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GAZELLE CHAMONIX T10 HMS 630 – PRODUCT FEATURE

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

 

Today’s product feature takes a closer look at a stylish low-step city e-Bike from Gazelle, a Dutch brand which can boast a rich bicycle manufacturing history; this is the Chamonix T10 HMS 630 and it’s ready to ferry you around town with less effort and maximum efficiency.

We’ll dive into the Chamonix e-Bike details in a moment, but first a short bicycle manufacturing history lesson; Royal Dutch Gazelle has been making bicycles in Dieren, Gelderland, in the Netherlands for more than 125 years and today is one of the most popular bike brands in the lowland country where cycle commuting is an every day staple of millions of Dutch people. At the latest count the company is making over 250,000 bikes every year with their bicycle design brief still echoing Dutch cycling culture – ring your bell, wear your street clothes, transport anything from groceries to you children! That elegant, city bike styling runs through their whole range, with e-Bikes such as the Chamonix representing the evolution of traditional city bikes into modern pedal-assist bikes.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Dutch cycling brand Gazelle have created a truly versatile city e-Bike for daily commute duties.

 

Gazelle want to share their secret with the rest of the world; when it comes to safe, comfortable riding in a busy urban environment the Dutch brand have the perfect riding solution – upright, comfortable and in full control, ready to react to what’s going on in front of you up the road. We’ve cherry-picked the Chamonix T10 HMS 630 to feature here as it’s a great representation of the sort of city e-Bike that Gazelle are so well-known for over on the European mainland; so let’s look at some highlights…

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Gazelle can boast a rich manufacturing history and is a go-to brand when it comes to choosing a powerful, reliable e-Bike.

 

At the heart of the Chamonix T10 HMS 630 is the powerful Shimano Steps pedal assist motor; located at the bottom bracket this lightweight, quiet and efficient motor drives the bike’s cranks when you pedal, amplifying the pedaling force you’re putting through the bike and helping you ride faster with less effort, keeping you feeling fresher and more comfortable as you move around town.

The 630 within this bike’s model name is a hint towards the Chamonix’s battery capacity; you may not be familiar with this factor, but it’s worth considering. All e-Bikes feature a battery that powers the motor and each e-Bike’s battery will be labelled by it’s watt hour capacity (Wh), with a larger number indicating a greater capacity when it comes to the life of the rechargeable battery. The bigger the battery capacity the longer the range of the e-Bike; you may hear cyclists or bicycle retailers referring to ‘range anxiety’, this is basically the rider’s concern – how far and how long can they ride on one charge. This particular model of Chamonix features a long-range 630Wh battery, there is also a model with a smaller capacity 50Wh battery which will not give the same amount of range on one charge.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

The Shimano Steps E6100 provides 60Nm of powerful pedal assistance to get you around town in comfort.

 

The Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 features a complete Shimano Steps e-bike system that includes their clear, easy-to-navigate centre-mounted display unit which gives you all the stats you’ll need including the e-Bike motor mode you’re riding in (High, Norm, Eco, Off, Walk), gear position indicator, range indicator and battery level indication. You can also power the e-Bike on and off from the display unit as well as turn your front & rear lights on and off according to the levels of light you’re riding in.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Top Japanese component brand Shimano provides reliable pedal assistance with their Steps e-Bike drive system. 

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

A simple remote on the left of the handle bar lets you toggle through the e-Bike motor modes quickly and easily.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

The Shimano Steps LCD Centre display gives you all the data you need at a glance.

 

Upfront there’s a clever internal suspension unit stowed away within the bike’s headtube. This telescopic suspension will take the sting out of rough roads and keep you in control even with the odd unexpected pot-hole in your path. Gazelle have matched this ride-softening fork with an equally comfortable suspension seatpost giving a small amount of movement below the saddle to help you stay comfortable in the saddle.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Gazelle have spec’d a capable integrated suspension fork to take the sting out of rough roads and pot holes.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

A suspension seatpost from Post Modern keeps you comfortable, isolating you from road buzz when you’re in the saddle.

 

Gazelle have also included their clever adjustable stem system within the cockpit of the Chamonix T10, this is a great addition to the bike and allows you to make fine adjustments to the fit and feel of the bike. If you’re the type of rider who is looking for a more upright, confidence-inspiring position this small function is a great addition; similarly if you find yourself sharing this bike with your partner it helps to make the bike more accommodating to different body dimensions with some simple, quick adjustment.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

The Chamonix’s adjustable stem lets you fine tune your position to suit you and make riding as comfortable as possible.

 

Other great features that have been included specifically to suit the demands of the daily commute in and around town include front and rear lights that are neatly integrated into the bike and are powered by the name large 630Wh internal battery that powers the e-Bike’s motor. The light can be controlled from the Shimano Steps display so if you don’t need them during daylight hours you can switch them of and save power. With load-carrying in mind Gazelle have included a sturdy and durable rear pannier rack allowing you to carry a maximum of three bags / packs, fitting one either side of the rack and another on the top. This opens up the possibility of being able to carry your groceries or work equipment as you travel through town, so no need to wear a bulky rucksack.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

With a Trelock Veo 50 light powered directly from the bike’s powerful internal e-Bike battery a sudden loss of light is not a concern.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

A powerful front light will illuminate the road in front of you in poor light conditions.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

With lights powered via the Chamonix’s e-Bike battery you’ll always be more visible to other road users.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

With full mudguards, rear pannier rack and integrated rear light the Gazelle is ready for daily commuting duties.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

A rear pannier rack helps you carry your shopping or work stuff and features and integrated rear light.

 

It’s safe to say the Netherlands experience their fare share of rain and wet riding conditions just like us unfortunate Brits, with this in mind Gazelle have fitted the Chamonix with a pair of full mudguards to protect you from road spray on wet rides. Some mudguards can tend to vibrate and flap around, potentially rubbing with the tyres, however there’s no such concerns on this practical e-Bike, with permanent, secure fittings to keep everything where it should be. With security in mind Gazelle have spec’d an Axa Block XXL Ring Lock which is cleverly located on the seatstays of the frame and effectively stops the rear wheel from rotating once locked with its own removeable key. We would always recommend you use a good quality, highly-rated D-lock to secure your bike, but this extra level of security will certainly deter would-be bike thieves from having a go at stealing your beloved e-Bike.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Move along bicycle thieves, the Axa Block XXL Ring Lock keeps the Chamonix safe and secure.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

An integrated Axa Block XXL Ring Lock immobilises your bike adding extra security when parked up.

 

When it comes to the drivetrain (the bike’s gearing) Gazelle have matched the brilliant Shimano Steps motor with the Japanese brand’s user-friendly 10-speed Deore groupset. This drivetrain consists of a simple 1X setup (one-by setup) which means that there’s a single chainring up front combined with a wide ratio cassette outback giving you 10 gears over a wide spread of gear ratios to help ensure that there’s a suitable gear available for every riding scenario, whether you’re riding up a steep hill or are flying along on fast, flat roads. The 38T chainring combined with an 11/42T cassette accommodates each gear selection fast and efficiently, with the chain moving smoothly across each cog thanks to the light and precise-shifting 10-speed Deore rear derailleur. All gear selections are made via a simple trigger shifter on the right of the handlebars, with every gear shift being light, crisp and precise; there’s no danger of fluffing a gear change any time soon.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

With a single 38T chainset that includes a chain guard the Chamonix’s drivetrain is simple and efficient.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

The Shimano Deore 10-speed rear derailleur provides a wide selection of gear ratios while keeping your chain securely located.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

An efficient 10-speed Shimano trigger shifter means every gear selection is crisp and predictable.

 

With the extra speed of an e-Bike, instantly gained thanks to that powerful Shimano Steps motor, the Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 needs a good set of anchors to slow the bike down quickly and effectively. To always keep you in control this stylish e-Bike comes spec’d with a pair of powerful hydraulic disc brakes that will help you scrub off speed when you need to, keeping you in full control of the bike regardless of the road conditions. On rainy days disc brakes are completely unaffected by wet roads, thanks mainly to the fact that the braking surface is taken away from the wheel rim to the centre of the wheel hub. You’ll also find that the power of a hydraulic brake is far more consistent and controllable, allowing you to modulate the amount of braking power applied to the system’s disc rotors.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Powerful Shimano Hydraulic brakes keep you in control in all riding conditions.

 

A durable, daily commuter e-Bike needs a pair of reliable wheels to carry you over multiple miles on mixed road surfaces. The Gazelle Chamonix comes spec’d with a pair of Mach1 650 double-walled aluminium wheels which are built to stand up to the demands of regular rides without carrying any unnecessary weight penalty. Similarly a bike that is required to take on the urban environment, day in day out needs a set of sturdy tyres which can stand up to rough roads and unexpected debris; the Chamonix comes fitted with a pair of Schwalbe Big Apple tyres which feature a nice tread pattern that strikes a balance of being able to roll fast and efficiently on tarmac while giving enough grip to keep you in control of your bike. As you’d expect for a town e-Bike like this the Big Apple tyres also include a good amount of puncture protection within the rubber compound.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Schwalbe’s Big Apple tyres feature puncture protection for enhanced durability.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

Schwalbe Big Apple tyres roll fast and let the Chamonix hold its speed while providing ample grip.

 

The Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 e-bike is a modern classic; all of that Dutch bicycle manufacturing history is reflected in the bike’s elegant silhouette it’s very obviously a machine with its DNA routed firmly in the Netherlands. The Shimano Steps motor and internal battery are so compact and discreet that it’s easy to miss that this is an e-Bike at all. With a step-through frame and high front end the Chamonix helps you ride confidently around town with a feeling of control and comfort. Factor in all the little extra details that help to make this bike so practical within an urban environment and you’ve got yourself a really reliable daily commuter that gets you out of your car and away from the frustrating traffic jams to travel more economically while increasing your general fitness too.

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 2022

The Gazelle T10 HMS 630 e-Bike makes a great alternative to using the car for short trips in and around town.

 

Gazelle Chamonix T10 HMS 630 Low-Step RRP £2,969.00

Full Specification:

  • Frame: Aluminium frame with 70.5 head tube angle and 71.5 saddle tube angle, concealed cables, integrated battery in the frame for large capacity (630Wh)
  • Fork: Aluminium with 40mm of internal headset suspension
  • Drive Unit: Shimano STEPS E6100 (60 Nm), Max speed 15.5mph
  • Battery: 630Wh Li-ion Internal
  • Display: Shimano Steps LCD Centre
  • Remote: 3 Levels of Support
  • Cassette: Shimano Deore 11/42T 10-Speed
  • Derailleur: Shimano Deore 10-Speed
  • Shifter: Shimano Deore 10-Speed
  • Crankset: Shimano 38T with Chain Guard
  • Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic Disc
  • Wheels: Mach1 650, Double-walled aluminium
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple
  • Stem: Adjustable Position
  • Handlebar: Aluminium
  • Grips: Ergon GC10
  • Seatpost: Post Modern Suspension
  • Saddle: BBB Diamond
  • Front Light: Trelock Veo 50
  • Rear Light: Axa Blueline
  • Kickstand: Drop-down Rear Stand
  • Lock: Axa Block XXL Ring Lock

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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