The secret is not that complicated: instead of aluminium, the Brose has designed the housing of the new Drive S Mag made of magnesium and thus saves a whopping 500 grams of weight. This puts the new top-of-the-range e-drive model from Berlin at 2900 grams, putting it on a par with the Shimano Steps E8000. The volume of the e-bike motor is also said to have shrunk by 15 per cent, while two different installation variants give bike manufacturers more freedom and enable even better integration.
Brose has also left virtually no part of the electric drive untouched. The new electronics and improved software should enable a maximum support of 410 per cent. In the previous top-of-the-range Drive S model, this was specified as 380 per cent. The maximum torque is specified at 90 Newton metres for both variants.
In addition to the use of magnesium, the Drive S Mag is said to have made the biggest leap with the new software. The newly created support level with the resonant name "Flex Power Mode" is set to take off thanks to the combination of two software features: In this mode, the assistance runs speed- and torque-controlled. This should provide up to 30 per cent more power at high cadences. The response behaviour of the engine is also said to have been improved, which will make starting off on hills much easier.
We have already been able to test the latest development stage from Brose, including a direct comparison with its predecessor. Read on to find out how the new Flex Power Mode feels and whether the differences to the 2018 model are really noticeable. EMTB 3/2018, on newsstands from the beginning of August. By the way: The aluminium Drive S Alu version is identical to the 2018 Drive S. It will continue to be available in 2019, naturally at a lower price than the new top model. Also exciting for all Brose riders and interested parties: the upcoming software update is set to increase the power assistance on all Brose motors.
In addition to the new motor, Brose also presented its own control elements and displays at Eurobike 2018. The very compact and unobtrusive shifter with integrated mini display should be particularly exciting for mountain bikers.
THE FIRST DRIVE REPORT on the BROSE DRIVE S MAG
Riding report We have already been able to test Brose's new Drive S Mag in direct comparison with its predecessor. The increase in power is noticeable, especially at high cadences the motor pushes significantly harder. The response has also improved. Coupled with the low weight, the new drive could cause a sensation in 2019. The only
Shortcoming: The pre-production model was not quite as quiet as we are used to from Brose. According to Brose, precise series production should solve this problem.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
