Gazelle Esprit review
Best for: Everyday town riding · Mid-range
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Pros
- Dynamo lights never need charging
- Full chain case keeps trousers clean
- Ring lock, rack and stand included
- Long warranty on frame and fork
Cons
- Heavier than lighter-weight step-throughs
- Roller brakes less powerful than discs
- Spec page does not mention mudguards
Full review
Gazelle is the Dutch name most shoppers know, and the Esprit is its straightforward non-electric town bike. It has an aluminium frame in a low step-through shape, a rigid steel fork and an upright seat with a curved handlebar, so you sit tall and see traffic.
What sets it apart from cheaper bikes is how much is already fitted. The Shimano Nexus hub gear (three or seven speeds), the KMC chain inside a full chain case, a hub dynamo that powers AXA front and rear lights, an aluminium rear carrier, a side stand and an AXA ring lock all come with the bike. You can ride away without a shopping list.
The brakes are roller brakes at the front and either roller or coaster at the rear. They are dependable and need little attention, but they do not match the power of hydraulic discs. At roughly 18 to 20 kg depending on size it is not light, though that is normal for this style.
We could not see mudguards in the specification list on Gazelle's page, so confirm with the shop. For daily commuting, school runs and shopping on flat or gently rolling routes, it is the best balance of kit, price and longevity on this page.
Full specifications
| Frame and fork | Aluminium frame, rigid steel fork |
|---|---|
| Frame shape | Step-through (low-step) |
| Gears (hub) | 3 or 7 (Shimano Nexus hub) |
| Drivetrain | KMC Z410 chain, 38T chainring, 18T sprocket |
| Chain case and mudguards | Full chain case; mudguards not listed in the spec |
| Brakes | Roller brake front; roller or coaster brake rear |
| Wheels | 28 in, double-wall Ryde Dutch rims |
| Tyres | CST Eternity 42-622 |
| Lights | Hub-dynamo AXA front and rear lights |
| Rack, stand and lock | Aluminium rear carrier, side stand, AXA ring lock |
| Weight (brand) | Roughly 18.1 to 19.8 kg by size (39.9 to 43.7 lb) |
| Frame sizes | XS 46, S 49, M 54, L 59 cm |
| Warranty | 10 years on frame and fork, 5 years on paint, 2 years on other parts |
| Security | AXA ring lock, ART two-star rating |
Spec check note: Gazelle's page lists a Nexus hub with 3 or 7 gears depending on version, and a roller or coaster rear brake. It lists sizes XS to L; some UK retailers also list an XL. Weight is given in pounds as a range (39.9 to 43.7 lb) and converted here. Mudguards are not in the spec list.
Specifications checked against: Gazelle UK product page (Esprit)
How it compares with its rivals
| Feature | Gazelle Esprit | Pendleton Ashwell | Gazelle Chamonix C7 | Batavus Senz Active Exclusive | Pashley Princess Sovereign | Pashley Roadster Sovereign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday town riding | First city bike on a budget | Comfort and rough streets | Clean, oil-free daily commuting | Classic looks that last decades | Taller riders wanting a classic |
| Price band | Mid-range | Budget | Upper mid-range | Upper mid-range | Premium | Premium |
| Frame and fork | Aluminium frame, rigid steel fork | Lightweight alloy frame, rigid steel fork | Aluminium frame, 50 mm suspension fork | Aluminium frame, rigid aluminium fork | Hand-built lugged and brazed steel | Hand-built lugged and brazed steel |
| Frame shape | Step-through (low-step) | Step-through | Low-step and high-step | Mid and high (gents) shapes; a low-entry version is listed by a dealer | Open step-through (Princess) | Double top tube (traditional gents roadster) |
| Gears (hub) | 3 or 7 (Shimano Nexus hub) | 5 (Sturmey Archer hub) | 7 (Shimano Nexus 7 hub) | Shimano Nexus hub (gear count not published by Batavus; a dealer lists 7) | 3 (Sturmey Archer XRD-3) or 8 (Shimano Nexus Premium) | 3 (Sturmey Archer X-RD3) or 8 (Shimano Nexus Premium) |
| Drivetrain | KMC Z410 chain, 38T chainring, 18T sprocket | Chain, full chaincase | KMC Z1 chain, 38T chainring, 18T sprocket | Gates carbon belt drive, no chain | Hub gear, fully enclosed chaincase | Hub gear, fully enclosed chaincase |
| Chain case and mudguards | Full chain case; mudguards not listed in the spec | Pendleton mudguards and full chaincase | Chain case and skirt guard; mudguards not listed in the spec | Not published | Painted steel mudguards and fully enclosed chaincase | Painted alloy mudguards and fully enclosed chaincase |
| Brakes | Roller brake front; roller or coaster brake rear | Alloy V-brakes (rim) | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, 180 mm front, 160 mm rear | Tektro hydraulic disc, 160 mm front and rear | Hub brakes, front and rear | Hub brakes, front and rear |
Prices in every region
We haven't confirmed prices for this product yet. Use the links to see today's price at each shop.
Prices include VAT where the shop shows it and may have changed since we checked. Delivery costs and stock vary by country, so check on the shop's site before you buy.
Prices in Ireland and United Kingdom
| Country | Shop | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Decathlon | – | Visit shop → | |
| United Kingdom · GBP | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Argos | – | Visit shop → | |
| Evans Cycles | – | Visit shop → |
Other countries
Rest of Europe
| Country | Shop | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| BIKE24 | – | Visit shop → | |
| ROSE Bikes | – | Visit shop → | |
| Austria · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| BIKE24 | – | Visit shop → | |
| ROSE Bikes | – | Visit shop → | |
| France · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Alltricks | – | Visit shop → | |
| Belgium · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Coolblue | – | Visit shop → | |
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| Netherlands · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Coolblue | – | Visit shop → | |
| Bol | – | Visit shop → | |
| Spain · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Italy · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Portugal · EUR | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Poland · PLN | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |
| Sweden · SEK | Amazon | – | Visit shop → |