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PC15: Kalkhoff Impulse Drive Sahel and Classy Tasman Classic

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One of the real surprises to me during my e-bike frenzy at Press Camp was Kalkhoff. The German e-bike brand is extremely popular in Europe and has been at the e-bike game for years, so it probably shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Where as many bikes in the category still seem to be tacked together, the Kalkhoff bikes I saw and rode were relatively integrated, dialed in spec, and stood out visually. The Impulse 2.0 technology is extremely quiet and the batteries have relatively long ranges compared to others in the category. Both will be available to consumers later this month. See the new e-bikes invading this side of the pond after the jump…

The Kalkhoff Tasman Classic Impulse 8

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This was easily a highlight of the show for me, e-bike side. It is Class 1, meaning pedal assist only, no throttle, with a maximum speed of 20mph. It was beautiful, it had a Brooks saddle and matching grips. The motor and battery were integrated into the overall design with the battery cradling the rear wheel. It was powered by an Impulse 2.0 250W mid-drive motor with a 36V, and a whopping 17Ah battery, giving this bicycle an impressive 127 mile assisted range.

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Other features include an integrated rear lock, which uses the same key as the removable battery. There is also a frame pump with a holster on the rear rack, a robust rear-axle located kickstand, and a chain guard. The Magura HS11 hydro rim brakes provided a ton of stopping power on the descents. The rack and fenders are painted to match the frame, and the bike had Busch & Mueller dynamo powered front and rear lights. This bike really felt tied together overall.

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Impressions: This bike climbed like crazy, probably the best climbing e-bike I rode. While I would have rather seen this bike with Ergon grips for comfort, the Brooks leather grips were beautiful and definitely made the riding experience feel more luxurious. It is the kind of bike that I could see getting my 80+ year old grandmother riding around town, as well as my mother commuting to work (she’s a school teacher with a ton of papers and books to haul around and a penchant for classy bikes). Actually, this would be a city bike for a lot of people who need a work horse day to day but don’t want to look and work and dress (and smell) like an aggro urban commuter.

MSRP $3,899

The Kalkoff Sahel Impuse 8

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Another Class 1 e-bike, the Sahel has a maximum speed of 20mph with pedal assist power from its mid-drive motor, no throttle. This bike utilizes a partly die cast front triangle (something Kalkhoff uses on several models, including their new Integrale). The headtube, downtube, and bottom bracket shell/motor interface come out of a single mold. Impressive because they do this over multiple sizes and frame configurations (step thru and step over). It features an Urban Centershock fork for a little bit of suspension. Otherwise, the Schwalbe City Lite tires do a pretty good job of soaking up bumps on the road. It also features a 36V Lithium-ion battery and the same Impulse 2.0 250W motor, though a smaller battery (11.6Ah). This facilitates a still pretty decent 87 mile range. Again, it came with dynamo powered lights, fenders, rack, and Magura HS11 hydro rim brakes.

Impressions: Overall styling and touch points of this bike was more sporty than the Tasman Classic. While less luxurious, I appreciated the flat saddle and ergo grips from a practical level- they felt better while riding. I tested the step-over “Diamond” frame style, I could see the “Wave” being extremely practical with its extremely accessible low clearance.

MSRP $3,799

Kalkhoff-Bikes.com

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FoolCyclist
FoolCyclist
8 years ago

Seriously, make a new website dedicated to motorcycles. That’s what these atrocities are.

Elliot
Elliot
8 years ago

@FoolCyclist:
These “atrocities” help get an awful lot of people around who would otherwise not be able to ride. And if you really think these are motorcycles, feel free to get on a real motorcycle, and try to ride it without turning the engine on. Then tell me these are motorcycles.

FoolCyclist
FoolCyclist
8 years ago

hmmm, electric motor = motorcycle. You can try to justify them by saying they help people ride, and I am sure they do. Just dont fool yourself into thinking it is a bicycle.

Elliot
Elliot
8 years ago

The problem is, you’re trying to confine a spectrum of items into a binary variable “bicycle or motorcycle”. There are two things that define motorcycles. A motor, and a throttle. This doesn’t have a throttle. You must pedal. That leans it more toward the “bicycle” category. Yes, there is an electric motor, but you can’t activate it on it’s own. But you are welcome to your opinion.

Hank Hill
Hank Hill
8 years ago

Yeah, I don’t get all the ebike hate. If they keep any additional people from driving their cars for trips around town, they’re a win in my book. Oh, and just keep them off the MTB trails.

BMW
BMW
8 years ago

Yup, not motorcycles..those are actually fun to ride.
All jokes aside though..they would be closer to mopeds, so get your insults on point. Even though I am totally aware I can just scroll past, with how much coverage there has been lately, maybe an ebikerumor site IS needed…Grobble grobble grobble…seriously though, these are fine if you want one. But lets all join forces to stop the mtb side of ebikes.

Loki
Loki
8 years ago

Regardless of what I think of e-bikes I have to agree with Elliot on the the fact that the motorcycle definition is too linear. Should BR not cover any stationary bikes as they don’t have 2 wheels, are not propelled by pedals or steered by a handlebar?

Whether we like it or not e-bikes will have an impact on cycling, and I’d argue almost zero impact on motorcycles; we should be informed. If you don’t want to know, skip to the next article. I think a real issue here is the erroneous belief that articles covering the e-bike topic are somehow giving them positive support and legitimacy. They might if the author slants them that way but on the whole it’s information. We bring our own predisposition to colour that information.

drosser
drosser
8 years ago

If only a good e-Bike didn’t cost as much as my car. I would love to head out on a century ride and just have my daughter tag along on one of these. “Hurry up, Dad!”

Greg
Greg
8 years ago

@foolcyclist
You can’t pedal a motorcycle, you are indeed a fool.

anti-moped dude
anti-moped dude
8 years ago

These things are an attempt to circumvent a variety of factors; pedaling effort, insurance, suspended drivers licenses, trail rules, etc.

Any LBS that sells them should not be surprised when their existing customer base decides to circumvent them and take their business elsewhere.

I don't understand
I don't understand
8 years ago

Ahhh, the hate comes out again. Some people just cannot deal with progress, change, or innovation if it does not fit in with their little tunnel vision ideal of their perfect world.

Hey guess what, in the scheme of the world, and life, E-bikes are the least of your worries….

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
8 years ago

@Anti-moped dude: paranoia and unreasonable fear are possible symptoms of more serious personal issues. You might want to see a doctor.

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