#agattu

To celebrate the launch of the new 2015 Kalkhoff e-bikes at The New Wheel we are throwing a launch party on February 20 from 6pm to 9pm. We are pleased to announce a special guest: Kalkhoff Director in North America, Iris Bruschinski! As is only fitting for our “Made in Germany” bikes, there will be Currywurst, Pretzles and German beer for your enjoyment. Click to RSVP!

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for electric bikes, and perhaps there is no bigger event than the introduction of Kalkhoff’s 2015 line of bikes. What’s important about 2015 Kalkhoff bikes isn’t just the fact that they are becoming more and more refined, from the paint job on up. Nor is it the broad range of models and styles available. It isn’t even the best in class battery range of 100+ miles per charge that is making 2015 so special.

No, most important of all is that this year is Kalkhoff’s official launch in the United States. You see, for the last three years, The New Wheel has been the defacto exclusive retailer of Kalkhoff (and Kalkhoff’s sister company Focus electric bikes) by virtue of the fact that we jumped through hoops to get what we consider some of the best electric bikes available. We cajoled, pressured, pleaded, and went to Germany (multiple times) to bring these amazing ebikes to our customers in San Francisco and beyond. All along we lobbied for Derby Cycles - Kalkhoff and Focus’ parent company - to broaden distribution across North America, because we understood that more retailers selling Kalkhoff and Focus means better product, better service, more selection, and ultimately, more people riding fantastic electric bicycles.

Kalkhoff and Focus' new electric bicycle leadership in the United States: Iris Bruschinski and Taylor Cain.  

In the Summer of 2014 The New Wheel along with select dealers from the U.S. and Australia (where Kalkhoff and Focus electric bikes are also being launched) went to Germany to visit the Kalkhoff and Focus factory and help plan the 2015 product line. Over 5 days we worked with the newly hired North American ebike director, Iris Bruschinski, to lay out a successful launch. We picked a total of 6 bikes for the Kalkhoff brand, and 6 bikes for the Focus brand, a lineup that is unique in not just it’s quality but the breadth of it’s range: there is a fantastic bicycle for every sort of rider. Here’s what we are getting at The New Wheel from Kalkhoff (stay tuned for the Focus line-up and launch party coming to you soon):

Agattu Impulse 7 - $2999 (Available Now)

The most economical Kalkhoff ever, without sacrificing the quality that makes a Kalkhoff a Kalkhoff. Comes complete with the fantastic Impulse 2.0 middle motor, a simple and reliable internally geared 7-speed hub, top-end hydraulic brakes, integrated lights, fenders and a rear rack. 

Agattu Impulse 8 - $3599 (Available Now)

New and improved version of our most popular bike ever, the 2014 Agattu 8. The 2015 Agattu 8 features a beautiful new gloss red accented black paint job, the largest capacity Impulse battery yet (612wh) for 100+ miles of riding between charges, and all the bells and whistles you've come to expect from a Kalkhoff: integrated wheel lock, top-end lighting, bullet proof Schwalbe Marathon tires, and integrated rear rack and fenders. 

Sahel Impulse 8 - $3799 (Available February)

The newest version of the venerable Sahel urban line of ebikes. Beautiful lines, light weight, and reliability inspired specs make this the ultimate commute and leisure bicycle. The 2015 Sahel features a newly engineered front fork with an integrated head-shock, offering increased comfort and stability without the weight penalty and aesthetic of typical front suspension. The Sahel is available in both a step-through and top-bar frame. 

Sahel Compact Impulse 8 - $3499 (Available February)

One of the most fun bikes at The New Wheel, the Sahel Compact impresses with it's award winning design and supremely comfortable ride. The newest version of this popular model is packed with all the utility features of it's bigger siblings, and comes in two beautifully striking colors: black and white. 

Tasman Classic Impulse 8 - $3799 (Available March)

Video Review: Kalkhoff Agattu Electric Bike

The Kalkhoff Agattu i8 has become one of the most popular bikes at The New Wheel, and it’s no surprise to us. It brings together a number of features and trends that have set Kalkhoff apart over the years: great handling while being upright and comfortable, an excellent and reliable pedal assist system, top quality components across the board. To top it all off, the 2014 Agattu now sports the Impulse 2.0 drive system, a huge step forward for middle motor technology that offers not just more power than the original Impulse system, but less noise, smoother shifting, and a more customizable ride feel.

The central feature of the Agattu is actually a number of components that lend a comfortable, sturdy ride feel. First and foremost is a handlebar arrangement that allows you to sit up very straight and upright. A swept back bar combined with ergonomic grips is not just good for your back and shoulders: it also allows for increased visibility when riding in the city. A large gel saddle atop a suspension seat post will minimize shock and vibration when riding on less than stellar surfaces. Finally, a suspension front fork with new larger stanchions make the ride not just more comfortable but also safe, as the unexpected pothole can be simply rolled over.

The component spec of the Agattu beyond the comfort features is also top notch. The uber reliable Magura hydraulic rim brakes not only will stop you on a dime but are also extremely quiet with pads that last a long time up and down steep San Francisco hills. A Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub is all you need to tackle the steepest hills, and cruise up to 20 mph on the flats. Not only does it give you a great range of gears, but like all internally geared hubs, it’s reliable and simple to use. The tires are top-end Schwalbe Marathon tires with a thick puncture resistant belt. Finally, the bike comes standard with an integrated, light up the night front light, a rear light with a braking sensor, fenders, a rear rack and an integrated rear wheel lock.

As for the electric system, the 2014 Agattu has the brand new Impulse 2.0 motor system. We have a whole article on what makes this drive special, but when it comes to the Agattu, what the Impulse 2.0 motor system brings is climb up a wall torque, rock solid reliability, and smooth shifting and operation thanks to the revolutionary integrated shift sensor that turns off the motor for 300 milliseconds to allow your internally geared hub to shift into gear.