Enviolo hubs are additionally closed methods, so they do not want an excessive amount of upkeep (or de-mucking). And as a result of the chain doesn’t should pop between rungs on a standard shifting mechanism, the bike sports activities an ultra-durable carbon belt drive—no extra chain grease in your pants!
One factor on the bike that puzzled fellow WIRED reviewer Adrienne So and I is the included rear-wheel lock (meant to make it inconceivable to roll the bike). We had no concept the best way to get the factor to work. That’s not an enormous deal, as nearly all built-in locks like this are ineffective, regardless of how effectively they “work.” Someone can simply decide up your bike and throw it in a van. Use a real lock.
Nimble Ride
The clean experience is usually attributable to the single entrance shock and fatter tires, that are bigger than what you’d discover on most related street bikes. They make the Gazelle deal with way more like its namesake than the hefty step-through it seems to be.
It’s comfy and nimble, in a position to deal with even increased speeds with out feeling rickety or scary, like another commuter ebikes. The huge disc brakes additionally cease you quick sufficient so that you’re by no means frightened about being a bug on somebody’s tailgate.
You sit along with your again largely straight, the comfy handlebars sitting virtually in your lap, and cruise wherever you need (inside the 25-mile vary of the prime energy mode). You can go additional with much less energy, however that is probably not the place the C380 shines.
It’s the finest strategy to experience round city, because of the step-through design, and the wholesome quantity of energy that’s utilized by the mid-drive motor. You gained’t go over 25 miles per hour like you possibly can on more expensive ebikes, nevertheless it positive will get you to 18 shortly, particularly because of the quick-shifting Enviolo. Slow however regular, as they are saying, and it in all probability will not break down.
The 500-watt Bosch motor is good. I left it in turbo mode most of the time as a result of it is the zippiest. And even at full pace on the C380, you’re feeling in management, as if the bike can simply deal with extra energy for those who fed it an even bigger motor.
Practical Fun
What I like most about the C380 is that it really works for mainly any journey I’d wish to take on the town. Whether you’re headed to the grocery retailer, again to the workplace, or are simply out for a day experience, it’s a welcome and enjoyable companion. It ticks all the packing containers, and it is fairly too. With the good large fenders, I did not even thoughts taking it out in the winter rain.
It’s spendy, however for those who’re the kind of one that’s attempting to drive much less, and also you desire a commuter ebike that’s basically bulletproof, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 is about nearly as good as they arrive.