The most important facts in brief

The revised ABS system from Bosch made a good impression in its first test use. Find out more here or under the links at the end of this article. But how does it perform in enduro use and under full load on a descent with 12oo Elevation loss without a break?

In use

To find out the strengths of the system and the limits of what is possible, two different tests were carried out. The ABS Pro was developed in close collaboration with E-MTB world champion Nathalie Schneitter, so we went on an extensive enduro test ride with her personally. When it comes to fighting for every second downhill, the ABS shows its best side. During late and hard braking manoeuvres, you benefit from optimized control over the bike because the system modulates the application of force better than a human can. The ABS brakes only as hard as necessary and skillfully reduces the braking force. This allows you to exit corners with more momentum and accelerate earlier.

Because the front wheel does not lock up even on leaves, damp surfaces and a small amount of mud, corners are mastered with more confidence. The sensor system is so sophisticated that it also intervenes in unexpected situations. For example, if the brakes are applied too hard in very tight bends or if there is a sharp steering angle due to a driving error. In both cases, the ABS "opens" the brakes and prevents crashes or excessive braking and therefore loss of speed.

On very steep descents, the bike rolls better over obstacles, the system doses the braking force so well that you can concentrate fully on your line choice and the surface. At first, it takes a little effort to "blindly" trust the ABS, but after a few rides, you know how to make the most of it.

The endurance test in continuous use on a 1200 Elevation loss descent without a break revealed slightly different findings. In contrast to the enduro test, where braking is usually short and heavy, the crux of the matter on many alpine trails is continuous braking. On very steep sections, it is often necessary to pull the brakes for several seconds to get the speed under control. And this is where the ABS system is weak. Not because it is not sophisticated enough, but because of the technical conditions. When the ABS is used, it "draws" brake fluid from the system into a small "reservoir" so that it can intervene. However, once this is full, it has to be emptied again. This happens when the brake is released again. But this is exactly what can become a problem. If you shoot into a steep section at high speed, where hard and long continuous braking is required, the braking force will eventually diminish. It is now necessary to release the front brake briefly so that the reservoir is emptied. To avoid having to release the brake at the most inopportune moment, it is necessary to brake with a little foresight and not too hard. This way, the ABS is not even activated and only the "normal" brake is in use.

Conclusion

Thanks to the ABS Pro from Bosch, bends and short steep sections are mastered with more momentum and more safety. In addition, the motto "If you brake later, you'll be faster for longer" applies. When riding aggressively, the system shines and optimizes braking. But be careful: in deep mud or when the bike is leaning sharply into corners and on slippery surfaces, the front wheel still "goes astray". The ABS cannot override physics if the tire itself no longer has any grip. With very long and hard braking, the ABS reaches its technical limits, which must always be borne in mind.

Manufacturer

www.bosch-ebike.com