Cortina U4 Transport vs Gazelle Van Stael
Comparison 2026 — City Bikes
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Gazelle Van Stael edges out the Cortina U4 Transport with an overall score of 85/100 against 72/100. It scores particularly well on ride quality (88/100) and durability (92/100), making it the better all-round pick in City Bikes.
The Cortina U4 Transport remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €549.00 versus €699.00.
Ride quality winner
Gazelle Van Stael
18% higher than its rival
Value winner
Cortina U4 Transport
8% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Cortina U4 Transport | Gazelle Van Stael |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €549.00+27% | €699.00 |
| Rating | ★4.2 (980) | ★4.6 (1,820) |
| Overall | 72/100 | 85/100+18% |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Gearing | Single speed (1 versnelling) | Shimano Nexus 7-speed naafversnelling+600% |
| Drive | Ketting, halfopen kettingkast | Ketting, volledig gesloten kettingkast |
| Crankset | Cortina alloy 42T+11% | Gazelle alloy 38T |
| Frame & Comfort | ||
| Frame material | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Frame type | Lage instap | Lage instap (omafiets) |
| Wheel size | 28 inch | 28 inch |
| Saddle | Cortina Comfort | Selle Royal Comfort |
| Handlebars | Cortina Retro swept-back | Gazelle Switch verstelbaar |
| Safety | ||
| Brakes | V-brake voor, terugtraprem achter | V-brake voor, terugtraprem achter |
| Lighting | Naafdynamo + LED voor- en achterlicht | Naafdynamo Shimano + B&M Lyt met standlicht |
| Lock | AXA Defender ART-2 ringslot | AXA Defender ART-2 ringslot |
| Fenders | Kunststof spatborden met rokbescherming | SKS Bluemels aluminium |
| Chain guard | Halfopen kunststof kettingkast | Volledig gesloten kunststof kettingkast |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 19 kg+16% | 22 kg |
| Max load | 125 kg (inclusief rijder) | 140 kg (inclusief rijder)+12% |
| Sizes | 50/56/61 cm+2% | 49/53/57/61 cm |
Pros and cons
Cortina U4 Transport
Pros
- Sharp 549 euro price — accessible for students and first-time buyers
- Timeless retro styling available in many colours
- Single speed with coaster brake is virtually maintenance-free
- Lighter than the Gazelle Van Stael and Batavus Fuze at 19 kg
Cons
- A single gear makes bridges and headwinds hard work
- Finishing and bearing quality are noticeably below Gazelle and Batavus
Gazelle Van Stael
Pros
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub — low maintenance and reliable for years
- Hub dynamo with B&M headlight so you are never without lighting
- Fully enclosed chain case keeps rain and trouser legs out of the drive
- Gazelle's 130+ years of experience translate into top finishing and strong resale value
Cons
- At 22 kg it is on the heavy side — carrying it up to a first-floor flat is no fun
- Costs almost 150 euros more than the Batavus Fuze for similar baseline equipment