Gazelle, the popular Dutch bike brand owned by industry giant Pon Holdings, is launching its first Class 3 electric bike in the US.
Gazelle says its new Eclipse is the “first and only Class 3 electric bike in the US to feature The intelligent system from Bosch”, which fully integrates the bike's motor and electronics with the Bosch Flow app for a personalized ride that will receive ongoing over-the-air bug fixes and feature updates long after purchase.
Eclipse is available in high and low step frames and is designed to easily handle heavy loads and hills on a variety of terrain. It features wide 60mm tires, a front shock absorber, Shimano MT-420 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a large 750Wh battery, and a Bosh mid-drive motor with an impressive 85Nm of torque and a top speed of 28 mph.
Specifically, these electric bicycles have a smart version of Bosch Performance Line Speed Motor offering an auto mode that automatically adjusts power delivery to compensate for hills or headwinds, not unlike the Cowboy's adaptive power. It also has a walking assist feature that helps with climbing hills and avoiding backtracking, as well as planning routes in the Flow app.
A potentially useful feature of the Bosch Smart System recently introduced in version 1.8 is the “Dynamic Display” mode which automatically changes the information presented on the Bosch Kiox displays so that the driver is always shown the most relevant data. Climbing? Show your power, cadence and elevation. Descending? It switches to focus on speed, before switching back to add distance traveled and an overview of range when you hit the flat spots. When stopped, it displays summary information such as your maximum trip speed, distance traveled, elevation change, and range remaining. Kiox can now also display a clear elevation graph for the planned ride, as well as the rider's current position.
Gazelle's Eclipse e-bikes also come equipped with a MIK-compatible rear rack and integrated front and rear lighting. It also comes with a very Dutch cafe lock (or ring lock, if you prefer) that is bolted to the frame to quickly lock the rear wheel.
The Eclipse comes in two models. The T11 HMB 11-speed is the chain-driven model with a Shimano Deore XT derailleur and priced at $5,499. The Eclipse C380 HMB is the model I'd choose, despite costing a little more at $5,999, due to its Gates belt drive and smooth-shifting Enviolo CVT continuous hub.
Yes, those are premium prices, but that price is still a hell of a lot less than the current costs of owning a car that this Class 3 e-bike can replace for some. And wouldn't it be nice to get a little exercise?
