Reviews from Kalkhoff Pro Connect owners

"Wow!"
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by David in Barnes, SW London
12 February 2010

I just wanted to tell you that one of the best things I ever did was to buy a Pro Connect cycle from you. I use it almost every day around London and now never need to shop by car as it takes all the strain out of carrying loads - however large and heavy they are.

Last weekend I took my bike on the train to Edinburgh for a long weekend. First there was the trip from Barnes to Kings Cross, not more than 40 minutes without any strain. In Edinburgh there was the journey to my friends who live near Colinton, about 6 miles out and mostly uphill. I went in and out every day for three days and it was always a pleasure.

Lastly it might be interesting to people who are hesitating because of losing the exercise benefits, that I find cycling is now more aerobic than on a normal bike because there is something enjoyable about accelerating up to speed quickly and then maintaining speed, come wind or hill - and I cycle much more than before. I quite enjoy showing a clean pair of heels to people less than half my age, especially getting away from traffic lights!

'It really is the best thing I have ever bought'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Jane in Pembrokeshire
12 June 2008

I bought a Pro Connect from you a couple of weeks ago and just wanted to say how fantastic it is. I have been doing between 12 and 20 miles a day in the very hilly Pembrokeshire countryside. It performs amazingly and I now use it to go everywhere - in fact I have only used the car twice in the last three weeks and that was on essential trips.

I have been recommending it to everyone -  the exercise and fitness benefits, enjoying the fresh air, avoiding all traffic congestion, saving on fuel bills and feeling ever so slightly smug as I go up vertical hills without having to get off. It really is the best thing I have ever bought.

'You won't regret getting a Pro Connect'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Martin in Essex
6 November 2009

I can't really provide a proper review because this is the first e-bike I've owned. However, if you are on this site and wondering whether or what to buy, like I did, then I say to you do it soon in time to enjoy spring and summer 2010 on your new e-bike. You won't regret getting a Pro Connect. I haven't.

'Love it!'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Crikka in County Durham
23 December 2009

The Kalkhoff Proconnect gets my vote. I tried out lots of different brands at an electric bike festival before buying. Both Kalkhoff models were my favourites because of the benefits I found going up hills - I have to tackle a really steep hill to get to work. I found the price scary but have now made up the price in saved petrol. The bike is smooth and is comfortable on roads and (quite rough) bike tracks. The battery lasts for at least 25 - 30 miles. It looks good and despite being heavy compared to a non-battery bike it is easy to ride on the flat even without the battery. (I even like the covered chains so i don't have to worry about getting my trousers caught or tucking them into socks!) Have recently sorted a puncture and with the 50 cycles video found it easy enough to remove the wheels, etc even though I'm a complete beginner. Love it!

'As good as you said and better!'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Liz in Edinburgh
6 November 2009

As you were so helpful when I came with my husband from Edinburgh to purchase my Pro-Connect in September, I thought I'd offer you some feedback on the bike.

It is as good as you said and better! I think everything you said about it has proven accurate. I am cycling two journeys of mixed gradients per day, 10 but occasionally 20 miles each way, in the dark, along a mixture of roads - some unlit, some dual-carriageway. The bike has performed outstandingly and the fitted lights have been adequate for me to feel safe both in the unlit country roads (able to see unevennesses in the road surfaces as well as be seen by speeding cars from a decent distance) and on the busy roads in the morning rush hour. My Casco helmet is comfortable and warm, and the panniers you sold me have proven their waterproofness.

'I cannot praise the bike highly enough'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Chris in Nottingham
25 August 2009

Fantastic life-saving bike. Through joint discomfort, living amongst a series of high hills and lethargy I thought my cycling days were over. Then I bought the Pro Connect, starting cycling the 11.5 miles to and from work most days and haven't looked back.  I've been able to reduce my reliance on the power by gradually increasing my fitness - if you're worried this bike will make you lazy, fret not. We've sold one car and are now a two-bike-one-car family as a result. I cannot praise the bike highly enough.

The 18 mile Nottingham Bike Ride was a complete breeze - I carried everyone's panniers!

A truly excellent investment.  Having stopped driving for medical reasons I required a means of transport for my 20 miles each way commute.  Living in the Scottish Highlands public transport was not an option.  The Pro Connect has been superb.  It has coped with everything I have thrown at it including 6 inches of snow!  I actually got through when cars were stuck!

We have now covered about 3000 miles together and are firm companions.  The electric motor comes into its own on some of the steep hills.  The steepest we have climbed is 1 in 4. Not bad in third gear!

'Total freedom and the confidence to tackle any route'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Ken in Haywards Heath
25 August 2009

My wife and I both have the Pro Connect step-thru models and we are delighted with them.

It has totally changed our approach to cycling and we have now racked up nearly two thousand miles since we got them. Total freedom and the confidence to tackle any route long or short.

They had a baptism of fire as the day after we got them we set off on a tour of Iceland transporting them on the back of our Eriba Caravan. A simply breathtaking adventure.

Here are a couple of pictures from our trip in the wilds of Iceland.

'Not many match the quality of workmanship, range and speed of this impressive bike.'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Ben Ford in Bristol
25 August 2009

After using a Synergie Extreme bike over 3 years ago, riding the Proconnect is a completely different "kettle of fish". Here, we have a bike that looks and feels like it's been well made, with attention to detail. It's pretty light for such a rugged bike.

I only ride about 7 miles a day, on medium power and this more or less gets me through the working week on one charge. On the one big hill I face, I simply switch the bike onto high power and it propels me up the incline without me having to get out of the seat.

Any downsides? Not many. Perhaps you will need to find some better lights as the ones powered by the internal battery are a bit weak [done! new, brighter Busch & Muller LED lights are fitted to all current and future models]. Other than that, it's a winner all the way. Yes, it's a bit more than some other brands, but not many match the quality of workmanship, range and speed of this impressive bike.

'A fine example of German engineering'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Ben Ford in Bristol
25 August 2009

Excellent bike, does exactly what is says. I've cycled well over 1,800 miles without any need for mainteneance or any problems. A fine example of German engineering and a bike that I would recommend to anyone.

'This bike has kept me cycling'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Bob in Tenterden
25 August 2009

Buying this bike has kept me cycling. Since buying it in July 2008 I've notched up 3,200 miles. A few to go to the shops, most on day rides of 30 to 40 miles and a two week tour in Germany. I've charged the battery about 80 times. So far everything is going very well and I'm very pleased. The only breakage I've experienced is the end of the rear mudguard - my fault!

'Truly exceptional saving on fuel costs'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Joe in Henley
21 August 2008

I have had my ProConnect for about a month and am very pleased with its performance. Living on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, there are many testing gradients and the machine handles them all. The biggest impression it has made on me is the truly exceptional saving on fuel costs; the car stays at home other than for the longest runs.

'Can't belive how much easier hills are'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Christine in Chester Le Street
2 July 2008

Just wanted to say how much I love my pro-connect bike! Received it last Friday - thanks for getting it to me so quickly by the way. It's a marvel. Cycling to and from work no bother. Can't believe how much easier hills are and it's no bother pedaling against the wind. I love it.

'Not only is it good for me, I also really enjoy the time I have cycling to and from work'.
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Geoff in Leeds
7 October 2008

I live in Leeds and always wanted to cycle to work but was put off by the 24 mile distance and hills that make it a very difficult daily commute… that was until I took delivery of my Pro Connect in August 2008. For the past 2 months I have been commuting daily to work and have now covered more than 750 miles. Not only is it good for me but I also really enjoy the time I have cycling to and from work. I am also very pleased with the endurance of the bike. As my fitness has improved so has the endurance of the bike as I am now able to select the lowest power setting for most of my journey. I have managed 48 miles from a single charge and the battery was not fully discharged. Great bike.

'Everything I expected it would be and more'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Mark in Leek
10 August 2008

Well, 320 miles under my belt in all weather conditions (except snow) and the bike is everything I expected it would be and more. It has battled through strong winds and torrential rain that has managed to put off many of my colleagues that cycle to work.

The smoothness of the power assistance from a virtually silent motor is exceptional. I used the power assistance on high a lot of the time and climbed some exceptionally steep hills on my first ride, coming back down I hit 39mph and the bike was extremely stable, the handlebars are just the right width for feel and control with a very natural hand position. I am also averaging over 15mph, something unheard of on my mountain bike. I can see 50 miles could be possible on the flat but not on the hills that I have to negotiate so to be safe I am charging the battery after each trip.

'Sheer build quality is fantastic... Brilliant!!!'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Robert in Leyland, Lancs
27 June 2008

I have owned my Pro-Connect for a week now and am very impressed with it. The sheer build quality is fantastic. The paint finish is very good and the quality of the Shimano brakes, wheels and gears are top notch. The 8 speed rear hub gear has a very easy action and combined with the quickshift gear levers is impressive. The electric motor is very quiet and the power delivery is smooth and progressive.

No matter what the conditions, you can decide how much effort you want to put in. However, this is not an effort free ride and you still need to put some work into pedalling, but it is more of an easy turning of the pedals instead of a hard slog. This type of exercise is ideal to get fit and is also great for people with high blood pressure, etc as it exercises your heart and lungs without putting too much strain on your body. I've been doing 26 miles a day on the bike and the battery life is amazing as I have only been charging it every 2 days. I find that the fitter I have got, the less assistance I use so this may increase the range even more. Brilliant!!

'This is the best electric bike... from couch potato to Tour de France pro instantly'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Geoff in Chester
21 July 2008

Had been looking at other power cycles and even tried one however just knew I had to wait for the pro-connect. Took first ride to Chester a good 26 mile run it felt unbelievable (the kind of thing you dream of as a kid).

I went from a couch potato to a Tour-de-France pro instantly, absolutely brilliant!!!  Cycled 26 miles in 1 hour 15 mins and that was with hills & head winds. I felt rather good on my return and "slept well that night". The overall quality and finish on the bike appears second to none and I'm truly convinced this is the best electric bike, "The Mercedes Of Bikes".

'Completely transformed my cycling enjoyment & ability'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect by A.E.W in South Gloucestershire
18 June 2009

Having developed a muscle problem in lower legs cycling started to become a difficult & painful experience on hills when extra power is needed! The solution was the wonderful Pro-Connect. This has completely transformed my cycling enjoyment & ability and instead of rather dreading hills I now enjoy the challenge with the help of the Pro-Connect.

This culminated in the challenge of the Lon Las Cymru Sustrans route from Holyhead to Cardiff which with my husband [on a conventional bike] we completed successfully in June this year.

'A technology whose time has come' Kalkhoff Pro Connect by David in Bath 17 June 2008 Pro Connect received safely – thanks. All I can say really is "Wow...!!" (well I would say other things, but there are children in the house)...it is absolutely everything we had hoped it might be, but feared it might not be.  It's handled every Bath hill that we've thrown at it so far and it looks superb. Seriously, you can expect a flood of orders from Bath shortly – all our friends who have seen it have been astonished.   With petrol prices hitting the roof, it's definitely a technology whose time has come. So, many thanks for your help – we're very impressed so far. '10/10' Kalkhoff Pro Connect by David in Wales 3 June 2008 I am very impressed with this bike it looks fantastic (which makes you want to ride it). I would recommend you try one if you are considering a lengthy commute with hills. I am giving this a ten because it met everyone of the criteria for getting me to cycle to work every day.

'Didn't even have to stop on killer hill' Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Susie in Berkshire 10 July 2008 Hi, just want to let you know how absolutely fabulous my new bike is. I have just cycled 18 miles, average speed 9.5mph, max speed 25.1mph. I am nearly 58 years old and I didn't even have to stop on killer hill!!! WOW. Thank you for all the good advice prior to purchase. 'It's a joy to ride' Kalkhoff Pro Connect by Duane in Oregon, USA 6 August 2008 Have put approx 170 miles on the bicycle in the first nine days. Want to thank you for the bicycle. It is a joy to ride.

Reviews from Agattu owners

'Worth every penny' [and possibly more!]
Kalkhoff Agattu by CB
October 2009

It's funny when you read on the forums about various electric bikes and how people rave about the one they have just purchased. You sit there thinking they can't be so much better than your average bike.....How wrong was I?

My Agattu arrived yesterday and after a very short ride yesterday, and a short four mile ride during my lunchtime, I can't believe how good it is. My wrists don't hurt from the awful roads and neither does my backside! It really is a very smooth ride... I can't wait to go on a decent length journey, but work prevents that until tomorrow afternoon. First impressions are that it was worth every penny... I would have said 'and more' but they will probably put the price up! Thanks to all at 50cycles for the prompt delivery and excellent service.

'It's my favourite possession'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Terry in St Albans
May 2009

I just wanted to add my testimonial to all the satisfied customer reviews. They are definitely the most important thing to read before I make any big purchase and having read all yours they made me feel really confident and enthusiastic.

I've owned my bike since October last year. About a month earlier I'd bought a bargain 'made in China' front wheel hub bike on ebay and from the first ride I knew it wasn't what I wanted. Although it was brand new and looked great it was such a let down. The gears clunked and rattled, the motor was quite loud, it felt like it was running away with me, the battery went flat too quick, it was seriously uncomfortable - I could go on!

So luckily, after quickly re-selling it I did lots of research and after coming across an article online about the Kalkhoff Agattu stating that it's the best electric bike ever, I knew that's what I wanted. Even though it wasn't the best time of year to get a bike I still rode it in cold, rain and high winds and completely fell in love with it. Every time I get on it, without fail, it makes me grin. It's like I'm ten years old again. All the joy and fun of cycling I remember as a kid comes flooding back.

It's comfortable, easy to ride, completely squeak and creak-free, looks fantastic and rolls for England. My favourite thing about the bike is the motor and the three levels of assistance. As I've got fitter I only really use the lowest setting but it means that I can enjoy cycling for 25 miles and come back feeling great instead of knackered.

I honestly don't have a single complaint about it. It's my favourite possession. Now the summer is here I grab my Ordnance Survey map and just roll off into the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside exploring. I'm trying to get my friends to get one too so they can come with me!

'Does anyone want to buy a car?'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Jill in Hope Valley
17August 2009

Mine goes nowhere much since my bike arrived!!  I absolutely love it, the panniers are great and I have bought an extra basket for the front too.  We go shopping locally, to the pool and all over the Peak Park together.

'The Kalkhoff eclipses them all'
Kalkhoff Agattu by John in Milton Keynes
Spring 2008

'I have owned a Kalkhoff Agattu since November last year and it's now covered over 900 miles. In my opinion it is the best e-bike currently on the market. Build quality and performance are excellent. Over the last year I have owned and ridden several e-bikes in a quest to find the best including the legendary Giant Lafree Twist Lite, Ezee Torq, Wisper 905se etc., the Kalkhoff eclipses them all.

My wife really likes the wave frame and finds it very comfortable, not too dissimilar to her old Giant Lafree. We went to a forest cycle track this morning and the bikes got a lot of attention from the many cyclists there when we stopped at a cafe. So far both bikes get 10 out of 10.

'Not just good, it is BRILLIANT'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Annette in St Andrews
October 2008

Since last April I am the proud owner of an Agattu. I am Dutch by birth and it takes a lot of convincing me that a bike is good! This one is not just good, it is BRILLIANT. It is like cycling on the moon.

I use it here in Scotland and have tackled several hilly sections on the West coast as well as less hilly and indeed flat and windy roads with the odd incline. Summer came and I took it with me on an extended visit to Holland where electric bikes are big business. Never have I enjoyed my cycling more. Strong head winds are usual in a flat country such as the Netherlands and the Agattu dealt with it NO PROBLEM.

I am 63 and have new knees which makes an ordinary bike (of which I have 2) more of a struggle. Not now. I have bought typical Dutch paraphernalia to make my bike a workhorse also. Canvas panniers into which a great deal of shopping can be put, and a wire basket on the handle bars into which I can sling any odd and sods such as handbag and a very solid extra lock.

Thank you Tim for letting me try yours when I met up with you whilst visiting son in London and thanks to patient staff in the workshop in guiding me through adjusting handlebars and saddle which by the way is THE most comfortable I have ever had! People in Holland admired the bike greatly for its looks and weight. A compliment in itself considering how many there are on the market over there. I would recommend this bike to anyone and indeed we shall get one for my husband too as he cannot keep up with me now.

'The Agattu never let me down. It's given me a freedom that's difficult to put into words'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Barry in Surrey
January 2009

I can sincerely say that this bike is one of the most satisfying and rewarding purchases I have ever made. I've had it for about a year and have covered many hundreds of miles.

In the summer I completed the Sustrans cycle route from Cardiff to Holyhead a distance of 250 miles in 5 days over the wonderful hills of Brecon and Snowdonia. A couple of weeks ago I cycled the Coast to Coast from Whitehaven to Newcastle through the Lake District and over the Pennines, approximately 140 miles in sun, rain and snow.

The Agattu never let me down and for an over-60 guy with two replacement hips and a replacement knee it has given me a freedom that is difficult to put into words. Thanks.

'A smile on my face and a rosy glow'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Dr HD, Huddersfield
February 2009

Just to say I am delighted with my Kalkhoff Agattu in all respects. It has drawn many an admiring glance from workmates and patients and has proved more than equal to the steep Pennine hills. When I do my home visits I arrive with a smile on my face and a rosy glow instead of collapsing in a sweat-stained breathless heap (when I dared to use my pedal bike).

Slaithwaite is a Transition Town so I feel I am doing my bit for the environment too as well as my hips. To top all this joy off the dapper Herringbone Yakkay helmet has been another talking point - cycling with style. I can't wait for the summer when I can change into another hat. Finally I would like to thank all of you at 50cycles for the excellent service and approachability."

'Quality of workmanship make this a pleasure to ride'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Ron in Kent
Spring 2008

The bike is absolutely brilliant and completely exceeds our expectations. The excellent combination of 7 (non-derailleur) gears and the low/med/high power options combined with the obvious quality of workmanship make this bike a pleasure to ride. Yvonne, my wife, who is very limited in the amount of effort she can expend, is delighted that it does everything she wanted and she can get her exercise, confident that the Kalkhoff will get her home despite headwinds and hills.

'You really do feel bionic! Amazing. Hills, headwinds, heavy shopping.....bring it on!'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Kate in Hampshire
14 July 2008

I have had my Kalkoff Agattu about two weeks now and I must let you know how pleased I am with it. It was so easy to adjust to me and my riding style - no more than 5 minutes, and the quality is unbelievable. All the little added extras - the automatic lights, the angled brakes so that they don't squeak, the suspension, the lock, the Shimano this and the Shimano that... fabulous.
 
It is so comfy and rides like a dream, and even with the battery switched off it is at least as easy to ride, if not more so, than my expensive mountain bike on the road. But with it switched on, there is no exaggeration in the fact that you really do feel bionic! Amazing. Hills, headwinds, heavy shopping.....bring it on!
 
I am thrilled and it will save me so much money on fuel this summer. We have Ecotricity at home, so I don't have to feel guilty about using electricity to charge it up. A fabulous investment, thank you so much! Good luck to you and your business - I hope you sell thousands of these bikes - they really are the future in sustainable transport, and every bit as good as the reviews on your website.

'Go on, you know you want to'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Karon in Loughborough
2 July 2008

After visiting your new site at Loughborough, and tentatively trying out the Kalkhoff Agattu, We bought one about a month or so ago. Considering that this bike was for a lady of a certain age (ok, 50 – but whose counting!) who had never owned a pedal bike in her life, this was a huge undertaking.

I had tried other assisted bikes (some of which were so heavy I couldn’t turn them, and sounded like a wounded moped on speed) it was obvious that the Kalkhoff was the one that offered the best facilities. Those that I looked for were that the bike should NOT drive itself, I mean, I needed the exercise! And at the same time would be helpful when the going was a little rough.

It also had to actually look like a normal bike, so I didn’t feel such a dork on the road! Well, so far I have been out and about (admittedly just in the village) but am gaining confidence with each outing. The fact that you were quite happy to adjust possibly every part of the bike that was adjustable in order to make me feel more comfortable, and also didn’t laugh or get arsey due to the amount of time I was taking to decide whether I could ride, and especially ride that particular bike, with comfort.

Anyways, this is just to let you know that things are going swimmingly, and I am still quite amazed that an amateur cyclist, with no previous experience, can at the age of 50, start a whole new hobby and actually be enjoying it. I hope this will encourage others to take the plunge – go on, you know you want to!!

'This bike has transformed my life'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Anton van der Merwe in Oxford
2 July 2008

This bike has transformed my life. I have bad knees which meant I had to drive to work. Now I cycle and plan to get rid of my car. I am also able to cycle longer distances for pleasure, and easily pull my youngest son up hills on a trailer bike. We recently returned from a two week family cycling holiday in France, taking the bike on a cycle rack mounted on a tow bar.

'What is a hill? What is a headwind?'
Kalkhoff Agattu by Jon B in Aberdeenshire
17 August 2009

I smile a lot these days!  I have a regular 11 mile round trip to buy a newspaper, quite hilly and often windy.  What is a hill?  What is a headwind? At last we have also tracked down a purpose designed Thule carrier which mounts on a towball so we can now go further afield to start our rides into the Grampians (my wife has a Tasman).

'pedelec makes you feel like a "bionic" man'
Kalkhoff Agattu by SB in Blackburn
17 August 2009

Absolutely delighted. Needed to get fit, and could not bear any of the other alternatives (tried them). Very hilly around here, so the pedelec makes you feel like a "bionic" man. Evened out the hills, and to actually enjoy the ride. Switch off the battery more and more, as can now get to the level bits, and properly cycle, without giving up.

Thinking backwards, what would I have paid to avoid getting the heart-attack, as I lie in sick bed 3 years hence? No brainer, really.... anything that helped me get on my bike!

'Agattu blew my socks off' Kalkhoff Agattu by Dr Brown in Oxford14 July 2008 Thanks for the ultra fast delivery, I thought the Sprint was pretty good, but this Kalkhoff Agattu blew my socks off! Tim was right about the pedelec mechanism, it is something special. One VERY satisfied customer. 'Pedelec effect is quite phenomenal' Kalkhoff Agattu by Tom in Bath Spring 2008 I am very impressed. The 'pedelec effect' is quite phenomenal. It tackled a couple of Bath's dreaded steep hills with ease. I have to say that the Agattu is an engineering masterpiece. Tom, Bath 'Very satisfied customer indeed' Kalkhoff Agattu by Anonymous 25 July 2008 An absolute delight to ride. Superb quality frame and good components / ancillaries. I'm 50 next month and still pretty fit and strong, but I know this bike will serve me well for the hopefully many years until I drop... Very satisfied customer indeed.

'Fantastically well made bike' Kalkhoff Agattu by Dave in South Wales 5 June 2008 I didn’t buy this bike to save money I bought it because it’s a fantastically well made bike that I can get some exercise on whist travelling to work. However after my first week of cycling to and from work, shopping etc I have saved £35 in diesel which is truly amazing. 'Fantastic bike... real pleasure to ride' Kalkhoff Agattu by Bob in Hampshire 30 January 2008 I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for such a fantastic bike.  It is as good as the pictures on the web show and very well manufactured, a real pleasure to ride! 'Brilliant machine which does everything I ever hoped an electric bike would do.' Kalkhoff Agattu by Steve in Hampshire 15 July 2008 And the final word... I am liking this bike more and more each time I ride it.... I fact, I might even kick my wife out of bed tonight to make room for the bike. Anonymous, Surrey

Pro Connect S ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviews from Pro Connect S owners

'Even better than the hype!'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect S by Ian in Kingston-upon-Thames
26 November 2009

Cycled in this morning: cut half an hour off my commute time (cycling pretty hard). Absolutely adore the bike: arrived at work bursting with happiness! Averaged over 15mph. Thanks hugely it really does seem to be a wonderful piece of kit – dare I say it, even better than the hype!! Very satisfied customer

'Quite a revelation. An amazing piece of kit.'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect S by Adrian in High Wycombe
10 December 2009

Just thought I'd drop you a line... The bike arrived and I have to say it has surpassed my expectations. Given that my local terrain is, as you well know, somewhat hilly, I was very surprised on tackling Marlow Hill in High Wycombe for the first time to achieve between 7 - 9mph with very little effort. Compared to my paltry 3.5mph on my normal bike this was quite a revelation. An amazing piece of kit.

'Staggered by how good the Pro Connect S is'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect S owner
14 July 2009

I loved my Agattu but this is lighter, with a more natural riding position and a lot quicker turning/weaving in traffic. Agattu commute time across London (serious traffic and minor hills) was around 35mins and is now about 25mins. I'm a fair bit heavier than other reviewers but speeds and battery range are similar to theirs. I liked the hub gears on the Agattu but the derailleur is very smooth with a good range and the triggers are ok. I don't have too much call for the highest power mode but it's fun to have occasionally. Magura brakes are superb.

'Build quality is excellent and components from handlebar grips to lights, etc. are top quality'
Kalkhoff Pro Connect S by John in Bucks
13 July 2009

Probably the best e-bike I have owned or ridden. My previous and current bikes include Giant Lafree, Ezee Torq, Ezee Quando, Ezee Forza, Wisper 905se, Cytronex Trek, Kalkhoff Agattu.

The closest comparable bike is the Agattu, but the 'S' is lighter and noticeably quicker off the mark, particularly in the highest power setting. 150% as compared to the 130% of the Agattu. Top assisted speed is in the region of 21 mph, but it is quite difficult to give an accurate figure, at 20 mph and above there is considerable wind noise, the quiet motor is inaudible and pedalling on the flat at up 29 mph, I can not not tell when power cuts in or out.

The proven Panasonic drive and battery is a major plus point, as my original Agattu has remained problem free in this respect for 20 months. It is lightweight in comparison to most other e-bikes with only a couple of others weighing in less than the 'S'.

The Shimano Deore XT gears gears are well matched to the bike and the gear change is very light, smooth and positive. In my opinion the Magura HS11 rim brakes are perfect, requiring little or no adjustment unlike cable operated barkes.

So far I have achieved 25 miles on high power and yet to find the maximum range on the other settings. I had not expected it to be quite so comfortable to ride, but the front suspension, slightly stiffer than the Agattu on the softest setting, cushions against shocks quite adequately and the remote 'lock out' allows the rider choose the setting on the move. The saddle is quite comfortable without a suspension seatpost. Overall the build quality of the bike is excellent and the components from handlebar grips to lights etc., are top quality.

I was impressed with the Kalkhoff Proconnect S e-bike immediately I took it out of the box. It was easy to adjust the handle bars, seat and fit the pedals... The Pro Connect S is very well engineered and came supplied with everything that I needed as standard. I was particularly pleased that the bike did not look too different from my Raleigh P4000 and without the battery it weighed exactly the same.

I can only compare the performance of the Pro Connect S against my Raleigh P4000, but the difference is stunning. The average commute time has shortened from 28 minutes to less than 19 minutes for a 4.2 mile one way trip. (The same commute by car takes between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on traffic).

*UPDATE 18 August*

Today was the first attempt to compare the performance of the Pro Connect S with that of my old Raleigh P4000 on a commute run. With the realisation that I had forgotten to install the battery pack , I decided to keep on going just to see the difference.

I was surprised that I completed the 4.2 mile outward run in 24 minutes, 2.5 minutes faster than my best recorded time on the Raleigh P4000 (under some motor assistance my normal commute time is approx. 19 minutes).

On the homeward leg the ProConnect S completed the journey in just under 21 minutes (which included a 2 minute walking push up hill), this was 4 minutes faster than my best recorded time on the P4000.

The Pro Connect S performs extremely well without power. With power it is noticeably better and no sweat.

Reviews from Kalkhoff Tasman owners

I must say I bought the bike blind, without ever seeing one or trying one, I wanted to get a good bike because of my weight and the 2 mile hill I need to climb everyday, I can't believe just how good this bike is, it's so comfortable and hills are just effortless, people seeing me whizz up the hill must think I am a superfit fatman :)
Mike, Tasman owner in Enfield

I am enjoying a resurgence of my youth since buying a Tasman. As I live among the beautiful Chiltern Hills I have found that my enjoyment of the countryside has been limited by my ability to cope with the aforesaid hills on my 30-year-old conventional bike.

With the Tasman I can now manage to ride up these hills with admittedly some effort on my part. My research into electric bikes and comments from users convinced me that Kalkhoff\'s were the Mercedes of bikes, expensive but beautifully engineered and the evidence is there that you get what you pay for. I can certainly recommend the Tasman to any 77 year old, and anyone younger, that is looking to keep on cycling.
Bob, Tasman owner in Beaconsfield

Thank you - safely received just after lunch today, very quick. Using the charged battery from my Agattu my wife was out on the road already and is very impressed! She now understand why I rave about my bike....
Jonathan, Tasman and Agattu owner

I am now able to go on cycle outings with my grown-up family without restricting the distance and difficulty.  After years of them waiting for me or me needing a life support machine when I have got home, the tables have turned. I am the one waiting for them to catch up and it feels great not to be the handicap anymore.
Pat, Tasman owner

Thought you'd like to know that we are recently back from biking 280 miles plus on the Outer Hebrides, from Stornoway to Lochboisdale and my TASMAN was fantastic!

Just did between 20 and 35 miles a day (enough for a couple of oldies!) but some of it in gales and rain, and the HILLS! I was waiting for David at the tops of the hills, some of which he was walking up.

We charged up the battery every night at the hostel or B&B, and 2 or 3 times did a booster charge in a café at lunch time. Kalky coped with it all, and the extra weight of all my baggage. I have attached a photo of Kalky taken in one of the flatter areas of our trip. I really wished I had taken some 50cycles leaflets, as there was SO much interest in the bike - and lots of envy from older cyclists!

I guess you are busier than ever, but thought you would like to hear how much I enjoyed my electric biking holiday!
Clare, Tasman owner

 

Reviews of our customer service

Had the bike a week now. It's a fantastic ride. Everyone I 've spoken with on your team has been friendly and helpful, including the delivery guy. You're great people to do business with!
Robert

Thanks for the quick delivery of my new Kalkhoff Agattu. Tried it out yesterday and it is a truly fantastic piece of engineering. Once again, thanks for the excellent service.
Cameron

Great bike and so far I'm completely satisfied with it. Also, very happy with the service from 50 Cycles. It makes cycling a pleasure even when the the wind is against you!
Paul

Once again all at 50 Cycles thank you for your enthusiasm it was good to find interested staff at all levels when buying my Pro- Connect.
Geoff

Once again, thanks for the excellent service you provided in sorting out my bike, beyond the call of good service. The bike works brilliantly – I don’t know if it is my imagination but it feels lighter!
Inu

Gill and I were very impressed with the service you provided today. The bike is now in tip-top condition. Thank you very much indeed. Andy & Gill

Congratulations on a fine product & excellent service. Best wishes for 2008.
Chris

I like your friendly enthusiastic service.
Barry