Bosch is positioning itself in the high-performance trekking drive segment with the new Performance Line PX. The motor was specially developed for demanding bike tours, weekend excursions and extended bike-packing trips and, unlike the CX and SX MTB motors, is also compatible with coaster brakes.
With a maximum torque of 90 Newton metres, a peak output of 700 watts and support of up to 400 percent, the Performance Line PX is designed to deliver a powerful yet balanced riding experience on a trekking bike. The weight of 2.9 kilograms is on a par with the direct sibling Performance Line CX for e-mountainbikes.
The Bosch PX at a glance
- Maximum torque: 90 Nm
- Peak power: 700 watts
- Maximum support: 400 per cent
- Weight: 2.9 kg
- Support up to: 25 km/h
- Torque: 85 Nm (factory setting)
- Power: 600 watts (factory setting)
- Support: 340 per cent (factory setting)
- Compatible with eShift, eBike ABS and coaster brakes
- Recycled aluminium in the housing: approx. 40 percent
Powerful support and customisation
The smart sensor system of the Performance Line PX is designed to respond precisely. Unlike the dynamic Performance Line CX, the focus is on a natural support feeling on tours. To achieve this, Bosch has transferred some of the features already familiar from the e-mountainbike to the trekking flagship, but has garnished this with its very own software for maximum harmonious pedalling flow.
The sensitive sensor system is designed to provide a powerful boost, especially when starting off. On steeper terrain, smart functions facilitate like the pushing aid or hill start assist to make travelling easier. This is a particular advantage on tours with heavy luggage. As usual with Bosch, the performance values can be customised to personal preferences in the eBike Flow app. For example, the maximum torque can be increased on tours with lots of inclines and heavy luggage. If you are travelling on long flat stages, you can reduce the motor support and thus optimise your range. The Bosch PX comes from the factory with 85 Nm and a peak output of 600 watts; the higher values must be activated via the app.
Quiet operation and convenient functions
With the Performance PX, special priority has been given to the background noise. Thanks to a new gear concept, the motor should provide low-noise assistance and remain quiet even when rolling. As with other Bosch drives, the assistance is limited to 25 km/h. Above this speed, the gearbox decouples the motor so that the e-bike can be pedalled with hardly any noticeable resistance. We have already been able to demonstrate this impressively in the laboratory with the new CX.
With Auto mode, adventure-seekers can simply keep pedalling, even on climbs and into headwinds, as the riding mode automatically provides optimum support. This means you don't have to switch between riding modes and can simply enjoy the ride. All this, the quieter gearbox and the lower pedalling resistance were first introduced by Bosch last year with the successfully presented the new Performance Line CX.
Compatibility with eShift and eBike ABS
For additional comfort on trekking tours, Bosch recommends the electric shifting solution eShift. With the automatic solution, the eBike with the Performance Line PX automatically shifts to the appropriate gear - according to the individually selected cadence. This is now available for the first time with derailleur gears from Shimano such as the Cues Di2 and the XT Di2. As a positive side effect, this should also reduce material wear on the drivetrain. eShift with automatic shifting is also available with Enviolo and TRP and, of course, Shimano's Nexus Di2 hub gears.
When going downhill with fully loaded panniers or when the route leads over slippery gravel or wet forest paths, the Bosch E-Bike ABS is designed to provide additional safety. Precise sensors in the Performance Line PX measure the inclination and speed of the e-bike very accurately and regulate optimum braking support without the bike locking dangerously. Skidding or rolling over should therefore be a thing of the past. The Performance Line PX is available in conjunction with Bosch E-Bike ABS with brakes from Magura, TRP and Shimano.
New features in the eBike Flow app
Bosch's app now offers a 3D map display of the terrain and visualises the elevation profile of the immediate surroundings. Also new: in the statistics, users can see an annual overview of the number of all rides, the distance travelled, the riding time and the altitude difference. These statistics apply to all e-bikes registered in the eBike Flow app. A small drawback: both functions are reserved for paying customers with a Flow+ subscription.
Focus on sustainability
Bosch also paid attention to sustainability when developing the Performance Line PX. Around 40 percent recycled aluminium is used in the housing of the drive unit. This saves almost half of the CO₂ emissions of the housing. Bosch eBike Systems also uses recycled plastic for some components in the Drive Unit, thereby supporting the circular economy. Bosch already demonstrated similar endeavours last year when the Swabian company have removed the black anodising from the new Powertube batteries for ecological reasons.
New Performance Line: 75 Newton metres and up to 600 watts
In addition to the new Performance Line PX, there is also the slightly cheaper Performance Line. This motor is also completely new and developed for trekking bikes. The new Performance Line offers up to 340 per cent support, 75 Newton metres of torque and 600 watts of power. The most important difference to its predecessor: at just 2.8 kilograms, the new motor is considerably lighter. As with the SX and PX, the focus here is on a particularly powerful and natural ride.
BIKE assessment of Performance Line and PX
With Performance Line and PX, Bosch presents two completely new motors especially for the trekking segment. Both motors are back-pedalling compatible and come with two instead of the previous three mounting points. Lighter and more powerful than before, they benefit from the technology of the new CX, but are likely to be somewhat cheaper. The promise of the most harmonious and yet reactive assistance possible was fully realised during our first test ride with the new drives. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
