Author Topic: I think I'm getting a KTM (Read 824 times)

Mrs. DantesDame · « **on:** July 08, 2020, 01:10:26 PM »

I think I might have found the bike I'm going to get.

I didn't do a lot of shopping, but when I saw the KTM Macina Chacana LFC, I figure that this will tick all sorts of boxes.

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The key features that stood out to me were
- battery range (100 km on "Tour" mode)
- quick drop seat
- full fenders with integrated lights
- front/rear disc brakes
- luggage racks on the fender
- KTM, of course!

It is tricky to chose "one" bike, considering I need something that can keep up with Dan when he's on his road bike, or keep up with him when he's on his mountain bike, or just keep up if (when!) we do an overnight tour. I really want to ride along some of the canals in France.

Anyway, if I pull the trigger, it'll be this Saturday. I'll report back!

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2020, 01:12:36 PM »

Nice!!! I see a seatpost mounted luggage rack (have 2 of them) with a fold out solar panel to charge the battery as you ride. Just sayin'.

Baxter · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM »

Cool!

Front & rear suspension--nice!

Does the battery recharge when you pedal or coast downhill? That, and if Vulcanbill wasn't joking about the solar panel, would maybe completely eliminate being dependent on finding a charging outlet.

Oh, and based on the pic, it appears that pedals are selected separately. I haven't bought an adult bike in appx. 30 years. Do you know whether this is a universally new thing, just Europe, or just KTM?

Looks like fun!

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2020, 01:51:09 PM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM

Front & rear suspension--nice!

For those smooth Swiss roads

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM

Does the battery recharge when you pedal or coast downhill? That, and if Vulcanbill wasn't joking about the solar panel, would maybe completely eliminate being dependent on finding a charging outlet.

No regenerative charging, unfortunately. But still, I think that 100km is probably more than my butt will be able to handle, and then it needs 4 1/2 hour recharge (option to plug directly to the bike, or remove the battery for charging elsewhere)

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM

Oh, and based on the pic, it appears that pedals are selected separately. I haven't bought an adult bike in appx. 30 years. Do you know whether this is a universally new thing, just Europe, or just KTM?

I have no idea! I bought my current commuter bike about 10 years ago and it came with pedals (US). The sales guy today DID mention that the bike came as equipped on the floor, including pedals and side stand. But I have no idea which of your options is correct

Flyer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2020, 02:10:33 PM »

Pedals are usually a personal choice nowadays, depending on the cleats you use on your shoes.
Ebikes generally use platform pedals and can be (inexpensively) included.
I've ridden that Bosch motor, and with the newest update, it's VERY powerful and smooth.
Dan may need a new road bike just to keep you in sight...
(Ok, Dan?)

miles · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2020, 02:11:04 PM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM

Oh, and based on the pic, it appears that pedals are selected separately. I haven't bought an adult bike in appx. 30 years. Do you know whether this is a universally new thing, just Europe, or just KTM?

Universal. New, as in maybe 25 years ago.

miles · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2020, 02:11:38 PM »

Quote from: Flyer on July 08, 2020, 02:10:33 PM

Dan may need a new road bike just to keep you in sight...
(Ok, Dan?)

N +1, baby!

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2020, 02:15:39 PM »

I approve of all things two-wheeled.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2020, 02:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Flyer on July 08, 2020, 02:10:33 PM

I've ridden that Bosch motor, and with the newest update, it's VERY powerful and smooth.

My very short test ride gave me a great impression

Quote from: Flyer on July 08, 2020, 02:10:33 PM

Dan may need a new road bike just to keep you in sight...
(Ok, Dan?)

That's pretty much what the dealer said

Skee · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2020, 03:40:08 PM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on July 08, 2020, 02:15:39 PM

I approve of all things two-wheeled.

Baxter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2020, 06:35:11 PM »

Quote from: miles on July 08, 2020, 02:11:04 PM

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM
Oh, and based on the pic, it appears that pedals are selected separately. I haven't bought an adult bike in appx. 30 years. Do you know whether this is a universally new thing, just Europe, or just KTM?

Universal. New, as in maybe 25 years ago.

I'm still annoyed that I had to buy a kickstand separately and add that as a farkel to my bike 30-ish years ago. My teenage Schwinn 10-speed came with a kickstand. I guess it's like luggage and meal fees being added to airline tickets.

Flyer · « **Reply #11 on:** July 08, 2020, 06:50:00 PM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 06:35:11 PM

I'm still annoyed that I had to buy a kickstand separately and add that as a farkel to my bike 30-ish years ago. My teenage Schwinn 10-speed came with a kickstand. I guess it's like luggage and meal fees being added to airline tickets.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2020, 07:25:37 PM »

I always thought my next bike would be a Niner Rip9. Turns out there’s now an E version. Wow.

https://ninerbikes.com/products/rip-e9

https://youtu.be/_kkSxyrpQ9k

mr.awesome · « **Reply #13 on:** July 08, 2020, 07:41:32 PM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 06:35:11 PM

Quote from: miles on July 08, 2020, 02:11:04 PM
Quote from: Baxter on July 08, 2020, 01:38:42 PM
Oh, and based on the pic, it appears that pedals are selected separately. I haven't bought an adult bike in appx. 30 years. Do you know whether this is a universally new thing, just Europe, or just KTM?

Universal. New, as in maybe 25 years ago.

I'm still annoyed that I had to buy a kickstand separately and add that as a farkel to my bike 30-ish years ago. My teenage Schwinn 10-speed came with a kickstand.

And they were welded on.

Smoothie · « **Reply #14 on:** July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM »

That's cool.

You should get it!

I love how bicycles are sorta becoming, well, motorcycles. They are like a modern version of the 1915 Flying Merkel, except a lot quieter and faster.

As far as pedals go, I know I'm a freak, but I hate those pedals with the clips. After a couple of efforts I went back to old school toe clips.

Also, there was some sort of industrial accident at the KTM factory and the orange paint looks like yellow now!

nickybcareful · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2020, 08:47:22 AM »

That's a nice looking bike! Is it a class 3 (28mph)? Class 1 and 2 are 20mph.

I bought a Haibike Urban Plus a couple of years ago (Class 3). As far a keeping up with Dan, well it depends. It's still a bike and you have to pedal! Mine has 4 assist levels and I normally set mine at 2, which is sort of like a normal bike. Of course, the beauty of an ebike is you can click it up to 3 or 4 when you come to a hill.

Shortly after I got mine, I was meandering down the bike trail when a "real" road biker blew passed me. Curious, I set my bike to 4. It took at least a quarter mile to catch up. I was headed to the office which was about 3 miles further. I slowly caught up and pulled away. He was going a steady 20 mph. Even though class 3's are rated at 28 mph, I was working hard to get to 22 mph. After I pulled into the parking lot, he breezed by a few seconds later. Over a long distance, I don't know. I'd be pretty tired.

Regardless, I would definitely buy one. Everyone I know that has one, regardless of the brand, really like them. Have fun!!!

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:33:29 AM »

Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM

As far as pedals go, I know I'm a freak, but I hate those pedals with the clips. After a couple of efforts I went back to old school toe clips.

*shudder*

Toe clips are absolutely terrifying to me. I'll take my clipless all day long.

Baxter · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:39:01 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on July 09, 2020, 10:33:29 AM

Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM
As far as pedals go, I know I'm a freak, but I hate those pedals with the clips. After a couple of efforts I went back to old school toe clips.

*shudder*

Toe clips are absolutely terrifying to me. I'll take my clipless all day long.

Agreed. I'm too much of a clutz not to fall down and hurt myself.

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:44:52 AM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 09, 2020, 10:39:01 AM

Quote from: jadziadax8 on July 09, 2020, 10:33:29 AM
Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM
As far as pedals go, I know I'm a freak, but I hate those pedals with the clips. After a couple of efforts I went back to old school toe clips.

*shudder*

Toe clips are absolutely terrifying to me. I'll take my clipless all day long.

Agreed. I'm too much of a clutz not to fall down and hurt myself.

Clipless means cleats, not flat pedals, which most casual riders use. And yes, I have fallen over a couple of times when I couldn't get the cleats detached.

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Baxter · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:54:23 AM »

Quote from: jadziadax8 on July 09, 2020, 10:44:52 AM

Quote from: Baxter on July 09, 2020, 10:39:01 AM
Quote from: jadziadax8 on July 09, 2020, 10:33:29 AM
Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM
As far as pedals go, I know I'm a freak, but I hate those pedals with the clips. After a couple of efforts I went back to old school toe clips.

*shudder*

Toe clips are absolutely terrifying to me. I'll take my clipless all day long.

Agreed. I'm too much of a clutz not to fall down and hurt myself.

Clipless means cleats, not flat pedals, which most casual riders use. And yes, I have fallen over a couple of times when I couldn't get the cleats detached.

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Oh, you're right, I was thinking clipless meant flat pedals. Now I'm really feeling out of it--geezer time! I guess I need to actually research this stuff now.

Edit: I just looked at bike pedals online--half of these newfangled gizmos wouldn't even register as a bike pedal to me if they weren't actually attached to a bike!

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2020, 11:26:05 AM »

Takes a while to get used to but if you want that 360 degrees of rotation to have any efficiency at all, being attached to the pedals is the way to go. If you are OK with just mashing down on 1/4 of your pedal stroke, flat is all good. Clipping in takes climbing to a whole new level...pun intended. Learning how to TRULY pedal in circles takes work but it's worth it.

Baxter · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2020, 01:04:21 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on July 09, 2020, 11:26:05 AM

Takes a while to get used to but if you want that 360 degrees of rotation to have any efficiency at all, being attached to the pedals is the way to go. If you are OK with just mashing down on 1/4 of your pedal stroke, flat is all good. Clipping in takes climbing to a whole new level...pun intended. Learning how to TRULY pedal in circles takes work but it's worth it.

I understand your point. It's certainly good for competition to be able to use muscle all around the crank. Probably also balances out muscle groups.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #22 on:** July 09, 2020, 02:15:57 PM »

It is now in the garage

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Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM

That's cool. You should get it!

Done!

Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM

I love how bicycles are sorta becoming, well, motorcycles. They are like a modern version of the 1915 Flying Merkel, except a lot quieter and faster.

I was thinking something like that as well! And legal to take on Swiss forest roads, unlike a motorcycle

Quote from: Smoothie on July 08, 2020, 09:15:03 PM

Also, there was some sort of industrial accident at the KTM factory and the orange paint looks like yellow now!

Orange would have been cool.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #23 on:** July 09, 2020, 02:20:03 PM »

Quote from: nickybcareful on July 09, 2020, 08:47:22 AM

That's a nice looking bike! Is it a class 3 (28mph)? Class 1 and 2 are 20mph.

I have no idea! That is a nomenclature that I haven't heard for ebikes.

I will say that I had it up to about 26 kph today without much effort. (That's 16 Freedom MPH for some of you guys). I can usually pedal my heavy commuter bike around 25 kph if I really want to get home from work

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2020, 02:27:17 PM »

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Excellent. I look forward to many excellent ride reports. But the question is...

Baxter · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2020, 05:32:31 PM »

Quote from: Mrs. DantesDame on July 09, 2020, 02:15:57 PM

It is now in the garage

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Cool!

And what an amazingly clean garage!

Smoothie · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:36:39 PM »

Nicely done!

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #27 on:** July 10, 2020, 03:57:23 AM »

Quote from: Baxter on July 09, 2020, 05:32:31 PM

And what an amazingly clean garage!

I wondered who might say something! Ok, the photo was taken in the apartment lobby. But LATER the bike was moved to the garage - which is not nearly so clean

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #28 on:** July 13, 2020, 02:12:39 PM »

Dan and I took our bikes out yesterday "for a little ride" - to the village of Magden, 25 kilometers away.

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I found the weakness of the bike: the top speed on a flat, paved surface, with constant peddling, is about 28 kph. Dan, on his road bike, can go much faster than that. So on hills I could kick Dan's butt, but on the flats? He had to wait for me. It was a little disappointing, to be honest. I never even considered that I might not have enough power to keep up on the flats.

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Our destination at Magden was also a BBQ, so I had a lot of time to prepare for the ride home. This was really when the bike's lack of assist was the most obvious and that, tied together with my growing headache, made for a grumpy Colleen

Anyway... we talked about speed, etc, and "next time" Dan will be on his mountain bike and the pace shouldn't be such a problem.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #29 on:** July 13, 2020, 02:21:34 PM »

Not to make it sound like I regret the purchase - I don't. I just will need to adjust my expectations. And increase my fitness!

When I drop the gears and start going up a hill? The power kicks in and it is super cool to just blow on up the hill. The fat, deep tread means that I have confidence on gravel (although that's a lot of resistance on pavement) and the wide bars were comfortable. The seat was.... probably about as good as it's gonna get

I also went back to the shop and picked up a riser for the handle bars to reduce pressure on my wrists and grabbed an Ortlieb bag so that I could carry the beer and brats to the BBQ

Flyer · « **Reply #30 on:** July 13, 2020, 03:35:53 PM »

I believe unadulterated Ebikes are Brusselized to a max. 28kph.
You can pedal faster, but the assist goes bye-bye.
The shop should have explained that to you, but you seem to have found a suitable work-around.

stevent · « **Reply #31 on:** July 16, 2020, 12:00:53 PM »

You got shocks, pegs, are you gonna' take it off some sweet jumps?

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #32 on:** July 16, 2020, 12:52:38 PM »

Quote from: stevent on July 16, 2020, 12:00:53 PM

You got shocks, pegs, are you gonna' take it off some sweet jumps?

took you long enough

stevent · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2020, 01:47:21 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on July 16, 2020, 12:52:38 PM

Quote from: stevent on July 16, 2020, 12:00:53 PM
You got shocks, pegs, are you gonna' take it off some sweet jumps?

took you long enough

Well don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day, beside we both know I'm training to be a cage fighter.

CLAY · « **Reply #34 on:** July 19, 2020, 10:19:52 PM »

BMW-K · « **Reply #35 on:** July 20, 2020, 12:04:21 AM »

Congrats Colleen! Now you get to spin with the cool kids!

Smoothie · « **Reply #36 on:** July 20, 2020, 08:31:26 PM »

Wait a minute! BMW-K is still around?

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #37 on:** July 21, 2020, 01:11:18 AM »

He's been touring around the Southwest *sans motorcycle* (but with wife!) for the last few days