Gazelle is one of the historical brands in the world of cycling. Founded in the Netherlands in 1892, the company has been cultivating the Dutch bicycle for more than a century, but not only. The range became more diverse, and very early on with the electric. The first e-bike test even dates back to 1930, at Philips.
The electrically assisted bicycle has been present in its catalog and on the different types of bicycles for more than 15 years. Among them, the Ultimate sits more leisurely than the Chamonix in the VTC family, while the Medeo opts for an active stance.
Three models power the new Charge 2023, including the entry-level T10 HMB model being tested here. The other two differ in their gearing: the C5 HMB is entitled to a belt and Nexus 5 hub, while the C380 HMB prefers an Enviolo continuously variable variator.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB data sheet
| Model | Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB |
|---|---|
| top speed | 25km/h |
| engine power | 250 watts |
| Number of Assists | 4 |
| announced autonomy | 130 km |
| Removable battery | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| GPS | NO |
| Screen | 1 |
| Weight | 24.3kg |
| Color | white grey |
| headlight | 1 |
| Taillight | 1 |
product sheet |
This test was conducted using a model borrowed from the brand.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMBDesign: retro, work, sleep
The Ultimate T10 HMB is designed as a bike between two worlds. It’s a VTC that’s already a cross between the city bike and the VTTAE, but according to Gazelle, this model is also inserted between the classic VTC and the city bike.
It’s not obvious at first glance, with a tall, slightly sloping frame – a low frame is available – and a medium wheelbase. The high handlebars, chain fairing and skinny tires refer to the world of the city. The brand also takes care of the paintwork and finishing, with the welds hidden under five layers.
Unfortunately, a unique color is available on the site: blue-grey in the diamond frame and white in the low frame. The first offers 4 sizes and the second 5 sizes, so everyone can find their account.
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The Gazelle Ultimate is only available with 28-inch tires and sits on double-walled wheels and Schwalbe Energizer Plus tires. Aluminum fenders are standard. Well attached, wide, long and well protected from splashes. As you can see, the T10 is well equipped with its 25 kg rear luggage rack with MIK HD mounting standard (e.g. for compatible child seats).
The wheel lock is also integrated – it’s not the thinnest – in this case an Axa Imenso. As for the lighting (connected to the battery), the Herrmans MR8 front light with LED emits 60 lux. It is very powerful and suitable for use outside the city. As for the taillight, the Spanninga Commuter Glow light blends into the luggage rack with a light bar that’s visible from afar.
This all has weight implications considering the built-in battery is the optional 625 Wh model. Overall we are at 28.1 kg. It’s impossible to carry it more than a few meters and the front is heavy, mainly because of the suspensions. Size issue: This model is long like a VTC but not as wide due to the curved handlebars. It’s always good to know if you’re parking it in a tight space.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMBBut a full picture disarray
The Bosch ecosystem – motor and battery – works in unison with a home-connected screen, and by extension Bosch. The Gazelle Ultimate T10 therefore embeds the Kiox 300, a color display placed in the center of the handlebar. It is extremely complete and with 8 windows it sends an impressive amount of information. Navigating there isn’t necessarily particularly intuitive, as the screen aligns four windows from left to right and then a second row down. At the beginning we get lost a little.
At least everyone can find their favorite gauge: speedometer, triple distance/time/speed, etc. But it’s not finished yet. A settings screen completes the menus, and when switched off the Gazelle displays another two-window screen summarizing your journey in eight digits. This pauses for a few seconds – it’s a little short – but the app saves everything.
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Bosch’s eBike Flow app maps a pairing in minutes – it takes you time to create your account, select the model, tick a few boxes – and is pretty easy. Home first shows your battery level and remaining battery life, then some adjustments such as B. Modes. Those who find the turbo too sluggish can lower the torque, adjust it for less powerful operation or even limit the speed. The same goes for the other modes. The adjustment is quite good, it is significant.
Somewhat hidden, the eBike Lock locks the bike remotely. This only blocks the motor, but combined with a real lock it’s a plus, not to mention the wheel blocker. For leisure, you can record your trips or configure a route, with the phone then acting as a GPS navigator (the screen doesn’t do that, too bad). There’s even an enlarged screen that mimics the Kiox 300’s counter when you put your smartphone in landscape mode.
The Bosch components on this Gazelle feature the German supplier’s Smart System. You can therefore receive remote updates over the years and thus integrate new functions. In addition, extended safety functions – eBike alarm via the Connect module – are also available as a paid option.
To find out more, we have written a full dossier on the Bosch Smart System.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMBDecent comfort and good handling
The Ultimate T10 bike is cut like a VTC but doesn’t forget its urban bike genes and plays the comfort card. The slightly higher position of the curved and height-adjustable handlebar results in a more upright position than an equivalent model. Gazelle takes care of everything with ergonomic handles and a wide saddle for all buttocks, well padded. Even after 40 km in a row, there is no noticeable pain.
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
However, the profiled tires might be creepy at first glance. Being narrow, they don’t compromise comfort, as the Schwalbe Energizer Plus Green Compound filters vibrations and other small bumps well. The suspension fork with its 75 mm travel is just right for uneven roads and trails. It’s not all rosy, there are still a few shakes in the back. The addition of a telescopic saddle to complete the whole would not have been dismissed.
Does choosing a high position play against driving? Not so much, as the profiled tires enhance handling and compensate for the wide handlebars. So we enjoy a bike with the right compromise, right between town and off-road. On the other hand, in this last niche, agility is pushed to the limit, it’s clearly not an off-roader.
An energized Bosch motor without breaking
The heart of this Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB is a central motor in the crankset. And not just any, but a Bosch Performance Line with 75 Nm. That’s not the biggest torque on the market, but more than enough for city and leisure use.
Accelerations are uncomplicated and immediate. The torque sensor works beautifully, one of the best on e-bikes. Thanks to the turbo mode, the Gazelle also jumps faster, allowing you to traverse steep slopes with ease. Externally we can be content with the Auto mode, which varies the torque according to need and is based on the intermediate “Tour” mode.
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The latter is adequate for most of the route but struggles on longer climbs. Hence the “kick” necessary in automatic mode, which passes the time of effort on to Turbo. Finally, the Eco mode significantly reduces power, ideal for flat terrain and while maintaining autonomy. In addition, the screen shows the remaining mileage for each mode, which is useful for switching from one to the other depending on usage (or desire).
To transfer everything, this Gazelle relies on a Shimano Deore 10-speed derailleur, which sits on the border between the middle and the top of the Shimano range. The Gazelle T10 is also the only one in the Ultimate range that can be operated with a chain. I’ve had no problems trying out Shimano Deore in the past, with great gear changes.
However, I’ve noticed a few dropouts here at certain gear changes, especially between 8 and 10. On the other hand, there is nothing to say about the Magura MT-C4 double-piston brakes, which are efficient and progressive on all occasions. A real guarantee of safety.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMBExcellent autonomy, thanks Bosch
Like the engine part, Gazelle also entrusts the keys to its battery to Bosch. All the better, because the German device manufacturer is also a benchmark in this area. But let’s ignore the reputation and see what the Ultimate T10 brought us. The battery is removable, inserted in the upper part of the inner tube. The position is ideal, the manipulation less so.
When you can unlock it easily with a key, the latch on the bottom isn’t very useful. It’s not a problem taking it off, but it’s an attempt to put it back on. You have to do it several times: it’s not easy because the battery weighs more than 3.8 kg, all while turning the key to lower the bolt. To improve.
In short, this battery is heavy because it has a large energy capacity, here 625 Wh or 16.7 Ah. That’s a lot, because this e-bike longs for excursions and long rides. In theory, 155km is promised with this “Diamond” version, compared to 130km with the 500Wh “Platinum”. Let’s try to clarify that these measures correspond to the Eco mode.
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Overall, we rode in Turbo mode, the most versatile on our route, which allowed us to tackle the steep inclines. Here the Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB covered almost 40 km with 55% battery. The remaining 45% must be tempered because the drop is somewhat faster.
We therefore opted for Tour or Auto mode, and then for the last few kilometers for Eco. There we covered 37 km to the last electron, or almost to the point where the bike used its reserves to power the screen. Overall, you can count on a range of between 70 and 75 km with high torque and more than 100 km with moderate use: this is a great defense against the fear of autonomy.
It’s also better than competitors like a Lapierre e-Explorer 7.6 and more or less what a Giant Explorer E+ 1DD promises. I was able to cover the same distance with a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0, but needed a 710 Wh battery to do so.
A battery that charges quickly and is made in Europe
As for charging, the charger that comes with the Gazelle is 4A, which allows for relatively quick charging. Of course, due to the large capacity, it is not possible to charge the battery to 100% in less than 5 hours, but 3 hours is enough to go from 10 to 80%. The removable battery offers the choice of charging on the bike or taking it out outside. With this second option, a 5-bar display shows the charge level.
Finally, note that the battery is not made in Asia, which is rare, but in Hungary. Bosch assembles its backpacks at the Miskolc factory together with the motors, thus reducing the bike’s carbon footprint. The German brand also states that it intends to reduce the cobalt rate, which it has already reduced by 65% in 10 years.
Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMBprice and availability
The cheapest model of the new Ultimate 2023 line, the Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB, is offered at a price of 3,799 euros. Note that the optional 625 Wh battery installed in our test sample costs 200 euros. The belt-driven C5 (Nexus 8) and C380 (Enviolo) versions are $3,999 and $4,299, respectively. An honest price that compares to the competition in the same sizes between 3,500 and 4,000 euros. As an electric bike, the T10 is eligible for national and local purchase grants.
The availability of the bike is only managed by retailers such as the Holland Bikes network or Cyclable. There are no online sales for this Ultimate T10 HMB. Gazelle emphasizes that the cyclist is looking for the right bike and size for physical sale. The delivery time is several weeks, more or less long depending on the size (a size 65 for large sizes is produced less than a 53).
Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The purchase is only possible against cash payment, there is no rent. Some retailers may offer an LLD on their own initiative, but that would be rare, according to Gazelle. If you want to try this or any other Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB, some outlets offer a quick test that can be booked on the official website. Not everyone has all models in their catalogue, so it’s best to call the store to be sure.
Customer service question: There is a 10-year guarantee on the frame and 5 years on the suspension fork and paintwork. A statutory guarantee of 2 years applies to the other non-wearing parts such as the motor and battery. In the event of a problem, Gazelle will refer you to the retailer or can be contacted by phone for information or solutions specific to your situation.
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Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB at the best price?