If you’re looking for an e-bike for city riding, compact bikes are often not the first option that comes to mind. Yet these small, manoeuvrable models offer several advantages for everyday urban use, from easy handling to a surprisingly cool appearance. This is exactly what the Kalkhoff Compact Image C+ Advance demonstrates, which we take a closer look at in our review.
Design
Compact bikes have their own unique character: small wheels, a short wheelbase and high handlebars characterise their appearance. Many features of the Kalkhoff Compact follow a clear functional design, such as the externally mounted battery and the cockpit with exposed cables. Yet the bike does not appear unemotional, but rather appealing and friendly. The slim, horizontal frame tube forms a line with the front carrier and also serves as a handle, a good example of practical design.
With its frame-coloured paintwork, the front carrier looks like an integral part of the frame, and the colour of the test bike, Midnight Plum, gives the bike a fresh, modern touch without being too overpowering.
Equipment
Despite its compact size, the Compact Image C+ Advance does not hold back when it comes to features and load capacity. With a permissible total weight of 170 kilograms, it even plays in a league where many significantly larger e-bikes cannot compete. Two luggage racks are available to match: a sturdy, compact rack at the front for up to 10 kilograms and a MIK HD-compatible rack at the rear that can even be loaded with 27 kilograms, making it easy to carry child seats or heavier shopping.
The 20-inch wheels with 62 mm wide Schwalbe Super Moto X tyres not only give the bike a confident and powerful appearance, but also provide most of the suspension – because the bike does not have a suspension fork. When it comes to the drive system, Kalkhoff relies on a proven setup for everyday urban traffic: the Bosch Performance Line motor delivers a powerful 75 Nm, powered by the PowerPack battery with a capacity of 545 Wh, which is positioned vertically behind the seat tube. The system is operated via the compact Purion 200 display, which clearly shows all the important functions.
Modern, low-maintenance technology can also be found in the mechanical drivetrain. The Gates belt drive transmits power cleanly, quietly and with minimal maintenance to the Shimano Nexus 5e hub gear system. A Magura brake system with appropriately sized brake discs, 180 mm in diameter at the front and 160 mm at the rear, provides the necessary deceleration. Mudguards, a bike stand, a frame lock and Herrmans lighting round off the everyday setup.
Surprising for a compact bike are additional details such as the lowerable, sprung seat post and the Speedlifter Twist handlebar adjustment system. Both components allow the bike to be quickly adjusted to riders of different heights and help to save space when parking the bike or make it more compact for everyday transport.
Given this extensive range of features, it comes as no surprise that the Compact Image C+ Advance, weighing in at around 27 kilograms, is not exactly a lightweight – something that is not immediately apparent at first glance due to its compact size.
Operation
Controlling the electric drive is simple to understand. Bosch’s Smart System is so tried and tested that you can simply start riding without any extensive instruction – yet you can still customise the riding modes and display options in great detail to suit your personal preferences.
The convenient battery mount is a real plus in everyday use. It allows you to easily pull the PowerPack battery out upwards and just as easily reinsert it – without having to open any panels or fiddle with covers. This makes charging at home or in the office pleasantly straightforward.
Also straightforward to use is Shimano’s Nexus 5e hub gear system with a twist grip on the handlebar for selecting gears. It copes easily with the power of the motor even under load, with only the occasional slightly audible gear change noise – but most of the time you won’t hear a thing.
With a simple push of a button, the seat post can be lowered and adjusted in height, which is a real help when riders change frequently. Adjusting the height of the handlebars, on the other hand, requires a little more effort: the quick release at the lower end of the handlebars must be unlocked and opened, which is a little stiff at first and requires a bit of dexterity due to the rather angular design. At the same time, however, this robust construction also provides a reassuring feeling of safety, as the handlebars are a central load point on the bike.
When it comes to transporting cargo, this compact bike offers some really simple options. Side bags can be hooked straight onto the rear rack, and thanks to the MIK HD system, compatible accessories can be attached with a single click – from baskets and boxes to child seats. The sturdy rear stand keeps the bike upright and stable, even when fully loaded. It’s just a shame that the front rack doesn’t offer an integrated mount for a fastening system. However, with an optional Klickfix adapter, screw fastening or tension straps, you can attach many things for transport there too.
Riding impressions
Riding the Compact Image C+ Advance quickly reveals that compact bikes have their very own appeal. The short dimensions and small 20-inch wheels ensure extremely agile handling. The bike responds directly to steering movements and feels surprisingly lively in narrow lanes or when changing lanes quickly. At the same time, it remains easy to control and, despite its compact stature, conveys a stable, reliable riding experience.
The seating position is decidedly upright, which is not only comfortable but also provides a good overview in city traffic. Comfort is enhanced by the ergonomically shaped handlebars and the voluminous tyres, which effectively cushion many bumps. The suspended seat post also helps to absorb small shocks, which is particularly noticeable on longer journeys or poor roads.
When it comes to the drive, the Bosch Performance Line motor proves to be a reliable partner that has sufficient reserves even when fully loaded. It masters even steep climbs with ease, and the five gears of the Shimano Nexus hub are perfectly adequate for everyday use. Although the gear jumps are relatively large, the motor compensates for this well, so that you have a comfortable cadence both when starting off and at higher speeds. The entire drive unit is pleasantly quiet – the belt also contributes to the smooth riding experience.
The bike also proves its practical qualities in everyday use. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is not only easy to manoeuvre, but can also be pushed through pedestrian zones or manoeuvred into parking spaces with ease. When parking, the swivelling handlebars come into their own, significantly reducing the space required for the bike.
Thanks to its high load capacity, comfortable seating position and easy adjustability to different rider sizes, the Compact Image C+ Advance is a real everyday performer. And the lively, playful riding experience means you’ll find yourself smiling more often than you might expect on such a small bike.
Conclusion
Small in size, big in performance: the Kalkhoff Compact Image C+ Advance impressed in our review with its wide range of features, making it a true all-rounder for everyday urban use. Thanks to its high load capacity, two racks and robust technology, it is also suitable for shopping or transporting a small child. Despite its practical features, the bike is also nimble and offers a lot of riding fun – with minimal space requirements.
At 3,999 euros, the bike is not a bargain, but it offers solid components and the usual high Kalkhoff quality. In addition to the Midnight Plum colour of the test bike, the Compact Image C+ Advance is also available in mustard yellow and black. Further information can be found here on Kalkhoff’s website.
