Wisper 705SE or Kalkhoff Tasman?

[Sapphire]

For comfort, hill climbing power, exercise & a reasonably good looking bike - which would be a better option the Wisper 705SE or Kalkhoff Tasman?

I need more power to keep up with my very sporty husband in hillier areas and thought either of the above two would work well.

If you have either of these bikes - would you recommend it & why? All suggestions welcomed.

 

[tillson]

I think the old saying, “try before you buy” applies.

It is well worth investing a bit of time and petrol money in order to visit the suppliers of the bikes that you are interested in. People will tell you that both of these bikes are good quality with good after sales backup, so it’s a case of deciding which is the best one for you personally.

 

[JamesC]

From your description, I would come down in favour of the Tasman.

Riding in a pair or group with people on regular bikes can be difficult when the ebike has the power and capability to zoom off into the distance.

The Panasonic crank drive is ideal for providing that extra balance between a stronger rider and weaker rider, whilst still requiring effort and providing exercise.

It does not require any additional mental effort in feathering the throttle to match the speed of the regular bike.

The Nexus 8 speed hub (SG-8R36) is IMO a very reliable and well matched hub gear. To keep up with your sporty husband, you will need an 18 tooth rear sprocket if you are normally riding in hilly areas, or a 16 tooth sprocket for flatter terrain.

As Tillson says, try before you buy, but keep in mind that you are likely to be trialling a Tasman with standard rear sprocket. This can give a feeling of limited top speed, which is resolved by the sprocket change.

James

 

[eddieo]

we have the latest 705SE (along with my 905SE) and my wife loves it......It is a nice and powerful bike.

But Panasonic powered bikes have always had the reputation for better hill climbing. and James made a good point regards integration with non E bike cyclists as well.

You really need to try both to see which you prefer......Although I could not live without the extra power and throttle of a Wisper

 

[Straylight]

It's a great feeling when you open it up isn't it Particularly if you (accidentaly of course) nudge the green button .

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Feathering

It does not require any additional mental effort in feathering the throttle to match the speed of the regular bike.

Hi James, most hub drive bikes including the 705se come with at least three power settings now so feathering the throttle should not be necessary, if you are still riding away from the group on the lowest level, simply turn the power off!

The throttle is mainly used for extra power if needed on steep hills or for coasting along without the need to pedal at all.

Best regards

 

[Shroppielass]

Sapphire, I would agree with the comment about trying before you buy. If you're able to get to Ludlow Green Festival on Sun 30th Aug there is demo of electric bikes. 50cycles and Onbike (who sell the Wisper 705) will be there so you might get the chance to compare them on the same hills.

Ludlow Green Festival 2009

 

[Sapphire]

Thank you all so much for your very helpful suggestions and comments. I have now tried the Wisper 705SE, the Kalkhoff Tasman & the Agattu. I liked each bike for different reasons.

The power of the Wisper was amazing. However there would be too much temptation for me to rely upon using the throttle making my considerably fitter husband work harder, whilst doing nothing to improve my fitness levels, so sadly I ruled it out.

Today I tested the two Kalkhoff bikes and thought they were both superb. It was difficult to choose between them. On both, I felt I got a real boost on hills and would be able to keep up on longer rides and get some decent exercise as well.

It was a difficult choice as they were so similar. In the end I went for the Tasman mainly because of the hydraulic brakes and I trust it will be worth the extra £200. Can't wait to receive it and start cycling later on this week.

 

[tillson]

In the end I went for the Tasman mainly because of the hydraulic brakes and I trust it will be worth the extra £200. Can't wait to receive it and start cycling later on this week.

I think you have made a wise choice going for the hydraulic brakes.

I have retro-fitted Magura hydraulic brakes to my Kalkhoff and they are certainly a big improvement. The braking action is very powerful / progressive, the brake pads seem to last forever and I have also noticed a dramatic reduction in wheel rim wear.

I was changing brake pads about every 700 miles when I had the Shimano V brakes. The Magura pads have done about 1500 miles and still have plenty of material left on them. They are very easy to set up and adjust too.

Happy Tasmaning!

 

[flecc]

I think you'll be delighted with your choice, not only for the brakes but also the better Alfine hub gear, it's a very refined bike.
.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Sapphire's choice.

Thanks for trying the Wisper Sapphire, yes the throttle is very tempting!

Enjoy your new bike, Kalkhoff's are very good too!

Best regards David

 

[Sapphire]

I do think the Wisper is a great product too and the distributor said how good the aftercare service was. It perhaps wasn't right for me right now but I can see many people being delighted with it and rightly so.