Bike World News

We’ve already talked about Interbike 2009 being the year of women, compression, cyclocross and fabric treatment. If there was one more trend this year, it was electric bikes.

Kalkoff has been around a long time in Europe, but is new to the American bike scene.  Kalkhoff Bikes have been engineered and built in Germany since 1919 and represent the best of the sporty commuter bike segment. They have the best selling electric bikes in the European market and they are bringing a range of electric bikes to the U.S. that became available in October.

The Pro Connect, and all of Kalkoff’s electric bike line, is a hybrid vehicle with an electric motor installed in the pedal drive. As the rider increases pressure on the pedals, the motor delivers additional power. “Pedelec” bicycles have already become quite popular in Europe. , with over 100,000 sold in Germany in the last year alone. Sales are expected to increase fivefold over the next five years.

The Pro Connect S 9-G offers superior hill climbing capabilities, energy efficiency and enhanced safety features for an anxiety-free commute. While we’re on the subject of features, the Pro Connect S also has the most advanced Panasonic motor available, top-of-the-line Maguro hydraulic brakes, and a 9-speed Shimano Deore XT derailleur and gearset.

It features a lightweight aluminum frame, a 250W Panasonic motor, internally threaded cables, a suspension fork, an integrated B & M IQ Fly Lumotec R headlight, hydraulic rim brakes and a 26V, 10Ah Lithium Manganese battery.

• Up to 50 miles of assisted cycling power per battery charge
• Variable motor speeds – conserving energy or maximizing power, as needed
• Highest rated electric motor on the market
• Hydraulic brakes for dependable stopping and safety
• Integrated high-powered night lighting
• Racktime carrier with spring hinge
• Removable battery pack with carrying handle
• Approximately 5 hours of battery life
• Available in a range of sizes

The Tasman Pedelec was designed specifically for urban cruising. Its near-silent Panasonic motor and intuitive pedal-assist function provides a fun and environmentally friendly way to get around town quickly without even breaking a sweat. Top ofthe line components and cables laid under the wheel give this bike a sleek, modern look, and a fully enclosed chain guard protects against rain and dirt.

Like the Pro Connect, the Tasman has a lightweight alloy frame. Shifting comes from Shimano’s Nexus twist shifting system and it also sports a suspension fork and seatpost and built in lights powered by a Shimano dynamo hub.

• Up to 50 miles of assisted cycling power per battery charge
• Fully enclosed protective chain guard
• Suspension seat post and front fork for comfort
• Hydraulic brakes for dependable stopping and safety
• Integrated high-powered night lighting
• Racktime carrier with spring hinge
• Available in a range of sizes and colors

All Kalkhoff bikes carry a full 2-year warranty and adhere to strict testing and quality controls in Europe’s biggest bike factory.

For more information on Kalkhoff products, visit www.kalkhoffusa.com or call 1-888-732-7234.

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