Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite Review

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2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Electric Bike Review
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Active Line Plus Motor
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Downtube Integrated Bosch Powertube 500 Battery
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Handlebar Faux Leather Grips Adjustable Stem
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Left Grip Twist Bell Bosch Purion Display
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Right Grip Shimano Nexus Twist Shifter
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes Custom Plastic Fenders
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Monoshock Spring Suspension Fork And Fendervision Headlight
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Front View Headlight
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Rear View Spannanga Brasa Rear Light
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Fully Enclosed Chain Cover Rear Wheel Schwalbe Energizer Active Plus
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Rear Kickstand Axa Defender Frame Lock
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Selle Royal Loire Gel Saddle
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Shimano Nexus 8 Speed Internally Geared Hub
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Post Moderne Suspension Seatpost Adjustment
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Ebike
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Standard 4 Amp Ebike Charger
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Powertube 500 Battery Pack
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Stock Step Thru Black
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Electric Bike Review
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Active Line Plus Motor
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Downtube Integrated Bosch Powertube 500 Battery
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Handlebar Faux Leather Grips Adjustable Stem
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Left Grip Twist Bell Bosch Purion Display
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Right Grip Shimano Nexus Twist Shifter
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes Custom Plastic Fenders
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Monoshock Spring Suspension Fork And Fendervision Headlight
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Front View Headlight
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Rear View Spannanga Brasa Rear Light
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Fully Enclosed Chain Cover Rear Wheel Schwalbe Energizer Active Plus
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Rear Kickstand Axa Defender Frame Lock
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Selle Royal Loire Gel Saddle
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Shimano Nexus 8 Speed Internally Geared Hub
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Post Moderne Suspension Seatpost Adjustment
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Ebike
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Standard 4 Amp Ebike Charger
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Bosch Powertube 500 Battery Pack
2022 Gazelle Arroyo C8 Hmb Elite Stock Step Thru Black

Summary

  • A premium Dutch-style cruiser with adjustable upright stem and swept back handlebar. Available in three frame sizes, but only one color and frame style. The deep wave step-thru design is extremely approachable and easy to stand over. Sleek monoshock suspension fork and adjustable suspension seat post offer improved comfort.
  • Matching ergonomic grips, gel saddle, twist bell, and half-grip shifter provide a clean professional look while limiting clutter and providing a high level of functionality... the design elements feel very intentional. Compact display is simple to use and easy to read. Durable plastic fenders with headlight integration and rubber mud flaps and fully encased chain cover keep you dry and clean.
  • Ebike specific puncture resistant tires provide reflective stripes for increased visibility and safety. Integrated lights run off of the rechargeable battery pack. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes are responsive and the levers offer adjustable reach for different sized hands. Custom rear rack looks beautiful with paint-matched supports on the sides and a hidden support below the fender. It's sturdy, has pannier blockers, and comes with a triple bungee strap!
  • Efficient Bosch Active Line Plus motor achieves excellent range, and is very quiet. Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is fully concealed within the downtube, top mounting design is easy to access and the black cover matches the black frame color. The bike only comes in one color and does not feature a smartphone app or USB charging features, no bottle cage bosses.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Gazelle

Model:

Arroyo C8 HMB Elite

Price:

$3,699

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cruising, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, 10 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe, Australia

Model Year:

2022

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

59 lbs (26.76 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.7 lbs (3.03 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" Reach, 17" Standover Height, 36" Minimum Saddle Height with Included Suspension Post or 34.5" with Rigid Post, 42.5" Maximum Saddle Height, 24.75" Width, 44.5" Wheelbase, 74" Length, 68.5° Headset Angle, 69.5° Seat Tube Angle

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Matte Black

Frame Fork Details:

Monoshock Spring Suspension, 30mm Travel, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 9.8mm Slotted Axle with Anti-Rotation Washers, 15mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Cafe Lock Mount

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Nexus 8, Internally Geared Hub, 307% Range (11-34 Tooth Equivalent), 18 Tooth Cog

Shifter Details:

Shimano Nexus Twist-Grip Shifter on Right, Optical Gear Window

Cranks:

Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, 38 Tooth Chainring with Fully Enclosed Plastic Cover

Pedals:

Plastic Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

VP, Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

Gazelle Switch, Tool-Free Adjustable Angle, 100mm Length, 100mm Height, 25.4mm Clamp Diameter, 25mm Combined Tapered Base Spacer

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back, Mid-Rise, 580mm Width

Brake Details:

Tektro HD-T280 Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Back Rotor, Dual-Piston Calipers, Tektro HD-T280 Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergonomic, Stitched Faux Leather, Black, Outer Lock Ring

Saddle:

Selle Royal Loire Gel, Brown and Black

Seat Post:

Post Moderne, Suspension (40mm Travel, Preload Adjust), 29.8mm to 27.2mm Shim

Seat Post Length:

290 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 25mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Machined Sidewalls, Reinforcement Eyelets

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Back, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe 50km Energizer Active 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, P-Guard 5 Puncture Protection, Reflective Sidewall Stripe

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Gazelle Rotary Twist Bell on Left, Gazelle Branded Plastic Fenders with Rubber Flaps (50mm Width), Custom Aluminum Alloy Rear Rack with Pannier Blockers and Triple Bungee Strap (27kg 59lb Max Load, MIK HD Compatible), AXA Defender Cafe Lock (Keyed-Alike to Battery Lock), Fully Enclosed Plastic Chain Cover, Custom Plastic Fenders with Rubber Ends, Gazelle Fendervision Integrated Headlight (50 Lux, Side Light Tubes), Spanninga BRASA Rear Light (1 LED, Rack Mounted), Ursus Mooi Rear-Mount Tool-Free Adjustable Length Kickstand (20mm Bolt Spacing)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Bosch PowerTube 500 Battery Pack, 1.6lb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Charger, Motor Support Continues Pedaling 105 RPM, IP54 Durability Rated Electronics

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Active Line Plus

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters (Eco: 35nm, Tour: 40nm, Sport: 45nm, Turbo: 50nm)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerPack 500 18650 Cells, Top Mount

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

482.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

40 miles (64 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 40%, Tour 100%, Sport 170%, Turbo 250%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

This review was provided for free using a temporary demo bike and accessories provided by Gazelle USA. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Gazelle or PON Group products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Gazelle electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • This is a feature complete electric bike, meaning that it comes with fenders, integrated lights, and a rear rack for cargo. Whether you’re riding day or night, rain or shine, casually or commuting, this ebike is ready to go. Gazelle is an above-average bicycle brand in my opinion, because they take extra steps to prevent rust, keep paint from fading, they sell through dealers on a global scale. Gazelle is owned by a very large long-running company called Pon Holdings. Gazelle itself is over 100 years old, having been founded in 1892, and is based in Dieren, Netherlands.
  • I (Court Rye) was test riding the Medium 53cm sized frame for this review. My weight is roughly 135lbs (61kg), and I am roughly 5’9″ (175cm) tall. I’m sharing this information to help you gauge fit based on the video review above :)

Pros:

  • Everything looks beautiful on this electric bike, there’s a lot of emphasis on matching (like the saddle, grips, and brown sidewall tires), and sleek accessories (like the streamlined monoshock suspension fork, custom rear rack, internally routed cables, and tight fenders). Note that all of the hardware is black including hubs, spokes, rims, crank arms, seat post and stem, handlebar, chain cover, and battery cover that match the black frame perfectly.
  • The cockpit is very clean, and feels less overwhelming to me than the setup on some competing electric bikes. I think this is due to the half-grip twist shifter vs. triggers, and the twist bell on the left verses something that’s mounted on top of the bar and positioned further in. The display panel is very compact and matches nicely, but is still reachable and the readout is very clear and readable.
  • The tool-free adjustable angle stem allows for a more upright body position if you have a sensitive back, neck, and shoulders like me. Or, you can angle it forward and drop the handlebar a bit for a more efficient and aerodynamic body position. I love that the bike comes in three frame sizes, so you can really dial it in based on your body features… and the frame is super approachable with the deep wave style step-thru frame.
  • The integrated lights are above-average in terms of quality and function. The headlight is built into the front fender, which is very unique, and this means it points where you steer and is more streamlined in look and function. It’s less likely to get bumped out of position or tampered with at a bike rack, and the housing has side windows so the light is visible from more angles! The rear light is positioned well under the rack so it won’t get scratched or cracked when you park at a crowded bike rack. These lights, combined with the reflective tires, dramatically improve safety and are important for an all black bicycle in my opinion. Consider wearing a helmet with a light built in, reflective clothing, and adding reflective stickers to the frame and reflective tags to backpacks.
  • Another safety and convenience feature worth mentioning is the ebike rated tires that come with a puncture protection layer to reduce your chances of getting a flat. I’ve learned that keeping the tires inflated between the recommended PSI 45 to 70 will further help to reduce pinch flats.
  • Excellent weight distribution. The battery pack fits inside the downtube and is about as low and centered as you can get. The mid-drive motor blends seamlessly into the frame and is almost completely obscured by the full-surround chain cover.
  • The plastic chain cover and fenders are very high quality. Plastic is lightweight and durable (won’t bend or rust), but can increase noise as it rattles a bit more. It’s almost impossible for your pants or dress end to get dirty while pedaling by brushing up against the chain or chainring, and the front fender is longer than average so your shoes and shins should stay dryer when riding through puddles. The end of the fender has a rubber tip that’s flexible if kicked or bumped on a curb or other obstacle.
  • The bike feels stable and is quite comfortable thanks to the suspension fork, suspension seat post, and taller wheels. The wheels have a lower attack angle that eases into bumps and spans cracks better than a smaller wheel diameter, and the tires offer a bit of width here for stability 1.75″ but still roll efficiently and quietly due to their city/hybrid tread.
  • It’s easy to miss that the spokes interface with the rims using reinforcement eyelets, but this is a noteworthy upgrade. The eyelets spread out pressure and reduce the chance of cracking and scraping when the wheels are being trued or the bike is carrying more weight.
  • Excellent brakes here, hydraulic disc with adjustable reach levers to fit a range of hand sizes. Note the larger 180mm front rotor which helps dissipate heat as weight sifts forward when stopping. The larger front rotor also provides a greater mechanical advantage over the large wheel size. Some older Gazelle ebikes used hydraulic rim brakes, which are less likely to get damaged at bike racks, but they can scratch the rims, heat the rims and damage inner tubes, and tend to be dirtier in general. One takeaway here is that you should avoid touching the disc brake rotors and be conscious of the front rotor when parking at racks, because if it’s bent you will end up with some wooshing noises as the wheel rotates.
  • The Shimano Nexus 8 internally geared hub is also very clean. Since there’s no derailleur hanging down on the right side of the bike, it tends to be very durable and the chain is unlikely to fall off. I appreciate that this drivetrain allows you to shift at standstill, which can be useful when stopping unexpectedly. The gear ratio is pretty good, so it’s easier to start from standstill and clime, as well as maintain speed. The motor supports up to 20mph in North America and 25km/h in Europe but you can pedal faster if you wish, and the motor won’t introduce additional drag.
  • The Bosch motor controller is incredibly fast and smart, it makes riding with assist feel very natural and controlled. It measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second and can even back off when it senses shifting, which protects the chain and geared hub from stress and damage.
  • The monoshock suspension fork is raked forward a bit to relax steering and keep the fender from being in the path of your feet while pedaling. Even though the suspension travel is very limited at 30mm and non-adjustable, it still takes the edge off of jarring interactions with cracks and curbs. The biggest benefit to me is the appearance and reduced weight compared with a more traditional double stanchion fork.
  • In addition to the suspension fork, Gazelle has specced an adjustable stiffness suspension seat post to further cushion your ride offering 40mm of travel. It’s a welcome feature for an upright city bike… especially if you have back and neck sensitivity like me. This part does offer adjustable preload (stiffness based on rider weight), which is wonderful. Just take the post out and loosen or tighten the bolt in the base.
  • The rear rack is amazing! It’s positioned far enough back that the saddle can be lowered all the way down without colliding with a trunk bag. The side support arms are extra strong, made from custom tubing and painted to match the frame color! You get 29kg (59lbs) of cargo capacity here, which is above average and great if you’re using it to mount a child seat. It uses standard gauge tubing to work with most clip-on panniers, has pannier blockers on the sides to keep bags from touching the tires, and even comes with a triple bungee strap for quickly securing lightweight loose items. I also appreciate that some of the support structure is hidden below the fender creating a really sleek refined look.
  • The silver support struts that keep the fenders in place are curved at the top and non adjustable so the fender is less likely to get bumped out of position. Both pairs of struts mount directly to the frame vs. using plastic cuffs, that tend to be weaker.
  • Another cool accessory that Gazelle includes right out the gate is an AXA Defender frame lock to secure the rear wheel for quick stops. It’s keyed alike to match the battery pack, which reduces clutter and the need to carry and fiddle with multiple keys. It’s convenient and works well… but does add some weight.
  • Great kickstand hardware, the length is adjustable without tools (so you can stabilize the bike on flat or angled terrain). It’s positioned near the back to support the rack with cargo and stay clear of the left crank arm (eliminating the potential for pedal lock).
  • The battery pack is removable to help reduce weight when lifting, servicing, and transporting the bike. It’s also nice that the same charging interface is used for the pack and the bike frame plug so you don’t need a dongle. I’ve read that it’s best to store Lithium-ion batteries in cool dry environments and avoid a full discharge to 0%. Optimal use is between 20% and 80% full, and store at 50% full for long periods of disuse. It’s cool that this battery pack and cover are cross compatible with some of the other Gazelle models too, in case your family or friends buy more than one and wish to share.
  • The Bosch Active Line Plus motor offers more torque and higher cadence support than the lowest level Bosch Active line. For me, it’s a worthwhile upgrade, but still delivers the benefits of efficient power use and decreased noise vs. the Performance Line products. It’s also less expensive, contributing to a more affordable ebike.
  • In my experience, you’re getting a reliable and well supported product when buying from Gazelle and Bosch. I believe that they both offer a two year comprehensive warranty and rely on a network of shops that can provide ride tests, fitting, and post purchase support to help the bike last. Furthermore, Bosch supports their hardware for 7+ years once discontinued, so you probably won’t struggle to find a replacement battery or display the same way you might with a less expensive product. And, the display can be upgraded to one of the fancier models from Bosch if you pay the dealer to special order and install it. This would get you smartphone app compatibility and USB charging for portable electronics.

Cons:

  • The spring suspension fork is sleek, and offers a bit of rake near the bottom for improved stability, but it doesn’t offer much travel (just 30mm), adjustability (there is none), or strength. It’s lightweight, sleek, and paint matched to the frame… but for lighter riders like myself, it just doesn’t seem to do much. Without preload adjustability, the spring can feel too stiff or too soft depending on weight being transported, and it doesn’t offer lockout so you will lose some efficiency to bobbing.
  • Weighing in at roughly 59lbs for the medium sized frame, this is a moderately heavy electric bike… but still less than the Arroyo C7 HMB that has a larger double crown suspension fork. The weight of both models has to do with the spring suspension fork and seat post, internally geared hub, fenders, integrated rack, lights, cafe lock, adjustable stem, swept back handlebar, and reinforced step-thru frame with cutaway point. The bike looks very smooth and beautiful, but extra metal was used to increase strength and stiffness while keeping this wave design, and it appears to be the same frame used for their belt driven products with that cutaway on the right chain stay… which requires more metal and structure for strength.
  • The Bosch Purion display panel is fairly easy to read, effective to use, and easy to reach to press on the buttons without compromising your grip too much, but the display itself isn’t removable and some menus and readouts that fancier displays include just aren’t present here. It doesn’t have a dedicated light button, so remember to hold plus to activate or de-activate the lights and hold minus to cycle through menus, and hold minus and tap power to change units from miles to kilometers and back. The Micro-USB port on the right side of this display is only for diagnostics and not charging portable electronics. Consider paying a local shop to help upgrade the Purion to Kiox if you want USB charging and Bluetooth for their smartphone apps.
  • As nice as the controller is on this ebike, Gazelle is using the older rear wheel speed sensor with a spoke-attached magnet that can get bumped out of position more easily than the new one that mounts on the disc brake rotor mount. It’s a small thing, but this is one of their nicer ebikes, so it would be cool to see the cleaner integration.
  • I love that the battery lock core and AXA frame lock use the same key, but discovered that the key gets locked into place when the cafe lock is disengaged. Perhaps they meant this as a feature, but it means that you basically have to lock the bike every time you stop or someone could mess with the cafe lock and steal the key and or battery. Furthermore, since you have to leave the key in the cafe lock when riding, if you’ve got the key attached to a keychain, it will rattle as you ride. If you do not have it attached to a keychain, it could get lost more easily when you take it off and drop it into your backpack or purse. I just wish they let you remove the key from the AXA Defender frame lock when unlocked as well as locked so this wouldn’t be an issue.
  • In order to lock the battery into place, you have to insert the key and unlock the core before seating it into the downtube. Some competing designs I’ve seen from BULLS just allow you to push hard and the battery will click into place without the key. I appreciate that ramped latch design because I feel it makes dropping the battery pack less likely, as you don’t have to simultaneously fumble with a key.
  • It’s only available in one frame color, but the black looks really clean and professional since the cables, tubing, and other hardware are also black. Usually these parts only come in black, white, or silver, so Gazelle did an excellent job seeing out as many black parts as possible including rims, spokes, hubs, cranks, chain cover, fenders, stem, handlebar, seat post, kickstand, rear rack.
  • The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery pack weighs more than the older PowerPack 500, is longer and sharper (making it awkward to fit into backpacks and pannier bags if you wish to transport additional batteries for long range use), and has a custom plastic shield mounted to match the downtube. The shield does not appear to be easily swappable between batteries without using tools, but at least the shield is generic black (less expensive to produce, more standardized and easier to find as a replacement). The black shield matches the black frame really well here.
  • There’s plenty of room for bottle cage bosses on the downtube (on top of the battery pack) and seat tube, but Gazelle didn’t include any. You could always get an SKS Anywhere adapter for mounting a bottle cage to the seat tube with straps, or get a trunk bag and panniers for cargo and accessories to mount on the rear rack, but it’s nice to have a bottle within reach. Perhaps their decision has to do with frame strength and cost savings on the plastic battery shield vs. something fancier like Cannondale has done with a mounting point on their battery shield.
  • The Bosch Active Line Plus motors have a bit of “clunk” feeling when you stop pedaling. I think this relates to the gearing inside, because there’s also some friction when pedaling backwards as it seems to cycle the gearing inside the motor itself. Both of these characteristics may smooth out and reduce with continued use, but I didn’t notice this same behavior when testing the more powerful Bosch Performance Line motors.
  • As much as I enjoy internally geared hubs for being durable, reducing chain drops, and allowing shifting at standstill… they do add weight, shift a bit slower, and tend to offer lower gear ratios. This one offers 307% spread, which is roughly equivalent to an 11-34 tooth cassette offering 309% spread.
  • This is only a minor consideration, but since the headlight is built into the plastic fender, the beam may bounce and jitter a bit more than if the headlight was mounted to the sprung portion of the bike frame or even the medal portion of the suspension fork lowers.
  • Two other minor considerations are that the seat post is a little short at 300mm vs. the standard 350mm (at least for the large frame size), and the seat post connects into a shim. Also, the battery charge port cover on the frame can be a little tricky to seat perfectly. I had to spend extra time with it during the review prep, but I love that it’s positioned high up on the frame.

Resources:

Review Updated On

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A fully-equipped commuter electric bike with high-speed 28 mph (45 km/h) Class 3 performance, premium rack, fenders, integrated lights, keyed-alike cafe lock, engineered in the Netherlands to handle rain and salty coastal environments. Premium alloy-coated fenders are tough and quiet, plastic chain guard keeps your pant-leg clean, integrated…...

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Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Review

  • MSRP: $3,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A highly adjustable, feature-complete, city style electric bike with long fenders and enclosed chain cover to keep you clean and integrated lights to keep you safe, keyed-alike frame lock adds convenience. Available in four frame sizes and three colorways, premium paint and marine-grade hardware were chosen…...

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Gazelle Avenue C8 Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A durable, streamlined, wave style step-thru electric bicycle from an established European brand with an excellent track record of quality and service, available in three frame sizes for improved fit. Uses one of the lightest, quietest, and most efficient mid-drive motors from Shimano with an…...

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Gazelle CityZen T10 Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A feature-complete city style electric bike that's lighter than competing models and more sporty, the narrow handlebars let you squeeze through traffic and doorways easily. Premium alloy coated fenders are tough and quiet, plastic chain guard keeps your pants clean,…...

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2017 Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Review

  • MSRP: $3,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A highly adjustable, feature-complete, city style electric bike with long fenders that have an integrated headlight and enclosed chain cover keep you clean and dry, integrated keyed-alike cafe lock adds convenience. Available in three frame sizes with the small and medium being wave and the large…...

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Gazelle NL C7 HMB Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A comfortable, stable and capable cargo bike... that's almost like a cruiser with large sweeping bars, an adjustable stem, oversized comfort saddle and puncture-resistant balloon tires. Impressive two-year comprehensive warranty, thoroughly tested against UV and salt water exposure, unique styling and…...

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Gazelle CityZen C8 HM Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

An efficient urban style electric bike with tight fenders, integrated LED lights, a cargo rack with bungee cords and a cafe lock for quick stops. Available in four frame sizes (three trapez mid-step and two diamond high-step), the battery pack…...

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Gazelle Arroyo C8 HM Review

  • MSRP: $3,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

A wonderful commuting platform with full-coverage fenders, premium integrated lights, suspension fork and suspension seat post, adjustable stem and more. Clean single-sprocket drivetrain with fully enclosed chain guard cover, eight speed internally geared hub that…...

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Comments (2) YouTube Comments

Jason
2 years ago

Gazelle Racks are not amazing well not if you want to fit a trunk bag as well as panniers as there is no lower rail. This really irritates me as I keep chains, cables pump etc in the trunk bag and don’t want to have to swap them out to panniers if I just want to go shopping.

In Europe a lot of models still have Magura hydraulic rim brakes. In my experience these are quite powerful enough. All in all these are great bikes and I love mine.

  Reply
Court
2 years ago

Hi Jason! Yeah, I’ve seen the hydraulic rim brakes from Gazelle, Kalkhoff, and Focus before. I think they do it in Europe for city bikes, since they are less likely to get bumped at the bike rack, there’s no disc rotor exposed that could get bent… In general, I like Gazelle! They seem to offer good value, but I agree it is nice to have a fully functioning rack with a top platform and pannier hangers, especially if the rack is supporting the rear fender, because then it is difficult to swap the rack for a better one later.

  Reply

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