Bosch innovations
New battery sizes, new display solutions and smart features: Even if the E-bike ABS drowned out everythinga lot has also happened in other areas at Bosch. Last year, Bosch presented a new drive with the Smart System. Now there is a whole range of new parts and functions relating to this ecosystem. Anyone who wanted a minimalist cockpit will be delighted with the new mini-remote.
Much more compact than the LED remote, the small shifter can be used to control the gears, lights, display and push assist. And best of all, the mini remote works wirelessly via Bluetooth. The new shifter can be combined with Kiox300, Smartphone Grip or the brand new system controller. This LED panel is seamlessly integrated into the top tube. A total of six LEDs show the support level and the battery status in ten per cent increments. Theoretically, the system controller can be used without a shifter on the handlebars, as the U-levels can be changed directly on the controller.
The eBike alarm function provides comprehensive theft protection. If the bike is moved by a stranger, a two-stage alarm is sent out. The owner also receives a message on their smartphone. In the event of theft, automatic tracking starts. The position of the bike can be determined via the app and the relevant data passed on to the police. A GPS transmitter, the Connect module, must be installed in the bike for these functions. The services are free of charge for the first year, after which they cost €4.99 per month or €39.99 per year.
There is also a super practical update for the Bosch push assist. The new Hill Hold function prevents the bike from rolling back on steep climbs, even if you take your thumb off the push button. The bike remains stationary for up to ten seconds until the rider either reactivates the push function or continues riding. A great help in tricky pushing situations.
There will also be more choice in battery sizes for the Performance CX from 2023. The Powertube will then also be available for the Smart system with 625 and 500 watt hours as a smaller and lighter alternative to the 750.
Goodbye derailleur gears
Gearsticks can massively reduce wear on E-MTBs. So far, however, there are hardly any products with major market relevance.
Intradrive I 8 gears
The Scots from Intradrive are presenting their own motor with an integrated manual gearbox. The gearstick is designed to deliver eight gears over a range of 430 per cent. The motor has a torque of 75 Newton metres and three support levels. To make integration easier for bike manufacturers, the system uses the same mounting points as a Shimano EP8 e-bike motor. An Orange e-MTB with Intradrive was already on display at the Eurobike trade fair. More information about Intradrive
Valeo I 7 gears
The French company Valeo is now producing its gear motor in series. The seven-speed gearbox comes from Effigear. There is even an optional automatic shift function that takes care of cadence-controlled gear changes. The motor operates at 48 volts and is said to deliver a full 130 Newton metres. The first manufacturers are already installing the drive. However, French brands such as HeritageBike and Sunn have had little relevance on the German market to date. To the Valeo website
3X3 I 9 gears
The gear hub from 3x3 offers a strong range of 554 per cent, spread over nine gears. In contrast to the classic Rohloff, it can be combined with thru axles, which makes it particularly exciting for use on E-MTBs. The same applies to the load capacity of 250 Newton metres of input torque. 3x3 claims an efficiency of 98 per cent. Nicolai has the hub in test use - whether it will also be used there in series production remains to be seen. More info/3x3 Bike website
