Kalkhoff

[veloman]

I got a chance to test ride their top 300watt model in Portland OR last weekend.

First impression:
Too upright for me, which means it's hard to pedal it hard.
PAS is activated when just resting the pedal in the 'ready' position, waiting to go at a light. I can't see a great way around that though.
Not enough power 0-10mph to get across an intersection. The power was definitely just an assist.
Front suspension barely did anything. Great for standing to pedal but why bother with a suspension fork then?
Price $3,500 after discount. Seriously?

My ebike is just a 700watt limited geared Mac hub motor, so nothing powerful. My currie motor crank drive 450w rated (800peak) performed a LOT better than the Kalkhoff and cost about $600 with battery. I think the Kalkhoff peaks at 300w. It wouldn't be a bad bike if it only weighed 30lbs and priced at 1/3rd of it's cost. The best thing about it was that it continued to assist above 20mph, likely to 26mph the guy said.

I did see one women riding a Kalkhoff in a bike dense neighborhood though.