German bike makers Kalkhoff, part of Derby Cycle (Focus, Univega, Diamondback), are introducing their electric-assist bikes in the United States this fall, the company announced at Interbike 2009.
With a growing interest among American cyclists toward automobile alternatives like electric-assist bikes, Kalkhoff have chosen Portland, Oregon as their North American hub of operations, managed by Greenlight Bikes co-owner Eric von der Heyden.
Kalkhoff ProConnect Sport
The US$3,399 Kalkhoff ProConnect Sport uses a 250W integrated Panasonic Pedelec drive with brushless motor with up to 50 miles of assisted power per battery charge. Up front, a Kalkhoff Verso RL magnesium suspension fork includes a remote hydraulic lockout.
Other features of the 45.8lb ProConnect Sport include Magura HS11 EVO2 hydraulic rim brakes, Shimano XT derailleurs, Continental Contact ExtraLight 37-622 tyres, integrated Busch & Muller IQ Fly Lumotec R headlight, and a 26V/10Amp lithium manganese battery with five hours per full charge. Styles and sizes include both traditional (S, M, L, XL) and step-through (M).
Kalkhoff Tasman Pedelec
The US$2,799 Kalkhoff Tasman Pedelec also uses a 250W Panasonic Pedelec drive with brushless motor, built for the Shimano Nexus eight-speed internal rear hub.
Features include a fully-enclosed chainguard, internally threaded Bowden cables, built-in lights with Shimano dynamo hub, Magura HS11 EVO2 hydraulic rim brakes, Kalkhoff Verso adjustable magnesium suspension fork, Continental Town Ride tyres with reflective stripes, mudguards, rear wheel integrated lock, and a 26V/10Amp lithium manganese battery with five hours per full charge. Styles and sizes include both traditional (S, M, L) and step-through (M).
Kalkhoff Agattu
The US$2,499 Kalkhoff Agattu comes as a step-through model only (S, M, L), with a nine-speed Shimano XT derailleur system and 250W integrated Panasonic Pedelec drive with brushless motor.
The 45.8lb Agattu uses similar components to the ProConnect Sport: Continental Contact ExtraLight 37-622 tyres, integrated B&M IQ Fly Lumotec R headlight, Magura HS11 EVO2 hydraulic rim brakes, internally routed cables and a 26V/10Amp lithium manganese battery with five hours per full charge.
According to von der Heyden, Kalkhoff USA will also offer standard bikes without electric assist, specced with options from Rohloff (above), SRAM and Shimano.
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