The most important facts in brief

What has become an integral part of passenger cars and has also proven itself in everyday cycling has now been optimized for regular MTB use on the race track. Bosch has two target groups in mind. On the one hand, ambitious bikers, and on the other, experts who want to brake later and more powerfully. For this reason, two different modes - which can be switched via the control switch and display - are available: "Trail Pro" and "Race Pro". The latter allows the rear wheel to be specifically lifted off the ground and offset, as the lift-off control is deactivated in Race Pro mode. In Trail mode, the ABS intervenes when the rear wheel is raised to prevent the bike from flying over the handlebars.

The ABS brake is only possible in combination with the Bosch motor and the "Smart System", as this uses the sensor genes that are installed in the motor housing, among other things. There are two suppliers on board: Magura with the MT7 brakes and TRP with the "DH-E Evo".

In use

The ABS support is only used during really hard braking maneuvers or on very slippery surfaces. It takes a bit of courage to try out the ABS system in extreme situations. Full braking on gravel is still the easiest exercise, the front wheel "jerks" - as we know it from car ABS - and the bike stops safely. It takes a little more effort to land on the front wheel after a jump with the brake applied. Normally a guarantee for an OTB (over the bar), i.e. hitting the ground without being pointed. Nope, the front brake decelerates perfectly, the rear lowers and the ride continues. Not quite, after the first such maneuver you stop briefly to take in what has happened. Take a deep breath and carry on.
It's really amazing what wild maneuvers are possible without throwing you off. But be careful: this only works if the bike is not leaning too much. From a certain angle, the front wheel will still slip. Anyone who thinks they can corner at high speed on a gravel road or in the mud is mistaken. It smears you down as usual. A wet wooden bridge (a guarantee for crashes) was not available for the brake test, but a wet steel plate was, where there is normally no grip during braking maneuvers. Thanks to the ABS, there is no slipping and you come to a safe stop after a long braking distance.

Conclusion

It takes very sharp braking or a slippery surface for the ABS to intervene. Those who are used to braking very late and hard will have to get used to the somewhat softer bite. A final verdict on "ABS Pro" cannot be made after two hours on forest trails. However, it has aroused interest in a few intensive test rides in the Alps, because Bosch's ABS definitely impressed. One thing became very clear in the first test: "ABS Pro" will offer less experienced bikers massively more safety off-road.