In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Unexpected Dutch bike feeling on a compact bike! It's not just the handlebars, which are bent far backwards, but also the short distance between the handlebars and saddle, the reach, which ensures that you sit very upright on this compact bike - for all sizes, as low handlebars leave too little knee room. Add to this a wheelbase of a whopping 111 centimetres and the riding experience is close to that of a Dutch bike! The seating comfort is even higher: with the suspension support that can be lowered from the handlebars, the bike almost becomes a sedan chair. With the Speedlifter, the handlebars can be lowered in seconds - ready for the little ones in the family.
The bright yellow colour is also suitable for the tour. Kalkhoff Image C with its beautifully crafted, stiff frame and very balanced handling - not just for light people: The bike can have a system weight of up to 170 kilos - a record in the test. The 12 and 27-kilo load capacity of the carriers can therefore be utilised well. With its belt drive and five-speed hub, the bike is also low-maintenance. However, it would be better to have three to five more gears in the hub for touring.
The Bosch Performance Line drive with Smart System is also absolutely suitable for touring. The latter not only shines with its crisp, quiet auto mode. For night rides, you might wish for a slightly brighter headlight, but the 40 lux is enough for the average cyclist. A ten-year warranty on the frame is available to registered buyers at no extra charge. We didn't like the simple quick release in the front hub.
Conclusion on the compact e-bike
With the upbeat Kalkhoff Image C Advance+ you're doing everything right, especially if you like to sit relaxed, but also want to use the bike as a quickly adjustable family bike for the really big shopping trip. Sustainable, eye-catching, great motor - I like it! - Georg Bleicher, test editor
The most important details of the Kalkhoff Image C Advance+
- Price: 3899 Euro >> e.g. available here
- Test bike weight: 27.5 kg
- Permissible total weight: 170 kg
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium
- Adjustment system for handlebar height: 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 carrier load: 12 / 27 Kilo
- Special features: Smart system, suspension seat post
