Is Gazelle The Best Electric Bike Brand? (We Tested It)
Gazelle Bikes is a Dutch-based e-bike company that’s been operating for over a century, and since 2017 they also have a major facility in the United States.
While they started out in 1892 as a small bicycle exporter, today they’re one of the biggest names in e-bike manufacturing on both sides of the Atlantic.
So how good are their bikes, exactly?
Well, one of our editors personally owns a Gazelle bike and won’t stop raving about it, so today we’re going to share with you what we know about this e-bike industry giant!
Here’s What Makes Gazelle Bikes Great:
Gazelle Bikes is a Dutch-based e-bike manufacturer with a major office in Santa Cruz, U.S. Their bikes have very sturdy frames and are all equipped with top-of-the-line Bosch or Shimano motors. Gazelle bikes use only the best parts available, so the build is high-quality throughout their design.
How Are Gazelle eBikes Different From Other Brands?
Gazelle Bikes makes e-bikes with exacting standards, using only the best components and a design philosophy leading to sturdy, long-lasting bikes.
Their bikes use motors from only two brands: Bosch and Shimano.
Bosch is a German-based multinational engineering and technology company well-known the world over for high-quality, dependable motors, engines, and more.
Gazelle bikes equipped with Bosch mid-drive motors deliver dependable, powerful performance with a durable, long-lasting design.
Shimano Industries is a Japanese-based technology company that makes fishing tackle, rowing equipment, and of course, cycling components.
Gazelle bikes featuring a Shimano STEPS motor deliver a powerful pedal assist with an impressive maximum torque of 50 N m.
Gazelle’s Shimano STEPS-equipped models also feature an especially lively and responsive feel to the pedal assist, thanks to the low mid-drive mounting position.
Whether you get a Bosch or Shimano-equipped model, you’ll get only the best motor tech from a Gazelle bike.
Bosch and Shimano also supply Gazelle bikes with their digital LCD displays.
These displays are as dependable as the motors they’re connected to and will tell you everything you need to know at a glance from remaining battery charge to current speed to the time of day.
Gazelle also equips all their bikes with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries of superior quality.
Gazelle Bikes’ batteries range from 400 to 504WH in capacity, and the most efficient one on offer boasts an impressive maximum ride distance of 100 miles!
Of course, Gazelle is more than just the high-quality parts they use; the design of the bike itself matters too.
And in this department, Gazelle doesn’t disappoint either.
Gazelle bikes have exceptionally durable frames without being overly heavy.
We’re not sure exactly how they achieved this feat of engineering, but our proud Gazelle-bike-owning editor has tried several e-bike brands and found Gazelle to be the sturdiest.
The one downside to Gazelle bikes is that they tend to be a bit pricier, but it’s worth noting that because they’re so sturdy, they could be a better budget choice than you might think.
That’s because, even if you have to save up a little to afford one, you may very well save money in the long run.
Gazelle bikes have very durable frames, meaning you’re less likely to damage them and need costly repairs.
The fact that they use only the best motors, accessories, and parts also means you’re less likely to need to replace any of these components anytime soon.
How Long Do Gazelle Bikes Last?
Gazelle Bikes are made with high-quality parts to exacting standards, and they aren’t cheap either, so it would certainly be fair to expect them to last a long time.
Of course, we can’t talk about a bike’s longevity without talking about the battery.
That’s because, of all the different parts in an e-bike, the battery is the most likely to fail first, at least if the bike is of good overall construction, which Gazelle’s indeed are.
Luckily for us, Gazelle doesn’t skimp on battery quality either.
Their bikes feature only lithium-ion batteries, the superior choice over other alternatives like lead-acid, nickel-composites, and other variants of lithium-composite.
These alternatives might be cheaper, but there’s a reason lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in the technology world at large today.
Lithium-ion batteries perform well and are less sensitive to mistreatment than the various alternatives.
All Gazelle bikes have fairly high-capacity batteries as well, with the lowest being 400WH and ranging all the way to a maximum of 504WH.
Of course, when determining the longevity of a battery, what we really need to know is how many charge cycles it’s rated for.
Most e-bike batteries have anywhere from 400-1000 charge cycles, after which their maximum capacity will degrade.
They’re still functional after this point, but this is merely the point at which they start to be able to hold less and less power until they’ll eventually stop being useful.
When translating charge cycles to years of usefulness, assuming average usage rates, most e-bike batteries are good for 3-5 years; longer with proper care.
Unfortunately for our purposes, the charge cycle rating is one of the few details Gazelle isn’t as forthcoming about as we’d like; we weren’t able to find it anywhere on their website.
That being said, given Gazelle’s penchant for using only the best parts, we can probably assume their batteries will last closer to the 5-year end of the average spectrum.
As for the longevity of the bike frame and other parts, the frame shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Barring a major accident, the sturdy frames of Gazelle bikes are likely to hold up for years on end with, at most, some minor maintenance required now and then.
As for the other components, you might eventually need a new motor, but since the battery is usually the first thing to fail, it’s probably going to be a while before anything else does.
With all that being said, we can’t give you a “to the mile”, objective answer on exactly how long a Gazelle bike will last; there are simply too many variables.
What we can give you is the personal recommendation of one proud Gazelle bike owner and the confident speculation that Gazelle bikes can probably last for decades on end if well cared for.
What Brands Come Closest to the Gazelle Quality?
Of course, Gazelle isn’t the only fish in the sea, so to speak, and there are other great e-bike makers out there too.
So who comes close to the exceptional quality of Gazelle? Well, we can give a few recommendations.
Charge Bikes
Charge Bikes is a UK-based e-bike company that specializes in shipping “some-assembly-required” e-bikes all over the world.
They come “mostly fully built” and should require only a little work on your end.
While this may be slightly less convenient than buying a pre-built bike, it allows them to ship to more places around the world at a lower cost, without compromising quality.
Charge Bikes’ “City” model has been rated as one of the best e-bikes of 2023, with all the best features you’d expect of a quality e-bike at an affordable cost.
The City model features a 5-level pedal assist, full throttle mode, and ample room for a bike bag and other accessories, making it perfect for commuters.
VanMoof
VanMoof is another dutch-based e-bike company that specializes in making high-quality e-bikes tailored to city life.
The Netherlands is a hotspot for high-quality bicycles, electric and otherwise, so it’s no surprise another Dutch company would make the list of companies that compare to Gazelle’s quality.
VanMoof bikes are also very stylish, with sleek, clean lines and a unique overall aesthetic that’s right at home with modern life.
Electric Bike Company
With a name like “Electric Bike Company,” (EBC for short), there’s no confusion as to what this U.S.-based company is all about.
Starting as a small business in Newport Beach, California, EBC now sells its bikes through dealers all over the United States.
Much like Gazelle, EBC prides itself on using only the best parts, favoring building everything they can themselves, by hand, and importing only the best components when they can’t.
EBC is a labor of love, offering handcrafted bikes built to order.
Not only that, but they’re the only truly U.S.-based companies offering exceptional e-bikes for the modern age; if you’re in the U.S. yourself and want to buy local, it doesn’t get better than this!
What Are the Most-Sold Gazelle eBike Models?
We weren’t able to find much data on sales numbers from Gazelle or any third-party source either after scouring the internet for answers.
So, since we can’t tell you which models sell the best, we’ll just tell you which one seems to be the best from a quality and performance standpoint.
The Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB may very well be the highest-quality bicycle on offer from Gazelle.
Of course, it’s also among the most expensive, but for a good reason: it combines all the best features of any Gazelle bike and top-of-the-line tech to go with it.
Testers found it to be one of the smoothest e-bike rides ever experienced, and it’s built for both comfort and performance.
With full mudguards, a chain guard, a 500WH battery, a Bosch motor rated for 65 N m of torque, and a 380 stepless gear system, there’s a lot to love.
If you’re on a budget, you might want to peruse Gazelle’s catalog for something a bit cheaper, but if you can afford it, it’s hard to go wrong with the Ultimate C380 HMB.
Bosch e Bike batteries
Bosch batteries are an efficient, long-life energy source. Thanks to their enormous mileage, long service life and intelligent battery management system, Bosch lithium-ion batteries are among the most modern on the market. Bosch eBike batteries combine low weight with ergonomic design and simple handling. The battery management system of the high-quality lithium-ion batteries detects potential sources of error and protects cells from overloading. There’s a suitable rechargeable battery for every requirement and every type of eBike; whether it’s the rack variant, frame battery or the integrated solution. The DualBattery is perfect for tour riders, long-distance commuters or cargo riders. The combination of two Bosch batteries delivers up to 1,250 Watt hours.
Four battery positions
Frame battery
Sporty dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the center of gravity to ensure optimum weight distribution.
Frame battery
Sporty dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the center of gravity to ensure optimum weight distribution.
Rack battery
Comfortably convenient: On step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to safely mount and dismount.
Rack battery
Comfortably convenient: On step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to safely mount and dismount.
Integrated battery
Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.
Integrated battery
Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.
Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver even greater range. Ideal for tour riders, long-distance commuters and cargo riders.
DualBattery
Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver even greater range. Ideal for tour riders, long-distance commuters and cargo riders.
PowerPacks
The versatile power source: PowerPacks from Bosch come in a variety of types. Frame batteries are close to the bike’s center of gravity. This has a positive effect on riding behavior. The rack variant is ideal for step-through models (only available in Bosch eBike system 2), offering greater freedom when mounting or dismounting. Charging is very simple in both variants: For charging with a Bosch charger, the PowerPacks can be easily removed with just one hand movement or conveniently charged on the bike itself. The high-quality, long-lasting eBike batteries from Bosch have high energy density with a compact size and light weight.
Battery – variants for the Smart system
New PowerPack 545
Go that extra distance: The PowerPack 545 is your ideal companion for excursions and city trips. You’ll never be caught short – even on last-minute diversions or unplanned uphill climbs.
New PowerPack 545
Go that extra distance: The PowerPack 545 is your ideal companion for excursions and city trips. You’ll never be caught short – even on last-minute diversions or unplanned uphill climbs.
New PowerPack 725
power and stamina: The PowerPack 725 is the perfect choice for longer tours or more demanding rides. It is ideally suited to Cargo Bikes or speed eBikes with higher energy requirements.
New PowerPack 725
power and stamina: The PowerPack 725 is the perfect choice for longer tours or more demanding rides. It is ideally suited to Cargo Bikes or speed eBikes with higher energy requirements.
Battery – variants for Bosch eBike system 2
PowerPack 300
The ideal companion on short, high-speed tours: The PowerPack 300 rack and frame battery variants for Bosch eBike system 2 are suitable for everyday use and short distances.
PowerPack 300
The ideal companion on short, high-speed tours: The PowerPack 300 rack and frame battery variants for Bosch eBike system 2 are suitable for everyday use and short distances.
PowerPack 400
Go further: The power of the PowerPack 400 (as a frame or rack battery version) means you can spontaneously explore new routes, visit friends or run errands.
PowerPack 400
Go further: The power of the PowerPack 400 (as a frame or rack battery version) means you can spontaneously explore new routes, visit friends or run errands.
PowerPack 500
Perfect for long journeys: A PowerPack 500 is the same size as and only slightly heavier than a PowerPack 400 but extends the range for longer trips. Available as either frame or rack batteries.
PowerPack 500
Perfect for long journeys: A PowerPack 500 is the same size as and only slightly heavier than a PowerPack 400 but extends the range for longer trips. Available as either frame or rack batteries.
Filter options
- PowerPack 300
- PowerPack 400
- PowerPack 500
- PowerPack 545 Frame
- PowerPack 725 Frame
- System
- Mounting type
- Voltage
- Capacity
- Energy content
- Weight, frame battery/rack battery
- Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
- Compatible with DualBattery
- Compact Charger
- Standard Charger
- Fast Charger
- 4A Charger
Unfortunately the selected combination is not available.
PowerPack 300
PowerPack 400
PowerPack 500
PowerPack 545 Frame
PowerPack 725 Frame
approx. 5.5 lbs/approx. 5.7 lbs
Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
50% charge: Approx. 2 hours 100% charge: Approx. 5 hours
PowerPack 300
PowerPack 400
PowerPack 500
PowerPack 545 Frame
PowerPack 725 Frame
approx. 5.5 lbs/approx. 5.7 lbs
Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
50% charge: Approx. 2 hours 100% charge: Approx. 5 hours
PowerTubes
For the highest demands in terms of performance and aesthetics: Bosch PowerTubes have the power to drive any ride and, thanks to their compact size and minimalist design, can be integrated within the eBike to ideal effect. There are two versions which are installed directly by the manufacturer, depending on the eBike model; horizontal or vertical. The sophisticated technology ensures carefree riding enjoyment: A safety catch prevents the batteries from falling out, while still allowing them to be removed with ease. Bosch offers three integrable lithium-ion batteries variants in the Smart system and in the Bosch eBike system 2, which cover all areas of application with different energy contents.
Battery – variants for the Smart system
New PowerTube 500
Elegantly integrated within the frame and the smallest PowerTube in the battery portfolio for the Smart system: The PowerTube 500 is the perfect match for minimalist lightweight eBikes.
New PowerTube 500
Elegantly integrated within the frame and the smallest PowerTube in the battery portfolio for the Smart system: The PowerTube 500 is the perfect match for minimalist lightweight eBikes.
New PowerTube 625
With the PowerTube 625 you have found the perfect fit for your eMTB adventures and longer trekking tours.
New PowerTube 625
With the PowerTube 625 you have found the perfect fit for your eMTB adventures and longer trekking tours.
PowerTube 750
The strongest and most robust PowerTube is made for long and demanding trail adventures. With this battery on board no mountain is too steep and no path too long.
PowerTube 750
The strongest and most robust PowerTube is made for long and demanding trail adventures. With this battery on board no mountain is too steep and no path too long.
Battery – variants for Bosch eBike system 2
PowerTube 400
The PowerTube 400 for Bosch eBike system 2 brings your stylish lightweight city bike up to speed and ensures carefree riding fun.
PowerTube 400
The PowerTube 400 for Bosch eBike system 2 brings your stylish lightweight city bike up to speed and ensures carefree riding fun.
PowerTube 500
The PowerTube 500 makes it easy for trekking and eMTB bikes to tackle long distances and the battery integrated in the frame provides a clean eBike look.
PowerTube 500
The PowerTube 500 makes it easy for trekking and eMTB bikes to tackle long distances and the battery integrated in the frame provides a clean eBike look.
PowerTube 625
Ready for any adventure: The PowerTube 625 for Bosch eBike system 2 lets you take on long and mountainous tours and offers plenty of power for maximum range and elevation.
PowerTube 625
Ready for any adventure: The PowerTube 625 for Bosch eBike system 2 lets you take on long and mountainous tours and offers plenty of power for maximum range and elevation.
Filter options
- System
- Mounting type
- Voltage
- Capacity
- Energy content
- Weight
- Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
- Compatible with DualBattery
- Compact Charger
- Standard Charger
- Fast Charger
- 4A Charger
Unfortunately the selected combination is not available.
PowerTube 400
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 750
Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
50% charge: Approx. 2.5 hours 100% charge: Approx. 6.5 hours
PowerTube 400
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 750
Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
50% charge: Approx. 2.5 hours 100% charge: Approx. 6.5 hours
DualBattery
No journey is too long: DualBattery is the perfect solution for tourers, long-distance commuters, cargo riders and eMTB riders. The combination of two Bosch batteries delivers up to 1,250 Wh and can be installed in almost any battery combination from the manufacturer. The system switches intelligently between the two batteries both during charging and discharging. This ensures that both batteries are charged and discharged evenly, significantly increasing their service life. Depending on what is planned, a single battery can also be used.
DualBattery is only available for Bosch eBike system 2.
PowerPack 300 and PowerTube 400 don’t work in any combination with DualBattery.
Maximum service life
The ecological footprint of an eBike is determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. That’s why we do everything possible to maximize their service life and to ensure proper disposal. You can find more on the subject of batteries in our battery guide.
Maximum service life
The ecological footprint of an eBike is determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. That’s why we do everything possible to maximize their service life and to ensure proper disposal. You can find more on the subject of batteries in our battery guide.
Awards and test wins
For more than 10 years, Bosch eBike systems has been delivering innovative eBike drive systems that offer the best performance and quality. Numerous awards and test wins confirm this and allow us to pursue our daily work with pride.
E-Bike Batteries Are Causing Fires: Is Your E-Bike Safe?
Repeated fires have prompted the FDNY to release recommendations for the care and keeping of e-bike and other lithium-ion batteries.
- A spate of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries throughout New York City on April 21 has prompted the FDNY to issue lithium-ion battery safety tips, including for e-bike batteries.
- Similarly, a Florida bike shop burned down on April 9, after a refurbished e-bike battery was left on the charger overnight.
- E-bike batteries can be fire hazards when used and stored incorrectly. Below, we discuss how to use an e-bike battery correctly.
Between New York City’s fire department (FDNY) issuing a warning about e-bike batteries and a Florida bike shop going up in flames after a battery was left unattended on a charger overnight, it’s been a worrisome week for e-bike owners. But don’t panic: Your e-bike is likely safe, but consider this a warning to check your e-bike battery charging and storage practices.
Because lithium ion batteries—commonly found in everything from cell phones and laptops, to e-bikes, scooters, and electric cars—can store a large amount of energy, improper care and keeping of the batteries can result in fires.
“If using a lithium-ion battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. If a battery overheats, discontinue use immediately,” the FDNY tweeted earlier this week.
From Bicycling
New York Daily News reports that the FDNY was called to the scene of four different fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, all on April 21. The batteries were used in an array of vehicles ranging between electric motorbikes and scooters. The vehicles pictured in the fire department’s tweets are all motorbikes, rather than e-bikes—but e-bike batteries have caused fires in the past.
The largest of the four fires reportedly happened due to several batteries stored on a work shelf. While no deaths were reported, 12 people were injured in the fires. And the FDNY issued the grim reminder that four people were killed last year in fires caused by these batteries.
How do you prevent charging incidents like this from happening to your e-bike? Avoid aftermarket and off-brand or bargain batteries for your bike, first of all. Stick to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. Furthermore, e-bike batteries that are charging should never be left unattended. If you’re charging your e-bike in the garage, set a timer to remind yourself to unplug it when it’s done, and if you’re leaving the house, unplug it and finish charging it when you return.
Bike shop owners should be just as careful. Unfortunately, earlier this month, Andante Bike Shop in Cutler Bay, Florida, learned this the hard way. The shop was destroyed on April 9 when a rebuilt battery was left on a charger overnight. While a normal e-bike battery from a reputable brand shouldn’t set itself ablaze when left too long on the charger, a malfunctioning battery is a serious fire hazard. Inexpensive lithium-ion batteries also present a serious risk of malfunctioning. Regardless, it’s important to never leave any e-bike battery charging overnight or without supervision.
Related Stories
It may sound excessive, but considering the number of buildings destroyed just this month due to these batteries, it’s worth taking precautions. New York Daily News reported that in the U.S. alone, charging lithium-ion batteries caused 330 fires from 2015 to 2018.
Human Powered Solutions provided Bicycle Retailer a detailed set of instructions for bike shop e-bike charging protocol, and you may want to take some of their advice for your own at-home e-bike charging station.
Gazelle E-Bikes Review of Medeo, Arroyo, Ultimate Lineup
An E-bike is a bicycle equipped with a battery, motor and controller. These bikes have all the typical parts of a regular bicycle, plus these items. When you turn on the pedal assist feature, and start pedaling, it will give you additional pedaling power. Some give you pedal assist up to 20 MPH (Class 1), some 28 MPH (Class 3) and some are throttle only (Class 2). There are many Class 1 and 3 bikes that will also give you throttle only power up to 20 MPH.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO LINEUP
Gazelle is based in the Netherlands, and they’ve been building bikes for over 130 years and where 98% of the people use a bike on a regular basis. With that experience, they really pay attention to the details. All but one of their bikes have an integrated lock, all have integrated front and rear lights, they have first class paint jobs, all bikes are mid drive (using Bosch systems), amazing warranties and they’ve really paid attention to the details on a bike. They also have adjustable stems that can be adjusted by the rider in seconds. Their bikes are all really for paved trail (can also go on gravel roads) as they’re built for people who love riding for recreation and commuting. They are a premium brand, with ranging from 2,499 up to 4,999. We do recommend one with at least 50Nm of torque for our area. The only one that has less is the Medeo T9 City.
We’ve included a comparison chart and a link to shop all the Gazelle models on our website. Available inventory for each model can be viewed by clicking on each model. Many of the models include a video overview of the bike as well.
Gazelle provides up to a ten-year warranty on material and manufacturing defects on the frame and non-suspension front forks covering normal treatment, use, and maintenance. There is a five-year warranty on suspension front forks. A five-year warranty period applies for paintwork on the frame and the front forks. Parts on your bicycle are covered by a two-year warranty subject to normal use and maintenance.
Which model is best for me / what’s the difference between the bikes / why the wide range in for bikes that are all paved trail / adventure type bikes?
Buying an E-bike can be more than overwhelming. We carry recreational models from 1,100 to nearly 5,000, and there are models even below and above those price ranges. Why so much variation? In short, it’s about the quality of the frames, mechanical parts, motors, placement of the motor, size of the motor, size of the battery, quality of the battery, overall quality of the bike, warranty, pedal assist speed rating, other components like integrated lights, racks, fenders, etc. Not all E-bikes are made the same.
For Gazelle, I give an overview of each bike / lineup below and have added a chart at the bottom to assist you. All of their bikes are great quality. There are bikes with anywhere from 40 Nm to 85 Nm of torque. What’s torque. it’s basically how much starting / hill climbing power does your E-bike have. The higher the rating the quickly it will get you pedaling and better it will get you up a hill. We’ve found that anyone riding the hills on the Greenway and our local hills, really you want a bike with at least 50 Nm of power. That’s enough to get you up our hills. All their bikes come equipped with Bosch motors and batteries, one of the premium systems on the market, which also delivers a quiet pedaling experience. Their bikes all have shocks on the front. While they’re designed for primarily riding on pavement, they will handle gravel/dirt roads, though are not designed primarily for that use. They’ve all got integrated lights and fenders, as they’re designed for riding in all conditions.
They’ve got bikes with external derailleurs versus those with internal hubs (gears are inside for less maintenance), most with standard chains and others that are belt driven (for a quieter and maintenance free experience). Two of their bikes even have a continuously variable, internal hub gear box with a belt drive system. These bikes are the Ultimate C380 (20 MPH) and Ultimate C380 (28 MPH). So you never feel the gears move on these two bikes. you simply twist the shifter and it give you more or less resistance. The two lower priced bikes have the batteries on the rear rack to save money. All the other models have the battery integrated into the frame. The Bosch drive systems are as quiet as any we’ve tested. While many E-bikes are noisy, with a Bosch system you often can’t even hear it.
The first of our Gazelle’s have shown, we’ve got some demo’s in the store now, and several others have already gone out the door. My (Rob) wife has the Arroyo C7 HMB Elite, a middle of the road bike for Gazelle. She rides it all over NWA, for fun and to commute to work. It’s got a 50 Nm motor, 500 WH battery, which is plenty to get her all over NWA. It’s got a chain guard on it (many have chain guards or are belt driven) as they commute a lot to work in the Netherlands and you don’t want chain grease on you / your clothes. It gives her pedal assist up to 20 MPH. I’m about to swap out my current E-mountain bike for one of two bikes. One is the Gazelle Medeo T10. Why that bike? I plan on riding both paved and gravel roads and the 2″ wide tires are more suitable to gravel riding. I also commute two work and the 28 MPH assist will frankly get me there faster, as much of my commute is on the roads, mostly with speed limits in the 25. 35 range. With a 28 MPH bike, I can pretty much keep up with the traffic (well, and have more fun).
Their bikes come in multiple sizes, and three overall styles. step through, mid step and high step. All of the 28 MPH bikes are a mid or high step, as that extra rigidity is needed and riders at those speeds have more stability sitting further forward. One amazing detail about their bikes is that all come with a stem that can be adjusted by the user in seconds without tools. So if you want to ride more aggressively, or more upright, or multiple people in the house want to ride the bike, it’s very easy to adjust. They refer to all their bikes as having a “sporty” (leaning forward more) “active” (middle of the road riding position) and “upright” (as it says) riding positions. We indicate which is which on the models below. If someone is riding faster and more aggressively, they need to be leaning forward more for better balance and agility.
Their paint jobs also seem second to none. Bikes in the Netherlands are used on a daily basis, often left outside in the elements, and Gazelle has responded with very high quality paint jobs.
GAZELLE MODELS OVERVIEW
MEDEO LINEUP. This lineup has 28″ (700) x 2″ wide tires. All the other Gazelle’s have 1.75″ wide tires. So the Medeo lineup will handle gravel roads a bit better, though wider tires can be added to the other bikes. The frames are a bit “sportier” meaning you’re sitting forward / less upright a bit more than say the Arroyo series. The bikes also have Rapid fire shifting, which shifts faster than the twist type shifters. The T9’s have a bit more upright seating position compared to the T10’s.
ARROYO LINEUP. The most upright seating position of all the Gazelle’s, and are step throughs, allowing a wide variety of riders to ride them. The lineup consists of 2 bikes, the C7 at 3,399 and C8 at 3,699. Both bikes have a twist shifter, and internal hubs. Per the names, the C7 has 7 gears and C8 has 8 gears. Both bikes have 1.75″ wide tires. The only real differences between the two models are the extra gear and nicer shock on the C8. The motor, battery and pedal assist distance are the same. Both are the Upright Riding Position. The C7 weighs about 51 lbs, and C8 54 lbs.
ULTIMATE LINEUP. This lineup boasts the most models with 5 bikes, ranging in price from 3,749 to 4,999. Three of the models have both internal hub gears and are belt driven. Two of them get you pedal assist up to 28 MPH.
HOW TO SIZE MY GAZELLE. CLICK ON THIS TO WATCH A VIDEO
PICTURES OF LOW, MID AND HIGH STEP BIKES BELOW
Gears, Motors and Shifting. How Far Will My E-bike Go?
Again, all of their bikes are mid drive. While both rear hub drive (power comes from back wheel) and mid drive are great bikes, the mid drive give you a much more natural feeling. In a rear hub driven, you’re pedaling but also feel like you’re being pushed along. In a mid drive, the power from the motor is generated the same place you’re generating power from pedaling, so it really just feels like you’re a really strong rider. This enables those riding mid drive bikes to get a better workout if they desire (if that’s what you’re going for).
How many gears does each Gazelle have? It’s in the name, so if you see a 7, 8, 9 or 10 in the name. that’s how many gears it has. The only difference are the 380’s. These two models don’t have gears, as they use a continuously variable transmission (like many modern cars).
We’ve included a chart below, to help you understand how far your Gazelle will go on a charge, at the various pedal assist levels.
CLICK HERE TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION ON THE 380’S WORKS
Do I need an E-bike and Why?
We think you do! Many of those who scoffed at E-bikes not long ago, are some of their most avid riders today. Electric bikes are enjoyed by beginning to advanced riders, and everyone in between. When they first came out, many people thought riding an e-bike was “cheating”. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! Everyone we know that has one, is riding more often, more miles, getting in better shape, and having more fun. See our full E-bike article for more information.
Do You have E-Bikes to Test Ride?
Yes, we have Gazelle E-bikes in stock to demo. As always, every bike we sell comes with a 30 day test ride, so if you decide you got the wrong bike, bring it back and swap it out for a different model.
How Can I learn ?
You can send us a message on our page, at: info@lewisandclarkoutfitters.com, or visit the store.
Why buy a bike from Lewis Clark instead of Online?
- Build: When your bike comes in, it will be professionally assembled by a professional bike assembler, then inspected by a mechanic. That ensures it will be safe and operating as it should;
- Maintenance: Every bike we sell comes with free lifetime tune ups! So as long as you’re the original owner, we’ll tune it up for you. This includes both the physical components and the electric ones. This will ensure you get the most out of your bike.
- 30 Day Test Ride: If you decide you got the wrong bike, we’ll give you what you paid for it toward another bike.
- Support: If you buy a bike online, it’s often you versus the company who sold it to you. We stand behind all our bikes and will take care of you. We’ll work with the bike companies on warranties, and will service your bike when problems arise
- The support of a local, family-owned store. We have been in NWA for nearly 22 years. Come see us and test ride a bike. Our people will work with you to find the right model, and we’ll also work with the bike companies on any warranty issues. Our full-service Bike Mechanics at both shops will also keep your bike well maintained.
Gazelle Comparison Chart
| GAZELLE | MILEAGE AS RATED BY VENDOR | ||||||||||||||
| MODEL | PRICE | LOW, MID, HIGH STEP | MAX SPEED | DERAILLEUR OR HUB | CHAIN OR BELT | ADJUSTABLE STEM | # OF GEARS | TORQUE Nm | MOTOR | FRONT SHOCK | BATTERY | TURBO, SPORT, TOUR, ECO | LOCK | LIGHTS | TIRE SIZE |
| MEDEO T9 CITY HMB | 2,399 | LOW HIGH | 20 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 9 | 40 | Bosch ACTIVE LINE | YES | 400 WH | 20, 25, 35, 65 | NO | YES | 28 X 2.0 |
| MEDEO T9 HMB | 2,699 | LOW | 20 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 9 | 50 | Bosch ACTIVE LINE PLUS | YES | 400 WH | 20, 25, 35, 60 | YES | YES | 28 X 2.0 |
| MEDEO T10 HMB | 3,199 | MID HIGH | 20 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 10 | 65 | Bosch PERFORMANCE | YES | 500 WH | 25, 30, 40, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 2.0 |
| ARROYO C7 HMB ELITE | 3,299 | LOW | 20 | HUB | CHAIN | YES | 7 | 50 | Bosch ACTIVE LINE PLUS | YES | 500 WH | 25, 35, 45, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| MEDEO T10 HMB | 3,699 | MID HIGH | 28 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 10 | 85 | Bosch PERFORMANCE SPEED | YES | 500 WH | 20, 25, 35, 55 | YES | YES | 28 X 2.0 |
| ARROYO C8 HMB ELITE | 3,699 | LOW | 20 | HUB | CHAIN | YES | 8 | 50 | Bosch ACTIVE LINE PLUS | YES | 500 WH | 25, 35, 45, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| ULTIMATE C8 HMB | 3,749 | LOW | 20 | HUB | BELT | YES | 8 | 50 | Bosch ACTIVE LINE PLUS | YES | 500 WH | 25, 35, 45, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| ULTIMATE T10 HMB | 3,999 | LOW HIGH | 20 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 10 | 65 | Bosch PERFORMANCE | YES | 500 WH | 25, 30, 40, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| ULTIMATE T10 HMB | 4,199 | MID HIGH | 28 | DERAILLEUR | CHAIN | YES | 10 | 85 | Bosch PERFORMANCE SPEED | YES | 500 WH | 20, 25, 35, 55 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| ULTIMATE C380 HMB | 4,249 | LOW | 20 | HUB | BELT | YES | CONTINUOUS. | 65 | Bosch PERFORMANCE | YES | 500 WH | 25, 30, 40, 70 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |
| ULTIMATE C380 HMB | 4,749 | MID HIGH | 28 | HUB | BELT | YES | CONTINUOUS. | 85 | Bosch PERFORMANCE SPEED | YES | 500 WH | 20, 25, 35, 55 | YES | YES | 28 X 1.75 |