Name: Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB Review
Item: Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB
Author: Court Rye

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Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB Review

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Electric Bike Review

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Bosch Performance Line 65nm Ebike Motor

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Downtube Integrated Bosch 500 Powertube Ebike Battery

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Adjustable Angle Stem Swept Back Handlebar

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Bosch Purion Lcd Display Panel Faux Leather Ergonomic Locking Grips

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Axa Blueline 50 E Headlight

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Axa 50 Lux Headlight With Side Windows

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb 4 Led Herrmans Rear Light

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb 700c Schwalbe 50km Energizer Plus Tires

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes With Quad Piston Calipers

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Post Moderne Suspension Seatpost Adjustable Preload 40mm Travel

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Downtube With Battery Removed Charging Port On Right Key On Left

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Tool Free Adjustable Kickstand Plastic Pedals With Rubber Grip

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Enviolo Stepless Manual Trekking Cvt Hub With Gates Carbon Belt

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb 36 Volt 13 4 Amp Hour Battery Pack With Plastic Cover

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Bosch 4 Amp Ebike Charger

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Charger And Manuals

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Stock Step Thru Olive

Gazelle Ultimate C380 Hmb Stock Step Thru Blue

A feature complete city-oriented electric bike with premium enviolo stepless CVT drivetrain, Gates Carbon belt, and Bosch drive systems. It's approachable, efficient, and extremely quiet! Safety upgrades include reflective puncture resistant tires, extra-bright integrated lights that are positioned perfectly, and durable aluminum alloy fenders. The rear rack design is one of the best I've ever seen.
Purpose-built step-thru frame offers an extremely low standover height without suffering from frame flex. The downtube-integrated battery and internally routed cables look beautiful. Available in three frame sizes for optimal fit. The adjustable angle stem, swept-back handlebar, and shorter wheelbase provides an upright "dutch" ride position that is comfortable and functional for spotting traffic.
Custom bladed fork includes a 40mm monoshock to minimize stress and strain on wrists, arms, shoulders, back, and neck while riding on chopping terrain. The included suspension seat post offers adjustable preload, the large Selle Royal saddle is super comfortable, even the grips are upgraded to soft faux leather with an ergonomic shape and lockers to stay secure.
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 they didn't go for the highest capacity battery from Bosch for this model... probably so they could make a small frame with shorter reach. The key cannot be removed from the frame lock when riding, so you have to lock it each time you stop. The Purion display offers limited menus, does not include USB charging, is not removable, and is not compatible with Bosch ebike apps.

Make:

Gazelle

Model:

Ultimate C380 HMB

Price:

$3,999

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed, Forward

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting, Touring

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:

2021

Total Weight:

63.4 lbs (28.75 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.9 lbs (3.12 kg) (Including Plastic Cover)

Motor Weight:

7.05 lbs (3.19 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18.1 in (45.97 cm)20.9 in (53.08 cm)22.4 in (56.89 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium 53cm Measurements:21" Seat Tube Length, 22" Reach, 17.5" Standover Height, 37" Minimum Saddle Height with Included Suspension Post or 35" Minimum Saddle Height with Rigid Aftermarket Seat Post, 43" Maximum Saddle Height, 25.75" Width, 73.75" Length, 44.75" Wheelbase, 70.5° Headset and Saddle Tube Angle

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Satin Mallard Blue with Light Blue and Black Accents, Satin Light Olive with Yellow and Black Accents

Frame Fork Details:

Aluminum Alloy with Internal Headset Monoshock Spring Suspension, 40mm Travel, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

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

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

1 Speed 1x∞ Enviolo Stepless Manual Trekking Groupset Continuously Variable Transmission, 380° Gear Range Equivalent to 11-42T Cassette, 24 Tooth Rear Cog, Rated to 85nm Continuous Torque

Shifter Details:

Enviolo NuVinci Optimized Half-Grip Twist Shifter on Right Bar (Mechanical, No Indicator Window)

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, Straight 1-1/8" (44mm Outer Diameter)

Stem:

Adjustable Angle (-10° to 60°), 100mm Length, 50mm Base Height, 30mm Combined Tapered Spacer Height, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back, 630mm Length

Brake Details:

Shimano BL-MT402-3A Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Rear Rotor, Quad Piston Calipers, Three Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergonomic, Padded, Faux Leather, Black, Locking

Saddle:

Selle Royal Loire Gel, Royal Vacuum Light, Large Soft Comfort, Black

Seat Post:

Post Moderne Suspension Post (40mm Travel, Adjustable Compression with 6mm Hex Wrench at Base), Two Bolt Clamp with two Bolt Rotation (5mm Hex Bolts), 27.2mm to 29.8mm Shim

Seat Post Length:

290 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Ryde Dutch, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 36 Hole, 19mm Outer Width, 30mm Depth (Medium Dish)

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black with Silver Spoke Nuts

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

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 Donwtube-Integrated Bosch PowerTube 500 Battery Pack, 1.6lb 4 Amp Charger, Motor Support Continues Pedaling up to 120+ RPM, IP56 Durability Rated (Drive Unit and Display)

Motor Brand:

Bosch Performance Line Cruise

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

450 watts

Motor Torque:

65 Newton meters (Eco: 35nm, Tour: 45nm, Sport: 50nm, Turbo: 65nm)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 500, 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 hours

Estimated Min Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 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 1,000 Readings Per Second. Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 55%, Tour 120%, Sport 200%, Turbo 300%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Number of Gears

030

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This review was provided for free, but Reckless Shipyards supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. 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:

Although I do not speak to this point in the review, I believe that Gazelle will be launching a range extender option where you can purchase a Bosch PowerPack 500 and mount it to the seat tube (where the bottle cage bosses are) to double the range of the bike. This would greatly extend range and transform from a city commuting platform to a trekking touring platform. 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. 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 was one of Gazelle’s more popular models in years past, but it was only available as a non-electric bike. As of this review, they now sell an “Ultimate” line of ebikes including the C8 (utilizing an 8-speed Shimano Nexus internally geared hub), the C380 (utilizing the enviolo stepless trekking groupset and a Gates Carbon belt), The T10 (with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain), and the T10+ (with an upgraded Shimano 10-speed and faster Bosch Performance Line Speed motor). Note that the internally geared hub version of the Performance Line Cruise motor cannot be upgraded to eMTB mode the way that the derailleur version of the motor can. It does offer backwards pedal chain cycling, which is handy for drivetrain maintenance and lining up the belt.
A few side notes about this bike: they designed the frame with a shorter length and more upright geometry with matching steer tube and seat tube angle, the seat post connects to the seat tube using a 27.2mm to 29.8mm shim which is kind of unique, the bike always starts in assist level “off” vs. remembering your last setting and you can use the power button on the display or on the battery pack, if you find that the display isn’t working properly then try power cycling the bike using the on/off button on the battery pack (this has helped me in the past when it appeared that the display was on but I could not change assist levels by clicking the up and down arrows).

Pros:

The Gazelle Ultimate C8 and C380 are two of my favorite electric bikes on the market right now if you’re looking for a city, commuter, or trekking model. This is because they have approachable frames available in three sizes, offer two color choices, feel comfortable, ride extremely quiet, and are 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! You can just tell that the little details were scrutinized and chosen well when you see the bike, take the battery pack off, see that there’s a memory foam pad at the base to reduce rattling noises, notice the additional supports for the fenders and rack, and ride through choppy terrain to hear how solid and quiet it actually is.
To make this frame work with the Gates Carbon belt drive system, they had to design a break in the frame (on the right seatstay). This adds a bit to the cost and could compromise load capacity and frame stiffness if done improperly. From what I experienced, it 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 motor and controller systems (used on this ebike) offer the perfect blend of power, efficiency, and low noise. It offers up to 65 newton meters of torque 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 shifting 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.
Along with the beautiful motor integration, the battery pack is also done well. I appreciate that they chose the top mounting pack but still use the security lock so it won’t tumble out. The plastic shield cover is lightweight and blends in pretty well with the dark blue frame. Overall, it isn’t too heavy and the charging port and key ports are both up high so you don’t have to bend over too far to engage with them. 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 breaking 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. 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 on the handlebar just above the stem helps you be seen more easily by cars. Again, both of these lights run off of the main rechargeable ebike battery as you’d expect.
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 the best rack 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.
Great wheel choices. The black spokes and rims match all of the other black hardware ont he bike. The rear spokes are a bit thicker to help support the rack. The rims are mid-dish and aero design for aerodynamics (like the bladed fork). 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 cuople of fingers and use the others for steering and simply holding on. These are the type of brakes I’d normally see on a mountain bike.
The padded, faux leather, locking, ergonomic rips used on this bike are excellent. I didn’t see a logo on them so they may be custom for Gazelle. They look beautiful and function very well. They are some of the best stock grips I’ve tried on any ebike in a while.
The suspension seatpost, suspension fork, and medium volume tires combine to offer a good amount of comfort. The saddle is fairly large and super soft and comfortable. I appreciate that the location of the seat isn’t set too far back, which could obstruct and limit the rack. When you add the adjustable angle stem, it all works well and can accommodate many types of riders. I suggest swapping the suspension seatpost for a rigid 27.2mm seat post like one of these to achieve the lowest standover height (for petite riders).
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 the seat tube here, some ebikes completely skip them, 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 pick it up or drag it, but at 63.4lbs, 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 bike, 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 $4k USD, I feel like it offers great value. It should last, will definitely ride comfortably and handle most types of terrain and weather, and comes with excellent support. Great job.

Cons:

Weighing in at 63.4lbs, this particular version of the Gazelle Ultimate is 5-6lbs 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 6.9lb battery before lifting and transporting on car racks.
The enviolo NuVinci CVT hub system used here is using a more basic twist shifter mechanism that does not include an indicator window or LCD readout system. This means that you won’t know what “gear” the bike is in when you start riding and instead, you have to kind of twist and guess. NuVinci does offer a little infographic readout and electronic display for some of their other models, so I guess this one is designed to be less expensive and maybe more durable or reliable? It’s just more basic and leaves you guessing a bit.
The key for the cafe lock must be left in the lock when it is unlocked (presumably when you’re riding). This means that you should probably lock it whenever you stop, so nobody locks it and steals your key. This adds an extra step and just annoys me. Some other frame locks from ABUS do not require that the key be left in. Furthermore, if you’re riding around with the key left in the AXA lock here, it could cause some noise and snag points if you have a keychain with other keys… if not, then you’ve got a single key that would be easy to lose whenever you lock the bike. It’s madness, lol!! A possible solution to this is to attach a small carabineer to the key so that it can be easily connected to a keychain when removed.
The suspension seatpost from Post Moderne is pretty basic, even though it’s a brand that I recognize and does have preload adjust in the base. The ride experience for me was more abrupt when the seatpost activated… it wasn’t as buttery and smooth for all of the little bumps, it has more stiction when sliding up and down and sort of locks in the up or down position. Perhaps that would change based on rider weight, age of the post, and temperature outside?
The suspension fork looks beautiful and probably saves weight compared to a more traditional double-stanchion design, but it only offers 40mm of travel and is not adjustable. You cannot adjust compression, preload, or lockout as far as I can tell. For some heavier riders, it may bob when pedaling and could even bottom out on hard hits.
I feel like this electric bicycle is marketed as a trekking or touring solution, and I’ve categorized it as such, but with a single 500 watt hour battery pack I feel like range would be more limited than competing products with the Bosch Powerpack 625 or double battery option. The Performance Line motor is super efficient, and you can bring the fast 4 amp 1.7lb charger fairly easily, I just see this as more of a commuter and city bike than a cross country trekking model.
The lack of a quick-release skewer for the seatpost means that adjustments are more difficult and time-consuming, requiring you to keep some tools handy. This can be especially annoying if you share this bike with a differently-sized family member and need to adjust the seat and stem on a regular basis. Of course, the trade-off here is that the upgraded suspension seat post saddle is less of a theft risk. Interestingly though, the front wheel does use quick release… so that is a theft risk.
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 you can pay a shop to install for you here, 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 are the 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 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 both the charging port and battery lock were on the right side of the frame and enable the pack to be put onto the bike without using the key.

Useful Resources:

Local Gazelle bike shops directory and map to find a local dealer for fitting and test rides.
Official Gazelle electric bikes website.
Bosch Ebike Systems motor comparisons on the EBR forums.
AXA Circle Lock cable accessory.
Bosch drive unit comparison on the official Bosch website.

January 30, 2021 (8 months ago)

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Paul

9 months ago

Great review, very thorough… I just received the Gazelle 380 for Christmas! Have only ridden it a few miles due to wet weather. Love it so far! The quality is excellent! I have been waiting for a lower cost, comfortable bike with the carbon belt drive and enviolo 380 hub. This is great value. P.S. I ordered the bike from Reckless Ebikes on the North shore. Tony helped me and was extremely helpful. Very impressed. Thanks for the review… I value your opinion 😁 Paul.

Court

That’s awesome! So glad you were helped and had a great experience there. Sounds like we both enjoyed Tony, and I think you chose an excellent ebike! Hope things dry up and you can enjoy it for some great rides soon! Do you live on the North Shore or West Vancouver, Paul?

Hi Court, I actually live in Walnut Grove, I have been looking for a more comfortable bike and I saw the review about a month ago on Propel and started to research the Gazelle 380. I googled the bike to find out who in Vancouver sold that particular bike and Reckless came up as number one on the list, so I called and talked to Tony direct and went down that day and bought my bike. I was extremely happy to see the review by you as it reinforced my decision. Since Christmas, the weather has been a little wet but I now have about 50 kilometers on the bike and loving it.

Chris

I own a Priority Continium with the same drive train, but no electric assist. After almost a year of ownership, I like how a CVT changes my riding style to more spinning and less “stomping” and I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy never cleaning or lubing a chain. But it’s a bear to get up step hills and very slow compared to my other bikes – one of which is a Walmart cruiser bike. I’m thinking about the Gazelle C380 in the future since the electric assist would help with both of those issues that seem to be related to the drivetrain. What’s your experience with hills and average speed?

I tend to agree with you about the belt drive and CVT feeling slower and less efficient than a traditional derailleur setup, but I’ll let Paul chime in with his thoughts as well. Thanks for painting the picture you have here, Chris!

Hi Chris, I found with the gazelle C380 going up a hill it smoothly can be downshifted and your cadence is faster, if you wish to keep the same cadence you just select the next setting up for power. I have found on a small hill I can comfortably hold about 20k an hour, on flat ground I can comfortably hold 32K an hour anything about that it’s all on you for paddling since the power cuts out about there. Thank you about the information about the belt drive and the transmission I’m sure I made a wise decision on that purchase if you’d like that set up the gazelle 380 is the best way to go. Thanks Paul 😁

Rick Perzylo

Excellent review… very happy with your expert thoughts. I’ve been waiting for quite some time on your review with the Gazelle Ultimate C380. Wished your review was with the blue color, joking aside, time paid off with your review. I didn’t know the Performance Line was quieter than the Performance CX Line. 65 newton meters compared to 85 but then in Ottawa less hills, when I do purchase this ebike next summer, my retirement plan is to exercise every day, not as scenic as Vancouver, but we do have the Gatineau Hills next door in Quebec :)

I will keep watching more of your videos since you are very articulate and know how to give an excellent and honest ebike review. Stay safe and again, thanks – Rick Perzyl

Thanks so much, Rick! I sure try my best… and I recently heard that this ebike may be compatible with a dual-battery setup from Bosch, for those who want the extra range! I think you’d be able to add a PowerPack 500 to the seat tube where the bottle cage bosses are. That sounds so cool to me! Anyway, did you make a joke about waiting so long and the blue bike as in “blue balls” because, lol that’s hilarious ;)

Yeah, Bosch has several generations of motors and a wide lineup now, so I just try to say and show what I’m experiencing during the review. I was very impressed with the bike overall, and your plan to use this platform to ride daily is great. It has everything you’d need… fenders, lights, rack! I will be covering a CX motor next on a BULLS ebike, so keep an eye out for that to see and hear the difference. Cheers! Court Rye

Rob Montañez

Would love to see a comparison of Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB with the forthcoming Serial 1 (Harley-Davidson) Rush / CTY Step-Thru since they both have the Gates carbon belt drive and the Enviolo constantly variable transmission drivetrain.

I’m ready for an upgrade and am very interested in this advancement in e-bike technology since it requires potentially less maintenance. I’m a fan of the Schwalbe tires that both bikes feature, too. Not to mention they are also both really great-looking bikes from well-respected companies!

Rob Montanez

Neglected to thank you for the fine work you do on your thorough reviews. This site is a wonderful resource for e-bike aficionados, particularly as many are buying and riding them for the first time and using them more actively due to the pandemic. Thank you!

8 months ago

Hey Rob! I really appreciate your kindness and encouragement. It’s great to see many new people getting into ebikes or just getting back into cycling. I feel like this technology levels the playing field and makes it more fun and just more approachable for a lot of people. I Hope you’re doing well during these challenging times, thanks for spreading some positivity here, definitely welcome :)

Eric Harms

I test-rode this bike yesterday on the 53 cm frame. At 6’2″, it was undersized for me. I am confident that the 57 cm frame will suit to allow proper leg extension, but am concerned as to where my hands (and torso position) will end up. At 72 years, and with neck and knee issues, I really want to ride more upright and relaxed. So, how does the added frame height affect the stem position?

I can’t find any clear info (at all) on Gazelle sites. And EBR’s extensive specs on the 53 cm frame don’t serve either the smaller rider who is interested in the 46 cm frame, or – in my case – the 57 cm frame. Where can we find this information?

Hi Eric! I see how that’s frustrating… it’s why I try to cover as many details as possible on the bikes I have access to. I completely understand your desire for the short reach and upright body position but need for full leg extension too. I think the adjustable angle stem and swept back handlebars will make the 57cm frame a perfect fit. You’ll be able to raise the seat post and get that high saddle position and then bring the stem into the most upright position which will bring it up and back to reduce reach. Given your height and description, I really think that the 57cm is the answer… but I’m sorry that I don’t have more details for you here. Some manufacturers will have geometry charts, but I didn’t see that on the official Gazelle site for this model :/

Tina

Hi Eric, Tina from Gazelle North America here. :) I would definitely recommend a 57cm frame for you at 6’2. We have a 6’3.5er in our office that was perfectly comfortable on the 57. Our frame size page definitely needs some work (it’s on my list of things to improve!), but we do have measurements for all frame sizes of the Ultimate C380 on this page. The Ultimate T10, C8, and C380 have the same geometries.

Hope this helps!
Best, Tina

That’s awesome! Thanks for chiming in with some tips and resources Tina, you rock :D

RobM

Question for Tina or others. I have watched the separate reviews of the C8 and C380, they both sound like great bikes. I see they differ in the motors – which is quieter? Also, it looks like the C380 has 65 newton meters of torque vs 50 on the C8, so I assume it is a little better for hills, is that correct? I know they both have different gearing systems – can someone explain the pros and cons of each? Thanks much!

Dale Lewellyn

7 months ago

I would really like your thoughts on the C8 vs the C380 in terms of reliability and user satisfaction. My local bike shop thinks the C8 is troublesome, but I’m not sure they know that much about it. Also, do you know if it is possible to add the Harmony electronic shifting option to the C380? On final thing, is the C380 just too heavy to try to put in the back of a Prius? I think it would fit, but although I’m not a small person, I’m not sure I could get it in there or whether it would damage the bike to ride on it’s side. Thanks for your great reviews. When I first started looking at e-bikes I was overwhelmed. Your reviews really helped me get my bearings.

Hi Dale! My own experience with internally geared nubs like those from Shimano Nexus is that the shifting can feel slow and sometimes clicky and non-shift when under load. I don’t love them, and the CVT from NuVinci is a bit better, but still limited for shifting when under heavy load. All internally geared hubs tend to weigh more, but the chain or belt will be tighter and the rear end of the bike might be tougher since there’s no derailleur hanging down. It’s a mixed bag, but I’d prefer the C380 myself. I also have Prius (and use the Küat Sherpa rack with an 1-1/4″ hitch interface) and have been alright carrying most of the bikes you see reviewed here, as long as I take the battery pack off and mount the bike to the closest slot (close to my trunk) to reduce leverage force. If the bike is heavy to lift, I recommend squeezing the right brake (for the rear wheel) and pulling the bike back onto the rear wheel (like popping a wheelie) to then set the front wheel on a platform rack, then you only have to lift the rear end of the bike up vs. the whole thing. You can see this in action in my RadMission review towards the end of the video :)

Dale

I just ordered my c380 today. Can’t wait. Thanks for your help.

Dave

6 months ago

Dale: Regarding your questions about putting the C380 in or on the back of a Prius: I use an all-aluminum 1.25” hitch rack by 1UP-USA with no problem, but also wanted to test a plan B for an emergency. With help, you can slide the bike in rear wheel first on its left side and at an angle. I removed the seat post and also swiveled the handle bar and then it would fit with no problem closing the hatch. The diagonal position left the driver seat free to move back as needed. This would be OK for an emergency, (extreme weather, broken or stolen rack, etc.) but the bike and car will indeed get more and more damaged each time. Hope this helps, Dave

Thanks for your helpful input here, Dave!

Terry

Something I haven’t seen covered – possibly just missed – is how well the motor disengages when turned off. If disable the assistance on level terrain to improve range, am I wasting any energy causing internal gears to turn?

Tyson Roehrkasse

Hi Terry, great question! For these newer Bosch motors the motor completely disengages when turned off, and Bosch says that there is no drag in this state. Older generations of Bosch motors had a reduction gearing interface which did have some drag, but they phased that out in 2018 or so if my memory is correct. Of course, there are still some bikes being sold today that have the older Bosch motors on them. You can recognize those older motors by their smaller chainring up front, this bike is an older Gazelle that you can look at for reference: https://electricbikereview.com/gazelle/cityzen-t9-hmb/

Noah

Hi Court, I’m loving your reviews. I’m in the market for an ebike and C380 stand out to me for several reasons, including the suspension elements, but I’m wondering if this is the right bike for the steep dirt roads where I live. I tried a Specialized Como (turbo from last season, I think?) and it didn’t perform well mainly because the roughness of my road caused the chain to bounce and get stuck in the chain stay (that model does not have a clutch on the chain, which may have prevented this), so I really like the idea of the belt drive for keeping things clean and low maintenance, but I think the motor is basically the same on these two bikes and the Como felt perhaps a tad underpowered. I don’t really want to get into mountain bikes and cargo bikes because I want a more upright ride and part of my commute is paved road as well. I think I’d spring for the more powerful motor if I could get belt drive but then the quietness of this motor appeals to me as well. Also I don’t mind pedaling and want to get some exercise. I guess I’m wondering if you had a sense of sufficient power on steep hills and also if you have a sense of how it would handle rough dirt roads? Thanks!

Hi Noah! Yes, I can recommend this ebike based on your description. I believe that the motor will offer slightly higher power than the Specialized that you tested, and the suspension fork will dampen vibration a bit. It will also give you that upright body position, easy-approach with step-thru (if you want it), and should be very reliable thanks to the Bosch drive system. However, the tires are a bit narrow at 1.75″ vs. what’s available now in the 2.25″+ and you might be able to swap them for improved stability and comfort. Hard to say how large you can go, given the fender setup. If you are willing to buy from an online company, consider the EVELO models, and specifically the Aurora Limited. I’m not sure I love the look of it as much as the Gazelle Ultimate here, but it has a more powerful motor, belt drive, longer travel suspension, and 2.8″ tires! The thing is pretty sweet, and seems to fit your needs well.

Phil Mounteney

Brilliant review (as always). I’m so close to pulling the trigger on this bike but wondered (perhaps based on Gazelles previous release cycles) if we might get:

a + version of this that can go 28mph (I have a 10+ mile commute so that extra speed could really help)
if there might be a high step version (less bothered by this on actually)

What do you think?

Hmm, great question! I suggest asking a leading shop that carries Gazelle (like Propel bikes) because the dealers often hear about new models before I do. Maybe they will let you know what they expect to see, and also inventory so you could get on a waiting list or learn about availability of even the current Ultimate C380 because I’ve heard that a lot of brands are facing shortages right now :)

Craig Wilson

5 months ago

I am torn between an Ultimate T10 and Ultimate C380 and am seeking advice from the group. I’m told the T10’s gears are more efficient and lighter than the C380, and that it’s easier to change a tire should you get a flat. I also prefer the T10’s white color compared to C380’s blue and olive colors–neutral and highly visible. However, the variable shifting and low maintenance carbon belt is very attractive as I live in a very hilly part of the Driftless region of Minnesota-Wisconsin where hills are steep and numerous. Snow, rain, salt, gravel…. are all daily realities. I’m also in Minneapolis frequently in a highly urban area (60 miles away). What’s your advice?

Hi Craig! Your points about the snow, rain, salt, and gravel did make me lean towards the belt drive and internally geared hub. Hopefully others will chime in here, but you could post the same comment in the EBR forums for Gazelle and might get more engagement :)

While heavier, slower to shift, and generally less efficient, the internally geared hub can be durable and offer that shift at standstill feature, as long as you aren’t applying too much pressure when doing so. If you do shift under too much load, you’ll hear it clicking a lot. In that case, just ease off a bit and try not to let the motor activate, this will let the gear settle. Or, you can lift the rear wheel or tip the bike left onto the kickstand and then cycle it gently to apply the shift, and then hop on and continue pedaling again (much as you’d have to do with a traditional chain and cassette, which is my overall preference for all occasions due to easy maintenance, easier shifting, and reduced weight). Hope this helps ;)

So in summary, the C380 sounds heavier, more temperamental and higher maintenance. Your preference is a “traditional chain and cassette, which is my overall preference for all occasions due to easy maintenance, easier shifting, and reduced weight”? Is that correct?

Janet

Wow! Really cool bike in so many ways! But…. but…. I think I would really miss a throttle. My knees make it hard to push off and I use my throttle to get going. After I get going, I rarely use it.

Hi Janet, I can relate… the first ebike I bought did have a throttle, and it’s something that I enjoyed a lot because my left knee is sensitive. I actually get pain when squatting down to pick things up or walking down stairs, so ebike technology is great. Thankfully, there are many great products that do have throttles, like most Pedego models and also Rad Power Bikes, DOST, and Surface 604.