New features via software update? Back in 2020, Bosch showed that this is possible and gave the Performance Line CX 10 Newton metres more torque and the "Extended Boost" in E-MTB mode. In effect, an extended overrun that helped bikers over obstacles. Since then, this has been a strong selling point for the Bosch e-bike motor when it comes to technical uphills.
The Bosch Performance Line CX Race at a glance:
- Variant of the well-known Performance Line CX
- 200 grams lighter (now 2.7 kilograms - manufacturer's specification)
- Unchanged peak power: 85 Nm, up to 550 watts
- New support mode: Race
- More expensive than Performance CX - surcharge depending on bike manufacturer approx. 500 to 800 euros
CX Race: 200 gram weight saving, same top performance
Now the Swabians are showing the CX Race once again what is possible with software. But first to the new hardware of the Bosch e-bike motor, or to give it its full name: Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition. Although the housing is identical to the well-known Performance Line CX apart from the colour, the engineers of the CX Race have, according to the manufacturer, been able to Save 200 grams. This mainly concerns lighter parts in the inner workings of the drive and helps the new CX Race drive to weigh just 2.7 kilograms. Bosch remains silent on where exactly the weight has been saved. Considering the total mass of an E-MTB, the weight saving is unlikely to make a big difference, but racers will certainly be pleased. As before, the CX Race remains 85 Newton metres of torque at the peakThe maximum power is also unchanged. Bosch itself does not provide any information on this, but according to our measurements, the drive delivers approximately 550 watts maximum.
How the "Limited Edition" in the full name of the new drive, it will be the E-bike motor will initially only be available in limited quantities. This means that manufacturers will not be able to order an unlimited number of motors. Here, too, Bosch is not providing any precise information on quantities. However, it should be clear that due to the limitation and a presumably higher price due to the weight saving Top models in particular for the time being are likely to be equipped with the new Bosch Performance Line CX Race.
Update: The first bike models with the new CX-Race have now been unveiled. The surcharge compared to the "normal" Performance CX is in the high three-digit range - depending on the manufacturer at approx. 700 Euro.
The new "Race" support level - winning races with software
However, the main difference to the classic Performance CX drive lies in the software. The new Bosch CX Race has a new support mode of the same name. "Race" is specially designed to make up time on the climbs. To achieve this, Bosch has increased the support from 340 raised to 400 per cent - In other words, the motor accelerates faster. With 100 watts of rider power, the CX Race now adds 400 watts of motor power, compared to the previous 340 watts. In addition, the Race mode reacts even more directly to the rider's pedalling and now also offers extended coasting. This "Extended Boost" Bosch has borrowed the aforementioned function from E-MTB mode and added it to Race mode. reinforced.
New benchmark in the uphill: the Bosch Performance Line CX Race on the trail
Will this make the motor a venomous racing specialist? We have already had the opportunity to ride the new CX Race. It pushes demonstratively, a finger within reach of the rear brake is not a mistake when going uphill. After a little familiarisation, however, the thrust is also easy to control with thigh pressure in Race mode, but it still moves forward a little faster than in Turbo mode, especially with moderate effort. On the other hand, we were unable to feel the higher reactivity of the new e-bike drive in practice.
However, another feature leaves no doubt as to whether you are in Turbo or Race mode. The overrun after powerful pedal strokes is really long in Race support mode - the motor pushes you for what feels like half a second after the last pedal stroke. Uphill climbs are therefore much easier to master than before, as long as there is sufficient traction.
Bosch Performance Line CX Race: EMTB summary
With the Bosch CX Race, Bosch has set its sights on a special target group. The aggressive Race mode is certainly not for every biker, but it strikes a good compromise between powerful forward thrust and still good modulation. The combination of high support on the one hand and Extended Boost on the other is an excellent match for sporty uphills when the clock is ticking. Unfortunately, a corresponding software update for existing CX drives is not planned for the time being.
The new CX Race: Interview with Product Manager Christoph Schumacher
EMTB: What is the idea behind the CX Race? Only very few e-mountain bikers race.
Christoph Schumacher: The idea behind the new motor is firstly to provide e-MTB racers, whether professionals or amateurs, with a product that is designed to be as fast as possible. Especially uphill. But we also want to appeal to those who simply enjoy competing with their mates on the uphill. On the other hand, we have created a specialised product that gives manufacturers the opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition in the high-end segment. The CX Race is therefore both a very sporty drive and one that shows what is currently technically possible.
The CX Race will only be available for a limited time? What does that mean?
Each manufacturer can purchase a certain number of drive units per model year. We do not specify exact quantities, but there is a certain limitation. However, the products will be available from specialist dealers as normal, just not in very large quantities.
Is the CX Race then the new top model?
The CX Race is out of competition. Firstly due to the limitation and secondly due to the special use case. Alongside our CX Drive Unit, it is another specialised version of the CX. This is because the basic performance figures, maximum torque and maximum power are identical.
Will the innovations in the software arrive at some point in the "normal" CX? Is a race mode also conceivable here?
Race mode is initially intended exclusively for the CX Race.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
