History of Gazelle Bikes

11-03-23 | Simon

Gazelle is a Dutch bicycle manufacturer that has been producing bicycles since 1892. The company was founded in Dieren, Netherlands, by Willem Kölling and Rudolf Arentsen, and began by producing a variety of bicycles, including city bikes, road bikes, and tandems.

Throughout the 20th century, Gazelle became one of the most well-known and respected bicycle brands in the Netherlands, with a reputation for quality and reliability. During World War II, the company was forced to halt production due to restrictions on the use of raw materials, but resumed production after the war and continued to expand its product line.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Gazelle introduced a number of innovations in bicycle design, including the Gazelle Champion Mondial, which was one of the first bikes to use oval-shaped tubes for increased stiffness and aerodynamics.

In the 1990s, Gazelle began to focus more on electric bikes, and introduced its first electric bike in 1996. Since then, the company has continued to innovate in the area of e-bikes, introducing new technologies such as the Bosch motor system.

Today, Gazelle continues to produce a wide range of bicycles, including city bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods. Gazelle is also a sponsor of professional cycling teams and events, including the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.