E-Performance: The time has come! Bosch lifts the curtain on the new E-MTB drive - the Bosch Performance CX 2020. Smaller dimensions, lower weight, better performance - can the new drive fill in the large footsteps of its popular predecessor?
The Bosch Performance CX should - without downplaying other drives - at least in this country still the E-MTB drive at all. Why still? Well, after all, the engine is entering its fifth season this year, making it a good deal older than most of the competition. Yes, Bosch has of course expanded the functionality over the years and added features, such as the E-MTB mode or even that Kiox display. Nevertheless: Five years feels like an eternity in the fast-moving world of bicycles. So it wasn't too surprising when we were presented with the successor at a press event earlier this summer. Bosch Performance CX becomes ... Bosch Performance CX!
Bosch Performance CX 2020: 50% smaller, 25% lighter
Even if nothing changes in the name - the biggest difference to the predecessor should be immediately apparent at first glance: The new Performance CX 2020 has become a good deal smaller. Overall, Bosch speaks of a size reduced by 50%. This allowed you to directly address one of the biggest criticisms of the previous CX engine; even if this could easily keep up with significantly more up-to-date drives in terms of performance, it was still a good deal larger and also heavier than the competition. The development of the Bosch Performance CX 2020 was also aware of this and one of the focal points was the reduction of size and weight. The new design also says goodbye to the rather controversial "egg" shape of the previous CX and opens up significantly better integration options for frame manufacturers. Finally bikes with short chain stays can be realized with the most powerful Bosch motor! The drive unit has also shrunk in width: The previous Q-factor of approx. 180mm could be reduced to 175mm.
Of course, dimensions and weight go hand in hand: At 2,9 kg, the new CX drive is now within striking distance of the lightest E-MTB motors on the market and almost a whole kilogram lighter than the previous version - remarkable! This is made possible, among other things, by the magnesium case, which also makes a much more modern and fresher visual impression.
Bosch Performance CX: More support and decoupled transmission
But even if weight and size are of course important ingredients for a successful e-bike drive; In practice, what counts is the performance, the liveliness, the power that the engine brings to the asphalt or trail. Here, too, the southern German manufacturer was able to improve on its predecessor – despite the reduced dimensions: While the nominal power and torque remain the same at 250W and 75Nm, the maximum support power has been increased from 300% to 340%. In addition, one promises that the new CX reacts noticeably more directly and lively to pedal pressure. Another exciting innovation: there will be specially adapted software for particularly short crank arms in order to be able to use maximum performance here as well. The background: Some manufacturers are now installing crank arms with 165mm or even shorter on their E-MTBs in order to improve ground clearance.
Another important innovation is the integrated freewheel, which completely decouples the crankshaft from the gearbox when the drive is deactivated or speeds exceed 25km/h. The bike is much easier to pedal in these cases, has no internal resistance and feels almost like an analogue mountain bike without a motor. As known from the Active Line and Active Line Plus drives presented in 2018, Bosch is now also saying goodbye to the small chainrings on the CX. Not only technically, but also visually a great benefit.
Bosch Performance CX 2020: First impressions from practice
As part of the press event, we also had the opportunity to test ride a bike with the new Bosch Performance CX 2020. It didn't go into the real terrain, but we were able to tackle some steep asphalt ramps and various gravel roads. We immediately noticed two things: Yes, the drive reacts noticeably more lively and faster to pedal pressure. This is particularly noticeable in E-MTB mode, which is of course still on board. Just as noticeable was the still clearly audible but greatly changed background noise of the engine: Of course, the volume itself often depends on the overall bicycle system, but our first impression was that the new CX is about as loud or quiet as its predecessor, but the engine noise is significantly higher and almost turns into a "hum". Bosch fans will probably have to get used to this for a short time.
In terms of power, the drive is in no way inferior to its predecessor, even if the 40% additional support performance was difficult to feel without a direct comparison and in such a short time. However, our impression was that the new drive provided a bit more and longer-lasting support, especially at very high cadences, although the previous CX had already done very well here.
Bosch Performance CX 2020: Our preliminary conclusion
The big revolution is missing with the new Bosch Performance CX - and that's a good thing! The main points of criticism of the previous drive - dimensions, weight and the lack of decoupling over 25km/h - could be successfully eliminated and the performance kept at the same high level or even improved slightly. The compact design opens up new possibilities for frame designers in particular and should therefore continue the Performance CX success story.
The new Performance CX will be seen for the first time on e-bikes for the 2020 season, but will not (yet) completely replace its predecessor. We are looking forward to the new Bosch CX bikes for the 2020 season and are excited to see what the manufacturers can get out of the new drive!
Bosch E-Bike News 2020: All new products at a glance:
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