Intelligent, modern, connected - With the Smart System for the Performance Line electric motor, Bosch will be the entire drive system, from motor to battery, was rebuilt. Apart from the larger 750 battery, functional advances remained limited for the time being, but Bosch promised great things for the future thanks to the computing power and connectivity of the new system. And the Swabians delivered: an app with an ever-increasing range of functions, the Smartphone gripa navigation function in the Kiox display, a new Race engineeven an impressive ABS was presented.
System Controller and Mini Remote: The sporty alternative for the Bosch Performance Line
A supposedly small innovation almost threatened to get lost in the shuffle. At Eurobike 2022, Bosch presented the System Controller and the Smart Remote. Two control units that have been specially designed as an alternative to the LED remote for sporty use of the Performance Line CX. With the most important information in a minimalist top tube display and a small but sophisticated handlebar remote, which is only connected to the top tube display via Bluetooth instead of a cable connection.
We were able to see both parts, Mini Remote and System Controller, at the launch of Orbea's new E-MTB Wild have already tested extensively. What is striking is that, unlike the top tube display from competitor Specialized, the Bosch System Controller does not offer a digital display but, like the LED remote, is limited to the essentials. The battery status is displayed via the five bars - first blue, then white, then off - in ten per cent increments. The coloured U in the upper area shows the selected support level. This matches the sporty purpose of the Bosch E-MTB motor and gives the System Controller a robust appearance. If you want more information, such as an exact percentage battery level or other riding data, you will have to use the app or an additional display such as the Kiox. The System Controller is easy to read in practice and can even be read out of the corner of your eye while riding. At least as long as bike manufacturers mount the system controller high enough up in the field of vision.
After a long press on the power button of the Bosch system controller, the e-bike starts up. If you prefer a purist approach, you can also adjust the speed using the lower +/- button on the control panel, thus dispensing with a remote completely. A short press switches up a step, a long press down a step. Of course, this is not intended for technical terrain. The mini-remote, which is connected to the controller or a Kiox display via Bluetooth, helps you to quickly change the gear level on the Bosch Performance Line motor.
Bosch Mini-Remote - that's all you need on an E-MTB
The seemingly simple rocker offers fantastic ergonomics. The mini remote can be operated perfectly even when blind. This is a significant improvement on the otherwise familiar wired LED remote. The push assist and light can also be controlled by a long press, while the centre button controls a larger display such as Kiox, Nyon or even a connected smartphone in the smartphone grip. The only downside is that the System Controller (approx. € 119) can only be retrofitted to bikes with a Smart System that already have a corresponding cut-out in the top tube for the System Controller. However, many 2022 bikes from major brands have already been designed accordingly. Bosch does not officially sell the System Controller separately, but we were able to find it on the market. The Mini Remote (49 euros), on the other hand, also works on bikes with a Kiox display and should therefore be an attractive option for many people when retrofitting the tried-and-tested Bosch Performance Line drive.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
