done bit of trawling on the net, quite like the look of the Kalkhoff Pro Connect Impulse Alfine 8G and it seems to get good reviews, any thoughts from you guys
many thanks
many thanks
many thanks to everyone for their contributions
- Thread starter richard walshaw
- Start date
Kalkhoff have a reputation for making fine bikes at a mid-to-high price point. However, the feedback you are after depends on what you want it for - what are your purchasing criteria? Overcoming a disability, improving your commute, leisure cycling, abandoning the car, exercise, reliability, affordability, etc? What's your budget and expected mileage? More detail = more help 
(Minor aside: I may be spoiled by the other forums I post on, as they have posting guidelines that make for contributions that are easy to read. If you wouldn't mind not posting in bold-lower-case, and with a title that helps people decide what they would like to read, that helps a great deal. Here the title might be "Any thoughts on the Kalkhoff Pro Connect Impulse series?". Thanks!)
(Minor aside: I may be spoiled by the other forums I post on, as they have posting guidelines that make for contributions that are easy to read. If you wouldn't mind not posting in bold-lower-case, and with a title that helps people decide what they would like to read, that helps a great deal. Here the title might be "Any thoughts on the Kalkhoff Pro Connect Impulse series?". Thanks!)
I've had a Pro Connect for just over six years, but mine has the Panasonic motor, so I can't comment on the impulse system or the battery which accompanies it.
My bike had done over 17000 miles and has had very few problems. I believe that this is due to the exceptional build quality of Kalkhoff bikes. There are other cheaper brands, but I doubt that they would withstand the punishment that a Kalkhoff is capable of absorbing.
The 8 speed Alfine hub gear has been fine for the whole 17000 miles. It did grumble for a few days at around 10000, but settled down again and has been its usual flawless self ever since. Some people report problems with Alfine / Bosch / Impulse motor combinations, but I've not heard of any direct experience of that on this forum, it's mainly hearsay or third hand reports.
I'm still using the original 6 year old 24 volt 10Ah battery, which gives about 25 miles range.
I don't think that Kalkhoff would have downgraded their range over the past 6 years, so I can only assume that they have improved on what I purchased.
If you are serious about this bike, you must test ride one before buying.
many thanks for your contribution, i feel i'm getting somewhere, yes a test ride is a must that will be my next move
thanks for your comments and as a newbie on my first site i hope you'll excuse my inappropriate listing efforts? in response i would say improving my fitness, leisure cycling and commuting about 16 miles a day to work with some hills therefore using the car less frequently and two grand would be the limit i guessKalkhoff have a reputation for making fine bikes at a mid-to-high price point. However, the feedback you are after depends on what you want it for - what are your purchasing criteria? Overcoming a disability, improving your commute, leisure cycling, abandoning the car, exercise, reliability, affordability, etc? What's your budget and expected mileage? More detail = more help
(Minor aside: I may be spoiled by the other forums I post on, as they have posting guidelines that make for contributions that are easy to read. If you wouldn't mind not posting in bold-lower-case, and with a title that helps people decide what they would like to read, that helps a great deal. Here the title might be "Any thoughts on the Kalkhoff Pro Connect Impulse series?". Thanks!)
No worries, Richard
If you're looking to improve your fitness: when you get a test-ride of anything, check that the bike has enough levels to suit your future needs. It is common to start off on a high assistance level, become a bit fitter, and then reduce the assistance as you can. Older Bosch Classic systems have 12 levels of assistance, whereas their later systems only have four. Most people found 12 excessive, but if you wish to progressively reduce, four may be too few.
16 miles to work - is that one way or both? If you wish to do 32 miles on a high assistance level, that would necessitate a larger battery - this is important as batteries reduce their capacity somewhat as they get older. I'd say an 8Ah would be too small, but 11Ah would be okay. That said, if you are willing to carry a charger (or purchase a second one for work), smaller and lighter batteries are fine.
If you're looking to improve your fitness: when you get a test-ride of anything, check that the bike has enough levels to suit your future needs. It is common to start off on a high assistance level, become a bit fitter, and then reduce the assistance as you can. Older Bosch Classic systems have 12 levels of assistance, whereas their later systems only have four. Most people found 12 excessive, but if you wish to progressively reduce, four may be too few.
16 miles to work - is that one way or both? If you wish to do 32 miles on a high assistance level, that would necessitate a larger battery - this is important as batteries reduce their capacity somewhat as they get older. I'd say an 8Ah would be too small, but 11Ah would be okay. That said, if you are willing to carry a charger (or purchase a second one for work), smaller and lighter batteries are fine.
The Kalkhoff Alfine 8 Pro connect is a lovely bike and would be very suitable for you needs. The 17ah battery will realistically take you over 50 miles in the highest assist level and more than double this in lowest setting if not too hilly. It is true that many (perhaps most) ebikes would be able to meet your requirements but as an all round premium quality product, Kalkhoff are difficult to beat. I would agree with previous responders, you must try before you buy. Different drive / sensor systems appeal to different people and only you can decide what feels best for you. It's relatively easy to try out a Kalkhoff if you live in the south or midlands. Whereabouts are you located?
thanks jonah, i think i'll open a dealership in yorkshire - lol there doesn't seem to be anywhere round here
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