Braked too hard, front wheel slipped or went over the handlebars? Many bikers are familiar with this - thanks to Bosch's new ABS, this should now be a thing of the past. The ABS, short for anti-lock braking system, prevents the front wheel from locking up during emergency braking and thus slipping too much or throwing the rider over the handlebars.
It is already the second ABS generation for e-bikes that the Swabian electronics giant is presenting at Eurobike 2022. Compared to the first generation, the new Bosch ABS system is significantly lighter and more compact and should also be more affordable than before. In addition to the city and trekking bike modes, "Touring" and "Allroad", there is now a "Trail" mode for the first time, which was designed for sporty off-road riding and makes the system interesting for e-mountainbikes. What's more, Bosch also envisages its use on extreme trail rides and promises real benefits even for very experienced riders.
E-Bike ABS: only controls the front wheel
As in the first generation, Bosch ABS only controls the front wheel, the rear wheel can still be locked as usual. The E-Bike ABS system will only be available on new complete bikes with Bosch Smart System will be available. An introduction on the aftermarket is not planned. We have already been able to get a first impression of the new ABS. More on this below and in detail, including practical and laboratory tests, in EMTB 4/2022 - in stores from 16 August, as a digital edition or in the DK Kiosk App.
The facts about Bosch ABS at a glance:
New generation of electronics in combination with Bosch's Smart System
- Controls only the front wheel (single-channel system)
- Trail mode for sporty off-road riding
- Can be switched on and off
- No curve detection
- Regulates from a speed of 6 km/h
- Weight of control unit: 227 grams (manufacturer's specification)
- Only available in new bikes
- Expected surcharge: Depending on manufacturer, around 500 euros
The ABS components in detail
The brake itself: Magura MT5 caliper with new brake lever
The basic brake for the new Bosch ABS comes from Magura. The brake manufacturer entered into a partnership with Bosch some time ago. The new ABS system uses the familiar four-piston calliper from the MT5, which Magura combines with a new MTC brake lever. For the time being, only two and three-finger levers will be available.
The new brake lever is based on the lever used by Magura in the MT C5 trekking brake, for example. Here, the piston runs axially, i.e. roughly parallel to the handlebars, instead of radially, i.e. perpendicular to them, as on classic mountain bike brakes. This design makes it possible to use a larger piston in the lever without significantly increasing the manual force required. This means that more oil is moved during braking - the ABS system relies on this higher oil flow for the control process.
ABS off-road: balancing act between braking power and safety
The challenge for ABS off-road is great. If the ABS system no longer allowed any slip at all on the front wheel, the braking distances with ABS would be significantly longer than without it, even on tarmac. The problem is even worse on loose surfaces such as gravel. The shortest braking distance is only achieved here with significant slippage - around 30 to 40 per cent. In addition, dynamic riding manoeuvres, jumps or extreme off-road situations make the system's calculations more difficult. Previous bike ABS systems usually reached their limits here.
However, the risk of losing control increases with the slip. 100 per cent slip and the wheel locks. Uncontrolled slipping can be the result and lead to a fall. The Bosch ABS system attempts to find a compromise. The aim is to maximise safety while maintaining a very high braking force. The rear wheel should hardly lift off when braking, or only slightly in trail mode. However, rear wheel offsets and other off-road trial techniques should still be possible.
First impressions of the Bosch ABS
With two different test bikes and test riders of different skill levels, we have already been able to gain a comprehensive impression of the new Bosch ABS. The system regulates inconspicuously and with impressive aplomb, even on changing surfaces. The first impression is extremely impressive. The system performs the task of a sensitive brake finger extremely reliably and gives the rider a real safety boost. Whether on steep steps, gravel, roots, jumps or drops: the ABS always did what was expected of it. And without any annoying brake stuttering.
Even sporty riders benefit from an additional feeling of safety. You don't have to concentrate as much on braking and can consciously put more pressure on the front wheel even on steep sections. Traction and manoeuvrability benefit.
You can read the detailed test including braking distance comparison and laboratory measurement in EMTB 4/2022 - from 16 August in specialist shops and as a digital edition.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
