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An unexpected Dutch bike feel on a compact bike! It’s not just the handlebars, which curve sharply backwards, but also the short distance between the handlebars and the saddle – the ‘reach’ – that ensures you sit very upright on this compact bike – and that applies to all sizes, as low-set handlebars would leave too little knee room here. Add to that a wheelbase of a whopping 111 centimetres, and the riding experience is very much like that of a Dutch bike! The seating comfort is even better: with the spring-loaded support that can be lowered from the handlebars, the bike almost feels like a sedan chair. With the Speedlifter, the handlebars can be lowered in a matter of seconds – ready for the younger members of the family.
The bright yellow one is also ideal for touring Kalkhoff Image C With its beautifully crafted, rigid frame and very balanced handling – not just for lighter riders: the bike can support a total weight of up to 170 kilos – a record in our test. This means you can make good use of the 12 and 27 kilo load capacity of the racks. With a belt drive and five-speed hub, the bike is also low-maintenance. However, it would be better for touring to have three to five more gears in the hub.
The Bosch Performance Line drive with Smart System is also perfectly suited to touring. The latter doesn’t just impress with its crisp, quiet Auto mode. For night-time rides, one might wish for a slightly brighter headlight, though for the average consumer, the 40 lux is sufficient. Registered buyers receive a ten-year frame warranty at no extra cost. We weren’t keen on the simple quick-release mechanism in the front wheel hub.
Conclusion on the compact e-bike
You can’t go wrong with the zippy Kalkhoff Image C Advance+, especially if you like to sit back and relax but also want to use the bike as a quick-to-adjust family bike for those big shopping trips. Sustainable, eye-catching, great motor – I love it! – Georg Bleicher, test editor
Key details of the Kalkhoff Image C Advance+
- Price: 3,899 euros >> e.g. available here
- Weight of test bike: 27.5 kg
- Permitted total weight: 170 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium
- Handlebar height adjustment system: Speedlifter Twist
- Circuit: Hub, 5-speed Shimano Nexus, belt drive
- Motor / Battery: Bosch Performance Line Smart System / 545 Wh h
- Brakes: Disc, Magura MT A2, 180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Super Moto X, 62-406
- Front lighting system: Herrmans MR5 / Herrmans H-Trace
- Maximum load capacity of the luggage rack: 12 / 27 kilos
- Special features: Smart System, suspension seatpost
