Calling all Kalkhoff Agattu owners

[musicbooks]

Hi Folks,
Just wondering if there are any more independent reviews, thoughts, experiences to share about the Kalkhoff Agattu. ( I know quite a few of us have just or are about to purchase, so the more info about this apparent jewel the better..)Perhaps there are some German or Italian members/owners who would care to contribute??
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

Leonardo said that mine was to be the first other than the A to B review, and that in Europe they were interested in the result. Both were done around the same time on the same bike.

However, ignoring the bike side which is using straightforward and well tried components, the triple mode power unit from Panasonic has been in use for a couple of years or so on some other bikes, notably the expensive Biketech models, but with a slightly lower capacity battery than previously, 8 Ah instead of the 10 Ah now.

Here's the ExtraEnergy test on the BikeTech Flyer T8.

You can also choose Pedelecs and e-bikes at the left and scroll down to the Gazelle and Halkama bikes using similar power units.
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[musicbooks]

Thanks Flecc,
Helpful as always.
Happy Christmas everyone!
musicbooks

 

[Leonardo]

Sorry to be late answering.
We haven't any indipendent review in Italy till now, but following Flecc's advice you can check our experiences with the Biketch Flyer on the Italian forum, section "Esperienze" - threads with the name "Flyer" in the title and/or "job" as author. The behaviour of the Kalkhoff seems very similar to the 2006 C and T (not hs) Flyer models.

 

[Citrus]

Kalkhoff Agattu

My bike arrived today from Santa (well Tom really from 50cycles). I will hopefully get a chance to try it out properly over the Christmas holidays. I couldn't stop myself taking it out tonight however for a quick run (3 miles) and it seems very good and pretty quick. First time I have ever ridden an electric bike - strange feeling!

 

[flecc]

Congratulations on your new bike Citrus, strange feeling indeed at first, but you'll find it very addictive.

Merry Christmas
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[Citrus]

A few more Agattu outings

Did a 7 mile run yesterday and an 18 mile (very hilly) run today. The 7 mile run took just 30 minutes - gentle slopes up and down. The 18 mile run today was into a strong headwind (20-30mph gusts) and up some very short but very steep hills (my guess about 1 in 8), plus a few long gentle climbs - it took 1 hour and 22 minutes. Battery is now on a charge - slow blinking after about 30 miles use. Also, it has been very cold - especially yesterday (2 or 3 degree celcius) - I guess that will affect the battery some. Really enjoying the bike so far.

 

[Chris]

Computer setting Kalkhoff

Someone published which setting, of wheel size for the Kalkhoff (28"), to use on a Velco 5 computer (28" is not listed as an option).
Would whoever be kind enough to repeat please ,as a search produced no results.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Ian]

700C is the modern metric designation for 28", just read it from the tyre wall lettering, 700 x 'something' C, the velo 5 should have a preset for that.
The circumference will be close to 219 (within a couple of percent)

 

[Chris]

700C is the modern metric designation for 28", just read it from the tyre wall lettering, 700 x 'something' C, the velo 5 should have a preset for that.

Yes it does-thank you.

chris

 

[flecc]

Did a 7 mile run yesterday and an 18 mile (very hilly) run today. The 7 mile run took just 30 minutes - gentle slopes up and down. The 18 mile run today was into a strong headwind (20-30mph gusts) and up some very short but very steep hills (my guess about 1 in 8), plus a few long gentle climbs - it took 1 hour and 22 minutes. Battery is now on a charge - slow blinking after about 30 miles use. Also, it has been very cold - especially yesterday (2 or 3 degree celcius) - I guess that will affect the battery some. Really enjoying the bike so far.

Yes, the cold does affect the battery, especially as low as 2 to 4 degrees C, as the manual expresses it, range is reduced in Winter.

The start of the slow flashing LED indicates about 10% left, so around 3 to 4 miles, making 33/34 miles under those tough conditions. Any one of those three removed, less steep hills, no headwinds, or warmer, would increase the range appreciably, so with all three removed probably around 40 miles. However, with those out of the picture, you'd have many more opportunities to go without using power, so it can be much better than that if wanted.
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[Citrus]

Hi Flecc,

Yup, I read that in the manual about Winter riding. I was quite surprised the battery lasted as long as it did in the cold and wind. On the way back from the 18 mile journey the LED started flashing with 8 miles to go, but at that stage I had the headwind mostly behind me, plus more downhills and flat terraine. I had the battery power switched off for most of the last eight miles (the bike is terrifically easy to pedal power on a flat or downhill - if that makes sense) and those eight miles took 25 minutes.

 

[flecc]

That's great, exactly as I found it Citrus, those eight miles at that average speed illustrating that well. When the better weather returns, you'll get even more pleasure from it.
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[TomsDad]

Perhaps there are some German or Italian members/owners who would care to contribute??

Hi musicbooks

Sorry I'm not German or Italian but I've just taken delivery of a new Agattu so feel qualified to reply.

WOW! What a bike! Arrived Thursday. First impression - This is quality.

The battery pack is easy to handle (incorporates a handle in the case) and fits/removes like a dream on the bike and the charger.

I like the way the rear light (dynamo powered) remains on for a while when stationary.

Brakes that don't judder! FANTASTIC.

After a good long first charge I couldn't wait to try. I needn't have waited as I soon found out how pleasant it is to ride without power. My first mile or so I didn't switch on because it was so easy. I was just beginning to wonder why I had paid for all the sophisticated electrics when the wind turned against me. That is when I switched on to explore the electric options.

My first ride continued in very windy conditions for a further 10 miles or so using mainly medium power setting and all gears accordingly. The gear shift is very slick and motor assistance integrates smoothly with just a hint of noise, almost but not quite inaudible.

The power indicator throughout remained on three (maximum) and upon my return I checked the charge indicator on the battery pack which still showed five (maximum). I guess with this pedelec system the battery is never stressed and should therefore give excellent performance in terms of distance and life? (One for flecc to answer/comment).

Second impression - Comfort.

I found the combination of suspension, tyres, handlebars and riding position very comfortable. However the saddle does not suit my posterior but as the bike is for my wife it will be her choice to change if necessary.

We are just about to go for a ride together (I have an eZee Cadence) and try to make a dent in the battery charge. It will be interesting to compare the two battery states when we return as I have had the Cadence for a couple of months now (about 150-200 miles) and the battery already seems to be deteriorating. Will update you on how my better half finds the Agattu.

Rating so far - 10/10

 

[musicbooks]

Thanks Tomsdad and to everyone who has responded so far. The Agattu is certainly building up a serious reputation for quality and class.
BW
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

Thanks for your impressions TomsDad. When I tested and reviewed this bike, I was seriously worried that the very good test results I had to report would be viewed with suspicion, being so much better than for e-bikes in general, so I'm heartened to have such favourable confirming impressions coming in from the subsequent owners.

In other hands it's undoubtedly living up to the "best electric bike" rating that I gave it, and maybe it will provoke some improvements in the competition, not before time.

My view on the battery is that it will comfortably outperform the lithium batteries on other e-bikes, the management of every lifestage, charging and use, being so superior to that we have been used to. It doesn't surprise me at all that Panasonic give it a two year warranty.
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[Citrus]

Latest on my Agattu

I have replaced the seatpost for an unsprung one and the saddle for a slim one, and put SPD peddles on for my shimano cycling shoes. I went out last Monday in the freezing cold and did 30 miles in 2 hours 20 minutes (12.8 mph average - fastest speed 28.5 mph)- but I got a horrendous glass puncture to the rear tyre which I luckily managed to repair by the roadside and got home. Flashing battery light as I got home.

Today I replaced both tyres with Schwabe Marathons, inner tubes with Continental tubes with Schrader valves and replaced the rear sprocket with an 18 tooth one (thanks to advice from flecc). I had to remove a couple of links from my chain as it was too slack. I went out again today and did exactly the same route as on Monday - even colder today max. temp 2 degrees C. I did the 30 miles in 2 hours 5 minutes (14.4 mph average - fastest speed 32.5 mph). The battery light was flashing again as I got home - so the change from a 22 tooth sprocket to an 18 tooth sprocket hasn't seemed to have affected the battery life much. Very happy indeed. When the better weather comes along and I lose a bit of weight I reckon can average at least 16 mph.

I will try to post some pics of the mods I have done when I get time.

 

[flecc]

Thanks Citrus, that's good to know how little it affected the range.
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