The Kalkhoff Pro Connect X27 is a twenty-seven speed urban commuter bike designed for active pedaling and distance riding. I say active because the frame style is a bit more aggressive and the saddle is narrow and stiff like a road bike vs. a soft comfort cruiser. That’s not to say this model isn’t comfortable however, the seat post shock, adjustable stem, ergonomic grips and suspension fork with lockout deliver a smooth comfortable ride. This bike leverages one of my favorite drive systems by XION, similar to what’s powering the Specialized Turbo ebike. Despite its smaller stature, the gearless motor on this bike is very capable and even offers power regeneration features.
The motor powering the Connect X27 is a direct drive (gearless) design offering 250 watts of output. That said, its peak output is closer to 1,000 watts and it offers 40nm of torque making it a capable hill climber. The label is really the only bad thing about this motor as it is nearly silent, capable of regenerating electricity to extend battery range and relatively light weight. It’s even narrow enough to accommodate a nine speed cassette in the rear with Shimano XT derailleur. All of the other Kalkhoff ebikes I’ve ridden use middle drive motors that keep weight low and balance out the frame while leveraging the pedaling gears directly. I actually prefer the ride quality of hub motors as they don’t pull the chain which makes shifting smoother. They tend to be faster and are ideal for on road conditions and this was an excellent choice for the Kalkhoff Pro Connect which is really optimized for urban commuting and touring in my opinion.
The battery pack powering that motor system, and accepting regenerated power, offers 36 volts of power and 11.5 amp hours of capacity. That’s a bit above average in terms of size but it’s really maximized in use because the X27 only offers torque sensing pedal assist. So the motor will only kick in when the rider is actively pedaling. This makes it easier on the system when climbing and helps you reach distances up to 55 miles on a single charge. The battery chemistry is Lithium-ion which is light weight and long lasting. The pack is mounted directly on top of the downtube, where a water bottle cage might otherwise sit. And indeed, there re not bosses for adding a water bottle cage to this bike as a result. The pack is secured to the frame with a built in lock and can be easily removed for charging inside or at work. Removability also comes in handy when transporting the bike, making it both lighter and spacious for latching onto hanging style on racks that leverage the top tube.
The LCD computer console on this bike uses high precision backlight TFT technology and shows your speed, distance, remaining battery capacity and estimated range along with the bike’s power output and your power output as a rider! It’s very cool and easy to use with a rubberized break out button set near the left grip. The other neat feature of the XION computer display is that its got a USB charging port built right in so you can plug your phone, MP3 player or other device into your bike and charge off the main battery pack. Hypothetically you could set the bike into regen mode, mount it into a bicycle trainer stand and actually charge your devices. Neat! In addition to five levels of pedal assist this system offers regenerative braking when you activate the Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic brake levers, two levels of standard regeneration and the option to set your own regen speed. Despite the extensive feature set here I found the control system easy to use when riding.
Rounding out all of the neat electric drive systems here are the extensive list of bicycle accessories. You get front and rear fenders with mud flaps and reflectors, a sleek chain guard to keep your pants snag and grease free, ergonomic grips for improved comfort over the long haul, front and rear LED lights powered by a Shimano dynamo hub on the front and a good set of pedals and decent kickstand. The Pro Connect X27 packs a solid punch for a pretty reasonable price. To me, this kind of ebike represents the future because it’s so easy to use yet powerful at the same time. For now, it’s only available at select retailers in the US including the New Wheel in San Francisco, linked below.
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Jay Cobs
5 years agoHello everyone, and Court. I bought the Focus Aventura x30 about two years ago and love it after riding almost 7 other brands Raleigh, GenZe, Giant and Scott, Magnum, BH Evo snow ( which is rad with 2 motor drive and long range like the Aventura) and many others. But The display on the Aventura just popped off on a ride and it won’t go on anymore. Connectors on the back are fine and no scratches after I picked it up off the sidewalk, But seams to be dead. I know that NEW WHEEL in Larkspur, CA. may be my closest dealer to have it troubleshooted… Any clue on how to get another. Ebay is no help under Focus, or Kalkhoff and even the 2014 Univega e bike uses the same Xion drive and display… but can’t find one… As the famous words where once spoken, long ago… and far away… “HELP ME OBO ONE KANOBY, YOUR MY ONLY HOPE” and I’m sure it will cost all the money in the galaxy to pay for one… Your thoughts
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Jay, this is a tough situation. I heard that Focus and Kalkhoff may be getting less focus in the USA and the Pon Group (which owns them) is focusing more on their other brand here, called Gazelle. This could me that finding replacement parts will be difficult… but it could also mean that some extra parts are floating around. I do think that contacting the New Wheel is a great first step here, because they used to carry Focus. You could also try contacting Focus directly through their official website here. I’m not in a position to help much more than direction in this case, but I hope this gets you a start!
Replyjay Cobs
5 years agoHello Court. Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I did take it to NEW WHEEL in larkspur and Matt (ebike mechanic) looked at it and has had issues like this before with the focus line with this display (aka karkoff and gazelle and univega models)… Since Derby is “focused” (sorry for the pun) on the Gazelle line now i the U.S. markets and only promoting Focus in Europe, yep, it will be a uphill battle for parts. However a customer did order a “BACKPLATE” that seams to be the culprit, in most cases or a loose plug down inside the down tube. The plate HE HAS!! and the labor to remove the battery mount and get inside the down tube and fish around can be costly. Will let me know next week if a “It works, or it doesn’t” but how does a 4,000 bike seam so fragile and and service needs a “Trained hamster with wire cutters” to fit it… Still have my 2014 Izip E3 Metro I converted to a mountian bike with a 100 mm travel Rockshock with bar lockout still going strong… Thanks and just a fyi. Wish me luck that I don’t have to rob “Monte Carlo” to get it running again. Cheers… Jay in the east Bay, CALIFORNIA
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