Product News / E-Performance: When Bosch presented its e-bike ABS system to the public for the first time two years ago, we were immediately convinced of its functionality. However, the rather inelegant integration was a thorn in our side and is probably the main reason why the system has not yet been able to establish itself on a broad scale, despite its undisputed security advantages. Bosch is now facing competition from the Italian manufacturer Blubrake – the Milan-based company promises a comparable function, but disappears completely into the frame and is also compatible with all common brakes.
In the automotive sector, modern anti-lock braking systems have been commonplace for many years, but in the case of bicycles, they are an absolute exception - although they are now technically feasible. In many cases, the gain in security through such a system should be undisputed. While ABS would certainly be out of place on sporty bikes, be it racing bikes or MTBs, it fits perfectly into the area of use of modern touring, trekking or city bikes - especially in times of e-mobility. Locking front wheels often lead to falls, which can end badly not only in heavy traffic.
Invisible brake assistant
The Blubrake ABS shares its basic functionality with its counterpart from Bosch: A special ring on the front brake disc, in conjunction with the appropriate sensor, monitors the rotation of the front wheel and transmits this to the central control unit. This also receives further data from the system and integrated algorithms decide whether the ABS should be activated - for example if the front wheel locks or the rear wheel loses contact with the ground. The brake lines of the disc brakes run through another unit of the system, which reduces the braking pressure if the worst comes to the worst until the risk of the vehicle overturning or slipping is averted. The entire system and all of its components are installed in the frame – on the show bike at the Eurobike, all the components are in the top tube. From the outside, only the indicator light is visible, which provides information about the function of the system.
According to Blubrake, the system is completely maintenance-free and works in principle on all wheels and with all brakes, since the algorithms are adapted accordingly in cooperation with the manufacturers. Sounds good? This was also found at Bulls, where four e-bikes will be equipped with the Blubrake ABS for the 2020 model year. Incidentally, the additional weight of all components amounts to a manageable 650g.
First test impressions
As part of the Eurobike 2019, we were able to put the Blubrake ABS to the test on one of the Bulls E-MTBs for the first time. The system is activated by pulling the brake lever once after driving off - a blue LED on the top tube gives the "OK". The first braking tests on asphalt are successful and directly show the character of the system, which differs minimally from that of the Bosch competition. If you pull on the front brake with all your might at high speed, the ABS drastically curbs the braking power right at the beginning, only to grab it again and then take it back a little. This "wave feeling" is a bit unusual at first, but it fulfills its purpose absolutely reliably. Whether you prefer this "interval braking" or the classic stuttering of the Bosch e-bike ABS is a matter of taste - but the function is given in both cases.
However, many wheel accidents caused by braking too hard do not happen on asphalt, but on loose surfaces, especially gravel. In order to test the Blubrake ABS here as well, we went to the short MTB course on the edge of the exhibition center and simulated some extremely unfavorable braking manoeuvres. Knocked handlebars, weight far back on the bike and a courageous grip on the left brake handle. Here, too, the ABS meets our expectations, but here and there the front wheel slips briefly. However, to avoid any misunderstandings: we were able to keep the bike under control at all times and our braking maneuvers would have resulted in a 100% crash on any non-ABS bike. The fact that the Blubrake ABS is only active on the front wheel did not prove to be a problem for us in practice.
Our test drive, which was extremely short due to the stress at the trade fair, can be summed up with a thoroughly positive conclusion. In order to be able to finally assess the reliability of the Blubrake ABS and its everyday performance, a longer test phase is necessary. However, we hope to be able to do this in the near future.