JimB, if you want a crank drive hub gear step-through, you could consider the Kalkhoff Agattus which have mechanical hub gears - either Alfine 8-sp or Alfine 11-sp. They're lovely bikes and they ride just like ordinary bikes unpowered or above assist limits.

 

 

 

That's interesting - so there is a downside to Nuvinci CVT relative to mechanical hub gears after all !

 

Very interesting info from trex....thanks again!

 

The info dribbling through to my little grey cells has pretty much put me off the Nuvinci system.

 

The Kalkhoff Agattu is on my (now very short) list along with the KTM Macina HS 400 which seems to have a very similar spec but with Bosch drive.

 

JimB

Edited April 3, 201313 yr by JimB

Hi and welcome.

 

Your short list seemed to match my final (and ever changing 'final') shortlist.. I decided on the KTM Macina HS dual 400 from electrifying cycles in the end due to the reach position and varying customer service issues. Another one I almost bought from electrifying cycles was the AVE ones.. Quite a few choices but again the reach was the main issue I recall. I did not want a walkthrough one so that limited choice of frame a bit. Got the sloping frame one as a nice compromise.

 

The bike is a gem and can now keep up with my partner. The bike is heavy compared to my Boardman hybrid but was really surprised how fast it went unassisted. More difficult to keep higher speed than 15 mph on it and get overtaken. In the wind also brilliant. Gear changes easy and smooth. I now love steep hills...!

...........Your short list seemed to match my final (and ever changing 'final') shortlist.. I decided on the KTM Macina HS dual 400 from electrifying cycles in the end due to the reach position and varying customer service issues. .................QUOTE]

 

Yes Wissy, very nice bike!

 

I've just spent some considerable time trying to plough through the KTM catalogue (link via Electrifying Cycles site). I wonder if maybe they have too many options. I have been confused over the spec of the bike due to one dealer (not EC above) having a very good picture of the wrong bike and hadn't realised that the one I'd identified (the HS 400) had Sram Dual Drive 8F when I thought it was Nexus 8 hub.

 

So it seems my final choice pair are not quite as similar as I had thought.

 

However, having started the other thread about the NuVinci auto drive I've learned a bit more about things and I'm now coming around to thinking that if I don't go NuVinci I will go derailleur so that's now giving the KTMs the edge.

 

I'm beginning to lose the will to live and apart from anything else it appears that none of my choices are even available in the UK yet. Maybe a car trip to the Netherlands or the like will shortly be on the cards.

 

I should say that apart from the obvious help and advise I've had here, Dave from KUDOS BIKES has spent a lot of time on me behind the scenes PMing useful information. Thanks Dave!

 

JimB

Edited April 5, 201313 yr by JimB

Always happy to help if you have any questions. I agree KTM range is proabably a bit too larger but there are some great bikes within the range. Welcome to give me a call or send me a pm. I am sure you will be happy with your final choice, whichever bike you choose

I should have said I much prefer the battery location on the semi frame (not sure what it's actually called) to the rack position on the stepthru.

 

Apart from the aesthetics the CG will be a trifle lower ( not make a lot of difference with 15 stone planted up on the seat!) and the frame looks stronger although that could be an illusion.

 

Thanks again DW, once I've decided I'll be in touch. Just wish I'd started thinking about this a few weeks ago when we did a short freezing tour of Norfolk and must have passed close to your door. But not in the 'Allo, Allo' way.

 

Close shave for you there!

 

 

JimB

No worries, you are always welcome to visit perhaps when it is a bit warmer . I prefer battery position on frame as well rather than on rack.