Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite in Review

A feast for the eyes! The Kalkhoff Entice 7.B. Excite is the most elegant trekking ebike in the group test, convincing our test crew with its clean design and making a high-quality impression overall. But can the handling of the € 5,199 trekking ebike with its Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 625 Wh battery match its looks?

Click here for an overview of the best hardtail trekking ebike test

**Kalkhoff** Entice 7.B Excite | Bosch Performance Lince CX/75 Wh
75 mm (f) | 25.6 kg in size M | Manufacturer’s website

The Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite is the best looking bike on test. Every last detail of the frame’s design is coordinated, making for a very elegant looking bike. The motor and the high-quality accessories including mudguards, lights, side stand and luggage rack have been harmoniously integrated into the bike. Only the external spoke magnet is a bit outdated and we would have preferred a neater solution, both for looks and reliability.

The Kalkhoff E-hardtail is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor powered by a 625 Wh battery. A Kiox display shows the crucial riding data and is mounted on top of the stem where it’s easy to read. Due to its exposed position, we recommend securing the display with the appropriate screw when riding off-road to avoid losing it. The Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite doesn’t only look the part, most of the components are well-chosen too: powerful and reliable MAGURA MT5 four-piston brakes with 180 mm rotors, 27.5″ DT Swiss H 1950 wheels and an SR Suntour MOBIE25 air fork. The only thing that doesn’t make sense is the expensive Shimano XT derailleur paired with an SLX shifter and cassette. An upgrade of the cassette instead would no doubt improve shifting performance while only sacrificing the ‘looks’ of the XT derailleur.

**Lots of power**
The MAGURA MT5 four-piston brakes were originally designed for mountain bikes, offering lots of power and easy modulation. They’re the best brakes in the test field.

**Just one battery**
The internal 625 Wh battery is sufficient for most rides and doesn’t add any unnecessary weight. It’s also easy to remove.

**Not perfect but good enough**
The Supernova E3 MINI PRO light is good but it’s not the brightest, nor is its position on the bike optimal. However, thanks to the high beam function, these are drawbacks we can gloss over for short night rides.

**Simply beautiful**
The design of the frame and the paint job are simply beautiful. The details of the Kalkhoff are spot on too. Even the cables are routed through the adjustable stem and into the frame.

Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite

€ 5,199

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Lince CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox
Fork SR Suntour MOBIE25 Air 75 mm
Seatpost CONCEPT EX
Brakes MAGURA MT5 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX/XT 10–51
Stem CONCEPT Alu 90 mm
Handlebar CONCEPT EX Riser 700 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H 1950 27.5"
Tires Schwalbe Hurricane Performance 27.5" x 2.25"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 25.6 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 104 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

cockpit integration
adjustable stem
no dual battery option

**Surprisingly good**
The tread profile of the Schwalbe Hurricane tires looks unusual at first but it proved to be advantageous during the test. The smooth centre tread keeps the tires rolling quietly on asphalt while the shoulder knobs provide sufficient grip through gravel corners.

**Limited comfort**
There’s no cushioning of the ride at the rear and we would have liked a suspended seat post. A dropper post with integrated suspension would be even better.

**Be careful with the payload**
Transporting luggage is not the Kalkhoff’s strength. Carry only as much as you really need!

Those who occasionally ride at night or commute all year round will be well-equipped with the excellent Supernova E3 MINI PRO light and its high beam function. Unfortunately, the adjustable stem limits the adjustment of the light somewhat. The light also casts a 1.5 m shadow directly in front of the bike. At 25.6 kg, the Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite is the lightest trekking ebike on test but it’s also the only bike without a dual battery option. It is priced at € 5,199.

Geometry and size of the Kalkhoff

Climb aboard the Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite and you’ll immediately feel at home thanks to the upright and comfortable riding position. This allows you to look ahead and you can further fine-tune your riding position thanks to the adjustable stem. The handling is intuitive, good-natured and very balanced. At slower speeds, the agile character makes the Kalkhoff a lot of fun to ride while it instils you with confidence at higher speeds with its stable handling. It performs just as well on extended rides as it does in the city.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	430 mm	480 mm	530 mm	580 mm
Top tube	595 mm	604 mm	613 mm	622 mm
Head tube	160 mm	170 mm	180 mm	190 mm
Head angle	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°
Seat angle	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
Chainstay	485 mm	485 mm	485 mm	485 mm
Wheelbase	1,133 mm	1,142 mm	1,151 mm	1,151 mm
Reach	405 mm	411 mm	417 mm	423 mm
Stack	621 mm	630 mm	640 mm	649 mm

**Helmet** iXS Trigger AM | **Shoes** Five Ten Freerider

The Kalkhoff is a versatile trekking ebike that impressed us with its good-natured and intuitive handling and is always up to the task, whether it’s in the city or on an alpine pasture.

On scenic rides through nature, the Kalkhoff remains completely quiet. The 75 mm travel SR Suntour MOBIE25 fork effectively filters out small bumps while providing traction and comfort up front. We can’t say the same about the rear. When breathtaking scenery and sights distract you from looking where you’re going and you’re surprised by a pothole, the impact is directly transmitted to your backside. If you’re thinking about using the Kalkhoff to ride off the beaten track, we recommend fitting a suspended seat post.

Steep climbs are no obstacle thanks to the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor and the wide gear range offered by the Shimano drivetrain. Downhill, this trekking ebike instils the rider with confidence thanks to the tall front end and the most powerful brakes in the test. It doesn’t cope quite as well with luggage on the rear rack and a 10 kg payload has a significantly negative impact on the otherwise balanced handling. You’ll find much better pack mules in the test field.

Tuning tips: fit suspended seat post

Conclusion

Whether in the city, on bike lanes or in the mountains, the good-natured and intuitive Kalkhoff Entice 7.B Excite is always fun to ride. The lightest bike on test is also the best looking. If you’re not interested in a dual battery system and don’t plan on hauling a lot of luggage, this is a great trekking ebike with good components and balanced handling. Tip: upgrade to a suspended seat post to increase comfort at the rear.

Tops

intuitive and good-natured handling
confidence-inspiring
great to look at
lightweight

Flops

uncomfortable at the rear
luggage significantly affects the handling
external spoke magnet
no dual battery option

For more information, visit kalkhoff-bikes.com.

The test field