Bosch launches a software update for the Performance CX motor. Yes, time moves fast in the world of e-MTBs. One innovation follows the next and today's state of the art technology is often old hat tomorrow. Things are particularly hot at the moment when it comes to drives. At the beginning of the year, Shimano launched the Steps drive, the first real Bosch competitor. The Swabians had to be shown the ropes when it came to sensor technology. And many say: bikes with a Shimano motor simply feel more like a bike.
But now Bosch is launching a counter-attack and - let's get this out of the way - is turning all the findings inside out. And without changing a single screw on the motor, but "only" with a software update. And the best thing for Bosch riders: all CX motors can be easily converted. The magic word is E-MTB mode. This logo also appears on the display.
The new E-MTB mode replaces the Sport mode in the Bosch logic. The special feature: It works like an automatic system that is specially adapted to mountain bike requirements. "No Trigger" is the new motto, which can also be seen as a challenge to the Shimano Di2 triggers.
The E-MTB mode replaces the Tour to Turbo modes and supports between 120 per cent (Tour mode) and 300 per cent (Turbo mode) depending on the pedal input. The Bosch software specialists have fine-tuned the sensors for controlling the motor so that switching between the support levels should be superfluous. For example, if you need full turbo power on a steep ramp, the system automatically releases the power. The less pressure you put on the pedals, the less assistance the system adds. In Bosch marketing jargon, this is called "Optimised Trail Control". The mode should not only feel progressive and more bike-like, but also save power. This is because the system automatically recognises when less power is required. Only Eco mode is left out and is not included in E-MTB mode.
In addition to the obvious features of the new E-MTB mode, the Bosch engineers have also worked on the sensitivity of the system. Whereas previously you had to downshift manually when starting off on steep ramps with little traction, the new mode now does this automatically (Optimised Direct Control). At the same time, a bug from previous versions has now been eliminated: while the engine sometimes only started up after half a turn of the crank when starting off, it now reacts spontaneously and without delay.
The software update should be available from dealers from July. It is free of charge from Bosch. If anything has to be paid, then only the obligatory time spent in the workshop.
Conclusion:
It's strange: not long ago, I was mocking the new Purion gearshift unit, which is not very ergonomic. Now you don't need to shift gears at all. The new E-MTB mode works so well that it completely changes the handling of my E-MTB. While I previously used the switches for the support levels in a similar way to the gears, I can now ride anywhere with one mode. The motor reacts to the slightest input from the pedal and always provides the right level of assistance. No more traction loss on steep terrain because you've forgotten to change gear, no more question marks about which gear is the right one. And when starting off on steep ramps, the power is spontaneous and controlled. With the EMTB mode, Bosch has taken a step that puts the performance of the competition from the Far East in the shade in terms of modulation. Switch on, ride off and don't even realise you're on an E-MTB - that's what Shimano has achieved with the Trail mode. Now Bosch is pulling a system out of the drawer that is even more powerful. And the best thing is that it can be retrofitted to all CX motors.
