Evolution of the Performance Line CX

Stuttgart/Reutlingen – No route is too steep, no challenge is too big: With the new Performance Line CX in model year 2020, Bosch eBike Systems is launching a drive system for eMTB use that is light and compact but at the same time extremely powerful and efficient. The most powerful Drive Unit from Bosch convinces even the most demanding of riders with up to 340 percent support. The motor accelerates extremely powerfully, reacts to the rider’s pedal pressure without deceleration and provides dynamic handling from the first pedal stroke. For eMountain bikers this means even more agility and control over the bike – and increased riding enjoyment on the trails.

Performance Line CX: Tailor-made for eMTB

In the last few years, eMountain biking has been established as an independent eBike discipline and has expanded mountain biking. ‘Bosch is one of the key drivers in the eMTB industry and has made a significant contribution to this development with its products. Now it’s time for the next stage of evolution. With our new Performance Line CX we provide the ultimate Uphill Flow feeling. The CX will continue to be the first choice for eMountain bikers,’ said Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems.
Thanks to the magnesium housing and a size reduced by almost 50 percent, at 2.9 kilograms it weighs around 25 percent less than its predecessor. ‘The compact size of the Drive Unit allows bicycle manufacturers to better integrate the drive system and build frames with shorter chainstays. The weight of the eMTBs is also reduced. As a result, the bikes are just as manoeuvrable and agile as mountain bikes without an electric drive and also offer a clear advantage in riding enjoyment,’ says Fleischer.

Perfect riding sensation on the trail

The drive provides a natural riding sensation when riding more than 25 km/h or in off mode. A freewheel completely decouples the motor and transmission, so that the eBiker pedals efficiently, even if the system does not provide support at that moment. Only very robust and lightweight materials are used in the high-quality transmission – this enables low-noise riding with high engine power at all cadence frequencies. The motor and gearbox work with optimum efficiency and also use the energy from the battery very efficiently, so that long, steep climbs can be mastered and many metres of altitude can be covered. The completely newly developed motor control of the Performance Line CX contributes to the sporty riding enjoyment. The multi-sensor concept enables dynamic and sensitive response of the Drive Unit, which supports up to a maximum of 340 percent. ‘eMountain bikers can achieve significant acceleration wherever it’s needed – for example on technical uphill sections or out of tight bends,’ Fleischer explains. ‘The drive delivers constant power output over a very wide cadence range. Fast intermediate sprints and crisp changes of tempo are easy to achieve. Also riding standing up feels natural.’ To control the bike even on difficult sections, the optimised ‘eMTB Mode’ supports eBikers with maximum sensitivity and at the same time progressive power delivery: Depending on the pedal pressure, the motor dynamically increases the rider’s own power, so eBikers don’t have to change the riding modes manually.

Fine-tuning down to the last detail

The new flagship among Bosch eBike drive systems has been thought through down to the very last detail. An additional 12-volt connection allows third-party suppliers to supply their components with power from the eBike battery. The Drive Unit allows chainrings to be mounted using “Direct Mount” or with 104 millimetre standard mounting. The Q-factor of 175 millimetres helps eMountain bikers to achieve an efficient, ergonomically favourable position on the bike and a natural pedalling feeling. So that eMTBs with short cranks can also transmit the force optimally, there is a special setting that the specialist dealer can make using the diagnostic software. In addition, the Performance Line CX has a powerful walk assistance that makes even steep climbs easier to master. ‘The many useful details also show how meticulously we have worked on setting new standards in eMountain biking. Anyone riding the new CX will feel it right away. It stands for pure riding enjoyment and from our point of view is once again the benchmark in the eMTB sector,’ adds Fleischer.