Bought a Gazelle Ultimate T10+

[driftcafe]

Last week I bought a Gazelle Ultimate T10+ size 53 in Orion Blue. My very first eBike was a 2019 Rad City that I got about 4000 miles out of before some things started failing on it. Rather than put more money and effort into it I decided to donate it and treat myself to an upgrade and boy am I glad that I did!

I test rode The Medeo T10+ and the Specialized Vado 4.0 to start. Between these two I actually liked the Vado a little more, the shifting seemed a little more crisp and the motor was very quiet and powerful. Something about the Medeo just didn't speak to me. Then I test rode the Vado and the Ultimate back to back in the rain... twice, over two days. I got soaked but it was actually a good test ride for living in Seattle, I'll be riding in the rain - I enjoy it. Going into the first test ride I had in my mind that I was going to get the Vado. I rode it first and it was fun, very sporty, fatter 2.3" tires but kinda bouncy so I tightened up the front fork a little. When I got on the Ultimate t10+ I immediately felt the more upright position and my first thought was that I wanted a little bit more reach. I started thinking of ways to gain more reach, maybe I could change the handlebar to something less swept back, maybe a longer stem, etc. The other thing I noticed was how solid and well built it felt. The shifting was clean and crisp, the bike just rolled right over potholes and bumps in the road smoothly and without rattles. The handling felt surprisingly agile and I could corner at speed smoothly. The torque of the motor crushed hills. While the tires are significantly narrower than the Vado, they still are more than capable for most of the off-roading I want to do which is mostly gravel and some dirt trails. The Ultimate definitely spoke to me so after the 2nd day of test riding I decided to go with it.

On my first real ride out with it, after about 5 miles I no longer felt the need for longer reach like I initially thought I wanted. The positioning was actually perfect. During my 25 mile ride, multiple times I was saying "Oh my God I love this bike... wow, this is so fun". When I got home I realized that my neck and shoulders and back didn't hurt like they usually did. In the morning I woke up feeling great, again without soreness. I'm in love with this bike!

The only things I've added so far are my JBL Wind bluetooth speaker, Arundel Looney Bin bottle cage, and my trusty Ortlieb pannier. I'm likely going to swap the pedals to Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Large for a little more grip and surface area.

 

[JoeDirt]

Okay so how do you like the bike so far. And have you been able to hit the top speed of 28 mph? Thanks in advance

 

[driftcafe]

Okay so how do you like the bike so far. And have you been able to hit the top speed of 28 mph? Thanks in advance

I’ve got about 250 miles on it and I’m really loving it. I’ve hit the top speed and maybe beyond while going down big hills? Compared to the RadCity I had where the governor would always kick in, I haven’t felt any kind of forced slow down.

I noticed that the tires are Schwalbe Marathon where the advertised tires say Energizer Plus. Not sure why those are different but for the mostly urban riding that I’m doing it seems fine.

 

[JoeDirt]

I’ve got about 250 miles on it and I’m really loving it. I’ve hit the top speed and maybe beyond while going down big hills? Compared to the RadCity I had where the governor would always kick in, I haven’t felt any kind of forced slow down.

I noticed that the tires are Schwalbe Marathon where the advertised tires say Energizer Plus. Not sure why those are different but for the mostly urban riding that I’m doing it seems fine.

Thanks for that update on the mph, but how hard is it to get to that 28 with turbo assist.

I'm just curious because it seems like Bosch likes to taper off their assists from 25 to 28 mph, meaning you have to work hard with more effort to get to 28 mph. Is that so? Thanks in advance

 

[driftcafe]

Thanks for that update on the mph, but how hard is it to get to that 28 with turbo assist.

I'm just curious because it seems like Bosch likes to taper off their assists from 25 to 28 mph, meaning you have to work hard with more effort to get to 28 mph. Is that so? Thanks in advance

Hmm I guess I typically only use turbo on steep hills so I’m less concerned about max speed… but next time I’m out I’ll give it a try!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@JoeDirt: I wrote this in another thread: even a 520 W (peak, mechanical power) motor won't take you faster than 25 mph in windless conditions on the flat if the e-bike has flat handlebars. The air-drag limits your speed because the power demand grows in the third power with the speed. A flat handlebar e-bike will get you faster with tailwind or downwind. Or, go and get yourself a monster illegal moped disguised by the moniker of 'e-bike'. Like a thousand watts.

Don't expect long rides on a powerful e-bike in max assistance, either. An hour of riding maximum. Batteries have their capacity limit.

 

[JoeDirt]

@JoeDirt: I wrote this in another thread: even a 520 W (peak, mechanical power) motor won't take you faster than 25 mph in windless conditions on the flat if the e-bike has flat handlebars. The air-drag limits your speed because the power demand grows in the third power with the speed. A flat handlebar e-bike will get you faster with tailwind or downwind. Or, go and get yourself a monster illegal moped disguised by the moniker of 'e-bike'. Like a thousand watts.

Don't expect long rides on a powerful e-bike in max assistance, either. An hour of riding maximum. Batteries have their capacity limit.

Thanks for that info, I'm starting to see that on these class 3 bikes. But what I am seeing is the top name brands seem to run these class threes efficiently so you get some good range based off the different assist levels that you use.
I'm looking close at the Bosch performance line speed Motor. That seems to be housed into the gazelle ultimate T10+ which is getting my attention. Any thoughts on that bike if you have any knowledge thank you

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Any thoughts on that bike if you have any knowledge thank you

No practical experience, sorry.
I'm well versed in Specialized.

 

[JoeDirt]

No practical experience, sorry.
I'm well versed in Specialized.

Stefan, how do you like the Brose motor? Is it trouble free.? On the other post I mentioned the new Vado SL 6.0 EQ all carbon, updated motor to a 1.2 50 newton meters of torque. I have yet to ride this but it is very inviting just for the 40 lb weight

 

[Stefan Mikes]

First of all, Vado SL 6.0 EQ Carbon is equipped with the Specialized SL 1.2 motor, which is incidentally manufactured for Specialized by Mahle not Brose. I cannot tell you how the SL 1.2 feels as I haven't ridden t yet.

Brose motors are used in Specialized "full power" e-bikes such as Vado (non-SL), and are totally different from the SL motors.

 

[JoeDirt]

Hmm I guess I typically only use turbo on steep hills so I’m less concerned about max speed… but next time I’m out I’ll give it a try!

Well I ordered the gazelle ultimate T10+ in Orion blue.

I should have it next week. I'm in California so it might take a week or two the dealership said.
Looking forward to getting this and powering around town.

The price point is just right. I do like name brands for local support. Local support is always something that gets underrated because when you need it, it's really good to have it close by.

I'm fairly Savvy on the mechanics.

Dealerships like Jak's and Trek and specialized can probably handle any type of repair issue that might be needed for the Bosch system under warranty.
Thank you

 

[nutdriver]

Well I ordered the gazelle ultimate T10+ in Orion blue.

I should have it next week. I'm in California so it might take a week or two the dealership said.
Looking forward to getting this and powering around town.

The price point is just right. I do like name brands for local support. Local support is always something that gets underrated because when you need it, it's really good to have it close by.

I'm fairly Savvy on the mechanics.

Dealerships like Jak's and Trek and specialized can probably handle any type of repair issue that might be needed for the Bosch system under warranty.
Thank you

Congratulations on your new bike! I am also riding a Gazelle Ultimate T10+. I think you will be very happy with the bike.

 

[driftcafe]

Well I ordered the gazelle ultimate T10+ in Orion blue.

I should have it next week. I'm in California so it might take a week or two the dealership said.
Looking forward to getting this and powering around town.

The price point is just right. I do like name brands for local support. Local support is always something that gets underrated because when you need it, it's really good to have it close by.

I'm fairly Savvy on the mechanics.

Dealerships like Jak's and Trek and specialized can probably handle any type of repair issue that might be needed for the Bosch system under warranty.
Thank you

Congrats!! I’ve got about 300 miles on mine now and I’m loving more than ever. Rode 20 miles in the Seattle rain today smiling the whole time.

 

[JoeDirt]

Last week I bought a Gazelle Ultimate T10+ size 53 in Orion Blue. My very first eBike was a 2019 Rad City that I got about 4000 miles out of before some things started failing on it. Rather than put more money and effort into it I decided to donate it and treat myself to an upgrade and boy am I glad that I did!

I test rode The Medeo T10+ and the Specialized Vado 4.0 to start. Between these two I actually liked the Vado a little more, the shifting seemed a little more crisp and the motor was very quiet and powerful. Something about the Medeo just didn't speak to me. Then I test rode the Vado and the Ultimate back to back in the rain... twice, over two days. I got soaked but it was actually a good test ride for living in Seattle, I'll be riding in the rain - I enjoy it. Going into the first test ride I had in my mind that I was going to get the Vado. I rode it first and it was fun, very sporty, fatter 2.3" tires but kinda bouncy so I tightened up the front fork a little. When I got on the Ultimate t10+ I immediately felt the more upright position and my first thought was that I wanted a little bit more reach. I started thinking of ways to gain more reach, maybe I could change the handlebar to something less swept back, maybe a longer stem, etc. The other thing I noticed was how solid and well built it felt. The shifting was clean and crisp, the bike just rolled right over potholes and bumps in the road smoothly and without rattles. The handling felt surprisingly agile and I could corner at speed smoothly. The torque of the motor crushed hills. While the tires are significantly narrower than the Vado, they still are more than capable for most of the off-roading I want to do which is mostly gravel and some dirt trails. The Ultimate definitely spoke to me so after the 2nd day of test riding I decided to go with it.

On my first real ride out with it, after about 5 miles I no longer felt the need for longer reach like I initially thought I wanted. The positioning was actually perfect. During my 25 mile ride, multiple times I was saying "Oh my God I love this bike... wow, this is so fun". When I got home I realized that my neck and shoulders and back didn't hurt like they usually did. In the morning I woke up feeling great, again without soreness. I'm in love with this bike!

The only things I've added so far are my JBL Wind bluetooth speaker, Arundel Looney Bin bottle cage, and my trusty Ortlieb pannier. I'm likely going to swap the pedals to Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Large for a little more grip and surface area.

Last week I bought a Gazelle Ultimate T10+ size 53 in Orion Blue. My very first eBike was a 2019 Rad City that I got about 4000 miles out of before some things started failing on it. Rather than put more money and effort into it I decided to donate it and treat myself to an upgrade and boy am I glad that I did!

I test rode The Medeo T10+ and the Specialized Vado 4.0 to start. Between these two I actually liked the Vado a little more, the shifting seemed a little more crisp and the motor was very quiet and powerful. Something about the Medeo just didn't speak to me. Then I test rode the Vado and the Ultimate back to back in the rain... twice, over two days. I got soaked but it was actually a good test ride for living in Seattle, I'll be riding in the rain - I enjoy it. Going into the first test ride I had in my mind that I was going to get the Vado. I rode it first and it was fun, very sporty, fatter 2.3" tires but kinda bouncy so I tightened up the front fork a little. When I got on the Ultimate t10+ I immediately felt the more upright position and my first thought was that I wanted a little bit more reach. I started thinking of ways to gain more reach, maybe I could change the handlebar to something less swept back, maybe a longer stem, etc. The other thing I noticed was how solid and well built it felt. The shifting was clean and crisp, the bike just rolled right over potholes and bumps in the road smoothly and without rattles. The handling felt surprisingly agile and I could corner at speed smoothly. The torque of the motor crushed hills. While the tires are significantly narrower than the Vado, they still are more than capable for most of the off-roading I want to do which is mostly gravel and some dirt trails. The Ultimate definitely spoke to me so after the 2nd day of test riding I decided to go with it.

On my first real ride out with it, after about 5 miles I no longer felt the need for longer reach like I initially thought I wanted. The positioning was actually perfect. During my 25 mile ride, multiple times I was saying "Oh my God I love this bike... wow, this is so fun". When I got home I realized that my neck and shoulders and back didn't hurt like they usually did. In the morning I woke up feeling great, again without soreness. I'm in love with this bike!

The only things I've added so far are my JBL Wind bluetooth speaker, Arundel Looney Bin bottle cage, and my trusty Ortlieb pannier. I'm likely going to swap the pedals to Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Large for a little more grip and surface area.

Well I figured I would reach back out to you and let you know that I've got about 400 miles on the gazelle. I can't say enough about the performance of this bike.
It blows away the specialized Vado 6.0 SL carbon fiber, it blows away the trek FX + 7s. The sheer torque and quick response and flat out power being able to push it at 28mph into the wind is very satisfying!
Also, as you know the front forks are very well balanced they have the rebound compression and damping adjustments. Today I took it off road along some dirt trails, just blasted!, of course the tires aren't exactly dirt but cow trails are fine! Having the front shocks are a real asset!, I thought they would be dead weight, but I've been trying them on some of the surface streets that I normally ride my road bike on and have my fillings Jarred out! And with these front forks I'm drinking a coffee I hope you're still enjoying yours!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It blows away the specialized Vado 6.0 SL carbon fiber, it blows away the trek FX + 7s.

You have never tried a Vado 5.0 (full power). It is hard to compare apples to oranges. You cannot deny your Gazelle is a heavy e-bike but you compared it to lightweight low power e-bikes.
Now, try to lift your Gazelle and carry it upstairs

 

[driftcafe]

Well I figured I would reach back out to you and let you know that I've got about 400 miles on the gazelle. I can't say enough about the performance of this bike.
It blows away the specialized Vado 6.0 SL carbon fiber, it blows away the trek FX + 7s. The sheer torque and quick response and flat out power being able to push it at 28mph into the wind is very satisfying!
Also, as you know the front forks are very well balanced they have the rebound compression and damping adjustments. Today I took it off road along some dirt trails, just blasted!, of course the tires aren't exactly dirt but cow trails are fine! Having the front shocks are a real asset!, I thought they would be dead weight, but I've been trying them on some of the surface streets that I normally ride my road bike on and have my fillings Jarred out! And with these front forks I'm drinking a coffee I hope you're still enjoying yours!

That's awesome! Yes, I too am really enjoying the front suspension for the rough urban rides and to your point it does pretty well off road but could benefit from slightly wider tires for true off roading. I use mine primarily for longer urban rides with some light trials.

What bike stand are you using there? Is that an e-bike specific stand?

For anyone interested, I made a silly little fun video on the new bike here:

 

[JoeDirt]

Hey that's a great video! The weather looks enjoyable yeah definitely a good day to ride

The stand is a park stand and the number is on the attached photos. I picked it up from Bike Tires Direct. They're up in your neck of the woods I think Portland. Thanks for sharing