Kalkhoff Impulse 8c, what do you think?

[Liang]

I spotted this bike a little while ago on their website, but I wasn't able to find a shop that had it so I could see and try it. I have found one now that had them, but they won't get new ones for another 2 weeks or so. I have to patiently wait (not my best quality I am afraid ) until they get the new bikes.

There are some people here that really know there stuff so I was wondering what you think of this bike?
Kalkhoff : Modelle 2011
I learned from reviews on a german pedelec forum that they give more torque and ride really well. But my german is far from perfect so I don't know if I fully understand everything they write I am afraid
I do understand they have a completely different motor, made by Daum instead of Panasonic.

 

[Biged]

Our only seller for Kalkhoffs is 50cycles, they do not have this model listed?
It looks similar to the Agattu in the frame and forks but then the similarities end. The motor, battery, brakes, controls and trim details like the seat are all different.
Where are you trying the bike? You could be the one letting us know what you think

 

[tillson]

That's an intriguing bike. What sort of motor does it have?

 

[flecc]

That's an intriguing bike. What sort of motor does it have?

That's the German Daum crank motor, came out shortly before the Bosch. The publicity around the Bosch one seems to have drowned out anything about the Daum.

Daum-Electronics pdf

Kalkhoff are obviously trying for a wide choice with Panasonic, BionX and now Daum. Interesting that they are using the Daum rather than the Bosch.
.

 

[Liang]

Our only seller for Kalkhoffs is 50cycles, they do not have this model listed?
It looks similar to the Agattu in the frame and forks but then the similarities end. The motor, battery, brakes, controls and trim details like the seat are all different.
Where are you trying the bike? You could be the one letting us know what you think

I will be trying it at the store of the only seller I could find here in the Netherlands. Unfortunately this store is a 1.5 hour drive from my home

I just learned from the german forum that there probably will become more models available in august. These 2 were made for the german market.
They expect that the new models will not have the coaster brake, which would be great as I don't like it.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Is the coaster brake the type you have to back pedal?

 

[flecc]

Is the coaster brake the type you have to back pedal?

Yes, a type that has always been very unpopular here in the UK. It's mainly in northern Europe that it's common.

 

[Liang]

Yes, a type that has always been very unpopular here in the UK. It's mainly in northern Europe that it's common.

In Germany they are indeed very popular, but not in the Netherlands (anymore).
Only bikes for children often have them. Most adults prefer hand brakes.
These new Kalkhoff bikes have both, coaster and hand brakes, but I prefer a bike on which I can back pedal to put the pedals in the right position again.
So if I like this new Impulse I think I will wait until the new ones become available...although it's difficult to be so patient...*sigh*

 

[flecc]

It's good to hear that the usage of coaster brakes is greatly reduced in the Netherlands Liang. Two things that we haven't liked on Continental bikes are the coaster brakes and Woods/Dunlop tube valves, the latter still persisting on some Kalkhoff models.

 

[Liang]

Woods/Dunlop tube valves

What is used in the UK instead of these?

 

[flecc]

What is used in the UK instead of these?

Two types. On most bikes and especially utility bikes, standard Schrader valves as used on motor vehicles.

On road sport bikes, especially with narrow 700c rims, the Presta valve.

 

[Liang]

Two types. On most bikes and especially utility bikes, standard Schrader valves as used on motor vehicles.

On road sport bikes, especially with narrow 700c rims, the Presta valve.

I think the Dunlop is still probably still used on the cheaper bikes a lot, but the bikes I have owned over the last 20 years or so all had a Presta valve. They all were more sporty types off bikes though.
I have never seen a schrader valve on a bike here...

 

[flecc]

I think the Dunlop is still probably still used on the cheaper bikes a lot, but the bikes I have owned over the last 20 years or so all had a Presta valve. They all were more sporty types off bikes though.
I have never seen a schrader valve on a bike here...

I'm a firm fan of the Schrader valve and often drill out 700c rims to accept them when a correct size tube is available. It's the universal worldwide valve, extremely reliable and has little resistance to pumped air. The Woods/Dunlop valves are very resistant to pumped air, making pumping harder work, and the Presta valve is quite flimsy and not so tolerant as a Schrader on how a pump is attached.

 

[Liang]

The Woods/Dunlop valves are very resistant to pumped air, making pumping harder work, and the Presta valve is quite flimsy and not so tolerant

Hmmm, yes that's my own experience too! It would be nice if the schrader would be the standard ones.