All information on the new motor and other new products from Bosch eBike Systems for 2020 can be found here: LINK

Also the First Ride report: LINK

Processing & details

At 2.9 kilos, the new motor is not only 25 percent lighter, but also 48 percent more compact. This gives frame manufacturers the opportunity to design shorter rear triangles that optimize the handling of e-bikes.

In use

In order to get the best possible impression, the motor was ridden on two different bikes:

• Focus Thron²6.9 2020
• Scott Genius eRide 910 2020

In general, the first impression was confirmed. Especially on the steep and technically demanding single trails, the revised eMTB mode showed itself from its best side. Regardless of whether the ground is loose and slippery or completely rooted, the power transmission is always optimally dosed and prevents the rear wheel from spinning. It doesn't matter whether you are overcoming obstacles at high speed or at a moderate pace. The motor assistance is provided without delay and gives you good control over the bike. If you pedal hard and benefit from up to 340 percent assistance, you can tackle climbs that previously seemed unrideable. With the right technique, you can literally shoot out of uphill bends with berms and take the full momentum with you. It's great fun and a real thrill. Bosch calls this Uphill Flow. It is no coincidence that the Stuttgart-based industry giant advertises with "Feel the Flow".

Well, at some point every uphill ride comes to an end and then what? Then comes the tried and tested downhill flow. Many people think that motor assistance is not necessary downhill. It is certainly not necessary, but depending on the route, you can also accelerate out of the bends and pick up more speed. Here too, the very powerful support of the new motor proves its worth. And since it now has a freewheel, the bike can also be accelerated over the 25-hour kilometer limit without any effort.

The new Kiox display is fitted to the Focus test bike. The possibilities offered by the smartphone connection are very extensive and were not fully tested. This would have exceeded the time available. Operation is intuitive and effortless. The beautifully designed control element is easy to reach even when riding at full speed. The only thing that is not really ideal is the bracket positioned above the stem. It is very exposed and prevents you from turning the bike upside down in the event of a flat tire or other defect.

Conclusion

Bosch has done its homework and set the benchmark for e-bike motors with the new Performance Line CX. The Kiox mount may not convince everyone, but fortunately there are already third-party solutions for this.

Recommendation

The motor alone does not make a good or suitable bike. If you are not completely convinced by the handling during a test ride, try a bike from another manufacturer, it certainly won't be down to the new CX.

Manufacturer/distribution

www.bosch-ebike.com