Interview with Taylor Cain

created by Pete Prebus
Tags: Kalkhoff Bosch

Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle electric bikes will be available for test ride at the Electric Bike Expo test track events that start in January 2016. These are brands with a long history in the European bicycle market and each brand has a group of unique electric bike styles that will bring a good variety of e-bikes to the Expo test ride events. I had a chance to interview Taylor Cain (marketing manager for all 3 brands) about this variety of e-bikes. Enjoy the interview!

Pete: Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle each have a long history in the bicycle market. Could you tell us more about about each brand?

Taylor: All three brands have a rich European heritage as premium bike brands. Focus originated as a cyclocross brand and moved into a full line of performance bikes, winning multiple stages of the Tour De France throughout the years. Focus' electric bike line reflects that same level of passion, perfection and performance - designed and manufactured in Germany.

Kalkhoff has been building bikes for 95 years and has been a market leader in Germany from the beginning. Dedicated to quality commuter bikes and blurring the lines between luxury and utility.

Royal Dutch Gazelle are the market leader for many years in the country that is number 1 for bikes; the Netherlands - that says it all! Gazelle bikes were awarded the royal distinction for exceptionally crafted bicycles with a strong Dutch heritage.

Pete: What are some of the unique features of Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle electric bikes?

Taylor: These three brands have several outstanding, distinguishing features.

Focus & Kalkhoff electric bikes are engineered and manufactured in Germany with their own proprietary mid-drive system: Impulse. This system offers industry leading range of up to 127 miles on one charge!

Focus bikes are designed as sporty electric mountain bikes with several 28 mph models, shift-sensor technology and climb-assist. Kalkhoff targets a premium commuter market with multiple frame options, generous battery capacities and impressive shift-sensor technology.

Similarly, Gazelle e-bikes are designed and manufactured in The Netherlands and are powered by the high-end Bosch mid drive system. Two models will be available in the US in 2016 which are perfect for recreational riders who want all the bells and whistles with the classic upright Dutch riding position.

All three brands define European quality, premium electric bikes.

Pete: Why is it important for Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle electric bikes to exhibit and demo e-bikes at the Electric Bike Expo events?

Taylor: We truly believe that the demo experience is the best way to raise awareness for ebikes as well as the first step to understanding their potential.

As we are presenting three brands to the market, we want customers and retailers to have the opportunity to ride a wide range of Focus, Kalkhoff and Gazelle e-bikes all in one place. Shift sensor technology, climb assist and mid-drive systems are all something that you need to feel to believe!

Pete: Which Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle electric bikes will be available for test ride at the Expo events?

Taylor: We want to bring a range that represents a big portion of what each of these brands have to offer.

What to expect for all Kalkhoff models? A balanced mid-drive experience, shift sensor technology that pauses the motor for a customizable 0-300 ms for flawless shifting experience, industry leading range (up to 127 miles on one charge)

Kalkhoff:

Kalkhoff Integrale: Kalkhoff's latest innovation featuring an integrated battery in the down tube, Gates Carbon Belt drive and on-board navigation that communicates via bluetooth.

Kalkhoff Include 8 Premium: Semi integrated battery with the bike lock and battery mounted in the frame, Gates Carbon Belt drive and on-board navigation that communicates via bluetooth.

Kalkhoff Tasman Classic Impulse 8- Our vintage cruiser with up to 127 miles on one charge and ridiculous amounts of style.

Kalkhoff Sahel Compact Impulse 8 - A one size fits all bike with 20" wheels, a 17 Ah battery, folding pedals and speed twister stem for quick, compact storage without compromising power.

Focus

What to expect for all Focus models? Powerful mid-drive, climb assist technology which allows the rider to set the level of torque sensitivity and responsiveness, shift sensor technology that pauses the motor for a customizable 0-300 ms for flawless shifting experience, industry leading range (up to 127 miles on one charge) and on-board navigation on every model!

Focus Thron Speed: a full suspension, 28 mph bike with bluetooth navigation capabilities, this bike is the most fun you can have on two wheels.

 

Focus Jarifa Fat: A 27.5" Plus tire for traction on any element, featuring bluetooth navigation capabilities.

 

Focus Jarifa Donna: Woman specific mountain bike for the ladies that want to go further faster including female grips, seat and handlebars.

Gazelle

What to expect for all Gazelle models? An efficient mid-drive experience, exceptional "fit and finish" with bikes that have bells, mud guards, integrated lights into the fenders, bike locks etc., incredibly robust quality scratch resistant paint powered by Bosch.

 

 

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HM: the classic Dutch style bike with the Gazelle Stem that allows for easy adjustment without tools, fully enclosed chain guard and battery pack positioned on the rack behind the rider.

Thanks to Taylor Cain for taking time to answer those questions!

Stay tuned for more about Kalkhoff, Focus, and Gazelle and news on the Electric Bike Expo.