I thought it might be useful to any newbies out there who may be deciding which electric bike to buy, to write of my experiences since buying my Pro-Connect 15 months ago. It would also be nice to swap thoughts and opinions of any other Kalkhoff owner who (like myself) waited a long time to own one of these bikes.
Just for the record I am 6ft and weigh 11 stone.
Date Bought: August '08 (after a long wait!).
Mileage: 3,500 miles approx. I cycle to work most days 14 mile round trip.
Upgrades: As the lights on the bike are poor and the rear light only worked when it was sunny! I purchased a front and rear light from Halfords. The front one was a 'bikehut' rechargeable one and the rear was a 'bargain basket' one for a fiver! I needed reliable ones as I work double day shift and cycle often in the dark.
After 5 months I fitted a 18T sprocket as the gearing on the bike is very low. This made it more like a normal bike where you can pedal even when you go downhill without loosing your shoes!
I have not bought anything else for the bike (other than 2 sets of brake blocks), all parts are still original parts including tyres, (which are Schwalbe Marathon Racers).
I have had 3 punctures since starting to ride to work which is fairly lucky as my route uses tracks and paths as well as the road. The paths seem the worst with lots of glass frequently strewn across.
Battery: No problems with it, although I only do 14 miles I charge it up after every trip. I haven't noticed any deterioration in it over the 15 months (only in the winter when its very cold).
Problems: After a month of ownership the chain jumped off the cog a few times, but on advice from the forum it pointed to the chain tensioner arm needing some lubricating. Never had any bother since.
Like a few people on the forum I had to tighten the bolts on the motor.
After about 10 months I had a problem with the hub gears. When freewheeling the chain seemed as it it wanted to jump the cogs and making a very strange noise. After contacting 50cycles the wheel was replaced under the 2 year guarantee.
The solid suspension on the Pro-Connect takes a bit of getting used to, but a bit of padding in ya pants will help a lot!
Advantages: The bike is light enough to pedal without using the motor (if you are feeling healthy or the motor breaks down!).
In my experience the bike is a very reliable commuter bike which laughs at hills (and there are a few steep ones where I live). If you are wanting to substitute the car for work I reckon you couldn't get any better.
Well yes there are some savings as well:
Petrol £40 a month.
Gym fees: £20 a month.
A lot healthier lifestyle: Priceless!
Well there you go hope it helps to make your mind up. Come on Kalkhoff owners lets here from you!!
Frank
Just for the record I am 6ft and weigh 11 stone.
Date Bought: August '08 (after a long wait!).
Mileage: 3,500 miles approx. I cycle to work most days 14 mile round trip.
Upgrades: As the lights on the bike are poor and the rear light only worked when it was sunny! I purchased a front and rear light from Halfords. The front one was a 'bikehut' rechargeable one and the rear was a 'bargain basket' one for a fiver! I needed reliable ones as I work double day shift and cycle often in the dark.
After 5 months I fitted a 18T sprocket as the gearing on the bike is very low. This made it more like a normal bike where you can pedal even when you go downhill without loosing your shoes!
I have not bought anything else for the bike (other than 2 sets of brake blocks), all parts are still original parts including tyres, (which are Schwalbe Marathon Racers).
I have had 3 punctures since starting to ride to work which is fairly lucky as my route uses tracks and paths as well as the road. The paths seem the worst with lots of glass frequently strewn across.
Battery: No problems with it, although I only do 14 miles I charge it up after every trip. I haven't noticed any deterioration in it over the 15 months (only in the winter when its very cold).
Problems: After a month of ownership the chain jumped off the cog a few times, but on advice from the forum it pointed to the chain tensioner arm needing some lubricating. Never had any bother since.
Like a few people on the forum I had to tighten the bolts on the motor.
After about 10 months I had a problem with the hub gears. When freewheeling the chain seemed as it it wanted to jump the cogs and making a very strange noise. After contacting 50cycles the wheel was replaced under the 2 year guarantee.
The solid suspension on the Pro-Connect takes a bit of getting used to, but a bit of padding in ya pants will help a lot!
Advantages: The bike is light enough to pedal without using the motor (if you are feeling healthy or the motor breaks down!).
In my experience the bike is a very reliable commuter bike which laughs at hills (and there are a few steep ones where I live). If you are wanting to substitute the car for work I reckon you couldn't get any better.
Well yes there are some savings as well:
Petrol £40 a month.
Gym fees: £20 a month.
A lot healthier lifestyle: Priceless!
Well there you go hope it helps to make your mind up. Come on Kalkhoff owners lets here from you!!
Frank
