Hi everyone
After several months of research and (it feels like) even longer period of deliberating, I have finally gone and placed an order for a Kalkhoff BS10. Hopefully, it will arrive by the end of the month once the Cyclescheme CTW voucher comes through. What I thought it would be useful is to share my journey to my decision - which is suspect there may be many on the same journey as me.
I started with limiting my budget to the limit of the CTW scheme - so £1000. This should, in all probability, give me some good choices for what I expect would be a commuting tool since I do not want to leave an expensive pice of equipment at work - even though the parking facility is secured and CCTV monitored. I also ride a bike to work most day is possible so well versed with the process.
A few obvious choices were Woosh, Burisch and that Taiwan Mosso which I was quite partial to. Unfortunately, all these suppliers do not accept Cyclescheme voucher which was quite a surprise at first, but understandable when you think about it. The Spencer was also a strong contender especially with the discount after the new year but unfortunately this failed since they decided to raise the prices at the last minute once I were just about in position to placed the order - a real disappointment and probably a good thing since I would hate to have to deal with this ongoing if I we to have any issues post purchase, especially given the outdated technology involved.
After some real soul-searching and some rides to work, I decided that I definitely do what to commute more since after only 2 trips I already feel so much better (fitter and happier and can replaced some of my gym sessions). I decided to try something more up-market and my initial choices we're the Kalkhoff BS10, ProConnect Impulse 10G-XT (my preferred choice on paper), ProcConnect Impulse 8G Alfine and possibly the ProConnect X24 Xion hub-drive. The last was a last-minute addition since I was quite partial to the idea of crank-drive in all my research.
Last Saturday I spent several hours at the Kingston 50 Cycles store trying out the various models. James at 50c was very helpful and patience and gave me all the time in the world to work through my thought and preferences, taking each bike out for 20/30 minutes at a time back-to-back to get a really good feel of the various bikes. The were some surprises.
First of all, I was very surprised that didn't like the PC Impulse 8G-Alfine as much as I would have expected, given the new Impulse 2 motor and quality components. It was more "noisy" than I thought relative to the others and the Alfine gears was really not for me - it is ok for bimbling but doesn't quite feel "responsive" enough for a proper spirited ride. I discounted the deraileurs Impulse 10G-XT for the same reason without trying it, given it has the same engine.
The ProConnect X24 was a real surprise o the day for me. The Xion hub-drive feel a lot more "natural" than I had expected (in theory and on paper since I have not had any rides up until then) and did have a not of go. Infant it responded better than the crank drive Impulse 2 motor, which was an eye-opener. James also mentioned that many seasoned riders actually prefer the X24 too since it provides the best riding experience of all the models available - and was a real bargain at the price (£1500 at time of writing and if you are quick). I also tried out the X27 (bigger battery, Betty gear and brakes, etc) but felt it was the same, but for considerably more money.
I then tried the BS10 and to my surprise (but probably not for many of you) it was a real revelation. It rides brilliantly and naturally and was brilliantly balanced. You can get to speed very quickly and it doesn't top-out like the others and therefore feels much more natural. Admittedly I did get to speed of 20+ mph but the difference with the road-leg alone was only noticeable when you look at the speedo (at 15/16mph it already feel reasonable pace) and I would probably prefer to ride in Eco mode anyway for the extended range but I would pay for the option to get home quickly if needed. For those who would want to jump on the post pointing out this and that, yes is am perfectly aware of what it is and I am perfectly sensible enough to recognise when it is and is not suitable to ride fast than 15mph. I rode a 1100cc motorcycle and have been a motorcyclist for over 20+ years so am well aware of hazards and am speed sensible.
The final choice came to either the X24 or the BS10 - and there was quite a price difference to take into account too. I would have been very happy with the X24 but, recognising that I have a 18miles commute each way the ability to get home quickly when needed (eg in an emergency) was a real clincher for me. As a result, a BS10 is sitting comfortably in Loughborough with my name on it - can't wait, I am so excited!
For those who are undergoing the same journey, the persistent advice I hear from many knowledgable members on this forum is to try out as many bikes as you can (if possible) is absolutely true. I know that it isn't always possible but a lot of the suppliers have network of satisfied owners who are willing to let you have a go before deciding so make the best use of that. What is on paper may not work out in real life, even if it reads as "the best".
For those who cannot try out many models and have the budget, the Kalkhoff ProConnect X24 is a very good bike very much suited to seasoned riders and one I would recommend.
Maybe I can do a more thorough review of the BS10 when it arrives in a few weeks.
PS I have nothing to do with 50 Cycles, in case someone worry about my partiality.
After several months of research and (it feels like) even longer period of deliberating, I have finally gone and placed an order for a Kalkhoff BS10. Hopefully, it will arrive by the end of the month once the Cyclescheme CTW voucher comes through. What I thought it would be useful is to share my journey to my decision - which is suspect there may be many on the same journey as me.
I started with limiting my budget to the limit of the CTW scheme - so £1000. This should, in all probability, give me some good choices for what I expect would be a commuting tool since I do not want to leave an expensive pice of equipment at work - even though the parking facility is secured and CCTV monitored. I also ride a bike to work most day is possible so well versed with the process.
A few obvious choices were Woosh, Burisch and that Taiwan Mosso which I was quite partial to. Unfortunately, all these suppliers do not accept Cyclescheme voucher which was quite a surprise at first, but understandable when you think about it. The Spencer was also a strong contender especially with the discount after the new year but unfortunately this failed since they decided to raise the prices at the last minute once I were just about in position to placed the order - a real disappointment and probably a good thing since I would hate to have to deal with this ongoing if I we to have any issues post purchase, especially given the outdated technology involved.
After some real soul-searching and some rides to work, I decided that I definitely do what to commute more since after only 2 trips I already feel so much better (fitter and happier and can replaced some of my gym sessions). I decided to try something more up-market and my initial choices we're the Kalkhoff BS10, ProConnect Impulse 10G-XT (my preferred choice on paper), ProcConnect Impulse 8G Alfine and possibly the ProConnect X24 Xion hub-drive. The last was a last-minute addition since I was quite partial to the idea of crank-drive in all my research.
Last Saturday I spent several hours at the Kingston 50 Cycles store trying out the various models. James at 50c was very helpful and patience and gave me all the time in the world to work through my thought and preferences, taking each bike out for 20/30 minutes at a time back-to-back to get a really good feel of the various bikes. The were some surprises.
First of all, I was very surprised that didn't like the PC Impulse 8G-Alfine as much as I would have expected, given the new Impulse 2 motor and quality components. It was more "noisy" than I thought relative to the others and the Alfine gears was really not for me - it is ok for bimbling but doesn't quite feel "responsive" enough for a proper spirited ride. I discounted the deraileurs Impulse 10G-XT for the same reason without trying it, given it has the same engine.
The ProConnect X24 was a real surprise o the day for me. The Xion hub-drive feel a lot more "natural" than I had expected (in theory and on paper since I have not had any rides up until then) and did have a not of go. Infant it responded better than the crank drive Impulse 2 motor, which was an eye-opener. James also mentioned that many seasoned riders actually prefer the X24 too since it provides the best riding experience of all the models available - and was a real bargain at the price (£1500 at time of writing and if you are quick). I also tried out the X27 (bigger battery, Betty gear and brakes, etc) but felt it was the same, but for considerably more money.
I then tried the BS10 and to my surprise (but probably not for many of you) it was a real revelation. It rides brilliantly and naturally and was brilliantly balanced. You can get to speed very quickly and it doesn't top-out like the others and therefore feels much more natural. Admittedly I did get to speed of 20+ mph but the difference with the road-leg alone was only noticeable when you look at the speedo (at 15/16mph it already feel reasonable pace) and I would probably prefer to ride in Eco mode anyway for the extended range but I would pay for the option to get home quickly if needed. For those who would want to jump on the post pointing out this and that, yes is am perfectly aware of what it is and I am perfectly sensible enough to recognise when it is and is not suitable to ride fast than 15mph. I rode a 1100cc motorcycle and have been a motorcyclist for over 20+ years so am well aware of hazards and am speed sensible.
The final choice came to either the X24 or the BS10 - and there was quite a price difference to take into account too. I would have been very happy with the X24 but, recognising that I have a 18miles commute each way the ability to get home quickly when needed (eg in an emergency) was a real clincher for me. As a result, a BS10 is sitting comfortably in Loughborough with my name on it - can't wait, I am so excited!
For those who are undergoing the same journey, the persistent advice I hear from many knowledgable members on this forum is to try out as many bikes as you can (if possible) is absolutely true. I know that it isn't always possible but a lot of the suppliers have network of satisfied owners who are willing to let you have a go before deciding so make the best use of that. What is on paper may not work out in real life, even if it reads as "the best".
For those who cannot try out many models and have the budget, the Kalkhoff ProConnect X24 is a very good bike very much suited to seasoned riders and one I would recommend.
Maybe I can do a more thorough review of the BS10 when it arrives in a few weeks.
PS I have nothing to do with 50 Cycles, in case someone worry about my partiality.
