A Dutch legend

In 116 years, Royal Gazelle has grown from a small bicycle producer into a leading international company. Three bicycles were sold in the year 1892 and today Gazelle is the largest bicycle producer in the Netherlands, with an output of nearly 400,000 bicycles per year.

It took 62 years to sell the first million bicycles. The second one million followed 12 years later in 1966. Then Gazelle really gained in momentum. The centenary in 1992 coincided with the production of the 8 millionth bicycle.

Princess Margriet classified the company “Royal” Gazelle in honor of the 100-year anniversary. From then on one million bicycles were produced every 3 to 4 years.

The 7th April 1999 was a special day for Gazelle. On that day the Crown Prince Willem-Alexander put the finishing touches to the 10 millionth Gazelle. In 2002, the next milestone: the 11-millionth Gazelle bike left the factory. On October 31 2005, rolled the 12 millionth Gazelle from Holland. Minister Karla Peijs of Transport and Water Management made the finishing touches on the revolutionary Gazelle Easy Glider: a bike with electronic pedal assistance.

Today, Gazelle continues to make comfortable, durable, safe, and beautiful bicycles for our customers.



Gazelle 1925 video




  • 1882: William Kölling a local postman, is inspired by a new invention: the bicycle. He starts his own bike company.

  • 1892: His trade expands rapidly and Kölling establishes co-operation with Rudolf Arentsen. They name the company Arentsen and Kölling.

  • 1902: The first complete bicycle under the name Gazelle is released on the market.




  • 1905: Despite the good state of affairs, Arentsen withdraws from the company. Arentsen's place is taken by Henry Kölling, a brother of William.




  • 1912: With increasing demand, the factory is greatly expanded.

  • 1915: The company is renamed "NV Gazelle Rijwielfabriek v / h Arentsen and Kölling". The following twenty-five years are characterised by strong growth of the company. Not only are Dutch sales increasing, exports also starts to see strong growth. The growing sales of Gazelle cycling in the then Dutch East Indies are significant. Besides "ordinary" bicycles, motorized bicycles, tricycles and transport bicycles are produced.




  • 1930: Gazelle introduces the models, 9X and 8V with cross-frame and creates the collapsible delivery bicycle.


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    http://www.gazellebicycles.com.au/images/bicycle4.jpg





  • 1935: Gazelle introduces the tandem bicycle. In the first year 600 units are sold.










  • 1937: An electric bike designed by Philips with 12 V accumulator manufactured. Second World War follows and sees the factory badly damaged. It is not until 1950 that production resumes to normal levels.












  • 1954: Gazelle produces its 1 millionth bicycle.

  • 1959: Gazelle patents the first 3-Speed system with twist grip.






  • 1964: Gazelle is the first Dutch bicycle manufacturer to introduce its own folding bike, named the “Kwikstep”.




  • 1966: The 2 millionth bicycle manufactured.  
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  • 1980: Gazelle is the first to introduce a crank axle with ball bearings.
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  • 1990: Gazelle develops the "bike of the future" in collaboration with Nike and TNO. 

  • 1992: In the year in which Gazelle celebrates its centennial, it manufactures its 8 millionth bike. Princess Margriet grants Gazelle the designation “Koninklijk” (“Royal”).
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  • 1993: Introduction of the Gazelle "Hybrids": MTB technology on city bikes.
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  • 1995: Gazelle introduces first suspension front fork in The Netherlands. 

  • 1996: Introduces the first handlebar stem that can be adjusted without tools, the "Gazelle Shuttle".
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  • 1999: Introduces the safety rotating bicycle bell (patented by Gazelle). In April, Gazelle reaches another milestone in its history: the 10-millionth Gazelle bike rolls out of the factory. The company now has 600 employees and manufactures more than 300,000 bicycles per year.

  • 2000: Creates the all-in-one luggage carrier with light, bike pump and carrier straps. Gazelle introduces 3 striking new models: 2 full suspension hybrid bikes and the TranZa, a very innovative folding bike with a suspension carbon frame and 7-gear hub.




  • 2001: The production amounts to 380,000 bicycles per year. Gazelle has about a 30 percent market share.

  • 2002: Gazelle develops the Seat-Switch: no tools are needed to adjust the saddle. Gazelle produces its 11 millionth bike. Gazelle ScooterBike is bike of the year.

  • 2003: Gazelle introduces the adjustable Powerclick kickstand: often claimed to be the best kickstand. 
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  • 2005: Develops the Gazelle anti-theft chain, neatly securing to the wheel lock. Gazelle produces its 12 millionth bike. Gazelle Orange Limited Edition is Bike of the Year. 

  • 2006: Introduction of the Gazelle Comfort Seat, the only seat that can be adjusted in 4 directions. Gazelle is the first brand in the Netherlands to introduce an ultra lightweight city bike (Lite City Full Carbon), which has a frame and front fork that are made entirely out of carbon. The "In-Sight" LED headlights and Lite Hybrid Superieur win innovation awards.




  • 2007: In honour of the company's 115th anniversary in 2007, Gazelle introduced the Toer Populair 115.


  • 2008: Gazelle releases arguably the world’s most advanced “E-Bike”, the Innergy. Demand for the Innergy sees wait lists exceed 6 months in Europe. Releases the Noble Delight SL which sets new standards in lightweight commuter bike design and performance. 


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    Coming in 2009: Gazelle to introduce the carbon front fork with air suspension for optimum comfort, the "Switch" adjustable handlebar stem for perfect sitting posture and the "Slim Vision" tail light for even more safety.
     
     
    Thanks to Mr Kuner for the information.: Website Thanks to "transportfiets" for photos.: Website