Powerful e-bike for long distances

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. The summer in particular attracts more and more people to cycle paths. The Dutch bicycle manufacturer Koninklijke Gazelle recently launched a new model, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB. We put it through its paces.

Summer is fast approaching. This is the perfect opportunity to slowly get on your bike and cover short or medium-length distances by bike. But an e-bike can be a real alternative, especially for longer distances. That’s why we took a closer look at the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB in the test.

Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB in the test: The data sheet

Before we start cycling, here are a few general facts about the Ultimate C380. The e-bike is only available in one shade of blue. You can get it as a “Platinum” or “Diamond” gear through the official website purchase from Gazelle. There aren’t any big differences. Only the battery stores a little more energy in the latter option.

Let’s start with the platinum edition. The Gazelle uses a battery with 500 watt hours, which ensures a different range depending on the driving style. If you get a lot of support, this is just 50 kilometers. With the Eco mode you can travel 130 kilometers. The diamond model is a little different.

Because it has a range of up to 155 kilometers. In turbo mode it is a minimum of 65 kilometers. This is ensured by an energy storage device with 625 watt hours. Regardless of the model, you get the latest generation of the e-bike system from Bosch. This consists of the battery and an integrated on-board system.

The system has a small screen above the handlebar that has different views. In addition to a view of the pedal assistance, there are details on the current journey – such as the journey time and average speed – or a navigation.

You can pair your smartphone with a corresponding app and you are guaranteed to always find your destination. The on-board system is navigated using the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel.

The maximum speed is 25 kilometers per hour – the upper limit of the legal requirements. If you are going faster, the battery will no longer provide support.

Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB in the test: driving report

Now on to the saddle. I noticed how incredibly fast and comfortable the tours with the e-bike were. Because when I pedaled a little harder, I quickly reached the maximum speed of the support. If you step further, you also get to 30 kilometers per hour in comparison.

Ride comfort is mainly based on the excellent suspension of the C380. Even with bumps in the road or small holes in dirt roads, the shock absorbers absorb a large part of the force. I’ve never felt that on any other bike before.

The on-board computer gives a good overview of the distance covered, the route and the battery level. Switching through the menus was relatively easy and not very distracting. So nothing stands in the way of a leisurely bike ride, both in city traffic and off-road.

There is one thing that needs to be mentioned at this point. Gazelle explicitly asked for my height in order to provide the correct model. Unfortunately, the frame was a bit too high for me, which made it difficult to put my feet down at traffic lights. Therefore, you should be particularly careful when choosing the model.

Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB in the test: We liked that

Basically, the Ultimate C380 is an incredibly high quality bike. The individual components give a stable impression, I could not find any production errors.

During the ride, the stepless gear shifting, which made it possible to easily adjust the intensity, was particularly noticeable. If it went uphill temporarily, the bike downshifts by itself. If you set an intensity that is too high, the on-board computer recommends manual downshifting.

The acceleration

The acceleration has it all. When pedaling, I quickly reached the maximum support at about 25 kilometers per hour. But that also depends on the degree of pedal assistance. In addition to an Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo mode, the system also offers an automatic setting.

Here the battery supports depending on the driving style. When you’re going faster, the focus is on rapid acceleration. On a relaxed lap, there is a continuous lower level of support. You can also be on the go with the Ultimate C380 at night.

The lighting is radiantly bright and occupies a large radius. Compared to my six-year-old e-bike, I was able to see obstacles well at a distance and was visible to other road users at all times. This is made possible by LED lighting on the front and rear of the bike.

Last but not least, there is the integrated lock. Because when you arrive at your destination, all you have to do is turn the key in the keyhole and push the integrated lock directly through the spokes. The system makes a robust impression. Gazelle also supplies a chain with which the e-bike can also be chained to parking spaces or lampposts.

The Gazelle e-bike: what are the concerns?

Basically, I couldn’t find any serious flaws with the Ultimate 380. Still, there are some points worth noting. The bike is comparatively heavy at 25.6 kilograms. We have a bicycle storage facility, so transporting it up a flight of stairs proved difficult just before the trip.

At the same time, the e-bike has a disc brake, which, according to previous experience, usually requires significantly more maintenance than brake pads. Although disc brakes wear out more slowly, the pressure decreases, but ventilation is necessary, which not everyone should dare to do. Finally, it remains open how robust the bike reacts to falls or minor accidents.

Because the on-board computer sits relatively freely above the handlebars and could quickly become damaged. I couldn’t test it in practice, but I think that there could still be a weak point here. Because it does not necessarily have to be a serious accident for the handlebar to land on the ground.

Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB in the test: conclusion

When I look back on the past few weeks with the Ultimate C380, I have many positive memories. It’s really fun to ride the electric bike from A to B. Both cross-country trips and city trips are no problem for the e-bike.

Only the future maintenance of the braking system and the high weight could lead to small problems in the long term. In the platinum version, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMBH is currently available for 4,299 euros for bicycles. An upgrade to the Diamant line is possible for an additional 200 euros.

Also interesting: