Gazelle Ultimate C380+ HMB Review

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Electric Bike Review
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Performance Line Speed Motor
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb 55 Tooth Beltring With Cover Gates Carbon
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Handlebar Ergonomic Grips Ergon Gp1 Locking
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Purion Display Panel
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Enviolo Nuvinci Optimized Grip Shifter Infographic
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Front View Axa Blueline 50 Headlight
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Rear Light View Herrmans 4 Led
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Sr Suntour Mobi 45 Spring Suspension
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Shimano Mt402 Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Front Rotor
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Adjustable Ursus Mooi Kickstand
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Cafe Lock Rear Rack Fender Setup
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Enviolo Trekking Cvt Hub
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Ebike
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Ebike Charger
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Powertube 500 Battery Pack
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Downtube Battery Interface
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Optional Axa Chain Lock
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Selle Royal Essenza Saddle And Seat Post
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Seatpost Shim Adapter 27 2
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Stock Mid Step
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Stock High Step
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Electric Bike Review
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Performance Line Speed Motor
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb 55 Tooth Beltring With Cover Gates Carbon
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Handlebar Ergonomic Grips Ergon Gp1 Locking
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Purion Display Panel
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Enviolo Nuvinci Optimized Grip Shifter Infographic
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Front View Axa Blueline 50 Headlight
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Rear Light View Herrmans 4 Led
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Sr Suntour Mobi 45 Spring Suspension
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Shimano Mt402 Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Front Rotor
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Adjustable Ursus Mooi Kickstand
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Cafe Lock Rear Rack Fender Setup
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Enviolo Trekking Cvt Hub
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Ebike
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Ebike Charger
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Bosch Powertube 500 Battery Pack
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Downtube Battery Interface
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Optional Axa Chain Lock
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Selle Royal Essenza Saddle And Seat Post
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Seatpost Shim Adapter 27 2
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Stock Mid Step
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus Hmb Stock High Step

Summary

  • A feature complete city-oriented electric bike with premium Enviolo CVT drivetrain, Gates Carbon belt, and Bosch Speed drive system. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes with quad piston calipers ensure smooth solid stops. Available in approachable mid-step or high-step frame style. The high-step frame can be upgraded with a second 500Wh battery pack!
  • Top mounting Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is easy to use and looks great, it shares the same key as the AXA frame lock. The adjustable angle stem, upgraded suspension fork (with lockout, preload, and rebound adjust), ergonomic grips, and shorter wheelbase provide great aerodynamic or comfort options, including upright Dutch style.
  • Three frame sizes improve fit. Premium alloy fenders, chain cover, rear rack, reflective tires, and integrated lights add utility and safety. The headlight has side cutouts and is mounted up high for improved visibility, it points where you steer and isn't blocked by the fender as some competing designs are. The rear light has four LEDs for added brightness.
  • The continuously variable transmission hub adds ~4lbs of additional weight compared to a traditional derailleur and cassette. The 500 watt hour battery is decent, and they do include a four amp fast charger, but the key is required to re-insert the battery pack and that same key cannot be removed from the frame lock without first locking. The Purion display offers limited menus, does not include USB charging, is not removable, and is not compatible with Bosch ebike apps. Only one color, only available in America, price is fairly high.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Gazelle

Model:

Ultimate C380+ HMB

Price:

$4,749

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, 10 Year Frame

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2022

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

62.6 lbs (28.39 kg)

Battery Weight:

7 lbs (3.17 kg) (Including Plastic Cover)

Motor Weight:

7.1 lbs (3.22 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18.11 in (45.99 cm)20.86 in (52.98 cm)22.44 in (56.99 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium 53cm Measurements: 21" Seat Tube Length, 22.5" Top Tube, 14.5" Reach, 27" Standover Height, 35.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 40.5" Maximum Saddle Height, 25.5" Width, 44" Wheelbase, 73" Length, 70.5° Headset Angle, 71.5° Seat Tube Angle

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Metallic Platinum with Black Accents

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour MOBI 45 Spring Suspension, 80mm Travel, Compression Lockout Adjust, Preload Adjust, Rebound Adjust 34mm Black Anodized Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 15mm Thru-Axle with Quick Release

Frame Rear Details:

Enviolo Sliding Dropout, 135mm Hub Spacing, 10mm x 1mm Pitch Threaded Keyed Axle with 15mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Cafe Lock Mount, Bottle Cage Mount on Top Tube

Gearing Details:

1 Speed 1x∞ Enviolo Stepless Manual Trekking Groupset Continuously Variable Transmission, 380° Gear Range Equivalent to 11-42T Cassette, 22 Tooth Rear Cog, Rated to 85nm Continuous Torque

Shifter Details:

Enviolo NuVinci Optimized Half-Grip Twist Shifter on Right Bar (Mechanical, Hill Infographic)

Cranks:

Miranda Forged Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length Crank Arms, 55 Tooth Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt Ring Chainring with Alloy Guard, 130mm Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD)

Pedals:

Plastic Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"

Stem:

Adjustable Angle (-10° to 60°), 100mm Length, 60mm Base Height, 30mm Combined Tapered Spacer Height, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back, 630mm Width

Brake Details:

Shimano MT402 Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Rear Rotor, Quad Piston Calipers, Shimano MT402 Three Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergon GP1, Ergonomic Rubber, Outer Lock Ring

Saddle:

Selle Royal Essenza +, Large Soft Gel, Black

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy, Double Bolt Clamp, 29.8mm to 27.2mm Shim

Seat Post Length:

200 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Ryde Dutch, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 36 Hole, 25mm Outer Width, 30mm Depth (Medium Dish)

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black with Silver Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe 50km Energizer Plus, 28" x 1.75" (47-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

45 to 70 PSI, 3.0 to 5.0 BAR, G-Guard 5, Reflective Sidewall Stripes, Addix E

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Aluminum Alloy Fenders (60mm Width, Plastic End Caps), Custom Aluminum Alloy Rear Rack (Integrated Double Bungee with Plastic Clip, 27kg 59lb Max Load, Bungee Loops at Base, Fender Support, Pannier Blockers), AXA Defender Frame Lock (Keyed-Alike to Battery Lock), Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Belt and Chainring Cover, Handlebar Mounted Electronically Integrated AXA Blueline 50-E LED Headlight (50 LUX, Side Cutouts, 6 to 12 Volt DC), Rear Rack Mounted Electronically Integrated Herrmans Rear Light (4-LED, Side Cutouts), Ursus Mooi Rear-Mount Tool-Free Adjustable Length Kickstand (20mm Two-Bolt Mounting Standard), Custom Flick Bell on Right

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Bosch PowerTube 500 Battery Pack, 1.6lb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Charger, Motor Support Continues Pedaling 120+ RPM, IP54 Durability Rated Electronics

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Performance Line Speed

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

600 watts

Motor Torque:

85 Newton meters (Eco: 40nm, Tour: 50nm, Sport: 60nm, Turbo: 85nm)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 500 18650 Cells, Top Mount

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.4 ah (Optional 13.4ah Bosch PowerPack 500 for High-Step)

Battery Watt Hours:

482.4 wh (Optional 482.4wh Bosch PowerPack 500 for High-Step)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

55 miles (89 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Purion, Fixed, 1.75" Backlit Grayscale Display, Buttons: Walk, +, i, -, (Hold - to Cycle Through Readouts, Hold - and Press Power to Change Units, Hold + and - to Reset Trip, Hold + to Activate Lights)

Readouts:

Current Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Odometer, Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range, Lights Icon

Display Accessories:

Micro-USB Port for Diagnostics and Software Updates Only

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque over 1,000x Per Second, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 60%, Tour 140%, Sport 240%, Turbo 340%)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)


Written Review

This review was provided for free, but Gazelle provided a temporary demo bike for me to measure and test ride. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Gazelle products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Gazelle electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • There are two frame styles for the Gazelle Ultimate C380+, and I test rode the mid-step in this review. If you opt for the high-step frame, there is an optional Bosch PowerPack 500 battery that can be mounted to the seat tube (where the bottle cage bosses are) to double the range of the bike! This would greatly extend range and position the bike well for trekking or touring. I do not know if it has to be done at time of purchase or how much it would cost.
  • Gazelle is a Dutch bicycle company with a rich heritage dating back to 1892. They earned national recognition based on their product quality, employee treatment, and sustainable practices receiving the “Royal Dutch” honor in 1992 after 100 years of operation. In the Netherlands, where Gazelle is based, cycling is an integral part of the culture and many people do not own a car. Bicycle ownership per capita is higher than anywhere else in the world, and this article includes some fascinating statistics if you’re interested in learning more. They produce over 250,000 bikes per year! All this is to say, they scrutinize the little details and are very hands on with their development and testing. Their bikes use stainless steel hardware to prevent rust, have multiple layers of paint and UV protection to last longer, and are accessorized with the highest quality drive systems and components including Bosch.
  • The Ultimate bicycle has long been a popular non-electric model produced by Gazelle, but they began building electric versions in the 2020’s. EBR has reviewed several of the earlier versions, which include different drivetrains. The HMB in the name stands for hybrid, mid-drive, Bosch, and the plus stands for speed pedelec. This new Ultimate C380+ HMB for 2021 is offered as a Class 3 model in the United States only, providing 28mph top speeds vs. 20mph in Europe, Canada, and other geographies.

Pros:

  • The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ HMB is the most expensive and one of the highest performing models on offer for 2021/2022. I think it’s a great option for those who want a city, commuter, or trekking model, when spending a bit more money. This is because it comes in two frame styles, three sizes, offers a great suspension fork, rides very quietly, can double the battery capacity (if you get the high-step), is very durable and clean due to the belt drive system and CVT hub, and is sold through shops that provide fitting and post purchase support… Gazelle offers a two year comprehensive warranty (supported by Bosch and Enviolo for the C380) and a ten year warranty on the frame!
  • To make this frame work with the Gates Carbon belt drive system, Gazelle had to design a but in the frame (on the right seat stay). This adds a bit to the cost and could compromise load capacity and frame stiffness if done improperly… especially for a speed pedelec like the C380+. However, from what I experienced, the frame was done well and the result is a super durable, clean, and quiet belt solution vs. a chain.
  • For me, the updated Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and controller systems (used on this ebike) offer a very satisfying blend of power, efficiency, and low noise. It offers up to 85 newton meters of torque now (up from 65nm and 75nm is previous iterations of hardware and software), and provides 120 pedal strokes per minute of support (pedal RPM) compared to the Bosch Active Line Plus used for the Gazelle Ultimate C8 which only offers 50 newton meters of torque and 105 RPM.
  • Just like all of the current generation Bosch mid-drive ebike motors, this one measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second! The controller is capable of sensing shift tension and is designed to ease off on motor power output to reduce mashing. This is less relevant for a CVT compared to a cassette and derailleur, but still impressive and unique to Bosch vs. Shimano, Brose, or Bafang.
  • The bike has a premium clicking sound when you’re coasting without pedaling because the hub has strong pawls or catch points to engage as you pedal. There’s a bit of friction when pedaling backwards, which keeps the cranks from spinning wildly if you slip off, but the chainring does not cycle backwards (so you might need a bike stand to do some drivetrain maintenance operations).
  • Along with the clean motor integration at the bottom bracket, the battery integration is also done quite well. I appreciate that they chose the top mounting pack but still use the two-step security release so it won’t tumble out. The plastic shield cover is lightweight and blends in pretty well with the other black accents. It’s securely attached to the battery itself which means it is less likely to be lost or intentionally taken off and stolen at a bike rack. Overall, the battery isn’t too heavy and the charging port is up high so you don’t have to bend over too far to engage with it. Motor and battery weight are both kept low and center for improved stability and handling.
  • Even though the display is small and has some trade-offs that I’ll discuss in the cons section further down, it is fairly easy to read and interact with. The bike boots up quickly and has a nice range estimator feature to help plan trips, which is much more useful than the five bar battery charge level infographic. I love that the bike comes with the faster 4 amp Bosch charger, and that it’s fairly compact and lightweight at just 1.7lbs.
  • I love the reflective tires and integrated lights. Gazelle chose a four LED Herrmans rear light that is partially surrounded by metal from the rack itself. This keeps it from cracking or falling off entirely if you bump into a wall or take contact at a bike rack. Most rear lights only have one or two LED lights in them. Furthermore, the positioning is high up vs. low and exposed on the fender, and has side cutouts. I like that you can turn off the lights manually if you wish, by holding down the minus key on the Purion display panel.
  • The headlight is also awesome and mounted perfectly. It puts out 50 LUX and shines forward as well as through windows on both sides. The positioning of the light on the handlebar, just above the stem, helps you be seen by cars. Again, both the front and rear lights run off of the main rechargeable ebike battery as you’d expect.
  • Gazelle selected a narrower handlebar that makes this bike easier to fit through doors and between cars in a city environment for commuters.
  • The rear rack is excellent, and appears to be fairly custom. It offers above average weight capacity at 27kg (59.5lbs), has a flat top for trunk bags or child seat like the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi, features a double bungee with plastic handle attachment for quick and easy use, also has bungee loops at the base (which can be used with some side panniers that clip at the bottom to reduce flapping and bouncing), and the tubing design is close enough to standard gauge that I think many clip-on panniers would work. The rack even supports the rear fender in two places to help reduce rattling noise! It’s one of the best racks I’ve ever seen on an ebike.
  • The fenders on this ebike are also excellent. They’re wide enough and long enough to offer great coverage, they don’t rattle, and they won’t rust because they are aluminum alloy. I also appreciate the minimalist chain cover (belt cover in this case) that matches the look and color of the fenders and other parts of the bike.
  • Unique above-average suspension fork choice. Some alternative C380 models I’ve seen in the past had a monoshock design with very limited adjustability. This is a standard dual crown suspension fork with thick 34mm black anodized stanchions, adjustable preload, adjustable lockout, and some rebound. It also utilizes a sturdy 15mm thru-axle with quick release. This is amazing for a spring suspension! I believe that the steer tube is also tapered, so you can more easily upgrade to an air suspension fork if you wish.
  • Great wheel choice. The black spokes and rims match all of the other black hardware on the bike. The rear spokes are a bit thicker to help support the rack. The rims are mid-dish and aero design for aerodynamics. Gazelle spent extra for name brand Schwalbe Energizer ebike tires rated up to 50km per hour (30mph) for stability. They use premium ADDIX rubber, have puncture protection, and are 1.75″ wide for improved stability and comfort with extra air volume. The large 700c (28″) wheel size delivers a lower attack angle that smooths cracks and other bumps in the road.
  • Hauling gear, riding for extended periods and at speed, riding in the rain… this calls for nice brakes. The Ultimate C380 comes with upgraded Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with a larger 180mm rotor up front. This improves leverage for stopping (smoothing it out, requiring less hand effort), and also cools faster. The rear 160mm rotors are adequate, but both calipers use four pistons (quad piston) for greater surface area and more even brake feel. They require less hand effort and both brake levers offer adjustable reach. Both levers are two or three finger design which means you can actuate them with just a couple of fingers and use the others for steering and simply holding on.
  • The name brand Ergon GP1, locking, ergonomic grips used on this bike are excellent. They look beautiful and function very well, which is especially important if you’re riding at higher speeds or varied weather conditions.
  • I’m not used to seeing a seat tube shim come standard with a purpose built ebikes, but I was told that they used wider tubing for strength, and adapted down to the standard 27.2mm for more seat post options and a smoother easier fit. I think this adds a bit of strength for the clamp and might scrape seat posts less, but can still be very solid due to the tiny ridges machined into the shim. For me, the big takeaway is that you can easily swap the rigid post with a suspension seatpost from many manufacturers due to the standard sizing of 27.2mm diameter seat post.
  • Sleek and beautiful visual appearance thanks to internally routed cabling, premium satin paint with tasteful minimal accents, and the flawless integration of the PowerTube battery into the downtube. The kickstand choice was superb, as it is positioned clear of the left crank arm (so it won’t cause pedal lock), and offers tool-free adjustable length fo the bike will be stable in many parking situations. I also appreciate the bottle cage bosses on both frame styles! They are on the seat tube for high-step (doubling as a second battery mounting point) and the top tube for the mid-step. Some ebikes completely skip bottle bosses, but it’s a nice option to have if you can design around the battery and not compromise frame strength or seat post positioning options.
  • High-value Ebikes such as this can be a target for theft, so I appreciate that Gazelle has taken some measures to help prevent it from happening. There is no quick-release skewer on the seatpost or rear wheel, and the bike comes with an AXA Defender cafe lock. These locks function by sliding a steel bar through the rear spokes, preventing someone from riding off on your bike if you’re making a quick stop somewhere. They could try to lift the entire bike up up or drag it, but at 62lbs, that will be difficult and time consuming. AXA also has a chain accessory that can wrap around a solid object and connect directly to the cafe lock (in a hole on the right side of the lock housing, where the slide lever is) for more security. As a bonus, the key for the included cafe lock is the same key used to unlock and remove the battery from the downtube, so you don’t have as many things to keep track of ;)
  • Even though this ebike is $4,749k USD, I feel like it offers something unique and of high quality. It should last, ride comfortably, and handle most types of terrain and weather, and comes with excellent support.

Cons:

  • The Bosch Performance Line Speed motor seems to be louder than their other hardware, as you can hear in the video review above. It also probably uses more electricity, especially when riding above 20mph as air resistance increases as the square of speed… especially for an upright cyclist ;)
  • As you might expect from a more premium brand, one of their highest level models, being produced in multiple frame styles and sizes, with name brand motor and drivetrain (basically everything is top shelf), the bike has a higher than average price.
  • Weighing in at 62.6lbs, this particular version of the Gazelle Ultimate is heavier than some of the other Gazelle models that I’ve reviewed in the past. The enviolo stepless continuously variable transmission (CVT) hub contains traction fluid and metal orbs, which adds weight. The metal fenders, rack, suspension fork, suspension post, and lights all contribute to the weight as well. Consider removing the ~7lb battery before lifting and transporting on car racks.
  • The half grip shifter mechanism that “shifts gears” in the the Enviolo continuously variable transmission hub is using a mechanical line vs. electronic (so it requires a bit of hand effort), and features an infographics vs. numbers (which feels a bit less precise to me, and is harder to match between rides).
  • The key that unlocks the cafe lock (securing the rear wheel), cannot be removed until it is locked. This forces riders to lock the bike whenever it is stopped or risk having someone else tamper with the lock and potentially steel the key. The trade off is that you a keychain may be hanging and dangling from the cafe lock if you adopt it into your keyset, or you may be forced to deal with a single “orphaned key” if you keep it separate. Some other frame locks I’ve seen allow the key to be removed when locked or unlocked, and I prefer this optionality.
  • The Bosch Purion display is not removable, offers limited readouts, lacks a USB port for charging personal electronics, and is not Bluetooth compatible for use with the Bosch smartphone apps. You can find some of these other features on the Intuvia, Kiox, and Nyon models which can be retrofitted, since Bosch has an open system. All things considered, the small and basic Purion display is nice on this bike because it leaves the stem area clear for the light to be mounted up high on the handlebar, which maximizes your visibility and safety.
  • Areas to consider upgrading include adding a suspension seatpost (consider Suntour NCX, Thudbuster, Kinekt, or ShockStop from Red Shift Sports), as well as the pedals (consider Wellgo magnesium platforms with wider surface and better traction, they come in multiple colors) for wet or snowy conditions.
  • This is a minor complaint, but I had to spend extra time and focus when re-inserting the rubberized battery charging port cover. I feel that some other companies have done a better job creating a solution for this and it’s a low hanging fruit for Gazelle to fix. It would also be nice if the locking cylinder that secures the battery was up a bit higher, to create space for the right crank arm… but at least both the charge port and lock are on the right side of the bike, because it’s easier to interact with there as the bike tips towards the left when propped by the kickstand.
  • This is not unique to this model of Gazelle ebike, but the Bosch PowerTube battery pack requires a bit of dexterity to unlock and then release and move out from the frame. You have to unlock the battery bay and hold it open with the key while re-inserting the battery. I’m thankful for the high quality kickstand, which helps to stabilize the bike as you take this action.

Useful Resources:

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Comments (26) YouTube Comments

Fred
3 years ago

Just a heads up – the video on YouTube is unlinked. People get can to it from this page, but it doesn’t show up in search. 🚲📹

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Thanks Fred! It should be working now, I had to re-upload the video because it wasn’t processing for HD correct.y. I appreciate the heads up ;)

  Reply
Alex
3 years ago

Thanks for the review! I have a question though – looks like fork on C380+ is exactly the same as on T10+. However in the T10+ review it is called “air suspension fork” and here same fork is “Spring Suspension”. According to the Suntoor web site, MOBIE 45 is an Air suspension fork. I think some clearance required here. I am getting this bike soon (hopefully till end of month) and will double check the fork suspension type as soon as I can.

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hi Alex! I’d love to hear what you find because I saw mixed information on the Gazelle and SR Suntour website. Maybe it’s a hybrid of spring and air? Anyway, thanks again for offering and for your comment :D

  Reply
Gabriel
3 years ago

There is a qr code kn fork you can scan. Damper and rebound adjust. Great fork. About a $400 fork by itself. Link to the official pdf description here.

SF18-MOBIE45-DS-COIL-LO-R-15QLC32 700C CTS 272/0 F/C:YS727 W/OLOGO W/H/T 60

Alex
3 years ago

As Gabriel noted below, there is QR code on the fork with link to the pdf with the documentation. So looks like all the Mobie 45 forks Gazelle is putting on their Ultimate bikes are Coil versions. Now the question is if upgrading to the Air version of the Mobie 45 will give a noticeable improvement? From you prospective, how noticeable upgrade is going from coil to air? Any reasons not to do the upgrade?

Thom
3 years ago

This looks like a great bike! Unfortunately not available in Canada though… I wish Gazelle would offer the C380 in a highstep with the 85 Nm CX motor.

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hey Thom! I like your name. It sounds like you’ve seen my review of the C380 HMB (non plus version), which uses the Performance Line Cruise motor. That thing is pretty impressive, even though you get a bit less torque and only wave step-thru frame. I wonder why they are offering this US-only C380+ model with two frame options when the standard C380 is probably available in more geographies and is sold at higher volume? Instead, they offered two colors :P

  Reply
Tina Butler
3 years ago

Hi Thom,

Tina from Gazelle here. None of the bikes with speed motors (pedal assist to 28 mph) are permitted in Canada. The most powerful Class 1 bikes we offer are the Ultimate T10 (which does have a high-step frame option), Ultimate C380, and Medeo T10. All of these bikes have the Bosch Performance Line motor, with 65 Nm of torque. And, IMHO, I prefer this motor to the Performance Line Speed because it’s crazy quiet but still packs plenty of power. I have no issues getting up the steepest hills in Santa Cruz County and we have some whoppers. :)
Unless the laws in Canada change, you’re not going to see any Class 3 Gazelles up north, unfortunately.

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Awesome, thanks so much Tina!

Thom
3 years ago

Hi Tina,

Thanks for your reply! just to clarify though, I’m not asking for a class 3 bike. I’m asking for a class 1 bike, with the 85 Nm CX motor, and a high step frame. This could be the same frame as the C380+, just with the CX motor rather than the speed motor. This would be a class 1 bike that fully complies with Canadian law, but offers the powerful 85 Nm motor and high step frame. Currently all you offer is the weak 65 NM motor and low step. I hope you see what I mean…

Thom

John
3 years ago

Tina, thank you for noting “crazy quiet”. 2 additional questions:

  1. Although you noted the C380 has not had any trouble with the Santa Cruz uphill rides, could you provide additional information of uphill riding experience of C380 directly compared to C380+?
  2. If riding mostly on paved roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, with some light dirt/gravel paths, and mostly casual riding between 15-20mph, for someone with heavier weight (220-230lbs), would the monoshock spring suspension of the C380 be sufficient or would the C380+ SR Suntour MOBI spring suspension with 80mm travel be a significant better riding experience?

Your answer will likely dictate which of these 2 models I proceed to preorder. Eagerly await your reply. Thank you.

Tina Butler
3 years ago

Hi Thom,

It sounds like you were able to speak with my colleague, Darrell. Both bikes are great options based on the types of riding and terrain you describe; my personal preference is the Class 1 C380. As far as suspension goes, everyone’s tolerance for bumps and how much cushion is comfortable/desirable is rather subjective. While there is a difference between 40 and 80 mm of travel, for a truly rough ride, you’ll want to supplement your suspension with a cushier suspension seat post. Personally, I don’t notice a significant difference in comfort with the Suntour Mobie 45 over the unicrown fork.

As for riding uphill, I’d probably need to take both bikes out for a fresh comparison opinion, but we don’t have any C380s in the office. Best way to answer that question is to jump on both bikes yourself. In absence of being able to do a head to head C380/C380+ hill climbing test (if bikes are not in stock at your local dealer), you could ride an Ultimate T10 v. T10+ or Medeo T10 v. T10+ to feel the difference between Performance Line and Performance Line Speed motors.

Best,
Tina

  Reply
Bill
3 years ago

I tried out the C8 and the C380+ recently and actually liked the C8 much better. It seemed to ride light and smooth while the C380+ seemed ponderous. I also noticed an annoying whirring noise on the 380 while the C8 was quiet. I don’t know if it was the motor or perhaps some friction from the brakes. It seemed to come from the front. The 380 brakes were noticeably better, though, and it handled better on gravel too, probably due to the upgraded fork suspension. To my surprise, I also liked the Nexus transmission more than the Enviolo. In your review you say the 380+ is 62.6 pounds, however the Gazelle website says the C8 is 53.8, the C380 54.6, and the C380+ only 55.6. It’s hard to believe the addition of the mid-bar and larger front suspension only adds one pound!

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hi Bill! Interesting… I try to mention which frame size I’m covering and then I weigh it manually. It’s possible that I’ve made a mistake, but the inconsistency is kind of big here? Makes me wonder if they measure without pedals and use the small frame or something. If you see me in a video review (Court) then you can feel that the specs are pretty accurate, because I’m very careful with it :D

  Reply
Gunnar
3 years ago

How is the rear rack supported? It looks like it’s held on by a single bolt, and the fender keeps the rack from rotating backwards or forwards?

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

HI Gunnar! It’s actually much stronger than it appears. There is a thick metal support hidden under the first portion of the rear fender, going from the seat stays to that bolt interface you mentioned. The rack is supported by the two arms that extend down to the rear dropout area of the frame and that fender support section. This rack is rated for 27kg 59lb total, which is higher than the average 25kg 55lb total that I see on most competing products :)

  Reply
Dave
3 years ago

Thank you for this extensive review of this bike! I’ve had a Rad Rover for several years, but I want to upgrade to a higher-quality, more maneuverable bike. After a ton of research, this bike seems to have everything I’m looking for, less a hand throttle which I think I can adjust to.

So, this has what is basically a CVT transmission in the rear hub. I thought those just constantly changed ratios as demanded by pedaling, hills, etc. So what is the function of the handlebar shifter? Can you also manually change ratios on the fly?

Would there be any way to add a twist or thumb throttle to this bike?

  Reply
Court
3 years ago

Hi Dave! Yes, I do believe that you’ll adapt to not having a throttle, especially since this has one of the industry’s best mid-drives. It measures rear wheel speed, pedal torque, and pedal cadence over 1,000 times per second. It’s very dynamic and responsive, so it almost feels like a throttle when you arrow up to the highest level of assist (turbo). This is one of the sportier models, with high torque and potential for higher speed… but no, you cannot add a throttle aftermarket.

Regarding your CVT question about the shifter, yes you do need to twist actively in order to change the “gear ratio” for different types of riding. It’s almost like shifting gears except that you can fine-tune the pedal cadence instead of jumping between set gear sizes. You can shift at standstill too, which is pretty neat. Enviolo NuVinci also make an electronic version of their CVT that can auto shift, but you still need to choose a cadence. That one costs a bit more and has a different display readout. By the way, they call their product a CVP for continuously variable planetary hub… but it’s basically a CVT, and I believe that the parent company makes higher end products for automotive, so it’s pretty neat to see them doing this for the bike world too :D

  Reply
Dave
3 years ago

Thank you for the clarifications, much appreciated!

John Davies
2 weeks ago

In regards to the fork – mine rides harshly and I only get about 50 mm of travel instead of the full 80 mm with the preload adjustment all the way out…. I have tried to locate a softer/ weaker Main Spring part number FEP-787-01 with NO luck. Any links? Can anybody provide the specs for the spring – length, overall diameter, wire gauge, and number of coils – so I can attempt to get a custom one made? Thank you! JD, Spokane WA USA

  Reply
Mike East
2 weeks ago

Hi John! While we dont have access to the parts on that model, you should try dropping this comment into the EBR Forums (https://forums.electricbikereview.com/) as there is a wealth of knowledge that’s passed around from owners of nearly all the e-bikes out there. Also, as a last resort, it may even be cheaper to just get a new fork, it would likely ride better and there is lots of tutorials on YouTube to walk you through it if your concerned about install. Hope that helps! -Mike

  Reply
John Davies
2 weeks ago

Thanks, I was a member of the Gazelle forum there a while ago, and just forgot about it ;(. I have posted my questions there. No way am I going to replace the entire fork over this problem. I just need a “spring assist”. JD

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