Dutch Bikes from Gazelle
Easy going, robust and stylish

Cycle Heaven is the UK's largest retailer of of the legendary Dutch brand Gazelle (since 1995). Gazelle are the most famous, and one of the longest established manufacturers in the Netherlands where they are known as the "Mercedes Benz of bikes." Indeed Gazelle are one of the few "real" bike companies left - that is one that actually designs, manufactures and markets their bikes from under the same roof. This is because Gazelle thrives in the fertile soil of Dutch cycle culture. When we were looking for something for people who were serious about using bikes for transport and not just for leisure and recreation we had to go to Holland because there, as in York, cycling is a way of life. We stock Gazelle because we are bored of the fashion-driven and formulaic creations of most global cycle brands. Gazelle is the product of a culture where cycling runs deep, so what you get is something qualitatively different

Something Different: Dutch Design

Because everyone in the Netherlands grew up on a bike, and because most Dutch adults are still cyclists, Dutch cycle design has evolved to satisfy a very demanding public. People use the bike all the time, and therefore expect it to be fully equipped like a car. Dutch bikes embody a philosophy of unified and integrated design so every part of the bike looks like it was meant to be there, giving them an elegant and streamlined look. You will also see evidence of this Dutch cycling philosophy etched into all the details of the bike, such as the rotary bell. Everything is aimed at enhancement of ergonomics and convenience. Although they have been around for over a century, Gazelle are also famous for their design innovations. The resulting bikes are a mixture of classic models that have remained unchanged in their essentials for decades and startling new designs. We think they are one of the few companies that have struck an appropriate balance between tradition and innovation.

Quality that you can feel
"Built like they used to be" is a phrase that you often hear about Gazelles. Quite simply, the build quality is exceptional, and is not something that you can appreciate on the net. You really need to test ride them. These bikes simply glide along.

Convenience
The most wonderful feature about a Gazelle is that it comes fully equipped - even the more recreational hybrids and touring bikes. This means you can just jump on and go - lights and locks are built in. The idea is that you don't have to make compromises in order to ride. For instance, you don't need to cart your lights around - they are part of the bike. On some models you don't even have to switch them on - they have light and movement sensors that activate the lights automatically! The Dutch also try to enclose as much of the bike's machinery as possible. This protects it from the elements, and your clothes from the machinery. Because of this total enclosure philosophy, you don't have to compromise on the clothes that you wear. You can ride these bikes in your smartest clothes, making them ideal for commuting or going out at night!

Typically, most Gazelles will come with the following accessories...

Chainguards. A fully enclosed chaincase with all Gazelles equipped with hub gears. A durable "banjo" type chainguard on derailleur equipped bikes. This protects your clothes from the transmission and the transmission from the elements.
Dressguards. Keeps long coats, dresses and skirts out of the moving wheels.
Lighting systems. Lights come as standard. Front lights are generally dynamo driven and extra bright as no power is routed to the rear lights. Rear lights are LED type and powered by batteries. LEDs use little power so the batteries last a long time. On almost all models the rear light is automatic and features light and movement sensors - marvelous!
Integral locks. These lock the back wheel, immobilizing the bike. Because of their position they are very hard to cut or break. An extension cable for this lock which works off the same key, is available as an extra. For high risk areas we would still recommend that you use a shackle lock.
Bells. An important and underrated accessory. Most of the range features this elegant and ergonomic rotary bell.
Kickstands. As standard, even on expedition bikes.
Racks. As standard, with extra stretchy luggage straps. On the Bloom and the Impala the rack is be able to take a Bobike Maxi or Junior directly and and still has room for panniers.
Tyres with reflective sidewalls. As a safety standard, because it's the law in the Netherlands.

Upright Nonchalance
You will see the world differently from the saddle of a Gazelle. Test ride a Gazelle and you will undergo a qualitatively different experience form the bikes you are used to. The upright stance induces a completely new attitude - one of relaxed nonchalance. You can wonder around and drink in the sights and sounds of the city and become what French call a flaneur. Far preferable to the hunched and aggressive riding position of more sporty bikes with the kind of hostile encounter with the rest of the world that this often implies.

Why Less is Best
Our primary interest in Gazelle lies in their bikes that feature hub gears. Hub gears are simple to use, durable, low maintenance and very reliable. If you are using a bike frequently for relatively short distances, then they are ideal. They are available with 1, 3, 5, 7 or 8 gears. If you live in a flattish area 1 or 3 gears are fine. For slightly hillier areas 5-8 will be useful. If you live in very hilly areas get a Gazelle with derailleur gears as these have a much wider range.

The Gazelle models that we are likely to have at any time are featured below. These are the bikes that we like to stock, based on experience and our judgment of what is most relevant to the UK market. We can however, get any Gazelle to order and the full price list is at the bottom of the page. Look at the Gazelle website for full details.

Gazelle 'Favorites' 2009
Classic Bombproof Dutch Roadsters
The 'Favourites' are our best selling, classic and most distinctive Dutch Type. In their basic format they are based on a design that has been around for most of the last century - working examples of "if it ain't broken don't fix it." They have the most upright riding position of all the Gazelles. The combination of fully swept back and upright handlebars, a long wheelbase, 'lazy' angles in the frame geometry, fat tyres and big wheels make them a delight to ride - very good over cobblestones which is a real benefit to those of us who live in historic cities! Especially loved by Yorkies, they have a really solid feel to them, and despite their weight, glide along like a dream.

Basic 3 speed '08 £389.99
Cheaper version of the Tour Populair, with lever operated front drum brake and back pedal rear brake. Only available in one women's size - 57cm. Last few available in this vibrant colour (looks much better in the flesh - honest!).
Sizes: Women (Dames): D 57 only.
Colour: Bright Metallic Olive.

Basic 3 speed £439.99
Cheaper version of the Tour Populair, with lever operated front drum brake and back pedal rear brake. Comes with front hub dynamo lights as standard.
Sizes: Women (Dames): D 51, 57.
Colour: Gloss Black.

Cabby £1299.99
Great value cargo bike - the cheapest of this design that we've come across. With an aluminium frame, it's also one of the lightest. The patented luggage carrier is foldable, detachable and has a comfy seat with seatbelts that will fit two toddlers with loads of space to spare for luggage. It will also fit a Maxi-Cosi car baby seat on the front. Covers are also available, as is a full size 'cabin' that will protect your toddlers from the elements. Equipped with Shimano Nexus 7 speed gears, hub dynamo and all the usual Gazelle accessories. Ours has been tested to extreme - including a 25mile outing with two five year olds! Not held in stock, but we have our own for test rides.
Size:
Unisize: 49.
Colour: Platinum.

The Dutch 'Sports' Roadster 2009
Orange, Chamonix, Davos
If you are looking for all the practical benefits of a Dutch roadster, but want something that feels just a little bit nippier, then look at the City 'Sports' range. Featuring an aluminium frame, these bikes are lighter and stiffer than the Impala, whilst the comfort is matched through the use of suspension. The more conventional geometry makes for a livelier ride - something closer to a traditional English commuting/touring bike. These bikes are therefore popular among commuters who need just that little bit of extra performance for longer commutes or for those who prefer their more contmporary styling. They all feature Gazelle's own instantly adjustable handlebar stem (no tools needed!), so you can set them upright for leisurely rides, or more forward for windy days.

There are three ranges in this category - each of which features a slightly different frame design. We don't keep all the bikes from each range in stock, but we can get any one that you fancy (a full price list is at the bottom of the page). What we tend to keep we are starred with an asterisk.

The Orange

Bestseller: Orange Plus women's 7 speed £699.99

Orange Xtra Men's 8 speed £789.99

Orange Pure 3 speed £619.99
Orange Plus 7 speed £689.99
Orange Xtra 8 speed £789.99
This model offers classic looks with contemporary specification. Round and ovalised section tubing and a traditional shape in the women's model gives the Orange a softer, more curvy feel than the Chamonix. A lower step through on the women's frame make mounting and dismountimng easier.
Sizes:
Generally available in the following sizes (though some models do are not available in this full size curve):
Men (Heren) H 49, 53, 57, 61, 65.
Women (Dames) D 49, 53, 57, 61.
Colours:
Various and numerous across the range - please ask for details

Orange Xtra 26" £699.99
This model is designed for smaller people who might struggle to get on the smallest (49cm) standard sized models. It has a 45cm frame and 26" (adult monutain bike sized) wheels.
Colour:
Women's frame only: Shadow Silver / Turquoise Grey