Modern lines, well thought out details and a do-it-all build: the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7 should make the hearts of commuters, adventurers and designers alike beat a little faster. We took a closer look at the new eSUV from Kalkhoff and reveal all the most important details here.
What was started by the 16-year-old Heinrich Kalkhoff in 1919 as a business selling bike parts out of his parent’s home, was in 2017 supposed to become part of Pon Holdings, one of the largest bike brand conglomerates in the world. However, the merger with Accell Group, which owns the Kalkhoff brand, never materialised. In any case, Kalkhoff had already rebranded in 2015 with the stated goal of becoming one of the leading ebike brands in Europe.
The SUV topic
The automobile industry led the way and the bike industry is following suit: the SUV concept hasn’t just been a huge success on roads and cities around the world, it also seems to be gaining favour for bike tours and commuting amongst two-wheel connoiseurs. The promised benefits are numerous: an increased feeling of safety, more comfort, more margin for error and more oversight while riding.
The new Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B details
The ENTICE 7.B is offered in two different options. One is a step-through design which comes in size S, M and L, the other has a standard frame design and comes in sizes M, L and XL. In terms of its equipment, the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7 is rightly designated an eSUV. With mudguards, racks and lights as standard, it ticks all the boxes in terms of everyday usability. The new Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 will ensure that no hill is too steep, while an integrated 625 Wh battery provides the capacity needed for longer rides too. Ride data is displayed on a Bosch Kiox unit on both the 7.B EXCITE and 7.B ADVANCE, while the 7.B MOVE is equipped with a Bosch Purion display instead. The comfort you’d typically expect of an eSUV is augmented by an SR Suntour Mobie 25 fork.
In addition, the main contact points including the saddle and grips come from Ergon, who have always been staunchly focussed on creating ergonomically optimised products. All models roll on 27,5” wheels which are fitted with Schwalbe Hurricane tires. The tire features a semi-slick centre tread which offers fast-rolling performance and reliable braking on cycle paths and straight-line riding. For rougher tracks and and gravel, the more pronounced shoulder tread ensures good grip through corners. The permissible load limit is 130 kg for all models.
Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B EXCITE
The ENTICE range flagship is the 7.B EXCITE for € 4,999. That gets you a high-quality 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain. In addition, the EXCITE is the only model fitted with four-piston brakes. The MAGURA MT5 brakes are combined with the new MCi cockpit, which routes the brake lines inside the bars for a tidy look. The Supernova E3 MINI PRO with high beam is fitted only on the most expensive model, just like the 27,5” DT Swiss 1950 wheelset. The Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B EXCITE is available in a muted green or sober grey.
Fork SR Suntour Mobie25 150 mm
Motor/Battery Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 625 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT 12 speed
Brakes Magura MCi5 4-Kolben 180/180 mm
Light Supernova E3 Mini Pro with high beam
Wheels DT Swiss 1950 Hyrbid 27.5″
Tires Schwalbe Hurricane Performance
Price € 4,999
Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B ADVANCE
For € 700 less, the ENTICE 7.B ADVANCE is finished with a 12-speed SRAM GX drivetrain along with Shimano MT420 brakes. This mid-range model of the Kalkhoff eSUV lights the way with a Supernova headlight, though this is the cheaper E3 MINI 2 version. The ADVANCE comes in an elegant blue or the same moonstone grey as the top model.
Fork SR Suntour Mobie25 150 mm
Motor/Battery Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 625 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM GX 12 speed
Brakes Shimano MT420 180/180 mm
Light Supernova E3 Mini 2
Wheels Shimano Alivo/Rodi TRYP35 27.5″
Tires Schwalbe Hurricane Performance
Price € 4,299
Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B MOVE
The most affordable spec is the 7.B MOVE and is offered for € 3,699. You’ll have to forgo two gears, though the remaining ten are shifted just as precisely with a Shimano Deore drivetrain. The lights on the MOVE consist of a Trelock Airflow headlight and just like the other models, a Spanninga Pimento taillight. Stopping duties are taken care of by Shimano MT200 brakes. The MOVE is offered in the same moonstone grey or alternatively a more conspicuous grey/green paint job.
Fork SR Suntour Mobie25 150 mm
Motor/Battery Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 625 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano Deore 10 speed
Brakes Shimano MT200 180/180 mm
Light Trelock Airflow
Wheels Shimano Alivo/Rodi TRYP35 27.5″
Tires Schwalbe Hurricane Performance
Price € 3,699
Availability
All the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7 models will be available from the beginning of 2020 for between € 3,699 and € 4,999.
Our first impression of the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7
Our first impressions of the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7.B are very promising, with well-considered specs and builds. We particularly like the modern and elegant design language throughout the range. The more affordable models sacrifice some braking performance, but whether that really matters will depend on the rider weight and where you plan to use the bike. For anyone who wants an elegant bike for everyday commuting, as well as extended outings on the weekend, the Kalkhoff ENTICE 7 might just be an excellent choice!
You can find more information at kalkhoff-bikes.com
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Words: Photos: Kalkhoff, E-MOUNTAINBIKE
