Very affordable Bosch powered electric city bike, comes with all of the accessories you need for commuting in rain or shine along with several comfort upgrades
Integrated LED lights, with an aimable headlight, keep you visible and help you navigate in the dark, reflective tires provide a larger visual footprint so cars notice you
Internally geared hub keeps the bike frame clean and is less likely to take damage at crowded bike racks or in the event of a tip, the chain should stay on track as well
Available in two sizes with separate wheel sizes to provide a great fit, the rear rack mounted battery isn't as balanced as mid-frame, Bosch Performance Line motor is zippy and responsive
Schwalbe Energize Life, 26" x 1.75" (47-559) or Schwalbe Energizer Life 28" x 1.75"
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)28 in (71.12cm)
Tire Details:
Active Line KGuard, Reflective Sidewall Tape, 45-70 PSI
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Plastic Fenders, Alloy Rack with Pannier Blockers and Spring Latch and Mini-Pump (20 kg Max Weight), Plastic Chain Cover, Integrated AXA Echo15 LED Headlight (15 Lux), Integrated LED Backlight, Press Bell on Left, Adjustable Length Kickstand
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack with LED Charge Level Indicator, 1.4 lb 2 Amp Travel Charger
Bosch Purion, Fixed, Grayscale, Backlit LCD, (Hold - and Press Power for Standard to Metric)
Readouts:
Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range
Display Accessories:
5 Volt 500 mA Micro-USB Port for Diagnostics
Drive Mode:
Advanced Pedal Assist
(Combined Torque, Cadence and Speed Measured 1,000 Times Per Second), (Eco 40%, 35 Nm Tour 100% 40 Nm, Sport 150% 45 Nm, Turbo 250% 48 Nm)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
For several years now (since 2014), Kalkhoff has been importing some of the most feature-rich, and comfortable, city style electric bikes to the US. This is a company with Dutch and German roots, known for utility and precision. What you get with their Agattu B7 model is a value-priced step-thru that has all of the bells and whistles you might expect from Kalkhoff along with the trusted Bosch Performance Line in lieu of Kalkhoff’s own Impulse drive system. As a Bosch fan myself, I appreciate the familiar control pad interface, smart responsive motor support, and standardized battery pack. This isn’t the highest-end Bosch mid-drive, and the charger is a bit slower at 2 Amps vs. 4 Amps, but the lower torque and slightly reduced RPM of the motor give it a smooth relaxing feel that some riders might prefer. It’s a great system for neighborhood and city riding or commuting. And it’s available in two frame sizes with slightly different wheel diameters, this is the kind of electric bike that is easy to mount and less intimidating to ride for people with limited flexibility or a shorter inseam. The seat tube is lower and the rear rack is positioned further back making room for the saddle to go all the way down. A spring suspension fork and seat post suspension take the edge off of bumpy terrain and a comfortable gel saddle, swept-back handlebar with an adjustable stem, and ergonomic grips make it feel almost like a cruiser. But you get a better pedaling experience than most cruiser style e-bikes and at ~53 lbs, this thing is lighter than most cruisers as well. While the suspension fork is not highly adjustable and does not include lockout, the hybrid tires are very efficient and the mid-drive motor leverages whichever gear you choose to maximize power delivery. A full-length pair of plastic fenders and tight plastic chain cover will keep your pants or dress snag-free and the integrated LED lights and reflective tires help keep you safe day or night without the hassle and potential obstruction of clip-on lights. Despite having so many features and accessories, including a unique bell, rack integrated mini-pump, and adjustable length kickstand, the bike rides quietly and is priced incredibly low at $2,500. If you watch the video review and the ride test towards the end, you may hear the internally geared hub clicking and the Bosch centerdrive whining a bit, but it’s not really that bad. I personally feel that this is a category killer because it’s just so complete and well done. My gripes include slower shifting with the internally geared hub, a non-removable display panel, a bit of frame flex due to the rack mounted battery and wave style frame, and the lack of bottle cage bosses.
Driving the bike is a Bosch Performance Line mid-motor producing 250 watts of power nominal and up to 63 Newton meters of torque. The video and original writeup here said that the motor was a Bosch Active Line which is noticeably gentler and slower than the standard Performance Line and CX units but I was told that this is just a faceplate issue and that the actual motor delivers the full 120 RPM and high torque vs. 48 Nm on the Active Line. It still measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque 1,000x per second and offers software driven shift detection (if you’ve got the latest 2017 firmware, which shops can install). Compared to the Impulse drive units on older Kalkhoff electric bikes, this motor can be louder and the shift detection isn’t quite as good because it’s not physical. Given the seven-speed internally geared hub however, it’s not such an issue. The hub can be shifted at standstill but won’t engage until pressure is relieved. I noticed this while pedaling during the ride test and tended to ease off a bit when shifting gears for a faster response. The chain on the Agattu B7 is slightly thicker and sturdier than a traditional chain because it doesn’t have to flex and jump between sprockets, there are just two cogs here so the chain is always tight and straight. The hub itself is more compact and durable than a cassette because it doesn’t have a derailleur hanging off of the side that could be bumped at a rack or bent if the bike tips. Internally geared hubs (IGH) tend to be slightly heavier, but I think it’s a perfect choice for this platform and seven gears is enough for climbing and reaching the top supported 20 mph speed. You can indeed ride without turning the motor on and you can top 20 mph if you pedal hard or are coasting down a hill… so it’s nice that the brakes on this product are also higher-end. You get Magura HS 11 hydraulic rim brakes with adjustable reach levers and rubber pads that feel soft. These offer excellent braking power and de-clutter the rear hub area. In the video, Chris demonstrates how easy it is to release the left caliper in order to make wheel maintenance easier (the front wheel has a quick release skewer). No more fiddling with cables that stretch and gunk up over time.
Powering the bike is a standard Bosch Powerpack 400 rack-mount battery. It offers an average capacity but uses long-lasting Lithium-ion cells that won’t develop a memory or wear down as quickly as some older battery chemistries. As mentioned earlier, the Agattu B7 comes with the slower 2 Amp charger vs. the 4 Amp, but it’s very compact and lightweight. The first half of the battery charges very quickly because the cells inside don’t have to be balanced as precisely. I could see myself tossing the charger into a trunk bag and bringing the bag and the battery inside for a fill-up during the workday. Being able to charge the battery on or off the bike is convenient, and the charger doesn’t require any accessories or adapters to plug into both ports (bike or battery pack) like some other drive systems like Shimano. The lower back end of the pack has a sort of handle molded into it for easy sliding onto the rack and carrying. And the saddle actually has an integrated handle as well… though I’d be careful about using this given the suspension seat post. For those who really want to lower their seat as far as possible (to stand over the saddle at stops for example) you might consider swapping to a non-suspension post at 31.6 mm or 27.2 mm diameter. I guess my only complaint with regard to the battery is that it is not mid-mounted… and that would impact how easy the bike is to mount and ride. It’s a trade-off that produces some frame flex, raises the weight of a trunk bag and panniers, and can change the ride feel with a bit of “crack the whip” but at 5.4 lbs, it’s really not that bad. Expect to have access to replacement Bosch batteries like this one for years to come, and note that in 2017 a new Powerpack 500 was introduced for the mid-mount design which may also come to the rack style as well. I love that Bosch has made their battery interface systems forward compatible and that all of their packs have LED charge level indicators built in for quick feedback whether it’s on the bike or not.
Operating this bike, turning it on, is fairly intuitive but the control pad isn’t quite as feature rich or easy to navigate as the full sized Bosch Intuvia. With the compact Purion, you get a control pad and display all in one. It’s still backlit with a faint blue glow, but it is not removable… leading to more weather wear and scratches over time. At the top, it shows your current speed and at the bottom, it shows a five-bar battery infographic. For better feedback about range, hold the minus button for a second to switch from assist level readout to trip distance to odometer (total distance) and then range. The range readout is dynamic, so it accounts for your current state of charge, chosen assist level, and the last mile or so of riding. Range will be different for each rider and in each environment which is very cool. It’s way more useful than a 20% charge level and allows you to naturally raise or lower the assist level while ensuring that you’ll make it home before running low on power. Some extras to note here are the walk mode (press the walk button at the base and then hold the + button) which helps you push the 50+ lb bike through crowds or up hills, the light activation (hold the + button for a couple of seconds), and the change units feature (hold – and tap the power button to go from km to mi). All in all, the control pad is easy to reach and simple enough to operate without even looking down. I do feel that the Purion buttons aren’t as reliable as the Intuvia button pad was, there were times when I had to click twice to get it to respond, but I was told by Chris from Propel Bikes in Brooklyn (where this review was done) that they can upgrade you to the Intuvia for something like $200 if you really want.
In conclusion, this is an awesome electric bike that will work for a wide range of body types and use cases… as long as they are primarily urban. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, the sleek black color scheme will look good, and even if you’re on a tight budget… this bike seems within reach. Yes, it’s still $2,500 but this is the type of product that will withstand daily commuting use and years of riding. Bosch offers a two-year comprehensive warranty on their systems and Kalkhoff works through dealers who will be there for you to fit, maintain, and replace when necessary. I personally enjoy the zippier feel and higher cadence support of the Performance Line or even the higher 28 mph assistance of the Bosch Speed motor but for commuting or grocery getting, I think this would be a top pic. Sometimes I worry about expensive ebikes getting scratched up and thus, I don’t use them as frequently… but this bike is tough and I feel like it could withstand tips and scrapes without bothering me so much. The all-Aluminum frame is reinforced for strength and cables are internally routed to reduce snags. Note again, the adjustable headlight and integrated backlight which have some side visibility and are positioned to stay out of the way if you add a trunk bag or panniers. Keep an eye on the adjustable stem because they can sometimes rattle loose over time (or consider swapping for the appropriate rigid stem). For shorter riders, definitely, go with the smaller frame because the 26″ wheelset brings the frame lower to the ground. Keep an eye on the tire pressure every few days to keep them up and reduce pinch flats, and get the internally geared hub checked once a year for cleaning if necessary. Big thanks to Kalkhoff and Propel for partnering with me on this post, it was great to visit Chris in Brooklyn, NY and ride this in a city environment, the suspension worked great! We didn’t have to test it in the rain but I have used similar fenders on other Kalkhoff models and they offer good body protection and stay clear of your feet when pedaling and turning.
Pros:
This is one of the first Bosch powered electric bikes from Kalkhoff to arrive in the US market and the price point is very impressive, for $2.5k you get a premium drive system and lots of useful accessories
The Agattu B7 comes stock with plastic fenders, an alloy rack with mini-pump, plastic chain cover, and integrated LED lights so you can use it in almost any type of riding conditions
Very comfortable and adjustable, the bike comes in two frame sizes, has an adjustable angle stem, includes a suspension fork and suspension seat post, and the gel saddle feels great
The internally geared hub stays clean, tends to be more protected than a derailleur at racks or in the event of a tip, and should be reliable between regular maintenance checkups and oil baths
I’m more used to seeing hydraulic disc brakes but these hydraulic rim brakes were just as easy to actuate, they have adjustable levers for people with small or large hands, and they make space for the internally geared hub
While the satin black and grey color scheme is unisex and looks professional, it isn’t the most visible… so I love that they included integrated lights and tires with reflective sidewalls
Wave style step-thru frame is much easier to mount than trying to swing your leg up and over the rear rack, especially if it’s loaded with gear! It’s a good setup for people with short inseams, hip, or knee sensitivity
Provides good fit because it is made in two frame sizes with separate wheel sizes that either raise or lower the overall frame height, the larger wheels are more efficient and span cracks well but make the bike less nimble
Elongated chain cover with full-surround chainring cover keeps your pants, skirt, and other loose clothing from getting dirty or snagged while riding
No quick release on the rear wheel or the seat post collar, this may be designed to help deter theft in urban environments, the tires have Active Line KGuard puncture protection so hopefully, you won’t need to mess with them very often if you keep the tires at the recommended PSI
The battery can be easily removed for charging off the bike, perfect if you commute to work and need a fill-up during the day
The weight of the bike is fairly low at ~53 lbs (for the small frame) considering all of the accessories and suspension elements, most comparable e-bikes weight at least 55+ lbs and they don’t usually come with a mini-pump
Clean frame with internally routed cables so you don’t snag, the kickstand is also out of the way but has a nice height adjustment feature
The rack is spaced far back from the seat tube so you can lower the saddle without colliding with a trunk bag, the lower seat tube provides a more comfortable fit if you have a shorter inseam (you can lower the saddle to be able to sit at stops vs. hopping off and forward)
The included bell is very cool, it’s large, easy to reach, and produces a pleasant chime that sets it apart from cheaper after market products
The wheelset has reinforcement eyelets which spread spoke tension and reduce the potential for cracking, this makes the bike more capable of carrying heavier riders or a fully loaded rack (max rated weight on the rack is ~44 lbs)
The cockpit is fairly clean, I like the ergonomic grips and half-grip twist for shifting gears, it has a little window so you can easily tell which gear is in use and because the Agattu B7 uses an internally geared hub, you can shift at standstill (useful if you have to make an unexpected stop on an incline)
In 2017 there was a software update for the Bosch drive system that your shop could help you install (if it isn’t pre-installed) and this introduces improved shift detection for internally geared hubs, ultimately it reduces wear on the drivetrain and makes shifting smoother
The battery pack casing has an integrated handle along the bottom to make it easy to pull off and carry around, the pack slides into place easier than a lot of other rack batteries I have tested
The chain is a bit thicker and sturdier because there isn’t a cassette to shift through and this means it won’t stretch as easily and is ideal for a mid-drive setup, it also should not drop off as easily on bumpy terrain
You get walk mode (press the walk button at the base of the Purion display and then hold +) which is useful if the bike is loaded with gear and you’re navigating through a crowd or maybe up a hill, I have used it to walk with friends in the city
Cons:
Rear rack mounted battery brings some of the weight up and away from the center of the bike which impacts handling a little, but the battery is relatively lightweight at ~5.4 lbs
I like how compact the Bosch Purion display is but it doesn’t offer as many readouts as the Intuvia and is not removable so it could take some damage and weather-wear over time at the bike rack
Adjustable angle stems are great for dialing in body position, I tend to raise the bars for a more upright relaxed ride, but they can come loose over time if you ride on a lot of bumpy streets, just keep an eye on it
Despite the long open downtube and seat tube, the Agattu B7 doesn’t come with any bottle cage bosses, this would be nice for adding a folding lock or water bottle… consider a trunk bag with a bottle holster like this
I was told that despite the presence of a Micro-USB port on the Bosch Purion display, it’s only for diagnostics and does not work for charging portable devices… boo! The larger Intuvia display does work for this and is handy if you use your smartphone for GPS directions
The little rubber cover that protects the charging port on the battery mount (on the right side) tends to be a little tricky to stick into place, I feel that they could have made it open left to right vs. right to left because that would be in line with wind and any brush or obstacles that touch the bike when riding forward
The Kalkhoff Agattu B7 comes with a slower 2 Amp battery charger vs. most Performance Line models which offer 4 Amp chargers… it is probably one of the things that bring the price point down, at least this charger is small and lightweight
Rim brakes provide good heat displacement and leverage but can get dirtier than disc brakes, the pads could get contaminated if the rims get dusty and muddy but apparently, they don’t squeak as much
The Purion display panel is more difficult to navigate because there isn’t an i button to swap trip stats, instead, you have to hold the minus key for a second, and to activate the lights you have to hold the plus key for a second, hold + and – together in trip distance mode to clear it, apparently you can swap the Purion for an Intuvia display system if you want to pay an additional ~$200
This is a minor grip but I would like to have the option to turn off the dim blue backlighting on the Purion and Bosch displays, as it is, they are always backlit
I did notice a bit of frame flex happening during my rides, the step-thru frame is reinforced at the bottom but having the battery weight in that rack does produce some flex
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Kalkhoff confirmed by email: “The bike does come with a Performance Line Motor. There was a mistake at the factory — an ‘Active Line’ plastic plate was accidentally placed over some of the Performance Line motors. We have since mailed the ‘Performance Line’ plastic cover out to dealers. All 2017 Kalkhoff Agattu bikes come with a Performance Line Motor.”
Awesome, thanks for posting this comment, Dewey. I received an email from Kalkhoff a few days ago with similar information and updated the review when I confirmed it today. Sorry if you saw the original incorrect information I had posted. I’m very impressed with this ebike!
I really liked this European designed step-thru. But could not find info on the electrical specs except 36 volt and battery size. Because of the Seattle area hills I was concerned about the lack of torque info and motor manufacturer. If this review had come out a few weeks ago I would have looked at this bike more closely. Opted for the Electra Townie Go 8i step-thru Bosch mid drive.
Hi Roger! I appreciate your feedback, wish I could do more with less time and have all of the videos out for you and others (currently sitting on like 35 videos) but it takes a whole day to edit, type, upload the video, and I don’t want to diminish any product by rushing. The Townie Go 8i is a wonderful product too, how are you liking it so far?
I’m looking very closely at this bike – our local E-Bike shop has it $200 off. I will be regularly riding a 40 mile loop that is paved and relatively flat. Would this bike, or the Gazelle Easy Flow be better for this purpose? (I’m 50 years old, 5’2″ and moderately fit.)
Hi Marjorie! I think that the two models you listed are very similar… and both companies are part of the Pon Group, so you’re essentially buying from the same source. If you’re in the US, perhaps the reason that the price is slightly lower is because Kalkhoff has been slowing down here in favor of Gazelle. Personally, I like the larger suspension fork on the Agattu B7 vs. the Easy Flow. It adds a bit of weight but offers more cushion and adjustability :)
Thanks for reply. I appreciate your comments. the Kalkhoff also has the performance motor which I think will be fun has long as the range is adequate. Thanks again.
David
3 years ago
Hi, I have a Kalkhoff Agattu pedal assist bike, my legs at 74 are letting me down so is there any way that the Panasonic motor be modified to allow throttle control, im retired and finances are tight thank you. Kind Regards
Hi David! I wish there were a way to add throttle support to your ebike, but unfortunately I do not know of one. The Bosch ebike system is very locked down and I have never see or heard of a throttle being added. Perhaps your best bet would be to clean the bike up, sell it, and use the money to buy a more affordable ebike that does have a throttle like the Rad Power Bikes RadCity. I recommend this product specifically because it’s very upright and comfortable, and they have a good network of vans that can deliver and assemble for you. The price isn’t as low as some similar products, but the quality seems higher, more like your Kalkhoff.
Dewey
7 years agoKalkhoff confirmed by email: “The bike does come with a Performance Line Motor. There was a mistake at the factory — an ‘Active Line’ plastic plate was accidentally placed over some of the Performance Line motors. We have since mailed the ‘Performance Line’ plastic cover out to dealers. All 2017 Kalkhoff Agattu bikes come with a Performance Line Motor.”
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoAwesome, thanks for posting this comment, Dewey. I received an email from Kalkhoff a few days ago with similar information and updated the review when I confirmed it today. Sorry if you saw the original incorrect information I had posted. I’m very impressed with this ebike!
ReplyRoger Day
7 years agoI really liked this European designed step-thru. But could not find info on the electrical specs except 36 volt and battery size. Because of the Seattle area hills I was concerned about the lack of torque info and motor manufacturer. If this review had come out a few weeks ago I would have looked at this bike more closely. Opted for the Electra Townie Go 8i step-thru Bosch mid drive.
Replycourt
7 years agoHi Roger! I appreciate your feedback, wish I could do more with less time and have all of the videos out for you and others (currently sitting on like 35 videos) but it takes a whole day to edit, type, upload the video, and I don’t want to diminish any product by rushing. The Townie Go 8i is a wonderful product too, how are you liking it so far?
ReplyMarjorie
6 years agoI’m looking very closely at this bike – our local E-Bike shop has it $200 off. I will be regularly riding a 40 mile loop that is paved and relatively flat. Would this bike, or the Gazelle Easy Flow be better for this purpose? (I’m 50 years old, 5’2″ and moderately fit.)
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Marjorie! I think that the two models you listed are very similar… and both companies are part of the Pon Group, so you’re essentially buying from the same source. If you’re in the US, perhaps the reason that the price is slightly lower is because Kalkhoff has been slowing down here in favor of Gazelle. Personally, I like the larger suspension fork on the Agattu B7 vs. the Easy Flow. It adds a bit of weight but offers more cushion and adjustability :)
ReplyMarjorie
6 years agoThanks for reply. I appreciate your comments. the Kalkhoff also has the performance motor which I think will be fun has long as the range is adequate. Thanks again.
David
3 years agoHi, I have a Kalkhoff Agattu pedal assist bike, my legs at 74 are letting me down so is there any way that the Panasonic motor be modified to allow throttle control, im retired and finances are tight thank you. Kind Regards
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi David! I wish there were a way to add throttle support to your ebike, but unfortunately I do not know of one. The Bosch ebike system is very locked down and I have never see or heard of a throttle being added. Perhaps your best bet would be to clean the bike up, sell it, and use the money to buy a more affordable ebike that does have a throttle like the Rad Power Bikes RadCity. I recommend this product specifically because it’s very upright and comfortable, and they have a good network of vans that can deliver and assemble for you. The price isn’t as low as some similar products, but the quality seems higher, more like your Kalkhoff.
Reply