have C380s and really like them. It's been 5 years so my memory is now 5 years older.

The LBS didn't have a C380, but had a T10, which I recall is the same geometry as a C380 (only really difference I recall is IGH vs derailleur) so judging fit using T10 should be a good test; unless geometries have changed in the last 5 years.

 

[Chazmo]

The C380 HMB is $5200. I wish it was $3500! The C380 is less ($3900 here before state rebate) but it doesn’t have as nice a Bosch system, front fork isn’t as nice, and computer screen not removable and nowhere near as nice. Also less torque.

Am I looking at the wrong bike?:

Gazelle Ultimate C380+ | Gazelle

Discover the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ with an 85Nm motor, Gates belt drive, and 500Wh battery. Perfect for smooth, low-maintenance rides in the city!

www.gazellebikes.com

 

[Rider678]

Am I looking at the wrong bike?:

Gazelle Ultimate C380+ | Gazelle

Discover the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ with an 85Nm motor, Gates belt drive, and 500Wh battery. Perfect for smooth, low-maintenance rides in the city!

www.gazellebikes.com

https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/ebikes/gazelle-ultimate-c380-hmb Yes. This is the one I like.

 

[Rider678]

https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/ebikes/gazelle-ultimate-c380-hmb Yes. This is the one I like.

But maybe I should look at that one! Although I really refer a true step through….

 

[Chazmo]

But maybe I should look at that one! Although I really refer a true step through….

Gotcha'

Well, big diff in cost… And, just being honest, that’s a very, very good price for all those tech goodies. Disclaimer: I know nothing about these actual bikes, though.

Also, even though the $3,500 C380+ I was showing you is not a step through, that top tube looks pretty low (out of the way) for the most part. Depends of course how much that matters to you!

Good luck in your choices!!!!!

 

[Rider678]

Gotcha'

Well, big diff in cost… And, just being honest, that’s a very, very good price for all those tech goodies. Disclaimer: I know nothing about these actual bikes, though.

Also, even though the $3,500 C380+ I was showing you is not a step through, that top tube looks pretty low (out of the way) for the most part. Depends of course how much that matters to you!

Good luck in your choices!!!!!

Thanks! The + version has more torque, Class 3 (vs class 1) and is a lot cheaper. It’s a mid-step. I test drove the T10 mid-step and liked it so now you have given me food for thought. Down to 2 bikes to choose from!

 

[Chazmo]

I like it when I’m helpful. It isn’t often!

Seriously, good luck, @Rider678 .

Oh, one other things, comparison-wise… I’m not sure if the original model you talked about had more gear or not… That could be an important factor (although I doubt it’s a $2000 factor)… I.e., rack, fenders….

 

[stompandgo]

A 46cm seems awfully small to me. A 53cm may be OK but I'd think a 50cm would be closest.

BTW, you don't adjust reach by moving the saddle fore and aft. That adjustment is for getting the correct hip angle for pedaling power. You adjust overall reach with stem length and steerer spacers, which also affect the reach. On a bike like this, you can also change the bars which will affect reach.

 

[Base]

A 46cm seems awfully small to me. A 53cm may be OK but I'd think a 50cm would be closest.

BTW, you don't adjust reach by moving the saddle fore and aft. That adjustment is for getting the correct hip angle for pedaling power. You adjust overall reach with stem length and steerer spacers, which also affect the reach. On a bike like this, you can also change the bars which will affect reach.

100% true, but in most cases when you are in between two frame sizes you can over come most with stem angle and saddle position.

And yes I personally have a very weird position on a bicycle... Both knees are worn out (since when is was 15) so I sit in a more tri-hip position and overstretch my knees a tiny bit, that helps in being able to cycle for days and days on. My bike-fit license expired so cannot use those measuring tools+sw any more.

 

[Rider678]

A 46cm seems awfully small to me. A 53cm may be OK but I'd think a 50cm would be closest.

BTW, you don't adjust reach by moving the saddle fore and aft. That adjustment is for getting the correct hip angle for pedaling power. You adjust overall reach with stem length and steerer spacers, which also affect the reach. On a bike like this, you can also change the bars which will affect reach.

Thanks. This bike (and most of Gazelle I believe) have adjustable angle handlebars. They don’t sell a 50. But I will test drive both the 46 and 53 before buying one. If I remember correctly when I was on the 53, the bars were in the most upright position and didn’t feel as comfortable as when I rode the 46.

This is a big purchase so I won’t rush it.

 

[newts]

In general the E bikes are heavy and maybe the smaller frame is easier to control?

Or the stance? I find the generally have an in between stance. Not hunched over like a racer and not full upright for a city bike. Do you have a preference there? I agree with Base that adjustments can make either frame work for you if you are in the middle.

Technical advice aside I think the bike picks the rider, not the other way around. Go with what feels best.

Good luck and let us know how it worked out.

 

[Rider678]

In general the E bikes are heavy and maybe the smaller frame is easier to control?

Or the stance? I find the generally have an in between stance. Not hunched over like a racer and not full upright for a city bike. Do you have a preference there? I agree with Base that adjustments can make either frame work for you if you are in the middle.

Technical advice aside I think the bike picks the rider, not the other way around. Go with what feels best.

Good luck and let us know how it worked out.

Thanks! I ordered the smaller frame from my LBS and hopefully will get it this weekend. I’ll post back and give my thoughts. Luckily they have a 2 week trial just in case it’s the wrong size.

 

[newts]

Thanks! I ordered the smaller frame from my LBS and hopefully will get it this weekend. I’ll post back and give my thoughts. Luckily they have a 2 week trial just in case it’s the wrong size.

That's what is great about LBS. I got my Vado 4 for $500 off as it came back in a week with about 10 miles on it. They guy decided he wanted an XL.

 

[efair]

I have the 2022 T10, taking @Roamers word on geometry, I'll add that a handlebar with more rise and (more importantly) sweep really made my 57 much more pleasant. I'm 5' 11" and 205 lbs (180 cm and 95 kg) and need a very upright riding position.