Kalkhoff has completely revamped its 3 series for the current season, and this is precisely where the Image 3 Excite 380 comes in. The models mark the entry point into the upper mid-range and, at the same time, come with a rather generous array of comfort features. The concept seems well thought out – but what really matters is how the bike actually performs in everyday use and on the road. That is exactly what we will be taking a closer look at in this test.
Design
In terms of appearance, there have been some significant changes, and they’re immediately striking: the new 3 Series looks far more dynamic and confident than before, whilst still maintaining a pleasantly understated and unassuming presence. The lines are clean and modern, with a distinctive bend in the top and down tubes. The small gap between the two also gives the frame a distinctive touch, setting it apart from the competition.
Although there are quite a few cables visible on the handlebars, they disappear straight away into the frame under the stem – which gives the bike a tidy overall look. The centrally positioned display blends harmoniously into the cockpit, whereas the LED remote for controlling the electric motor looks a bit clunky. Together with the black fittings, the ‘Diamond Black Glossy’ paint finish, with its subtle metallic sheen, creates a harmonious and high-quality overall look.
Equipment
When it comes to features, it quickly becomes clear where this bike is headed: the focus here is clearly on comfort. The Image 3 Excite 380 is designed as a versatile everyday bike that’s meant to perform well both in the city and on longer rides – and that’s exactly what the list of components suggests. A Herrmans lighting system is just as much a part of the package as mudguards and a sturdy luggage rack, which is MIK HD-compatible and can carry up to 27 kilograms. This also makes it easy to attach child seats, which is really practical for everyday use. Those who want to carry even more can optionally fit a front luggage rack.
Multiple components work together to ensure a comfortable ride. The 55-millimetre-wide Schwalbe Green Marathon tyres provide plenty of volume, complemented by the SR Suntour XCM32 suspension fork with 80 millimetres of travel and a suspension seatpost. Ergonomic grips and an adjustable stem make it easy to adjust the riding position to suit your preferences. The fact that a bike stand and a frame lock are included as standard rounds off the package nicely.
When it comes to the electrical components, the new Bosch Performance Line PX motor takes centre stage. With 85 Nm of torque, it delivers plenty of power, all powered by the 600 Wh PowerTube battery, which is neatly integrated into the down tube and can be removed if necessary. The Kiox 300 display is clearly visible in the centre of the handlebars and is controlled via the LED remote on the left-hand side. On the right is the twist grip for the Enviolo Trekking hub gear, which operates continuously and is combined with a Gates belt drive. In everyday use, this means: no oil, no greasing, minimal maintenance and a pleasantly quiet ride.
Less modest is the Image 3 Excite 380 on the scales; we weighed it at 29.7 kg in size L. That’s quite a statement – but of course it’s also down to the extensive range of features. What’s more, the bike is designed for a maximum system weight of 150 kg, giving it a high load capacity of around 120 kg.
Operation
Operation is generally pleasantly straightforward. The Enviolo gear system is operated via a twist grip that is intuitive to use and soon becomes second nature. A small display helps you better understand the selected gear ratio – by indicating whether you’re riding on flat or hilly terrain. The rotation travel is typical of the Enviolo gear system and is consequently a little longer. It could be a bit more direct, but it still works perfectly well in everyday use.
The Bosch drive system is also very user-friendly overall. The available riding modes can be individually configured via the app and tailored to your own preferences. For everyday use, we still recommend the excellent Auto mode, as it automatically adjusts the assistance depending on the situation and works very smoothly. The assistance automatically adapts to pedal pressure and the route profile, feels very natural and still delivers enough power when you need it. The LED remote has a good pressure point and allows you to switch comfortably between the displays on the Kiox screen. All key information is clearly visible at a glance, and the app also includes a useful navigation function that is shown on the bike’s display.
Handling the battery is designed to be user-friendly. You can open up the cover with one click, and the battery can then be removed with ease. If you want to charge it directly on the bike, you’ll benefit from the charging socket positioned high up, to which the cable can be conveniently connected without any fiddly handling. Although the charging flap is a bit of an eyesore, it looks sturdy and durable. One detail that’s really practical in everyday use: the battery and frame lock use the same key, so you don’t have to carry several around with you.
Riding impressions
The Image 3 Excite 380 performs exactly as you would expect from a comfortable everyday bike. The riding position is comfortably upright, but can be flexibly adjusted thanks to the adjustable stem, depending on whether you prefer a more relaxed or slightly more active ride. The new Bosch PX motor provides powerful assistance and takes you up even the steepest climbs with ease, without ever giving the impression that it might lack power.
On the contrary: when shifting gears under heavy load, the Enviolo transmission may briefly lock up before shifting, meaning you have to ease off the pedals slightly. However, this only happens in certain situations under full load and is therefore hardly noticeable during normal riding. The noise level remains pleasantly low, as although the motor is certainly audible under load, it seems quieter and less intrusive than, for example, Bosch’s CX drive.
Although the Enviolo isn’t one of the most efficient gear systems, when combined with the powerful motor, you never get the feeling that you’re losing any noticeable power. It really comes into its own in city traffic, thanks to features such as the ability to change gears whilst stationary and its pleasantly quiet operation.
When it comes to ride comfort, the Image 3 Excite 380 really comes into its own. The suspension fork is responsive and, with 80 millimetres of travel, offers more than enough cushioning for everyday city riding. The suspension fork also contributes to the bike’s heavier weight, which makes it feel slightly less agile and nimble. Nevertheless, it can be ridden at a brisk pace, especially on straight stretches. The focus here is on a comfort-oriented ride, to which the wide tyres and the suspension seat post also contribute by reliably absorbing bumps. Thanks to the high-quality build, everything remains smooth and nothing rattles, even on such terrain. At most, a dropper seatpost would have been a useful addition, but this is only found in the higher model ranges within Kalkhoff’s 5-series.
Conclusion
The Kalkhoff Image 3 Excite 380 offers a well-rounded package that performs impressively in everyday use and boasts a modern design. Its ease of use, low-maintenance belt drive and extensive range of features make it a reliable companion for a wide variety of uses. Build quality and comfort are of a high standard, and all in all, there is hardly anything you really miss. The fact that the bike isn’t among the lightest is a minor drawback – but thanks to the pleasingly powerful motor assistance, this hardly matters when riding.
At a price of 4,399 euros, the bike isn’t a bargain, but given its features and positioning, the price is reasonable. Further information about the bike is available here on the Kalkhoff website.
