March 9, 2025 - Last year we visited Gazelle’s massive 35,550-square-metre bicycle factory in Dieren, Netherlands. Founded over 130 years ago, the facility is a blend of past and present, as a portion of the original majestic and historic red brick factory has been retained and infused with glass and steel, resulting in a modern architectural masterpiece – read our report with photos here.

The company launched its first e-bike back in 1937 but it didn’t take off, and when the Gazelle revisited the concept again in 1990 the timing was perfect.

Now 70% of the bicycles they produce are e-bikes. We were stoked to test their Ultimate C8 Smart System urban e-bike for a more in-depth look at one of their models that offers a great blend of style, comfort and performance.

The Ultimate C8 combines traditional Dutch pedigree in a sporty, attractive, fun-to-ride e-bike. The upright geometry and low-step aluminum frame makes it easy to mount and dismount.

Our test model came in an eye-popping Pine Green Gloss colour, hand-painted at the Dieren factory.

The 28-inch tires and narrow curved handlebars keep you tall in the saddle and provide a sleek, road savvy touch to nicely maximize efficiency on flat terrain and gravel paths.

The massive fenders and internal geared rear hub transmission mean both rider and drivetrain are well protected from rainy conditions.

The Ultimate C8 is powered by a Bosch Active Line Plus Smart System motor, the quietest motor in its line-up. With 50Nm of torque this e-bike gets up to speed quickly and is paired with a lockable Bosch 500Wh lithium-ion battery that has a range up to 160km.

The ease and simplicity of the Bosch Purion bar-mounted display controller is a welcome touch. It helps navigate the four assist modes while providing information like speed, distance travelled, battery use and life, cadence, watts, calories and more.

It also operates the powerful Herrmans MR8 front light and Spanninga Commuter Glow rear light with the press of button.

For more metrics, and to enhance your ride experience, the Bosch eBike Flow app is available to connect with your smartphone. The app allows you to customize modes and displays, helps with navigation and route planning, and even helps protect your bike with an e-bike lock and alarm. In addition, it provides the latest updates to your Bosch system.

The 8-speed Shimano Nexus internal hub offers accurate shifting and gearing to tackle a variety of terrain. Paired with a Gates Carbon Belt drive system, it’s smooth and requires minimal maintenance. A chainguard provides a nice added touch.

Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver strong and controlled braking under all conditions.

The stock e-bike-specific Schwalbe Energizer Plus 2-inch tires are road savvy, delivering a smooth, lively feel on flat roads along with stability and good grip on fast, steep descents. Paired with Dutch 19, double-wall aluminum rims, which were hand-laced at the Dieren factory, you’re poised for many reliable and performance-driven rides.

The Ultimate C8 turned out to be a perfect commuter e-bike for me, as my 17-kilometre ride to work covered conditions very similar to the Netherlands, being flat, with gravel dykes and of course some rain.

On my first ride I used the Turbo mode, and by keeping to paved roads I arrived at my destination in about 35 minutes, which left me with 70% battery life for my return journey home.

The next day I mainly used Auto mode which yielded me the same riding time but with 77% battery life left. The Auto mode is a nice feature, as it adjusts the power assist needed for efficiency on hills — or in my case headwinds.

On my third ride I took a combination of road and gravel dykes, using mainly Turbo mode. This ride resulted in a similar travel time with 70% battery life remaining.

On my return rides home, I hit some hills to test the climbing prowess of the Ultimate C8. The 8-speed Nexus Hub and Bosch e-drive did its job, allowing me to tackle most hills with a fairly easy ascent.

If your commute consists of longer, steeper inclines you might consider opting for Gazelle’s Ultimate T10, which features a traditional drivetrain along with a couple of easier gearing options. Compared to my carbon road bike, the Ultimate C8 is the hands-down winner for my commute.

While ride times were about the same, the C8 allows me to arrive at work dressed and ready to go, rather than wearing my road bike gear for the commute and then changing when arriving at my destination.

A nice yet mostly unnoticeable feature is the telescopic spring, 40mm, centre suspension mono-shock in the bike’s headtube that smoothed out bumps and the gravel portion of the ride.

The front light was more than bright enough, while the rear red light added high visibility with its wrap-around placement on the aluminum MIK rear rack. The full fenders also did their job nicely by protecting me from water and road grime.

The Ultimate C8 showed its fun side as well, as the stiff frame and low centre of gravity provided stability when descending hills at speed, with the slightly more aggressive head angle offering nimble and responsive turning. The Ultimate C8 would also be a great choice as a fitness or adventure e-bike.

The step-through frame design makes mounting and dismounting the Ultimate C8 a breeze, great for riders of various heights and when wearing non-cycling clothing.

My daughter Maggie, fresh off her Olympic track debut in Paris, took the e-bike out for a spin and loved the simplicity and comfort of being able to wear her casual clothing with a backpack as she cruised with ease to meet up with a friend at a café.

Coming complete with kickstand, bell, and AXA frame lock, the Ultimate C8 means you’re set to get out on the road for any commute, errand, meet-up, or to start exploring.

It is also comforting to know that by owning a Gazelle you get 130 years of cycling expertise packed into every ride — and you don’t have to move to the Netherlands to enjoy the experience.

The SRP is $5,399, and for more information please visit here.