Very bad day

BusyDad

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 8, 2008
6
0
Kent
I've been considering a Pedelec for a while now, and I have nearly decided on the Kalkoff Pro Connect. I was planning on trying one out at the weekend in Richmond Park, taking the family with me for a day-out on our bikes. Until tonight ...

After a typical day picking-up kids here, dropping-off there and taking the bike/bus to work, my bike ended-up stranded at the station. As we drove past on our way back from my son's swimming lesson we stopped to pick it up. As luck would have it the Thule racks were still atop the Volvo.

As I left the car-park there was a sickening scraping noise, followed by a stomach-churning crash. Yep - you guessed. I drove my bike into the car park height barrier. The thule racks are twisted-up, the roof bars are bent, the car is seriously dented, and my bike is a wreck. (saddle, seat post, rims rack derailleur all bent-up)

The accident seems to slip nealy through the gap between motor insurance and household accidental damages.

I doesn't look like I'll be able to take the family with me at the weekend (no bike racks!) so I may go-ahead and order a Kalkoff without the test drive. Especially since I now have no bike.

Does anyone have any strong reservations about the Pro Connect?

BusyDad
 

HarryB

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 22, 2007
1,317
3
London
Sorry I know it is a hassle but I think you should try before you buy. There are lots of happy Kalkhoff owners out there but I still think before you spend so much money it is worth checking you are happy with the way it works. For example I find the low cadences required to get the most out of the bike a pain. so it doesn't suit me.

PS I am sorry to hear about the mishap. It reminded me of going on holiday with my family when I was a nipper - my bike was on the roof-rack. When we arrived at my grandparents we found the garage door was open, my father quick thinking chap that he was, thought it was a good idea to park the car in the garage. I will never forget the sickening sound of my bike being crushed...
 
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Mandy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 23, 2007
512
0
Hi Busy Dad
You sure are busy :D
I am sorry to hear about your bike but like HarryB said, I would try before you buy if possible?
It hasn't helped that you are now without a bike but what ever make of good electric bike you buy will cost a considerable amount of money so you would want it to suit you for a long time to come, so I wouldn't go for impulsive buying if possible
However, I on the other hand as a woman am guilty of impulsive buying of clothes shoes and the like and some I have never worn :eek:
But I took over a year to choose my bike! :D
Regards
 

BusyDad

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 8, 2008
6
0
Kent
Thanks HarryB and Mandy. You're right of course.

I will borrow a rack and head-over to Richmond as planned. I'm a little dissapointed they only have the small (49cm) stepthru frame to try at Richmond. I was looking at either the the 53 or 57 gents frame, and would ldeally like to at least sit-on both before buying. I guess I could find another bike with similar geometry and try that for size.

What else should I be considering for the same money? Does anyone have a spec for the POWABYKE X-byke?
 

fishingpaul

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 24, 2007
871
86
I would also consider the agattu which is cheaper (there have been a couple of posts here about feeling every bump on the pro connects) the agattus are a little heavier but more comfortable,also the wisper 905se and ezee torq 2 trekking are worth trying,i have a torq 2 and it rides just like a normal bike without pedalling,having excellent freewheeling which is unusual for a hub motor,and it also has a throttle so if you feel lazy or are tired you can relax and let the motor pull you along,it will assist as much or as little as you want it to putting you in control,rather than the panasonic system which decides for you,if it thinks you are doing ok it starts to reduce the assistance if you pedal harder you get even less assistance, the way i see it the torqs the best of both worlds.
 

Tim

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 1, 2006
770
78
London
I keep a 57cm Pro Connect and 57cm Agattu nearby. The Pro Connect is being borrowed but will return shortly if you can wait?
 

Mandy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 23, 2007
512
0
Thanks HarryB and Mandy. You're right of course.

I will borrow a rack and head-over to Richmond as planned. I'm a little dissapointed they only have the small (49cm) stepthru frame to try at Richmond. I was looking at either the the 53 or 57 gents frame, and would ldeally like to at least sit-on both before buying. I guess I could find another bike with similar geometry and try that for size.

What else should I be considering for the same money? Does anyone have a spec for the POWABYKE X-byke?
Hi Busy Dad
Well I guess you will get the idea of the workings of the bike even if riding the smaller frame but please don't settle on a smaller frame on impulse :D

However, it is what you want from the bike whether you are after, hill climbing ability, distance on one charge, after sales service etc. It sounds like you have done your home work though. You may have made the right choice for you but I would try and test ride some others if possible and check out any recent reviews on this site.

I haven't seen any reviews on the PowaByke X-Byke but you could try doing a google search to see if one has been placed elsewhere? Okay I have the Wisper and love it but I guess it depends on what you want from a bike?
At the end of the day it is what suits an individual and not what one person likes or dislikes.

If you take the borrowed rack and buy one please watch out for any low bridges etc :D Only kidding :)

Kind Regards and let us know what bike you choose and how you like it.

Mandy
 

JohnInStockie

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 10, 2006
1,048
1
Stockport, SK7
BusyDad

It all depends on what you are using the bike for. If commuting, then the Pro Connect is a great choice, but for leisure riding I would probably either go for the Agattu, or await next years model that has more versions (called the Dover 40 I think).

John