[flecc]

I see this as really good news, not qualified in any way. For the first time it's a step forward from the Lafree Twist series on any bike fitted with the latest Panasonic power unit. Here's why this onetime Twist owner thinks that:

It's the lightest of any of the full size models, and fully 8 kilos lighter than the Gazelle Easy Glider, despite it's very full specification and front suspension forks.

It has a high power mode, answering a common complaint from those who felt other bikes with this power unit lack outright power in some circumstances. There's a high power version of the Swiss Bike-Tech models, but it costs about half as much again as the Kalkhoff model.

The battery at 10 Ah is streets ahead of the 6.5 Ah under-batteried Lafree, giving great range from this economical motor. It's also only just over half the weight of the earlier battery.

The high quality very puncture resistant Continental tyres, far better than the standard Chinese tyres on most bikes these days. You'll find many internet accounts of the puncture resistance, seemingly as good as the Marathon Plus due to it's kevlar layer.

It's the lowest priced of all the Panasonic motored bikes available in the UK, and by very big margins, a real bargain.

Who would it suit? Anyone really, but in particular it's perfect for the those having long and/or very steep climbs, particularly if their cycling ability isn't as good as it once was. Like all these drive through gear bikes, it will climb just about anything, but will be faster than many of them if wanted by use of the high power mode. It's obviously suitable for anyone needing fairly long range too.

For those with worries about Lithium batteries, they are most suited to motor systems like this, moderately powered with the best of software management of power delivery, and the Panasonic unit has always been acknowledged as the leader in this respect. The BionX motor which has certain software similarities also has excellent lithium battery life and performance as the members with them have testified. I wouldn't be at all concerned about buying the Kalkhoff and would definitely add it to my fleet if I had somewhere to put it!
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