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Gazelle is a company known for producing high-quality, well-designed bikes. They have been making bikes since 1892 and were one of the first bike companies to introduce an e-bike model, which they did in 2005.
Their Ultimate T10 model has proven popular due to its sleek design and solid performance. Gazelle has paid attention to every detail, from the well-integrated 500Wh battery to the Shimano Deore components. In this review, I will discuss what I like about the Ultimate T10 and highlight a couple of areas where it falls short. Whether you are an experienced e-biker or new to the world of e-biking, the Ultimate T10 might be just what you need for your city commutes or countryside adventures.
Key e-bike details
Basics
- Base Price: $3,999
- Class: 1
- Max Speed: 20 mph
- Estimated Range: 30 to 65 miles
- Weight: 50.7 lbs
Motor & Electronics
- Motor: 250W Bosch Performance Line with 65Nm torque
- Motor location: Mid-drive
- Battery: Integrated Bosch Li-ion 500 Wh
- PAS Sensor: Torque
- Throttle: No
- Display: LED Display
Components
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT420 hydraulic disc brakes
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10-speed
- Belt Drive: No
- Tires: 28″ Schwalbe Energizer Plus
Misc
- Recommended Rider Height:
- 46: 4’10” – 5’6″
- 53: 5’6″ – 5’10”
- 57: 5’10” – 6’4″
- Max Rider Weight: not given
- Payload Capacity: 285 lbs
What we like about it
- Mid-drive Bosch motor: While it only produces 250 watts of power, it offers 65 Nm of torque which was plenty for me to handle the hills.
- Torque sensor: The torque sensor, paired with a mid-drive motor, provides a very natural pedaling experience. It is always my preferred choice rather than a cadence sensor.
- Range: The 500 Wh battery provides plenty of range (up to 65 miles) and the battery is well integrated giving the Ultimate T10 a sleek look and balanced weight distribution.
- Frame: The sturdy frame offers excellent stability and handling on the road. Plus, the craftsmanship and welds are superb, a testament to Gazelle’s attention to detail.
- Suspension front fork: The Ultimate T10 comes with a 30mm integrated front suspension fork, smoothing out uneven road surfaces.
- High-quality components: Most components on the T10 are high-quality, including the Shimano Deore rapid-fire shifters, which made for super quick shifting.
- Rear chain guard: I really like the chain drive with its protective cover – great for preventing any unsightly oil stains on your pants during your commute, however some people have reported issues with it breaking off
- Adaptable fit: The Ultimate T10 is adaptable for different body types and if you opt for the step-thru frame you’ll can easily share the e-bike with others.
- Integrated rear wheel lock: A small but handy feature that offers a quick security option for those short stops during your city adventures.
Where it falls short
- No seat suspension: The Ultimate T10 does not come with a suspension seat post, unlike the Arroyo. It would have been a relatively simple addition that could have gone a long way in making the Ultimate truly the ultimate.
- Uncomfortable saddle: It’s not the most comfortable for long rides, you might want to consider a saddle upgrade.
- Rear chain guard: While I do like the chain guard, it’s worth highlighting that some people have reported it snapping off.
- No bell: This e-bike does not come with an integrated bell. A bit nit picky since it’s easy to add one, but I find that add-on bells can be harder to reach when e-bikes have bulky grips with the LED screen or shifters.
In-depth review
Let’s dive in and take a look at the pros and cons in more detail.
First, the star of the show, the Bosch Performance system. It may offer only 250 watts of power, but don’t be fooled, as it boasts an impressive 65Nm of torque. This translates into power that is more than sufficient for handling uphill climbs and provides a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. I took it up some of Seattle’s steep hills and it handled them easily. I prefer mid-drive motors over rear hub motors because they provide a more natural riding experience. Bosch is one of the leading e-bike motor manufacturers and you will be getting a quality motor with the Ultimate T10.
When it comes to e-bikes, the combination of a torque sensor and a mid-drive motor is fantastic. It provides a natural pedaling experience. Unlike a cadence sensor, which only measures the number of pedal revolutions, a torque sensor can detect how hard you are pedaling and adjust the power assistance accordingly. This means that you can make minor adjustments to your speed just by adjusting how hard you press on the pedals, much like riding a traditional bicycle. I have found this combination to be much more enjoyable to ride than a cadence sensor with a rear hub motor.
Range is crucial for any e-bike, and the Ultimate T10 has a great range, offering roughly 30 to 65 miles depending on the pedal assist level you ride it at. The 500Wh battery is also well-integrated, adding to the sleek aesthetics of the bike while contributing to its balanced weight distribution. The battery is removable, so you can charge it off the bike as well.
I really like the frame and design of the Ultimate T10. It’s sturdy, provides excellent stability and handling on the road, and the attention to detail in the craftsmanship is evident. The welds are flawless and the overall build quality is simply superb. Gazelle stands behind the quality of the e-bikes with a 10 year warranty on the frame and a 2 year warranty for everything else. This is one of the best warranties in the industry.
Now, let’s talk about comfort. The Ultimate T10 features an integrated 30mm front suspension fork, providing a smooth ride even on uneven road surfaces. The front fork does an excellent job of absorbing shocks and bumps, while the thick tires also help to smooth out some of the rough patches on uneven roads. While it doesn’t have full suspension, I didn’t have any trouble riding it on moderately rough road surfaces. However, if you plan to venture onto dirt roads with ruts or potholes, the Ultimate T10 may not be the best option. It should hold up well on paved roads or gravel paths though.
Unlike some direct-to-consumer e-bike companies that cut costs by using lower quality components, Gazelle has equipped the Ultimate T10 with excellent quality components. This includes Shimano Deore rapid-fire shifters, which ensure quick and smooth gear transitions. This feature is particularly useful during uphill climbs or when you need to change your pace swiftly. Compared to the Gazelle Arroyo’s internal Shimano hub, I found the Ultimate T10 to offer much easier and quicker gear shifting.
The Ultimate T10 comes with a rear chain guard. A clear sign that Gazelle built this e-bike with commuters in mind. You don’t want you slacks to get dirty! It certainly will keep your pants from getting grease on them, however some riders have reported issues with the guard breaking off. This is an area I’d like to see Gazelle improve.
The step-thru frame option can accommodate a variety of riders, which is useful if you plan to share your e-bike with family or friends. The 46 frame is ideal for riders between 4’10” and 5’6″, the 53 frame is ideal for riders between 5’6″ and 5’10”, and the 57 frame is best for riders between 5’10” and 6’4″.
One last thing I like about the Ultimate T10 is the integrated rear wheel lock. This is a thoughtful addition and is perfect for those quick stops during city rides where you don’t want to carry a heavy lock. I have a rear wheel lock on my Urban Arrow and find it so convenient.
One area that the Ultimate T10 fell short was the saddle. It might not be the most comfortable for long rides. I found it to be adequate for shorter trips, but if you plan on spending a lot of time in the saddle, you might want to consider an upgrade.
The Ultimate T10 does not come with a suspension seat post, unlike the Arroyo. It would have been a relatively simple addition that could have gone a long way in making the Ultimate truly the ultimate.
This e-bike does not come with an integrated bell. Yes, I know this is a bit nitpicky because it’s easy to add one, but I find that add-on bells can be harder to reach when e-bikes have bulky grips with the LED screen or shifters. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker, but something I wish they had included, like they do on the Arroyo.
All in all, the Gazelle Ultimate T10 proves to be a reliable and enjoyable e-bike. Its robust frame, impressive Bosch Performance system, and range make it a great contender in the e-bike market. While it does have minor setbacks, such as the seat comfort and the occasional issue with the chain guard, they don’t overshadow the bike’s overall performance and appeal. Whether you’re an experienced e-bike rider or a newcomer, the Ultimate T10 is worth considering for its blend of comfort, performance, and adaptability.
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