Daily Commute: Gazelle Grenoble C8 vs Cowboy Cross ST
Posted by PabloEskimo_@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 13 comments
I currently ride an electric Brompton C Line. It's great for the short journey I take to work (3 miles each way) but as my company are moving to a new location (7-8 miles each way), I want to get a bigger more comfortable bike as the Brompton can be rough on longer journeys.
I've narrowed it down to the Gazelle Grenoble C8 or the Cowboy Cross ST.
The Gazelle is £2799 with a 55-135km range - 540Wh battery.
The Cowboy is £3499 with a 60 - 120km range - 540Wh battery.
I've not had a chance to test ride them yet, but both look like they have a comfortable upright ride position and both have removable batteries which is great for charging at work.
My only concerns are what maintenance costs are like for both and is the extra £700 worth it for the Cowboy?
If anyone has any experience with either bike and can offer some advice, that would be much appreciated.
Deansies@reddit
I can vouch for Gazelle, they are extremely well made and warrantied bikes. Local shops will have all the parts and be able to work on them since everything is damn near top of the line. Can't go wrong with a company that is over 100 years old.
Kyle_2099@reddit
The gazelle he picked out already has a suspension seatpost, it's ready to roll.
Lookslikeihavefun@reddit
I can also only speak about Gazelle, since I heaven't heard of the other brand, but I have my Gazelle ultimate c8 for almost two month now and the mileage is already 760 km. Since I got it I think it was max 2-3 days when I haven't used it, I use it for going everywhere, work, grocery shopping etc... and also took it to bigger trips, the biggest was 90km in one day so far (then biking back the next day) and I couldn't be happier with it. No issues with it so far, it runs smoothly and definitely worth the price.
4look4rd@reddit
I can’t speak of the cowboy because I don’t have one but I have a gazelle 380+ ultimate and it makes every other ebike I’ve owned feel like a poorly engineered product.
The gazelle is extremely reliable and has incredible quality of life design choices. From the way the seat is mounted, to the frame lock , to the comfortable and secure handle bar, to the lights I don’t have to think about, everything about this bike has been grab and go.
My one complaint is that enviolo shifter is hard to grip when it’s wet out.
CrashTestPhoto@reddit
Another vote for the Gazelle!
It uses standard bike parts and will be a lot cheaper to fix on the future.
Plus, Gazelle are a strong & long established brand with a great reputation.
Cowboy on the hand are, none of those things.
Kyle_2099@reddit
Gazelle. It's a sensible bike with reasonably standard parts by a company that knows what it's doing.
The other thing is a load of proprietary BS that is less well equipped, meant to look cool enough to get investor money.
RXrenesis8@reddit
I came to the comments section to check and was pleasantly surprised to see Gazelle being picked by literally every commenter!
I will add that I rode a couple back when I was looking for bikes and the QoL stuff they do with the suspension seatpost, mug guards on the side of the wheel and drivetrain and the built-in wheel lock are all EXCELLENT upgrades that you will appreciate.
AntEaterApocalypse@reddit
Gazelle 100%. They're a known reliable brand with a great reputation. That other bike is a proprietary nightmare.
logic_overload3@reddit
The Cowboy is a single speed hub motor bike with all propitiatory parts (see the fork for example) that needs an app to function. What happens to the bike when the company goes belly up? It's not worth buying even at a third of what they are asking.
Gazelle is a well-designed and balanced bike with a proven a Bosch mid-drive motor. It's one of the best commuters on the market. Get the 600Wh battery if you can.
PitifulDisaster3688@reddit
Gazelle all day
Individual_Grade_662@reddit
curious choices. if youre going to splurge for a belt drive look at the gazelle grenoble c5
and yes the 700$ is absolutley worth it for a belt drive. ive had mine for 3 years and havent done much more than wipong salt and dirt off the bike.
id never go back to chains
PuttingthaDinthaB@reddit
Gazelle easy
Laserdollarz@reddit
Get the gazelle unless you want to own a piece of a failing "lifestyle" brand (hint: you don't)