Wisper 905/Kalkhoff

[overlander]

Hello everyone, i have been lurking on this forum for a while now but due to a health scare i have decided to take the plunge. I really do need to lose some weight and i have decided to ditch my motorbike/car and cycle to work 14 miles each way.

Luckily i am on flexy hours so i can miss rush hour traffic and use cycle paths 50% of the way.

Anyway onto the questions, i am still a bit confused about a few items.

The choice of bikes are in no particular order are

Wisper 905se city
Kalkhoff Tasman
Kalkhoff Pro connect s (Bit pricey so would need some convincing )

Firstly i am 6ft 4" would the Wisper be too small as i notice only one frame size?

Am i correct in saying the wisper has a pedlec system and a throttle which works independently? So for example you pedal as much as you can but if you really need more help you bring the throttle on. But if you do not pedal at all the throttle will not work? Just checked the manual for the wisper and it says you can just use the throttle control without pedaling is this still the case with the 2009 model?

The kalkhoff seem straight forward but my one question is does the s model have a more powerful motor to achieve the higher speeds.

Now last question is also a bit of an observation the availability of electric bikes is awful anytime you want one no one ever has any in stock, maybe i've just been unlucky.

So does anyone know when the 2009 spec wisper city will be in stock? When will the Tasman be in stock, really want to get started ASAP.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards

Scott

 

[JohnInStockie]

Scott, welcome to the forum,

If I was you and you are serious about buying a bike, then the best advice would be to make sure you get to Presteigne in a few weeks. There will be ALL the bikes there, and you can ride them till your blue in the face (although hopefully not eh )

From what I know currently your correct in that the Wispers only have 1 frame size, but they do have very big batteries, and pedaling certainly was 'optional'.

The Kalkhoffs always require you to pedal, and 99.9% of the time, that is a good thing. I understand that the 's' version just gives you more assistance to the 15mph speed, it doesnt give you more speed (although you can of course just alter the rear sprocket either bigger for more hill climbing if you live in Nepal, or smaller for more speed)

I wouldnt rule out the Ezee bikes either, they are definately a match for these, although much closer to the Wispers in function.

Best wishes

John

 

[overlander]

Hi John,

Thanks for the Ezee tip forgot all about them, the Torq looks quite good but first impressions are they would be harder to get spares for. You are right my main aim is to lose weight and get fit but i must overcome some mighty hill at first. Eventually i want to get to the stage that i only need electrical assistance on the hills. But in the early days the throttle only would be a necessity as i still have to get to work in a reasonable time.

 

[flecc]

Hi Scott. The Pro Connect S powers to about 27 mph. The motor on the unit is the same but the software controlling it is different, and the high power mode offers 1.5 times the rider assist power rather than the 1.3 times on the ordinary Pro Connect. The unit also has a different chain idler arrangement to cope with the derailleur gears rear mechanism action.

Of course it's illegal in the UK because of that assist speed. Although your risk of being stopped may be small, the consequences could be serious since you'd be riding an unregistered motorcycle in law, no tax, insurance, plates etc, and that could threaten your driving licence.

The Tasman is a good choice for improving your fitness since it makes you contribute to the effort at all times, and as John says, the rear sprocket can be changed to improve on the speeds. It will however demand more effort from you that the Wisper and there won't be the option to sit back and take it easy when not in the mood.

I believe I'm right in saying that the latest Wisper 905s will still allow throttle only operation though that may be changing shortly so it's best to check with Wisper on that to make sure.
.

 

[JohnInStockie]

Scott, I think you would find that it wont make virtually any difference to the time it takes you to get to work on any of these bikes. My ride is about 11 miles each way and I do it usually in about 40mins.

The differences you need to know are the relative differences in the bikes themselves, and in getting the one that does what you need.

The Wisper has that useful off-road switch, and both the Ezees and the Wispers are hub motors, which are more 'moped-ish' which has advantages and dis-advantages.

From experience I can tell you that the Panasonic system in the Kalkhoffs, Gazelles, and numerous others is the one most akin to riding a normal bike, and they are the best hill climbers as the assistance is through the gears, so they will help you to climb any hill, but not quickly.

The Kalkhoffs come in a range of bike sizes too, which was important for myself and my wife to be able to buy 2 bikes with vastly different frame sizes, but with 2 swappable batteries and chargers

As I said, the best advice would be to try them at Presteigne if you can.

John

 

[JohnInStockie]

Hi Scott. The Pro Connect S powers to about 27 mph.

Flecc, maybe Im confused, but isnt there going to be a UK Pro Connect S? I thought I heard talk of one, still to 15mph, but with the 1.5 times assist.

Have I got this wrong?

John

 

[overlander]

One other quick question, i notice the connect s only goes up to 60 cm is it a different frame? I really need a large bike 6ft 4 and 19 stone, more worried that the 1cm difference translates to a much shorter top tube. I also would like to ask the top speed of the uk connect s.

 

[Dynamic Position]

Flecc,

I can see how the Proconnet S could be interpreted as being illegal in the UK due to the assist speed being capable of exceeding statute legislation, but surely this interpretation must also apply to all electric bicycles which have been adapted to exceed the legal speed limit either via software, electrical or mechanical component changes from the original legal design specification meeting relevant standards?

Why should an electrically powered bicycle (meeting bicycle standards), be considered as an unregistered motorcycle (or scooter) when the weight is below 40Kg and the design looks like a bicycle?

Cyclists are not exempt from the law on a standard push-bike let alone an electrically powered bicycle. Though it is less likely that a cyclist will be prosecuted for an offence, one should not assume that one will be let off with warning if one commits an offence (e.g. drunk while cycling, cycling the wrong way down a one way street, cycling at 15mph in a 10mph zone or cycling on the pavement are just a few examples).

Type tested manufactured bikes that meet the appropriate standards will invariably be safer than a modified bike which has not been re-tested. Top-end electrical bicycles cost more partly due to the testing costs.

 

[Mussels]

One other quick question, i notice the connect s only goes up to 60 cm is it a different frame? I really need a large bike 6ft 4 and 19 stone, more worried that the 1cm difference translates to a much shorter top tube. I also would like to ask the top speed of the uk connect s.

You are 6" taller than me and I find the Wisper slightly small although I haven't replaced the short seat post yet, there are people over 6' who ride the 905 without trouble so I think it's a case of taking a long test ride to see. I'd suggest a test ride no shorter than your commute before buying, preferably ride the real commuting route.

 

[torrent99]

You are 6" taller than me and I find the Wisper slightly small although I haven't replaced the short seat post yet, there are people over 6' who ride the 905 without trouble so I think it's a case of taking a long test ride to see. I'd suggest a test ride no shorter than your commute before buying, preferably ride the real commuting route.

Yes, 6ft 4 might be pushing it on the Wisper even if you replace the seat post. I'm 6ft and am using a replacement 400mm seat tube. I'm only an inch or so from the safe limit of the seat post. Deffo would need an extended test, preferably with the bike set up correctly (i.e. longer seat posts etc) as the standard kit would certainly be too small for you.

 

[overlander]

Thanks torrent99,

I really do think wisper are missing a market here, we are not all one size and one size does not fit all. So Kalkhoff it is i just need to clear up about the connect pro s frame size and top speed.

 

[torrent99]

Thanks torrent99,

I really do think wisper are missing a market here, we are not all one size and one size does not fit all. So Kalkhoff it is i just need to clear up about the connect pro s frame size and top speed.

Indeed, strangely though the frame itself is quite big (long), in fact once you have the seat height sorted out it should fit larger framed people very well, so I'd encourage you to try it. Maybe David (Wisper) could offer some nice long seat posts as an option? (Or take one to Presteinge for people to try it with)
(Weight wise the Wisper will be fine, as David will explain!)

Cheers

Steve

 

[cjb295]

I am 6'2" with a 33" inside leg and weigh 14.5 stone. I have recently tried both a Wisper 905 and Pro Connect. I had no problem with the frame size of either bike. I would strongly suggest, as others have said, that you give them both a go. There may be someone near you with either bike who may be willing to let you have a go on it.

 

[JamesC]

Seat Posts - sprung or unsprung

When trying bikes for size, make sure that you have decided whether you favour a sprung or rigid seat post.

Rigid seatposts such as used on the ProConnect allow you to ride happily at 1 frame size bigger than on a bike with a sprung seatpost.

If you might want to soften the ride after purchase, see if you can test the bike with an alternative saddle arrangement.

For example, the lowest saddle height on a standard 57cm ProConnect will be similar to a 53cm Agattu or Tasman with sprung seatpost.

James

 

[Andy Grayland]

You may want to have a look at the E-motion alternative?

Hi

You may want to have a look at the E-Motion alternatives. What ever you decide you should try both systems pedelec and direct drive before you purchase.

Andy

 

[rog_london]

I am 6'2" with a 33" inside leg and weigh 14.5 stone. I have recently tried both a Wisper 905 and Pro Connect. I had no problem with the frame size of either bike. I would strongly suggest, as others have said, that you give them both a go. There may be someone near you with either bike who may be willing to let you have a go on it.

I think the Wisper copes very well with a large range of both height and weight - I'm only 5' 7" and weigh under 140 pounds but don't find the Wisper a struggle at all to ride and that's with the sprung seat post not fully down. The highly-adjustable handlebars no doubt make a major contribution to this.

It feels big because of the long wheelbase, but I soon got used to that. Swapping back to the standard Claud Butler MTB which was 'fitted' to me reminds me of how tiny THAT is!

Rog.

 

[flecc]

Flecc, maybe Im confused, but isnt there going to be a UK Pro Connect S? I thought I heard talk of one, still to 15mph, but with the 1.5 times assist.

Have I got this wrong?

John

It is still only the same high speed bike John, Panasonic only making the one S unit as far as i know. Since 50cycles site links to the German technical specification sheet, that seems certain to be the case.
.

 

[flecc]

Flecc,

I can see how the Proconnet S could be interpreted as being illegal in the UK due to the assist speed being capable of exceeding statute legislation, but surely this interpretation must also apply to all electric bicycles which have been adapted to exceed the legal speed limit either via software, electrical or mechanical component changes from the original legal design specification meeting relevant standards?

Yes it does. If an e-bike is speed increased and breaks the assist limit, it automatically becomes a motorcycle/moped type.

Why should an electrically powered bicycle (meeting bicycle standards), be considered as an unregistered motorcycle (or scooter) when the weight is below 40Kg and the design looks like a bicycle?

Appearance and minimum weights don't count in motorcycle and moped classes, looking like a bike being no excuse. If an e-bike exceeds any of the regulation limits it's a motor vehicle in law.

To illustrate how strict the law is in this respect, there is a low powered moped class with power up to 1000 watts permitted, but still limited to 15 mph. These are classed as motor vehicles, not bicycles, even if bicycle based, and they are subject to type approval.
.

 

[overlander]

Ok wisper back on Unfortunately no one near me does these bikes so i will have to buy on spec. If the 2009 model wisper has totally independent throttle control and you can scoot along without peddling you could get away with a compromised frame. So can anyone confirm if the 2009 model is still capable of doing this.

Will also look at the e-motion bikes but cannot find the uk outlet?

Thanks for all the replies

 

[flecc]

So can anyone confirm if the 2009 model is still capable of doing this.

Will also look at the e-motion bikes but cannot find the uk outlet?

Thanks for all the replies

The UK BH e-motion outlet is Onbike, this link showing the details.

I'll relay your info request to Wisper for an answer in this thread.
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