The New Fast – Bosch presents drive unit for eMTB racing

Reutlingen/Stuttgart – The uphill section is mastered, the pulse races and adrenaline shoots through the body, then it's back downhill to the finish in the hunt for the best time. In eMTB races, fractions of a second decide whether you win or lose, and you need the best equipment – the new Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition. Developed together with professional athletes, Bosch's years of experience from numerous eMTB races have gone into this drive unit. The specially developed Race mode with its direct response, uncompromising support and low weight are the ideal features for new record times. The Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition accordingly unleashes its full potential in demanding eMTB races – on tough routes, with difficult technical passages, almost unridable uphill sections and challenging downhill trails.

"As a passionate eMTB rider myself, I know exactly the pain, effort and excitement on the trail," explains Claus Fleischer, business manager of Bosch eBike Systems. "This is why I am particularly proud that our technology enables athletes to compete even more successfully. The eMTB sector is becoming more and more professional worldwide, and we actively support this development."

Mountain biking is deeply rooted in the DNA of Bosch eBike Systems, one of the first eMTBs was equipped with a Bosch drive system back in 2010. Since then, the company has consistently developed more products for eMTB riders. The Performance Line CX was the first eBike drive specifically for eMTB in 2014, and the 2018 eMTB mode continues to set the standard today. Just recently, the new Extended Boost and Hill Hold features have been added, making the eMTB experience even better.

Early cooperation with professionals and involvement in eMTB racing

In recent years, Bosch eBike Systems has played a decisive role in eMTB racing, as evidenced by more than 60 podium finishes in eMTB races around the world this season alone. But the commitment goes beyond product development. The company has played an active role in shaping the emergence and professionalization of the sport and has been instrumental in creating the right framework for professional races such as the Enduro World Series (EWS-E). Bosch is also campaigning for clean racing, with uniform regulations and active action against tuning. In addition, collaborations were established with professionals and manufacturer teams.

"For us pros, it was a real enrichment to be involved in the development of a product for our competitions," explains Joris Ryf, Swiss eMTB pro. "The most important thing for me was a drive unit that would get me up to top speed faster and keep me at top speed for longer – and we succeeded." The racing know-how of the pros and the experience gained from joint test drives flowed directly into the development of the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition.

Race mode: energetic and direct support for maximum performance

The Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition is an exclusive evolution of the Performance Line CX. The special feature of the professional drive: The new Race mode offers energetic, direct support – with up to 400 percent of your own pedal power. Riders reach maximum support faster and can use it to the cut-off at 25 km/h (20 mph).

Only those with precise riding skills can control the direct response and power of the Race mode. The familiar Extended Boost of the eMTB mode has also received an upgrade. The extra thrust is further extended in Race mode, so that large boulders, roots or steps are skillfully overcome even more easily. In addition, the Race mode can be adjusted in the eBike Flow app in terms of strength of support, dynamics, maximum speed and maximum torque.

Lightest drive unit in the Bosch portfolio

At 2.75 kilograms (6.1 pounds), the new drive unit is the lightest drive in the entire Bosch portfolio. This reduces the weight of the bikes equipped with it and thus optimizes the handling of the eMTB on demanding trails: Ideal for more control downhill, fun in jumps and easier management of stretches requiring carrying and pushing. Nevertheless, with 85 Newton meters of torque, it offers maximum power for acceleration in all situations, whether after tight corners, hairpin turns or obstacles – which can be a decisive competitive advantage. Even at cadences over 120 rpm, the powerful motor provides explosive support. Aggressive riding over long stages and fast sprints are possible – optimal conditions for best times on demanding routes.

The race character of the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition is also clear in the design: The magnesium housing has a particularly resistant, graphite gray metal finish and stands out visually from other drive units thanks to the logo and accent colors. The drive unit can be perfectly integrated into a sporty, slim frame design and makes for particularly agile handling.

Optimal set-up: Bosch offers suitable components for professional races

In line with the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition, Bosch eBike Systems has already presented further components for the coming model year, which optimally support professional riders in their races.

The System Controller control unit is seamlessly integrated into the top tube, giving extra protection from jostling and impacts. For even easier handling, Bosch eBike Systems offers the Mini Remote. Thanks to Bluetooth connection to the System Controller, it can be flexibly mounted on the handlebar and optimally complements the purist control unit. The buttons near the thumb keep the hands on the handlebar at all times, and can activate the smart Walk Assist, which is almost indispensable on steep mountain routes. It enables riders to progress faster on steep climbs, and the integrated Hill Hold function prevents unintentional rolling back. In tight and steep curves, the rollback protection can be used specifically, for example, to move the rear wheel and eMTB in a controlled manner. The PowerTube 625 battery is the perfect fit for demanding races and rides.