Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB e-bike review – Casual everyday companion

Even though the installed Performance Line motor is not the most powerful drive from Bosch, the Ultimate C380 has powerful biceps. With a suitably selected support level, fast traffic light sprints are no problem at all. However, the bike’s character is different: It is a superior glider.

The rather narrow Schwalbe tires roll pleasantly quietly over asphalt and gravel roads. The handlebars are quite narrow, but offer a pleasant offset and, with the adjustable stem, ensure an upright, slightly forward-leaning riding position. This also makes extended tours possible. The comfortable ride is supported by ergonomic fin grips.

The Enviolo gearshift also fits this relaxed character. It is very finely adjustable so that everyone finds his feel-good cadence. If you forgot to downshift when stopping, that’s no problem either because the hub can be operated while standing. For switching the pressure should be taken off the pedal, then the system convinces with low operating forces on the twist grip.

The gear ratio is very long. Short climbs and steep sections are still no problem thanks to motor support. However, this configuration is not intended for long mountain stages – the bike shines on fast downhill sections. The bike can be accelerated far beyond the support limit. The stability is beyond all doubt. Even very swiftly driven curves or bumps that have been ridden over leave the bike completely cold. It thus conveys a great deal of safety. Even a fully loaded luggage carrier does not cause any unrest in the bike.

However, the surface should not be too rough because the tires of the Ultimate C380 are relatively narrow. We like the braking performance of the bike. The Magura MT-C4 disc brake works with two pistons and brings the Gazelle to a safe stop at all times. At the same time, it conveys a transparent braking feel. The grip width adjustment on the long levers is also well solved. It works without tools and offers a wide adjustment range.