The new Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS was recently officially exhibited at ProDays 2023. The opportunity to discover together this urban electric bike that bets on both a central motor and a 7-speed Nexus gearbox, all for less than 2500 euros.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Gazelle is one of the most popular brands in the Netherlands. The company has been manufacturing bicycles in Dieren for more than 130 years and has of course also established itself in other European markets, including France. Logically, the Batavian brand used ProDays 2023 to present one of its latest innovations.
This is the Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS officially presented in June, which Frandroid was able to discover at the fair. This model aims to appeal to a specific target group: “Students who commute between their home and their place of study, as well as cyclists,” explains a representative of the brand.
A more than relevant central engine
To do this, Gazelle has tried to reduce the price of the bike as much as possible: 2390 euros after all, which puts it above the average price of a VAE in France. Nevertheless, this unit is characterized on paper by a relatively promising combination of components for this price: a central motor in conjunction with a Nexus seven-speed gearbox.
The mid-engine costs more because it is more complex to integrate. It also helps balance the bike better and offers better assist management. This is an element typically found on high-end VAEs.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
The Nexus seven-speed gearbox, on the other hand, enables gear changes both when stationary and while driving. A big advantage if you want to shift into low gears at a red traffic light, for example. The case also protects the entire system from the elements, dust or shock.
The Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS is based on a Shimano EP5 motor with a torque of 40 Nm. That’s usually enough for the city. You can also count on a 400Wh battery, Shimano BR-MT200 dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, 28″ Schwalbe Fat Frank tires, a power meter and a weight of 23.4kg.
No direct sales, but a large partner network
The battery attached to the frame is removable. Convenient for charging your electric bike without having to ride it at home or at work.
Source: Grégoire Huvelin – Frandroid
Gazelle tells us that no French assembly workshop could handle this specific activity. “Gazelle is so leading in its local market that it prefers to assemble everything in the Netherlands,” we are told. “There is no direct sales in France. For what ? Because grip is important,” says the brand.
Gazelle has access to a network of 180 partner stores – with the aim of growing to 200 stores – with shipping throughout France. “Shops are trained to know our models and to repair them if necessary. We also have five sales reps managing their sector to grow our partner network.”
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