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Verdict on the Kalkhoff Entice L Season test
The Kalkhoff Entice L Season is a simple but fundamentally functional touring e-bike. The slightly reduced weight and the sporty e-system appeal to active riders. The very simple fork limits the bike somewhat.
Data and facts about the Kalkhoff Entice L Season
| Preis | 2.999,00 €>> hier erhältlich |
| Weight | 23.6 kg |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line SX |
| Battery | Bosch Compact Tube 400 |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Cues 4000 |
The ‘L’ after the model name naturally stands for ‘Light’. It’s still worth reading on, though. Whilst many other manufacturers design their lightweight e-bikes with an uncompromising focus on lightweight construction – for example, by fitting the battery permanently – Kalkhoff also keeps user-friendliness in mind. If you’re actually looking for a classic e-bike but find the high motor power and huge batteries a bit over the top, this could be just the thing for you.
Bosch SX motor and 400 watt-hours
The flip side of the coin is, of course, that because Kalkhoff takes a moderate approach to the ‘Light’ concept, the Entice L isn’t exactly eye-opening when it comes to weight. Our test bike, with its diamond frame, weighs 23.6 kilograms. Compared with the usual 27 kilos in this class, however, that does make a difference. This is made possible by thanks to the high-performance Bosch SX motor (reviewed here). It’s particularly responsive, delivering 55 Newton-metres of torque and very high peak power when you pedal vigorously yourself. Above 25 km/h, it impresses with exceptionally low resistance.
Kalkhoff combines the motor with the small and lightweight 400 battery. The battery is secured in the traditional way with a key and can be easily removed upwards from the down tube. However, it takes a bit of practice to correctly re-secure the lightweight battery, with its delicate tabs, into the retaining rail.
Price: 2,999 euros >> available here
An SUV or a classic e-bike after all?
On the Kalkhoff, you sit in a slightly sporty yet very relaxed position on the comfortable, wide saddle. This allows you to pedal vigorously, but also to enjoy longer rides. The riding position can be easily adjusted to a more comfortable setting using an adjustable stem.
The Kalkhoff performs well both in town and on longer rides. The steering is intuitive and responsive. The responsive motor is a definite highlight, whilst the side stand, lights and luggage rack are all solidly built. If you need even more storage space, you can fit an optional front rack to the head tube. The affordable Cues 4000 nine-speed gearbox isn’t the smoothest to use but is generally reliable. Shimano’s MT200 disc brakes also do their job without complaint.
With its slightly treaded Smart Sam tyres, the Entice is also well suited to moderate off-road adventures. The wide but not overly wide handlebars are a particular highlight, offering plenty of control. That said, you shouldn’t take it too far. The biggest weak point here – and overall – is the stiff, budget Suntour fork. A rigid fork would probably be a lighter and more durable alternative. Anyone interested in this might want to take a look at the even lighter, though slightly more expensive, models from Kalkhoff’s Endeavour L range.
Strengths
- High-quality motor system
- Removable battery
- Affordable & relatively light
- 10-year warranty for first owners
Weaknesses
- A very simple suspension fork
Adrian Kaether
Editor
