The Kalkhoff Endeavour L Touring is a special bike in many ways. It may well be the brand’s first gravel-oriented model, but it is certainly the first to feature road bike handlebars and electronic derailleurs with an automatic shifting function. So there are plenty of new features that sound exciting on paper. Our test will reveal just how well all this works in everyday use.
Design
The bike’s design will look familiar, as it is based on Kalkhoff’s Lightweight series with the “L” suffix. This means the frame design is correspondingly sleek, even though the integrated battery in the down tube is actually removable. One striking feature is the steeply sloping top tube, which merges almost seamlessly into the rear triangle, giving the bike a dynamic silhouette. The mid-drive motor is also relatively compact, and overall the electric drive system is integrated in a pleasingly unobtrusive manner. Controls such as the small button and the discreet display blend just as unobtrusively into the overall design.
An eye-catching feature is the cockpit, with its drop-bar handlebars typical of gravel bikes. Here, the cables and hoses, which are routed entirely internally, create a tidy, almost minimalist look. The bike comes in ‘Umber Brown’, a sophisticated metallic shade that shimmers between gold and brown depending on the light, giving the bike a rather elegant touch. Together with the matt black components and the rigid fork, this creates a sporty overall impression that doesn’t look overloaded, despite the extensive everyday equipment including mudguards, a luggage rack and so on.
Equipment
Speaking of everyday use: the Endeavour L Touring is actually quite well equipped. Plastic mudguards, a slim luggage rack with the MIK system and a load capacity of up to 25 kg, as well as a full lighting system featuring a Litemove headlight and a Trelock rear light with a brake light function, are all included as standard. It even comes with a kickstand, which is not a given on a bike with such a sporty design.
Things get interesting when it comes to the slightly unusual components. At 42 centimetres, the drop-bar handlebars are quite wide for their type and are therefore designed more for comfort, which is something you really appreciate on longer rides. Mounted on them is the TRP shift and brake lever unit. A brand you may not have seen very often on gear systems, but which comes from brake specialist Tektro. The E.A.S.I. A11 used here is an electronic shifting system developed in collaboration with Bosch – and that is precisely why it is designed to work particularly well with the electric drive. With its 11 gears and a generous cassette, you’re well equipped for a wide variety of terrain.
For the motor, Kalkhoff has opted for the Bosch Performance Line SX, which, following its latest update, now delivers up to 60 Nm of torque and stands out thanks to its low weight of just 2 kg. The system is complemented by the 400 Wh CompactTube battery in the down tube, the System Controller in the top tube, the compact Purion 400 display and the small Mini Remote on the handlebars. At 21.7 kg, the bike’s total weight is perfectly reasonable – especially when you consider that it features a robust aluminium frame, a removable battery and wide 50 mm Schwalbe G-One Overland tyres with puncture protection.
Operation
If you’re used to ‘standard’ handlebars, the biggest change at first is clearly the drop bars – but you get used to them quite quickly. After a short while, this type of handlebar feels very natural, mainly because you can keep changing your grip position. It’s similar with the shifting: at first it feels a bit strange, because you’re not shifting gears in the traditional way with separate levers, but everything is controlled via the integrated unit comprising the gear and brake levers. Once you’ve got the hang of it, however, it works smoothly from all grip positions.
What’s really interesting is the shift between manual M, M+ and automatic A modes, which is controlled via a small button at the end of the handlebar. In manual mode, everything feels like a normal gear change; in automatic mode, however, the system takes complete control of gear selection; M+, on the other hand, only shifts automatically when the bike is in neutral; otherwise, you shift gears yourself as usual. This works surprisingly smoothly and reliably – especially as you can intervene at any time if you wish. The interaction with the Bosch drive is particularly clever, as you can even set the desired cadence for it. The fact that the shifting can change gears even whilst coasting without pedalling is also quite practical in everyday use.
Controlling the electric drive itself is pleasantly straightforward. It is switched on and off via the System Controller on the top tube, which also uses its LED bars to display the battery level and the current mode. For more information, check the Purion 400 display, which can also be extensively customised via Bosch’s eBike Flow app. The Mini Remote then takes over control whilst riding: switching riding modes, cycling through the display options or operating the lights. Despite the minimalist design, it all feels rather well thought out.
Handling the battery is also well thought out for everyday use: the plastic cover can be removed effortlessly to access the battery, which has a pull-tab so it can be easily lifted out from the top. Alternatively, the bike can of course be charged directly; the charging port is located above the motor and is neatly protected by a magnetic cap.
Ride impressions
Despite the drop bars and sporty design, the riding position is surprisingly relaxed! Thanks to the relatively high handlebar position, you’re not hunched over too much, which is particularly comfortable on longer rides. This is where the drop bars really come into their own, as you can constantly change your hand position, allowing you to ride for much longer without getting tired.
The wide tyres also play their part, as they effectively absorb bumps and can be ridden at moderate pressure. At the same time, they offer enough grip for unpaved trails without feeling sluggish on tarmac. This suits the bike’s character rather well, as it sits somewhere between a sporty tourer and a bike for light off-road use.
The Bosch SX motor really comes into its own in this setup: it responds well to higher cadences, delivering a lively and agile assist that suits the bike’s sporty character perfectly. You reach the 25 km/h mark quickly, after which you often continue riding without assistance. This feels particularly pleasant because the motor fades out very smoothly, allowing you to accelerate naturally under your own power. On inclines, however, you’ll be grateful for the electric assistance – although a bit more effort is required here compared to full-power motors, the 60 Nm of torque still offers enough power to make good progress uphill.
Nevertheless, the real highlight is the shifting: in automatic mode, it takes complete control of gear selection and chooses the right gears all by itself – and it does so with surprising precision! Especially on relaxed journeys, you get used to the system so quickly that you hardly ever feel the need to change gears yourself. It’s also handy that the system automatically selects the right gear for pulling away when you come to a complete stop – for example, at a traffic light. On the other hand, if you’re really driving in a sporty manner, you can use manual mode and continue to select the gears yourself as usual. As a compromise between the two modes, the M+ mode is also impressive, where the system only shifts automatically when idling – but shifts manually when you press the pedals. The same applies to all modes: the shifting impresses with precise and pleasantly quiet gear changes. So, ultimately, you get the best of both worlds: comfortable automatic riding or precise manual shifting when needed, depending on your preference and riding style.
Conclusion
With its Endeavour L Touring, Kalkhoff is breaking new ground and hitting the mark. The bike is aimed at riders who want a sporty ride without compromising on everyday practicality. The spec is comprehensive and well thought-out, the electric drive is tried and tested, and the electronic shifting system with automatic function offers real added value. Especially in everyday use, it makes riding noticeably more relaxed and intuitive – and works so well that you’d certainly wish this system were available on many other bikes too.
Given the technology on offer and the well-rounded overall package, the price of 4,199 euros seems entirely reasonable for a branded bike of this calibre. Further information about the bike is available here on the Kalkhoff website.
