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A year shy of its tenth birthday, Bosch’s Performance Line CX is getting a general makeover. The central engine of the e-bike is housed in a magnesium housing. The most important key figures have remained the same compared to its predecessor: 85 Nm of torque, up to 600 watts of peak power – in compliance with the legally required 250 watts of rated continuous power – and an increase of up to 340 percent in your own muscle power. Bosch has nevertheless changed some things: the motor has become 100 grams lighter, for example a new housing with a new suspension and a change from metal to plastic in some components.
The rattling sound at idle became much quieter due to the transmission being isolated. According to Bosch, when driving without a motor, for example when the battery is empty, the decoupling and new bearings also reduce the resistance to just 0.5 watts, which should hardly be noticeable. There are a lot of sensors in the motor housing that, among other things, measure pedal input more than 1000 times per second. New inertial sensors record acceleration, slope and tilt angle as well as vibrations. This helps the system determine the wheel position on the track and adjust engine control accordingly.
The engine is complete with two additional new components. The ABS Pro anti-lock braking system is located on the fork in the form of a ten centimeter long box and is intended to ensure greater safety, especially on downhill sections. The system controls in milliseconds and intervenes mainly in the earlier stages of the braking process to prevent over-braking. TRP’s electric derailleur gear, which Bosch showed at the presentation of the Performance Line CX, automatically changes gears if desired. To do this, you set the cadence you want to pedal with, and the automatic system takes care of the switching. Bosch Hill Start Assist also uses a combination of motor, circuit and sensor to initiate the start. When you have to stop at a steep place, it initially keeps the bike in place and then when you start again, it helps in maintaining complete grip. This helps when starting out, but can put too much stress on the chain and sprockets – during a test drive, a co-worker’s chain broke when he tried this starting aid.
The new Bosch Performance Line CX (left) and its predecessor (right).
(Image: Heise Online/SHT)
Some app functions are subject to fees
The drive system transmits the data to a smartphone app via Bosch Connect. It not only provides a lot of information, but also offers the option to customize individual support levels for the desired driving profile. Bosch has outsourced some additional functions to a paid subscription, but they are not absolutely essential to operate the system. The new Purion 400 display, which provides information about the most important parameters on a 1.6-inch screen, is located on the handlebar. As an alternative to the app, the system is controlled via buttons on the handle.
With the PowerTube 800, Bosch is providing the drive with its strongest battery yet, and a slightly weaker version, the PowerTube 600. Also new, both batteries are dual-battery capable, meaning they can be used in a double pack. . This would mean a capacity of up to 1600 Wh and correspondingly longer range, but at the cost of significantly more weight. If you need a little more, use the PowerMore 250 instead of another PowerTube. This 250 Wh battery is the size of a drinking bottle.
The TRP rear derailleur is controlled via radio by the Bosch system and automatically switches gears if desired.
(Image: Heise Online/SHT)
The first bikes with the new drive system are expected to arrive next year. It will take a little longer with a charging adapter, which Bosch has also announced. It is intended to represent a transition to a similar charging solution, to which Bosch, among others, is committed. Klaus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems, made it clear in an interview with C’T that a standard was needed: “There were competing concepts that collided with each other. As an industry we have lost years. And things are moving really slowly in Berlin and Brussels. It should work now, even if it will take you a little longer to reach your goal.
Fleischer sees three important directions for the further development of drive systems in e-bikes in the coming years: “Energy, intelligence and interface. These three options specifically offer products and solutions that will continue to move the industry forward.” The mechanization of bicycles is likely to continue.
(sht)
