New Kalkhoff Pro Connect C 9-G Deore LX

[kfarrell]

Hi All,

I just see from Kalkhoff's website (Kalkhoff Fahrräder - E-Bike, Pedelec, Fitness, City, Allround, Trekking, Cross, ATB) that they have a load of new models. In particular, they've a derailleur version of the Pro Connect -- the Pro Connect C 9-G Deore LX.

Just wondering what people's opinion of this might be in comparison to the hub-geared version and also compared with the Agattu? Could the derailleur cassette be replaced with a different one to give a higher assisted speed?

I've gotten a loan of an Agattu for a few days. I'm a bit disappointed in it -- it seems that what you gain in electric assist is taken away to an extent by the weight of it at 25 kg. Also, the cadence I have to pedal at seems low compared to what I'm used to on my non-electric hybrid. Is this just because I'm getting used to it?

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

Regards,

Kevin.

 

[Bandit]

Just wondering what people's opinion of this might be in comparison to the hub-geared version and also compared with the Agattu? Could the derailleur cassette be replaced with a different one to give a higher assisted speed?

I'm sure it could, and unlike the hub gear version, that could get you both a higher top gear and a lower bottom gear (depending on what's available). This will give you higher assisted speed but slightly reduced range, if our experience on the e-Motion bikes is anything to go by.

 

[tillson]

There were several bikes on the Kalkhoff website that I wasn't aware of. Am I right in thinking that there is a 27 speed version of the Pro C? Looks like Kalkhoff have made some interesting developments to their range.

 

[HarryB]

I've gotten a loan of an Agattu for a few days. I'm a bit disappointed in it -- it seems that what you gain in electric assist is taken away to an extent by the weight of it at 25 kg. Also, the cadence I have to pedal at seems low compared to what I'm used to on my non-electric hybrid. Is this just because I'm getting used to it?

Some people don't get on with the way the panasonic bikes deliver their power. If you are used to cycling a normal bike it won't suit you to work at such low cadences and like me you may have to look else where for an electric bike - for example the cytronex range are lighter and the power is independent of cadence.

 

[jerrysimon]

I must admit that the newer ones look better with the smaller chain guard, motor & battery set up. Astetically I am not keen on the older ones, though I have no idea what they are like to ride.

For me the Cytronex ticks all the boxes. I rode it in to work every day last week

Regards

Jerry

 

[flecc]

Be aware that the two Pro Connect S models are for the high speed class which is not legal in the UK and mainland Europe outside of Germany. They include that 27 speed version which uses the SRAM DualDrive hub/derailleur gear system. 50cycles will be bringing in some of the latter model next year, but it probably wouldn't be practical to stock all models in all sizes and frame types, so special orders might be the only way for some of them.
.

 

[andyh2]

My experience follows Harrys'. I had an Agattu and it was a great bike. I fitted an Alfine 8 speed for a while which was a definite improvement over the 7 speed Nexus. Good for steep hills and carrying Little One on the back. I moved on to a Tongxin motor and whilst I've had some problems with a controller the actual riding experience is better for me. I find I'm a little quicker on my commute, even though the Agattu was geared to assist to 18mph, whilst the Tongxin maxed out at a bit under 15mph. And I find it less tiring over a whole journey, even though the Agattu is better on steep hills. The reason I found is that with the Tongxin I can ride at my preferred 65-75 RPM all the time and still have assistance. On the Agattu the power is maximised at 45 RPM and tapers off ending at 65 RPM. It would be great if the Agattu had a user specified RPM range for the assist, but they use the RPM limit combined with gearing to provide legal limit to assistance.

 

[jerrysimon]

A little off topic but given how many of us like the Tongxin motor I simply can't understand why the manufacture makes it so difficult for individuals to get them

I must have mailed them half a dozen times with no luck.

It seems they only supply directly to bike manufactures and are just not interested in us hobbiest. Frank in Germany seems to be the only person from whom to get them, but he only stocks the 80mm wide ones. The other option is to pay a fortune for one of the dedicated kits.


Regards

Jerry

 

[Alex728]

A little off topic but given how many of us like the Tongxin motor I simply can't understand why the manufacture makes it so difficult for individuals to get them

I must have mailed them half a dozen times with no luck.

I think a combination of language/cultural barriers, and the admin costs of small shipments (especially dealing with customer queries caused by Customs/duty issues at both ends) simply make it unprofitable to deal with small order quantities..

if you ran a medium size business here but suddenly got loads of small orders / queries written in Chinese, you wold probably find this an extra burden to deal with, and if the profit in the orders was less then the cost of translation it wouldn't be worth it..

 

[flecc]

Tongxin have previously advised that all orders must be via their agents nationally. The trouble is that good agents are hard to find and the few good ones are greatly outnumbered by those who are enthusiasts rather than efficient businessmen and simply get out of their depth in trying to run a small business on their own.
.

 

[Tim]

Hi All,

I just see from Kalkhoff's website (Kalkhoff Fahrräder - E-Bike, Pedelec, Fitness, City, Allround, Trekking, Cross, ATB) that they have a load of new models. In particular, they've a derailleur version of the Pro Connect -- the Pro Connect C 9-G Deore LX.

Just wondering what people's opinion of this might be in comparison to the hub-geared version and also compared with the Agattu? Could the derailleur cassette be replaced with a different one to give a higher assisted speed?

We received this review from a Pro Connect LX owner just before the weekend, thought I'd share it with you.

This was a replacement for my Ezee Torq bike which I'd purchased from 50 Cycles in 2008 and had great fun with. It converted me to electric biking!

The Pro Connect LX is in a different class all together. For a start it is much lighter and I am able to cycle quite happily without any 'power' on if I so desire. I live in Norfolk which is fairly flat which makes cycling easy. It's also great looking and superbly built, getting many an admiring look as I whiz round.

At first I wondered if I would miss the throttle that the Ezee Torq had but I quickly got used to the Pro Connect kicking in when needed and now much prefer this system. The motor is whisper quiet and, apart from the ease of cycling with the 'power' on, you really wouldn't know you were riding an electric bike at all.

The most I managed on a battery charge with the Ezee Torq was about 25 miles but I've already done over 50 on my Pro Connect by using the lowest power setting apart from the odd hill or two! I'm 64 and sold my car a couple of years ago so my bike is used daily. It helps keep me fit and the motor assistance just means I go further. It certainly doesn't make you lazy!

Not the cheapest electric bike but DEFINITELY the best!
Mike Button in Norwich 8 July 2010​

 

[flecc]

Great review Tim, highlighting the advantages of this type of system, easy to pedal with or without power and long range from a moderate size lightweight battery.
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