Kenny

Last year I borrowed a friends 3 speed Kalkhoff for my daughter so we could do a longer trip together. I took it out myself to check everything was working OK and to my surprise I found it a really enjoyable ride. Apart from the steepest of hills I only used the two top gears and when your not shifting up and down the gears all the time it makes for a really relaxing ride. As a cycling enthusiast changing gear is all part of my enjoyment when cycling but for someone who just wants uncomplicated transport from A to B the simplicity of the Nexus 3 could be quite attractive.

I don't want to start the disc v rim brake debate but I'm also 11st and find my Magura hydraulic rim brakes more than adequate at any speed. Very nice bike Rob!

I't's a shame electric assist bikes aren't more popular. Last weekend I did an overnight cycle camp to the Luss campsite on Loch Lomond. When I asked the site reception if they would be kind enough to charge my battery overnight. I was told I was the first person they'ed had requesting this. (They were happy to oblige for a £1 donation) It would be great if every campsite had a set up for recharging but I guess there just isn't the demand.

It's a cheap and very easy mod. I bought mine here : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motor-pinion-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-Z-for-all-Panasonic-Pedelec-Motor-/331398335978?var=&hash=item4d28e14dea If it doesn't suit you, just resell it.

I swapped my 11t for a 13t when I found I was spinning past the power cut off on my 2011 Agattu. It rides great now and the few extra mph is welcome I'm sure the motor could handle a 14t too, if you've a really fast cadence.

I'm neither up or down about this show but this rings true and did make me chuckle.

My Panasonic powered bikes multiply my input x 1.5 on maximum setting which is enough to get me up a 1 : 5 incline, near where I live, at 6.5mph. I guess the latest bikes that can multiply your power x3 will climb easier but my old kalkhoff has plenty of oomph for me.

Dave, I think you'd have a better impression if you had tried one with a bigger motor sprocket That keeps the power coming at a higher cadence. I kept pedaling past the power cut off on my Agattu when i first got it but found it perfect and well capable when I went up a couple of teeth.

Owning two older Kalkhoffs, I'm sorry to see the demise of the old Panasonic motored bikes. Having eight years or so development they were totally sorted. Quiet, ultra reliable and a simple sprocket change to tailor it's speed to your riding style. One of my 18AH batteries still has nearly full range at five years old. Their not as poweful as the Bosch bikes etc but as a 55 year old of average fitness, I've yet to come across a hill that's beaten me and there's plenty of steep ones here in Scotland The newer bikes are not any lighter either and as stated by oriteroom, the build quality of the older Kalkhoffs is excellent.

Is Saneagle heavier than you? That also could account for him freewheeling faster than yourself downhill.

Was fighting them back myself!

We must be on the same wavelength John. Caught this documentary a few nights ago. What an incredibly brave, talented and likable family. Makes me wonder how people can be so driven in a sport that inevitably takes so many lives.

My friend bought a second hand Kalkoff about 2 years ago. It was over a year old and the battery started playing up. It worked OK but the charge indicator lights wouldn't show the remaining charge. . When he contacted 50 cycles they asked him to return the battery and promptly sent a brand new replacement. As Tillson say's, their costumer service can be very good, with the odd off day. Unfortunately it's usually only the poor experiences that get highlighted.

Know how you feel John. Just finished the last episode a week ago. I watched the whole 5 seasons in about two weeks. It's as addictive as the blue crystal. I don't watch much tv and it was the first series I've watched since "House". Thoroughly enjoyed it, not surprised it got such high praise.

I used to use a 12" shifter but sometimes it would slip off the hex with a really tight Freewheel. I found an old 9/16 BSW ring spanner about 15 inches long, which was a perfect fit on the freewheel tool. No more slip, and haven't had a problem loosening them since.

This is great news! Wishing you every success with your UK assembling operation and future developments.

That'll be a big departure from your usual full suspension style of build, Dave. No suspension and skinny tyres will certainly give your Brooks saddle a test. .

Ahh, that'll be the stuff! Thinking back, I remember using it many decades ago when I worked in the shipyards. It came in 5 gallon tins if I remember right.

"Red Rubber grease" is normally used for when rebuilding Brake Calipers as it's compatible with brake fluid. I've used it before and it's very expensive for a small tub so I'm surprised it's used in that application.

I think your probably right John. I just remembered that when I arranged for the bike to be picked up, by "Paisley Freight", it was from the sellers workplace which was a large secondhand goods shop selling all sorts of stuff.

I bought a 2011 Kalkhoff Agattu from the seller about 7 months ago. Before I bid for it I asked if he would be willing to post and he said ok. He was a little slow in sending the bike as he said he had trouble getting his hands on a large box. The bike I bought also had no charger and the battery was totally flat but it charged up fine and has worked perfectly. I'm not sure where he gets these bikes. At a guess I'd say they were customer returns he has maybe bought at bargain prices. Mine seems to have had little use but it had a few scuff marks as if it had been stored carelessly or something. I won mine at a great price and with a little tinkering it's been a really good buy.

Got to be a Marathon Plus. There a heavy tyre but there's no substitute for the protection that the thick layer of rubber gives.

I've set up my Marin Bolinas Ridge MTB for road use. I went for these 2.0 wide tires for their light weight. http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/schwalbe-marathon-deluxe-tyre/aid:643283 These tyres are supposed to be nearly as puncture resistant as Marathon Plus but I don't think there's any substitute for the puncture resistance of the thick rubber Marathons. Something you might want to consider is your pedal /road clearance will be slightly less with smaller tyres. I broke a nice pair of Magnesium pedals before I got wise to the lower ride height that changing to rigid forks and road tyres brings. (I had smaller 1.75 wide tyres fitted when I scuffed the pedal on a bend - I find the 2.0 are better)

For a cheaper option you could get a second hand Panasonic powered Kalkhoff Pro Connect. The're bullet proof, an excellent ride and can average 20mph in sports version or with a simple cog change. I recently bought one for less than £600 and it's in great condition.

Yep, my youngest likes me ordering from Wiggle too cos he gets the Haribo. Wiggle are excellent but I bought tons of stuff online from most of the big suppliers and always received good service.