Dust, mud, always on the limit, frequently taking a knock – these are not normally the conditions in which you would expect to find an ebike. However, this type of bike has long since developed into a sports machine and feels at home in such adverse conditions. Bosch was one of the first motor manufacturers to recognise the potential of such racing series created especially for ebikes and became involved on a large scale. The experience gained there has now been channelled into the sportiest drive the company has ever brought to market.
The Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition, as the power unit is called in full, was developed not only by Bosch engineers but also by a number of professional cyclists. Their experience on the track was then translated into the corresponding hardware and software. The approach during development was as simple as it was challenging: the new motor should be lighter and at the same time more powerful than the previous Performance Line CX. However, the technical regulations of professional sport also set certain limits to the project.
A unique look
In any case, the result is the lightest motor in the entire range. At 2.75 kilograms, it weighs about 150 less than its current counterpart from the Smart System development stage. Unfortunately, the manufacturer keeps to itself exactly where Bosch has found a gram or two. For example, the housing used to be made of magnesium. This has remained the same for the new Race version. Only the outer appearance clearly differs from the familiar black. In contrast, the Bosch Performance Line CX Race shines in a graphite-grey metal finish. In addition, there is a red accent on the cover, which also makes it clear that this ebike has the top drive.
More power, more endurance
The greater part of the development work probably went into the software. The result is a completely new support level – the race mode. According to Bosch, the assistance is even more direct than in the existing modes. In addition, support is provided up to 400 percent of your own pedal power. The “normal” Bosch Performance Line CX stops at 340 percent.
The race mode also includes the Extended Boost. Bosch has extended it even further. Where particularly tricky obstacles block your path, you have a better chance of getting over or past them thanks to the extra boost. As with the other support levels, you can change the Race mode in the eBike Flow app to suit your preferences. The strength of the support, the characteristics of the response, the maximum speed and the maximum torque can be set.
Speaking of torque. Bosch has left it at the previous 85 Newton metres. However, in the interest of extremely sporty riding, the cadence up to which the motor can provide its full power has been increased. With the new top model, you can pedal beyond 120 revolutions per minute without the threat of a drop-off. This distinguishes the CX Race from the CX as well.
Exclusive product in a limited number
All in all, Bosch has pushed a few of the limits for important motor characteristics into more extreme regions. Even more powerful, even more abrupt, even higher revs. Conversely, this means that if you want to make the most of these advantages, you have to have the right riding style and be on trails that require it. For the pros in racing series like the Enduro World Series for E-Mountain Bikes (EWS-E), these will be very welcome performance promos. Only you can decide whether your ebike needs to be so potent as well.
On the other hand, you probably won’t have that many opportunities. Because an important addition to the novelty is “Limited Edition”. According to our information, a large part of the new motors will go to professional cycling teams. After all, the other big manufacturers such as Shimano, Specialized, Giant or Sram with its Blackbox team are also active there. So it’s all about prestige and Bosch certainly wants to support the teams that rely on its drive units in the best possible way. For their series, which are sold to people like you and us, the bike manufacturers don’t have an infinite amount left. Accordingly, the numbers of units are likely to be limited later on.
Focus on the sporting aspect
At least for the time being, the Bosch Performance Line CX Race is primarily symbolic of the company’s commitment to professional cycling. Claus Fleischer, Managing Director of Bosch eBike Systems, also describes it as such: “As a passionate e-MTB rider, I know exactly the pain, the effort and the enthusiasm on the trail myself. That we enable athletes to compete even more successfully with our technology therefore makes me particularly proud. The e-mountain bike sector is becoming more and more professional worldwide, and we actively support this development.” It remains to be seen whether the motor will find its way more extensively into the offerings of bicycle manufacturers in the coming years.
Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor at a glance
- Support range: 400 %
- Maximum possible drive torque: 85 Nm
- Support up to maximum cadence: < 120 rpm
- Max. Support up to: 25 km/h
- Weight: approx. 2.75 kg
Pictures: Bosch eBike Systems
