Bosch currently lists just over 50 ebikes on its website that are powered by a Performance Line SX. This means that there are not yet too many bikes with this motor. And yet it was launched three quarters of a year ago. Now, however, the list is expanding. Winora is launching the iRide Pure, a completely new city ebike based on this lightest mid-motor from Bosch.
Through the city and beyond
With the Performance Line SX, Bosch has found a balance between weight, performance and price that bike manufacturers can be very creative with. So far, the majority of these have been e-mountain bikes. However, e-trekking bikes, urban ebikes, e-gravel bikes and e-road bikes have also been created. With the GT.400.SX.P, the M1 brand has even tried its hand at an e-SUV. The Winora iRide Pure joins the ranks of models that are primarily intended for urban use. However, it also aims to fulfil the wishes of those who occasionally go for a bike ride at the weekend. The absence of mounts for a bottle cage shows where some initial limits lie in this respect.
The manufacturer describes its newcomer as a lightweight commuter bike. Anyone who regularly rides distances of between five and ten kilometres, carries some luggage and likes to pedal more sportily from time to time should find a reliable partner in this model. The iRide Pure also aims to exude a certain elegance. True to the motto: The eye has to be pleased as well.
Less is more
All in all, this is a complex mix of requirements, to which however the ebike also finds answers. Let’s start with the weight. The target for Winora was 20 kilograms. They were determined to stay below that. The fact that the motor and the Bosch CompactTube battery together only weigh around four kilograms helps enormously in this respect. Especially as the low total weight also reduces power consumption later on.
The iRide Pure does not come close to the slightly more than 16 kilograms of the E-Flitzer, another urban ebike from Winora. However, this was not the intention. After all, comfort plays a much greater role here. And that means an extra gram or two. A few of these are due to the fork suspension, for example. This is a Feathershock system. This means that there is an elastomer between the fork crown and the head tube. It is deformed by the vibrations when riding and then returns to its original shape. This generates a suspension travel of around 30 millimetres. Thanks to its complete encapsulation, the system requires no maintenance.
Full-suspension city ebike
Additional riding comfort is provided by the standard suspension seat post and large-volume tyres. For the latter, Winora has opted for Continental Contact Urban tyres with a width of 62 millimetres. These also compensate for many an uneven surface. Thanks to their tread pattern, which is specially designed for urban riding, rolling resistance and noise levels are reduced in equal measure. In addition, various inserts protect you from annoying punctures caused by broken glass, sharp stones and similar objects.
The iRide Pure hides its comfort under a simple design that combines function with an understated elegance. The lines of both the Mid and High frame shapes have a sporty look. All cables and wires run almost completely inside the aluminium frame. Winora supplies an SP Connect adapter to match the stem. This allows you to use your smartphone as a display on the handlebars.
E-drive follows the concept
In Winora’s opinion, a reduced operating concept suits an urban ebike quite well. That’s why it limits itself to a Bosch Mini Remote and the System Controller integrated in the top tube. Switching the ebike system on and off, changing the support levels, activating the lights and walk assist – all you need to do is press a few buttons. You can also see how much charge is left in the battery on the System Controller. The control unit provides you with visual feedback as to which riding mode you are currently in, too.
With its compact dimensions, the built-in Bosch Performance SX makes a decisive contribution to the iRide Pure quickly being mistaken for a bike without an e-drive. At the same time, the motor is powerful enough to give you a quick lead over everyone else for the first few metres at the traffic lights. The Sprint Mode, which is currently still exclusive to the SX drive, encourages a sporty riding style that can also be fun in city traffic.
Due to its lower output compared to the Bosch Performance Line CX, the drive is content with lower power consumption. The 400 watt hours of Bosch CompactTube therefore result in ranges of up to 100 kilometres in Eco Mode. Alternatively, the battery can simply be removed from the ebike for charging. To make this easier, Winora has fitted it with a carrying strap.
Two times two makes four
The manufacturer equips each of the two frame shapes Mid and High with a derailleur gear system with ten gears or a hub gear system with five gears. The frame shapes are relatively similar. The High features a straight top tube that meets the seat tube so far down that it can easily be described as a trapezoidal frame. The top tube of the Mid is curved and sits a little lower on the seat tube. This makes it easier to get on and off the bike.
Whether you prefer derailleur gears or hub gears depends on your needs. With derailleur gears, the differences between the individual gears are significantly smaller, which makes it much easier to find the right gear ratio. The system also has a wider gear range. In return, the hub gears and the associated belt drive reduce the amount of maintenance and care that you have to put into the ebike.
Rear rack with its own signature
Regardless of the gearing system, there is a rear rack for every model that can carry a load of 15 kilograms. As Winora was unable to find a rack from various suppliers that met its own requirements, the manufacturer realised its own idea. The result is a variant that blends unobtrusively into the design of the iRide Pure. The only downer for some of you might be the fact that only bike bags can be attached to it, as there is no cargo bed in the centre.
According to the manufacturer, the Winora eRide Pure is available immediately in four different models. Prices start at 3,399 euros.
Winora iRide Pure at a glance
- Variants: iRide Pure R5f High, iRide Pure R5f Mid, iRide Pure X10 High, iRide Pure X10 Mid
- Frame: Aluminium
- Frame sizes: 42 cm, 44 cm, 48 cm, 52 cm
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Control unit: Bosch Mini Remote + Bosch System Controller
- Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus Inter 5e, Shimano Cues U6000
- Brakes: Shimano Deore M6100, Shimano MT410
- Maximum permitted total weight: 130 kg
- Price: 3,999 euros / 3,399 (X10) euros
Pictures: Winora-Staiger GmbH
