The new fast – Bosch eBike Systems presents drive unit for eMTB racing
Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition: uncompromising performance for the fastest rides
– ‘Race’ mode developed exclusively for Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition offers energetic and direct support up to 400% of the rider’s power
– New drive unit is Bosch eBike Systems’ lightest ever, supporting better bike handling and maximum performance
– Limited Edition drive unit is designed for top-end race-focussed eMTBs
The new Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition is the culmination of many years of eMTB racing experience, encompassing the Bosch team’s technical know-how and feedback from Bosch-supported athletes across many seasons of professional racing.
The Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition unleashes its full potential in demanding eMTB races with particularly difficult uphill and downhill technical sections. The specially developed ‘Race’ mode offers direct response and uncompromising support with a low weight, making it the ideal solution for setting new records.
Mountain biking is deeply rooted in the DNA of Bosch eBike Systems. One of the first-ever eMTBs was equipped with a Bosch drive back in 2010. Since then, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance while developing a range of products for eMTB riders. 2014’s Performance Line CX was the first eBike drive specifically designed for eMTB, followed by the creation of the eMTB mode in 2018 which continues to set the standard today. The addition of Extended Boost and Hill Hold features for model year 2023 continue to make the eMTB experience even better.
Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems, said: “As a passionate eMTB rider myself, I know the pain, effort and excitement of the trail very well. 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.”
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 new Race mode offers energetic, direct support up to 400 percent of the rider’s power. Riders reach maximum support faster and can use it to the cut-off at 25 km/h.
Only those with precise riding technique 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 can be handled more easily. In addition, the strength of support, dynamics, maximum speed and maximum torque provided by Race mode can be adjusted in the eBike Flow app.
Lightest drive unit in the Bosch portfolio
At 2.75 kilograms, 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 optimises the handling of the eMTB on demanding trails, allowing for more control downhill and over jumps plus easier handling of the bike when not being ridden.
With 85 Nm of torque, the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition offers maximum power for acceleration in all situations, which can be a decisive competitive advantage. Even at cadences over 120 rpm the motor provides explosive support, helping the rider to achieve their best times on demanding trails.
The racing pedigree of the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition is also clear in the design. The magnesium housing has a graphite grey metal finish and stands out visually from other drive units thanks to the logo and accent colours. The drive unit can be perfectly integrated into a sporty, slim frame design and makes for particularly agile handling.
Early cooperation with professionals and involvement in eMTB sport
The racing know-how of the pros and the experience gained from the countless test rides flowed directly into the development of the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition.
“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.”
In recent years Bosch eBike Systems has played a decisive role in eMTB racing. This season alone the brand has supported 60 podium finishes in eMTB races around the world; but Bosch’s commitment goes beyond matching products to athletes and teams. The company has played an active role in shaping the emergence of eMTB racing and has been instrumental in creating the right framework for professional races such as the Enduro World Series (EWS-E). Bosch continues to campaign for clean racing, with uniform regulations and active action against tuning.
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 MY23, designed to support professional riders in their races.
The System Controller is seamlessly integrated into the top tube, giving extra protection from shocks and impacts. The Mini Remote, which, thanks to Bluetooth connection to the System Controller, can be flexibly mounted on the handlebar to complement the purist control unit. For even easier handling, the button placement helps the rider to keep their hands on the handlebar at all times and easily activate the smart Push Assist. Overall, these components enable riders to progress faster on steep climbs while the integrated Hill Hold function prevents unintentional roll-back. The PowerTube 625 battery is the perfect fit for demanding races and rides.