Erica

I took possession of a Pro Connect in September and have had two problems. One is frequent chain dropping which I think was related to a non-mobile tensioner. I lubed up the tensioner, tightened the bolt, and so far in 10 miles the chain hasn't fallen off. Previously, the chain had dropped about eight times in 140 miles. Kind of irritating for such an expensive bike, but hopefully resolved. The second issue seems more serious to me. The bike began to make irregular clicking and popping noises that eventually became associated with what felt like a lack of engagement of the chain. It reminds me of the sounds playing cards in the wheels made when I was a kid, only louder and grating. The problem has progressed now and in 5th and 4th gears it's constant. Also it's starting up in 6th. I can't ride in those gears at this point, which is really limiting. I don't think the problem is in the crank, maybe the motor. But the connection to certain gears makes me wonder if the hub is defective. I've never ridden an internal gear hub before, so no experience with them. Has anyone else had this problem? I live in the USA, maybe the third American to be shipped a Kalkhoff. I wrote to 50 Cycles about the chain and never got an answer. Found some help here and hoping you all may have some ideas about this more serious issue before I contact 50 Cycles again.

I found the seat on the Pro Connect very uncomfortable--like riding a rail. I replaced it right away with a Selle Royal Respiro (women's). The ventilation feature was not why I bought it, it was just very comfortable when I tested it. It's a fantastic saddle for me--no pain ever!

Thanks, Walkerman! I get your comments about the step through versus diamond frame in terms of mounting. That's another decision point for me. I like the ease of the step through, but prefer the looks (and the bottle bosses, the ease of putting the bike on a work stand or car rack, and the simplicity) of the diamond frame. Given that you had the step-through previously, and could have had either style in the Pro Connect, what swung you over to the diamond frame. I think in the US, the step through style might be less attractive to thieves, but who knows. I sure wish I could pop round to the shop and ride the bikes!

Thanks, Walkerman! The bike sounds great. I'm quite interested in it to use for commuting, errands, and road rides in the country around the Bay Area. Could you possibly measure from the ground to the top of the crossbar about midway along the crossbar? I just want to make sure that at stops I'm not resting on that bar....ouch! I'm only 5'7 and trying to decide between the 49cm (not in stock) and the 53cm (lots in stock). The fellow at 50Cycles is about to take a holiday and is a bit pressed to take international calls right now, I gather. I am thrilled that they are now shipping to the US, as our options for high quality pedelecs are few. Glad to hear you are enjoying your bike so much. Hopefully I will join the ranks of happy (and properly fitted) owners, too.

Thanks Guys! John, Duane, and Mark, Thanks for your replies. I am very interested in this bike, and like Duane I am on the west coast of the US and will be in a stew if I can't figure out the proper size bike. I am 5 feet, seven inches and think the 49 (probably) or the 53 (possibly) mignt work. Not clear yet on the 53 cm bike measurements. Duane, I appreciate the detailed response about how your Pro Connect arrived and the assembly process. Sounds like it won't be hard to handle. Once I assemble the bike, I'll probably take it to a shop for a once-over. The battery life you are experiencing is fantastic. I was thinking of ordering a second battery, but maybe that's not necessary. I hope to commute but also do pleasure rides on the bike, taking 20-60 mile hilly country rides on the bike. Two batteries might make a "century"! Please keep us updated on your progress with the bike. The photo, by the way, is great; what a pretty bike. And Flecc, thanks for the welcome. This is a great site, and very welcoming to newcomers, which is appreciated. Erica

American interested in Pro Connect Hi All, I live in California and am considering purchasing a Kalkhoff bike. I have not been able to find any information on the dimensions of the various sizes of the bikes. I tried the Giant Twist Freedom DX here in the US, but it comes in only two sizes, neither of which felt right to me. Plus it comes with panniers that cover the batteries, and the panniers are tiny to the point of not being very functional. I was thrilled to see that 50 cycles will ship to the US, but am nervous about ordering the wrong size bike. Would any of you Kalkhoff owners measure and post the stand-over heights of your bikes so I can figure out the correct size? I'd appreciate it alot. I've contacted 50 Cycles by email but haven't heard back. I gather they're busy getting out all your orders...! Falstaff, how is your experience going with your new bike? How much assembly did you have to do? Did you buy a plug converter for charging the bike? Any feedback on the international buying process? Thanks to all who respond. This site has been great for learning about pedelec bikes.