What Do I Ride

Epilogue - So What Do I Ride and Why? - Also Class 1 vs Class 3

I ride a Gazelle Ultimate C380+ (I used to ride a Gazelle Ultimate C380, which my significant other still rides). These bikes are both phenomenal. They are comfortable to ride. They are quiet (the C380 is virtually silent). They are easy to use. They are virtually maintenance free. They have great range. They are a joy to ride.

I chose the Gazelle C380 because:

• Electric Bike Review

• Reputable brand bike manufacturer and quality components

• I liked the idea of the Enviolo Gear (continuously variable transmission) and Gate Belt Drive, which meant, no derailer or chain to maintain, and nearly silent operation

• Dealer an hour away

C380 vs C380+ —Or— Class 1 vs Class 3 —Or— 20 mph vs 28 mph)

So if I loved my C380 so much, why did I upgrade to the C380+? And would I do it again? To understand my thought process, I want to outline the two primary modes of riding that I do:

• Commuting: By myself, 30 mile trip, Paved Bike Trail

• Leisure Bike Trips: By myself or with my wife, 30 - 100 mile trips, Paved Bike Trail

Why did I upgrade from Class 1 to Class 3?

Only because of the commuting. I found that if I was by myself, and the object was to just get home, I biked faster than when touring leisurely (obviously). That being said, I am not going 30 miles an hour (except for downhill obviously), or even close to it really. I mean I can go 30 mph, but I just don't find it practical. But I do find myself frequently hovering around 18-20 mph, and of course when you hit 20 mph on a Class 1 bike, the motor no longer assists. I found this "interruption/break" in cadence annoying. So I thought, maybe I should get a Class 3 bike, and I did. Looking back on this decision, I probably made a bigger deal out of this issue than I should have. To be honest, part of my decision to upgrade was also manufactured in my mind (more/bigger is better, and Fear Of Missing Out), and part of it was just inexperience and not knowing everything.

What did I find after upgrading to Class 3?

Well, when you need or want that extra speed, it is definitely nice to have. I no longer had to worry about hitting 20 mph and it breaking my cadence. BUT, there were things I didn't like as well:

• The motor was louder. And this really bothers me on the leisure bike trips. I should make a disclaimer that both of these bikes are VERY quiet - Bosch motors, Enviolo continuously variable transmission geared hub, and the Gates belt drive make these bikes very, very quiet. I would say that the Class 1 model of the bike is for all intents and purposes nearly silent. The Class 3 model is not. That faster motor has a much more prevalent electric whine to it, even in Power Assist Level 1.

• The motor was less efficient. I think watt for watt, the Class 1 motor got me farther on the same size battery.

• The Class 3 tuning of the motor wasn't as close a match to my riding style as the Class 1 tuning was. That is, I found that the individual levels of 2 and 3 in particular had more power than I would have liked (versus the same levels on the Class 1) - which is probably also why I felt I wasn't getting the same distance out of the battery.

• The C380+ comes with Ergon GP1 handle bar grips that are WAY more comfortable than those on the C380.

• The C380+ comes with a much better front suspension, that results in a significantly smoother ride. I wish the C380 came with that suspension, and I don't think it is easy to upgrade the internal head tube suspension that comes on the C380.

• The C380+ comes with no seat post suspension (while the C380 has a crappy one - it has a very jerky response). I actually did not miss the seat post suspension on the C380+, but I am considering upgrading the stock suspension in the C380 and adding one to the C380+.

After owning both, which would I choose?

I found that if I was forced to pick ONE bike, I would pick the C380 Class 1 bike.
It is quieter. It goes further. The motor is better tuned to my riding style.
It is legal on more trails. It is less expensive.
(And oddly enough, I think I would miss the higher end front suspension more than the extra speed)