Market: The northern German two-wheeler giant Kalkhoff presented its new products for 2018 these days. Among them, of course, are the Kalkhoff E-Bikes 2018, where there are not only many exciting models but also some interesting technical innovations. We took a look at the highlights on site.
Kalkhoff E-Bikes 2018: Lots of choice, clear structure
It's a problem that many manufacturers have to contend with: You want to offer buyers the widest possible selection, variety is trumps and if you offer the right bike for more customers, you make more people happy. However, it is all the more difficult to keep track of the growing number of models and equipment variants. Never before has there been so much choice of e-bikes at Kalkhoff as in 2018 - there are over 60 variants of the Endavour model alone. However, in order not to lose sight of the essentials despite all the options, it was decided to carry out a fundamental restructuring that runs through all model variants.
There are only three equipment variants left: Move (entry level), Excite (middle class) and Advance (top model) - so you know straight away how the bike in question is to be classified. A preceding letter refers to the drive used; B for Bosch, I for Impulse, etc. All 2018 Kalkhoff e-bikes have a battery integrated in the down tube.
We already have some plans for the future: we want to offer all bikes as e-bikes and non-motorized versions by model year 2020 and ensure even more clarity in the portfolio.
Kalkhoff E-Bikes 2018: Longer warranty periods
A topic that is becoming increasingly interesting, especially for e-bikes and in the leasing sector, is the manufacturer's guarantee. In contrast to the statutory warranty of two years, this is granted voluntarily by the manufacturer and therefore differs greatly from time to time. Kalkhoff is now offering a full ten-year guarantee on the frame and all its own attachments. Perhaps even more remarkable: there are three years on your own Impulse drive – including the battery!
The e-bike highlights from Kalkhoff 2018
Kalkhoff Endeavour
The new Endeavor is an individual, versatile frame platform for a reasonable everyday e-bike that, with full equipment and a chic, simple design, should cut a fine figure both as a serious commuter bike and as a weekend tourer. The big highlight of the Endavour, however, is its high level of customization: The new all-rounder is available with three drives, three equipment variants, three frame shapes and in various colors - a total of 62 (!) model variants.
Three drive variants, over 60 models in total
When it comes to the drive, you have the choice between the popular and proven Bosch Performance CX drive, the in-house Impulse Evo RS or the Neodrives Z20 hub motor. What all variants have in common is a battery integrated into the down tube. At Bosch, of course, they rely on the newly introduced PowerTube 500 with 500Wh, the Impulse Evo RS and the Neodrives Z20 are powered by a 3Tron battery with a capacity of up to 540Wh.
There are just as many choices when it comes to the shape of the frame: in addition to the classic diamond frame and a trapezoidal frame with a low step-through frame, the Kalkhoff Endavor will also be available as a step-through frame in a stylish wave shape.
Prices start at €2.499 for the inexpensive Move equipment with a 418Wh battery and range up to €3.599 for the top model with 11 gears and large batteries with at least 500Wh.
Kalkhoff Entice
The 2018 Kalkhoff E-Bikes welcome a sporty newcomer with the Entice. The universal e-bike, which will only be available with a Bosch Performance and Performance CX motor and the minimalistic Purion display, is somewhere between cross, mountain bike and urban. Thanks to the chunky tires and the suspension fork, even longer trips on forest and gravel paths are no problem. Ex works, the Entice comes without fenders and luggage rack, which is decidedly sporty, but thanks to the appropriate holes, both can be easily retrofitted. On the other hand, the permanently installed LED lighting is always there.
Handlebar stem unit and starting price of €2.599
If you opt for the slightly more expensive Excite or Advance equipment variants, you can also enjoy the new handlebar stem unit, which also hides all lines and cables, giving the bike an incomparably clean look.
The price of the Kalkhoff Entice in the Move variant starts at €2.599 - but there is a performance motor and a 9-speed gearbox. If you spend €400 more, you get the noticeably more powerful Performance CX drive and a 10-speed gear system. The top model comes for €3.299 with a befitting 11-speed XT gear system.
Kalkhoff-Berleen
The stylish Berleen already refers to its area of application with its name (pronounced: Berlin): It feels at home in the urban environment of the big city and is also intended to appeal to a younger audience with its inconspicuous and not at all typical e-bike look. The fact that the Berleen can only be identified as an e-bike at second or even third glance is thanks to its Groove Next drive. This consists of a Bafang hub motor in the rear and in-house Kalkhoff technology for connection, control and the 250Wh battery integrated in the frame.
Lightweight with a clever engine
A special highlight is the freewheel integrated in the motor: If the support switches off at a speed of 25km/h, the motor decouples and the bike can be pedaled like a normal bike without additional resistance. The fact that it's also fun is not least due to the low weight: the Berleen weighs just around 18kg - a top value.
There will be two variants at the start of the Kalkhoff Berleen: The bare Pure Advance equipment does not require any mudguards or a luggage rack. €2.499 is due for the puristic city runabout. The Berleen Advance is a bit more comfortable and suitable for everyday use: it comes with mudguards and luggage racks as standard. At €2.699 it is slightly more expensive. Incidentally, both versions share the handlebar-stem combination with partially integrated headlights and internal cables and wires.
Kalkhoff image
The Kalkhoff image is intended to appeal in particular to comfort-conscious city cyclists who are looking for a bike for daily errands, for going to the café or daycare center. With the suspension fork and the sprung seat post, you don't have to worry about potholes, and the image looks good thanks to the battery integrated into the down tube. When it comes to the drive, you can choose between the Impulse Evo RS and the new Bosch Active Plus motor. Thanks to the large batteries with 500Wh (Bosch) or 540Wh/418Wh (Impulse), longer tours are no problem.
With a diamond frame or as a step-through model
The Kalkhoff Image is available with a classic diamond frame as well as a step-through frame and comes with an 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear in all configurations. The Image Move i8 with the smaller 418Wh battery allows a cheap entry for €2.499. The special XXL version for heavy riders with a maximum system weight of 170kg is exciting – €2.999 will be charged here.