LBS introduced me to Gazelle ebikes

[ACAG]

I am new to Ebikes and went to my local Ebike store and was shown the Gazelle line of ebikes. I realized that I need a level 3 Ebike, since the level 1 did not have the power I am looking for to go up hills easily. I am very interested in the Gazelle Ultimate 10+ HMB. Any other brands to consider similar to this Ebike? What are people's thoughts on the Gazelle brand? Gazelle is launching a new belt version, Ultimate C380+ HMB. Should I consider this Ebike...thoughts on belts vs chain drives?

 

[Dewey]

Do you want to ride at Class 3 speed 28mph? If you want higher torque for climbing hills and top speed does not matter you might like a Class 1 with a high torque motor like the Bosch CX, Yamaha PW, Brose S, etc.

The Enviolo CVT and Gates belt on the C380+ offers several benefits including oil free cleanliness, the ability to shift down gear under load while pedaling or when stationary, which is useful when riding in traffic.

If you want the Class 3 speed, a similar bike to the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ is the Bulls Urban Evo 10. If you want the combination of Class 3 speed and Enviolo CVT with belt, similar bikes to the C380+ include the Riese and Muller Roadster Vario HS, or the Serial 1 Rush CTY speed model.

 

[ACAG]

Do you want to ride at Class 3 speed 28mph? If you want higher torque for climbing hills and top speed does not matter you might like a Class 1 with a high torque motor like the Bosch CX, Yamaha PW, Brose S, etc.

The Enviolo CVT and Gates belt on the C380+ offers several benefits including oil free cleanliness, the ability to shift down gear under load while pedaling or when stationary, which is useful when riding in traffic.

If you want the Class 3 speed, a similar bike to the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ is the Bulls Urban Evo 10. If you want the combination of Class 3 speed and Enviolo CVT with belt, similar bikes to the C380+ include the Riese and Muller Roadster Vario HS, or the Serial 1 Rush CTY speed model.

Thank you for the reply. What ebikes use the Bosch CX, Yamaha PW, Brose S, etc. motors? I will be using this Ebike for pleasure, not daily commutes, so I suppose speed is not a big factor.

 

[Dewey]

Thank you for the reply. What ebikes use the Bosch CX, Yamaha PW, Brose S, etc. motors? I will be using this Ebike for pleasure, not daily commutes, so I suppose speed is not a big factor.

There are too many to mention so my suggestions below are just a selection of Class 1 models with higher torque motors that are available:
Bosch CX: Trek Allant+, Cube Kathmandu, Gazelle Ultimate
Yamaha PW: Yamaha Cross Connect, Giant Explore E+
Brose S: Specialized Turbo Vado & Como models

Test ride as many as you can, local shop support helps, a lot of ebike shops will service motors from other brands if they use the same technology eg a bike shop that is a Bosch dealer can service any Bosch ebike, some specialty ebike shops focus on one brand eg Propel in Brooklyn, NY, and Long Beach, CA only work on Bosch systems, while others will support multiple brands eg in Washington, DC Electricity Bikes will work on Bosch, Brose, Yamaha, or Shimano motor systems.

 

[AlanDB]

My Gazelle Arroyo is in its 4th season and I still love it. I have had no problems with it. Gazelle makes a quality ebike.

 

[Art Deco]

I am new to Ebikes and went to my local Ebike store and was shown the Gazelle line of ebikes. I realized that I need a level 3 Ebike, since the level 1 did not have the power I am looking for to go up hills easily. I am very interested in the Gazelle Ultimate 10+ HMB. Any other brands to consider similar to this Ebike? What are people's thoughts on the Gazelle brand? Gazelle is launching a new belt version, Ultimate C380+ HMB. Should I consider this Ebike...thoughts on belts vs chain drives?

Changing the top speed (to class 3) doesn't necessarily mean more hill climbing power. More money usually gets both higher speed and more power in the same brand ... but not always. Nothing is that simple in eBikes.

 

[indianajo]

Gazelle makes a quality bike. According to court's review, the Ultimate 10 has a Bosch performance line motor, which I believe requires power at all times to not drag. Unpowered your feet spin the motor. Ultimate 8 has a shimano geared hub motor, which does not drag unpowered if you believe in actually exercising sometimes. I ride unpowered about 80% of the time, but >15 mph headwinds happen more and more often that can make a 30 mile trip into a 6 hour struggle.
Belt may have twice the life of an 8 speed chain with a hub drive. I got 5000 miles out of my low end KMC chain. Replacement in the extra length for cargo bike cost $32. Mid drives like the bosch use up chains faster than that. Chains with more speeds than 8 wear out faster than 5000 miles, too.
I cross >80 hills in my 30 mile commute, with up to 80 lb groceries in addition to the 94 lb bike+tools + 160 lb me. I have a 1000 W Mac12t geared hub motor. It will start 330 lb without pedal assitance on a 15% grade. What geared hub motors will not do is climb 1000' in an hour. They will overheat. Think Rockies, Sierras, Oregon Washington California Colorado. Where 90% of the bikes are sold. Hence the passion for mid-drives among dealers. Also they make more money on a mid drive.

 

[rajron]

I have a Gazelle T10+ and just love the bike. It is a Hybrid bike with many built in features, the craftsmanship is outstanding, it comes with lights, front shock, café lock, a bell, heavy duty tires and rims, rack, front a rear fenders, kick stand, hydraulic front and rear brakes and an option to add another battery integrated into the system. It is a class 3 easy to cruise at 25+ mph even against the wind. If you are conservative with assist it is easy to go > 55 miles with battery to spare. With a dual battery much greater distance. The bike handles like a dream, very plush steady and sure footed also easy to ride unassisted.
Some of the roads I ride on are terrible so I am going to add a suspension seat post. I wish the bike was lighter, not so much for performance but to carry, or lift. I didn’t like the saddle, or pedals and changed them out also added an extension to the flat bar handles to tuck when cruising at speed.
Not sure if it is a negative the bike uses the Purion controller, some think it inadequate and can be upgraded, but I like its minimalist style and function.

 

[MrNoFluFF.com]

I have a Gazelle T10+ and just love the bike. It is a Hybrid bike with many built in features, the craftsmanship is outstanding, it comes with lights, front shock, café lock, a bell, heavy duty tires and rims, rack, front a rear fenders, kick stand, hydraulic front and rear brakes and an option to add another battery integrated into the system. It is a class 3 easy to cruise at 25+ mph even against the wind. If you are conservative with assist it is easy to go > 55 miles with battery to spare. With a dual battery much greater distance. The bike handles like a dream, very plush steady and sure footed also easy to ride unassisted.
Some of the roads I ride on are terrible so I am going to add a suspension seat post. I wish the bike was lighter, not so much for performance but to carry, or lift. I didn’t like the saddle, or pedals and changed them out also added an extension to the flat bar handles to tuck when cruising at speed.
Not sure if it is a negative the bike uses the Purion controller, some think it inadequate and can be upgraded, but I like its minimalist style and function.

Nice bike! I’m thinking of buying one. Have you had any problems with the bike?

 

[TrailSeeker]

Ultimate 10 has a Bosch performance line motor, which I believe requires power at all times to not drag.

Does this mean you have to be In at least eco mode, and riding manually is not an option?

 

[ACAG]

Does this mean you have to be In at least eco mode, and riding manually is not an option?

No, there is a no assist option

 

[rajron]

Nice bike! I’m thinking of buying one. Have you had any problems with the bike?

I can only speak for my bike I can’t compare it to any other e-bike.
The bike rides well without assist as a matter of fact on longer rides, I ride about 35% unassisted to reach the distances I want.
I am unaware of any weakness aside from weight, and of course the pedals and saddle.
The bike rides straight and true, turns and stops on a dime the finish is flawless and components hold up well – can’t ask for much more, oh and Bosch motor and battery system works great for me.