Kalkhoff Agutta Feedback?

1. Has anyone bought or ridden an Agutta?
   
2. How long did you have to wait for it?
   
3. How much use has it had?
   
4. Does it live up to your expactations?
   
5. How does it compare to other electric bikes you have ridden?

I am seriously considering buying one, but wonder whether to wait for the gent's version.

I don't really want to be pressured into buying to beat the price increase.

It's a bit cheeky to introduce a new bike and increase the price before people are able to see unbiased comments and opion such as the A to B test which won't be published before the price goes up.

There has been a lot of 'hype', but what is it really like:confused:

Thanks

I believe nobody has one yet. I had hoped to have a brief ride but have heard nothing further.

However, these bikes are all about the Panasonic motor unit, and the former Lafree Twist using the previous model was widely accepted as the best electric bike ever produced. Given the new unit is an advance on the same design with slightly higher performance and longer range, already very well tried on the Swiss Bike Tech models, and the bike side seems to be at least as good as the Lafree, it could hardly be a dud.

It's about the only e-bike that I'd be completely confident about buying on spec, but of course I have the advantage of four years experience with a Lafree Twist so know what to expect:

Not a particularly fast bike, but as fast as most mainstream models and with the ability to climb almost anything, albeit at low speeds on the steepest stuff. Also very refined to ride, quiet, and with the power applied bionically to each pedal stroke, it being pedelec of course, no throttle.

The software applies the power most at low pedal cadence rates, speed up pedalling and the power reduces accordingly, slow down pedalling and the motor takes over more.

.

Edited November 20, 200718 yr by flecc

Hi Flecc-I spoke to James today re. my order-he said that there is a slight delay as the manual is being translated into English!

Chris

I believe nobody has one yet. I had hoped to have a brief ride but have heard nothing further.

 

However, these bikes are all about the Panasonic motor unit, and the former Lafree Twist using the previous model was widely accepted as the best electric bike ever produced. Given the new unit is an advance on the same design with slightly higher performance and longer range, already very well tried on the Swiss Bike Tech models, and the bike side seems to be at least as good as the Lafree, it could hardly be a dud.

 

It's about the only e-bike that I'd be completely confident about buying on spec, but of course I have the advantage of four years experience with a Lafree Twist so know what to expect:

 

Not a particularly fast bike, but as fast as most mainstream models and with the ability to climb almost anything, albeit at low speeds on the steepest stuff. Also very refined to ride, quiet, and with the power applied bionically to each pedal stroke, it being pedelec of course, no throttle.

 

The software applies the power most at low pedal cadence rates, speed up pedalling and the power reduces accordingly, slow down pedalling and the motor takes over more.

.

Thanks Flecc, I had already gleaned that info. It's sounds like a worthy sucessor to the Lafree Twist Lite on paper, but that is my dilema, I don't want be the first to own one and find it a disappointment in the flesh.

I also wonder if 50cycles is taking orders and money up front before placing orders with the manufacturer? Holding my breath and waiting for severe retribution from the mighty 50cycles! Hopfully they will respond to this unlike my emails and PM!

Wow! There's going to be a manual!

That's one up on quite few bikes I could mention Chris.

Still, goes with the quality, good bike, good accompaniments.

.

Now Now Flecc -no need to be sarcastic.

Chris

Thanks Flecc, I had already gleaned that info. It's sounds like a worthy sucessor to the Lafree Twist Lite on paper, but that is my dilema, I don't want be the first to own one and find it a disappointment in the flesh.

 

I also wonder if 50cycles is taking orders and money up front before placing orders with the manufacturer? Holding my breath and waiting for severe retribution from the mighty 50cycles! Hopfully they will respond to this unlike my emails and PM!

I can't conceive it could possibly be a disappointment to anyone who has liked the Lafree, and that's most people, but it has to be acknowledged that a few don't like the "real bike" nature, preferring an e-bike to be more like a motor vehicle.

These Panasonic motored bikes behave exactly like an ordinary bike in all respects, just with more power added to your leg muscles at lower pedal speeds when switched on, which on the flat is often not necessary because they roll so easily.

.

I can't conceive it could possibly be a disappointment to anyone who has liked the Lafree, and that's most people, but it has to be acknowledged that a few don't like the "real bike" nature, preferring an e-bike to be more like a motor vehicle.

 

These Panasonic motored bikes behave exactly like an ordinary bike in all respects, just with more power added to your leg muscles at lower pedal speeds when switched on, which on the flat is often not necessary because they roll so easily.

.

Yes Flecc, I have read all that already, but has anyone out there actually ridden one?????????

I believe nobody has one yet. I had hoped to have a brief ride but have heard nothing further.

 

However, these bikes are all about the Panasonic motor unit, and the former Lafree Twist using the previous model was widely accepted as the best electric bike ever produced. Given the new unit is an advance on the same design with slightly higher performance and longer range, already very well tried on the Swiss Bike Tech models, and the bike side seems to be at least as good as the Lafree, it could hardly be a dud.

 

It's about the only e-bike that I'd be completely confident about buying on spec, but of course I have the advantage of four years experience with a Lafree Twist so know what to expect:

 

Not a particularly fast bike, but as fast as most mainstream models and with the ability to climb almost anything, albeit at low speeds on the steepest stuff. Also very refined to ride, quiet, and with the power applied bionically to each pedal stroke, it being pedelec of course, no throttle.

 

The software applies the power most at low pedal cadence rates, speed up pedalling and the power reduces accordingly, slow down pedalling and the motor takes over more.

.

Flecc

Out of curiosity could a throttle be added?

Chris

Flecc

Out of curiosity could a throttle be added?

 

Chris

No Chris, there's no provision and the mainboard and software aren't alterable in the way some controllers are, being far too complex in operation.

.

Yes Flecc, I have read all that already, but has anyone out there actually ridden one?????????

Just trying to help, since no-one in the UK has ridden one except 50cycles people and David at A to B.

We'll just have to wait for the first customer deliveries/test rides and their impressions.

.

Kalkhoff Agattu test

Some further news.

All being well I'll have one with me tomorrow and over the weekend so I'll be in a position to give my impressions and some more detail pending the full A to B test report.

.

No Chris, there's no provision and the mainboard and software aren't alterable in the way some controllers are, being far too complex in operation.

.

Unless you come up with a way for something to depress the pedals besides your legs. Another small motor with push rods perhaps!

I would like to see this bike come to the U.S.

Hi Flecc,

look forward to hearing your comments following your test.

Some further news.

 

All being well I'll have one with me tomorrow and over the weekend so I'll be in a position to give my impressions and some more detail pending the full A to B test report.

.

Unfortunately a short delay now, since A to B's photoshoot has been delayed by a day or two for a model, an important and much demanded item in road tests for many of A to B's readership.

Jane is in no position to undertake that task of course, with the baby due within three or four weeks.

Hopefully I'll receive the bike in the few days from Saturday onwards.

.

Oh dear Flecc, isn't that a shame with only 9 days until the price increase. I was hanging on your every word before deciding to place an order or not:rolleyes:

It's a shame that 50cycles seem to gaining a monoply in the supply of 'good' electric bikes in the UK apart from possibly Wisper.

Have thought about importing from Germany myself, there seem to be plenty of people selling the new Raleigh models over there. Warranty would be a problem though and anyway they would probably end up in a detention centre for illegal bicycles:eek:

Won't be too long, hopefully will have the bike by late Sunday or Monday and be able to put in a couple of intensive days with it, then rush out a write up.

I'll keep you all up to speed on it and won't unnecessarily delay.

.

Arise Sir Flecc!

Guru by name ... Looking forward to the test results as I am about to place an order myself..I think we all should sing and shout a BIG BIG thanks to the Flecc!

Now then, steady. :o

Just doing my bit as so many in this forum do, just being lucky enough on this occasion to get this chance to test.

.

I bet you are not the only one hanging on Flecc's every word now. His opinion will be the first high qualified one about this bicycle in Europe!

No pressure there, then!

I hope you enjoy the test riding, flecc, and get some good, dry & non-icy weather...

In case you're tempted to get one, don't forget Django still has room in his garage in Shropshire .

Stuart.

Importing Kalkhoff from Continent

 

It's a shame that 50cycles seem to gaining a monoply in the supply of 'good' electric bikes in the UK apart from possibly Wisper.

 

Have thought about importing from Germany myself, there seem to be plenty of people selling the new Raleigh models over there. Warranty would be a problem though and anyway they would probably end up in a detention centre for illegal bicycles:eek:

It's the Common Market (aka EU).

You can import a Kalkhoff (if that is what you meant) from Germany. The price may well include Carriage and might not necessarily be more all the way to UK. The basic price is the same. And they are all Pedelecs where ever you buy them.

There are suppliers in Belgium (near Bruxelles) and France (Near Mulhouse) - these two places were advised to me by Kalkhoff Sales Dept. There are others of course.

As to service under Warranty? What's the difference between having to send and return the bike to Loughborough (Bruxelles is nearer to London than Loughborough). Buying on the continent would get my vote every time - well it must: I am Persona non Grata in Loughborough. And they are Persona non Grata in Mere.

Don't be concerned with Language problems in Belgium they speak 3 languages fluently: French, a sort of Dutch and yes, English to an embarrassingly high standard.

A little research about Continental Courier Services would be useful.

I am waiting for the Road Test Reports first before I get too involved.

P.

Edited November 21, 200718 yr by ITSPETEINIT

A throttle on a Panasonic pedelec

As an owner of a Lafree Twist the new Kalkhoff Agattu/Raleigh bikes interest me, but the one addition I would like to see is a throttle. This would require a clutch between the crank & chainwheel, so that when the throttle was engaged you didn't have to pedal.

I think this could be done with a sprag clutch, if you don't know what a sprag clutch is look at this Sprag Clutch

Derrick - Llanberis

Unfair Comment 50cycles

" I reckon they wait until they have enough orders before placing an order with the manufacturers."

 

Yes some companies do work on the basis that you suggest,but from past experience with 50CYCLES I do know they carry stock of the EZEE range.The Kalkoff is a new line to them and no doubt they will carry stock , but I guess their initial stock will sell out quickly,thus new orders will be dependant on manufacture replacing stock.

I placed an order straight away , without waiting for any review,as,from the spec and the country of origin and the fact that 50Cycles deal in quality machines,I know its a winner and predict that it will be a major seller for 50Cycles.

Thats my four pence worth!

Yes, orders have already been placed since the demand for the Kalkhoff is already high, and not just here in the UK.

The parent manufacturing group has placed such large orders for some Shimano components that some other manufacturers model supplies are already expected to be in short supply over the coming year.

.