A few weeks ago I (an old codger) splashed out a silly amount of money on this bike. So far however, for the most part, I haven’t regretted the investment.
Firstly, a note about sizing: When I researched the bike on the web it wasn’t yet available. At 5’ 8” (173cm) and with average reach and inside leg, I seemed to fall between sizes according to the sizing guides from Cube and other independent sites. These variously suggested anything between small and large! This is a substantial bike and all I can say is that you must try before you buy. When I finally got to try one I ended up with a small and even then the seat post is at full drop. At this height I can just reach the ground on tiptoes. For me the forward reach is perhaps a little short but it’s fine for an almost fully upright riding position which is my preference. Because of the size and weight this is not a bike for transporting unless you have a tow bar rack. The front wheel is easy to remove but is quite fiddly to get back on again. When I collected the bike it fitted (just) into the back of my Octavia with the seats down and the front wheel off the bike. Be aware, however that it is pretty heavy and preferably a two person job if you are planning to transport it in this way.
Seating: This would be my only major gripe. The saddle did not suit me as it was as little narrow for my sit bones and I have now replaced it. That may just be an individual sizing issue as the saddle seemed otherwise fairly comfortable. The “suspension” seat post however is a bit of a joke. Even at the softest setting it barely does anything at all. A disappointment on an otherwise superb bike. My plan is to replace this too once my chosen post is available.
In contrast, the adjustable front suspension forks (now air rather than spring as on previous models) are brilliant and take all the lumps and bumps out of rougher tracks and road potholes without any noticeable effect on steering.
I live in a hilly town in Devon at the top of a very steep hill. The Bosch motor together with the wide gear range (now 11) make climbing even the steepest hill very easy. Once on the flat I find the lowest assistance level perfectly adequate and the large capacity battery provides a very substantial range. For example, last week I did a 40 mile ride including a few very steep climbs and finished with about 60% capacity left. The battery itself is a bit fiddly to remove and replace if you need to. For me that’s not a problem as I can charge it on the bike. The display unit is clear and bright and provides more information than most everyday riders might need
A useful Racktime rack is included and I invested in a Racktime top bag which is incredibly easy to click in and out of place. Side hangers for panniers would be a good addition for future models as I find the clips on my Cube Pannier bags make fitting the top bag impossible should you need both. Panniers and / or a top bag with straps would probably be okay.
So far I have been very pleased indeed with my Kathmandu. Nothing is perfect and as indicated there are a few things that I think could be improved. If you need the hill-climbing power and range and don’t mind a heavier bike (and can afford it) then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this bike.
Firstly, a note about sizing: When I researched the bike on the web it wasn’t yet available. At 5’ 8” (173cm) and with average reach and inside leg, I seemed to fall between sizes according to the sizing guides from Cube and other independent sites. These variously suggested anything between small and large! This is a substantial bike and all I can say is that you must try before you buy. When I finally got to try one I ended up with a small and even then the seat post is at full drop. At this height I can just reach the ground on tiptoes. For me the forward reach is perhaps a little short but it’s fine for an almost fully upright riding position which is my preference. Because of the size and weight this is not a bike for transporting unless you have a tow bar rack. The front wheel is easy to remove but is quite fiddly to get back on again. When I collected the bike it fitted (just) into the back of my Octavia with the seats down and the front wheel off the bike. Be aware, however that it is pretty heavy and preferably a two person job if you are planning to transport it in this way.
Seating: This would be my only major gripe. The saddle did not suit me as it was as little narrow for my sit bones and I have now replaced it. That may just be an individual sizing issue as the saddle seemed otherwise fairly comfortable. The “suspension” seat post however is a bit of a joke. Even at the softest setting it barely does anything at all. A disappointment on an otherwise superb bike. My plan is to replace this too once my chosen post is available.
In contrast, the adjustable front suspension forks (now air rather than spring as on previous models) are brilliant and take all the lumps and bumps out of rougher tracks and road potholes without any noticeable effect on steering.
I live in a hilly town in Devon at the top of a very steep hill. The Bosch motor together with the wide gear range (now 11) make climbing even the steepest hill very easy. Once on the flat I find the lowest assistance level perfectly adequate and the large capacity battery provides a very substantial range. For example, last week I did a 40 mile ride including a few very steep climbs and finished with about 60% capacity left. The battery itself is a bit fiddly to remove and replace if you need to. For me that’s not a problem as I can charge it on the bike. The display unit is clear and bright and provides more information than most everyday riders might need
A useful Racktime rack is included and I invested in a Racktime top bag which is incredibly easy to click in and out of place. Side hangers for panniers would be a good addition for future models as I find the clips on my Cube Pannier bags make fitting the top bag impossible should you need both. Panniers and / or a top bag with straps would probably be okay.
So far I have been very pleased indeed with my Kathmandu. Nothing is perfect and as indicated there are a few things that I think could be improved. If you need the hill-climbing power and range and don’t mind a heavier bike (and can afford it) then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this bike.
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