Kalkhoff Agutta Feedback?

[coops]

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.

 

[ITSPETEINIT]

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

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.

 

[derrick7]

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

 

[Chris]

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!

 

[flecc]

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.
.

 

[Bradwell]

Just Ordered

Just phoned Tim at 50cycles and placed an order for an Agutta. Tim said they should have it in next week. I'm going to collect rather than have it delivered.
Word of caution when ordering, I'm 6'0" and was going to order a large frame 57cm model, Tim is 6'1" and told me the 57cm was too big for him and recommeded the 53cm medium frame would be better so that is what I ordered.

Will post progress reports for anybody who is thinking of buying

 

[flecc]

That's good Bradwell, our two first feedbacks should come in at around the same time, two or more opinions are always best.
.

 

[Chris]

Thanks for your post Bradwell-I have just asked Tim to cange my order from 57 to 53Cm

Chris

 

[derrick7]

Ouch

Giant should be kicking themselves, if they aren't, they should be!!

Derrick - Llanberis

 

[flecc]

Giant should be kicking themselves, if they aren't, they should be!!

Derrick - Llanberis

Giant have been asleep on the job with e-bikes before and since they accidentally got it gloriously right once with the Lafree Twist series.

The preceding Lafree SLA bike was poor, the decisions during the Twist era were repeatedly questionable and seriously damaged it's sales, and the models since have been a rather poor confused mix of cheap and expensive bikes with no sense of corporate marketing direction.

I don't think they have the gumption to realise how they are missing out, just plenty of the smug complacency that the biggest in any field so often displays.
.

 

[Django]

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

Stuart.

Good point, Stuart.

I have a Triumph Sprint ST 1050, a Triumph Trophy 1200, a Yamaha XJ600, a Motobecane (1970!) 50cc, and a Torq in there at the moment. One more wouldn't hurt.

Interestingly, the Torq is a better bike in every sense compared to the Motobecane - faster, cheaper to run, handles better, etc.

It even cuts out less when the 'battery is already low'.

Cheers,

Django

 

[skoolrun]

Agattu test ride

I had the good fortune to try the Agattu at 50 cycles this week along with other bikes in their range. Unfortunately I do not have the advantage of being able to compare it to the la free as I have never ridden one, I am also new to cycling, at least in the 21st Century . I currently own a Torq (not de- restricted) so I can only really compare against that. I found the Agattu a very different style of pedelec to the Torq, a much more ‘refined’ experience due in part I believe, to the more upright riding position. There was a bit of a kick as pedalling commenced but the feeling of regulated pedal assist followed rather than the constant pull the Torq gives up to its limited speed. (and as I found riding their de restricted Torq, beyond!!) I liked the hub gears but felt that the highest gear was not high enough for me on the flat. That said there was no speedo fitted so I may have been going faster than I thought as it did not have the rugged ride feedback of the Torq and I am of course I am more used to its high ratios. The battery was incredibly light and compact compared to the Ezee type, but getting a good range I guess must involve prudent use of the power control, which I only used set to max. The Agattu looked smart and very well finished and although I am not a fan of the step through style, when the crossbar version becomes available, (I understand possibly two versions) I would certainly want to try it again.

 

[flecc]

Thanks for that Skoolrun.

The gearing is very easily changed at negligible cost merely by swapping the rear sprocket since both motor and rider drive through the gears, an advantage over the hub motor bikes.