Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition: A Motor For eMTB Racing

An interesting feature of many eMTB races is that the race length is too long for most batteries to last the entire distance in Turbo mode; as a result, racers have to choose where and when they use the eMTB’s full power and conserve when possible, which is what makes the rider-controlled parameters important.

In a departure from other units, the system controller will be integrated into the top tube, in part to protect it in the event of crashes or falls. For those who want something more easily at hand, Bosch will offer a handlebar-mounted device called the Mini Remote which will offer control of the unit via a Bluetooth connection. Like some of Bosch’s other units, the Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition will include both Walk Assist and Hill Hold functions for when riders are forced to dismount.

The Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition will be paired with Bosch’s popular Powertube 625 battery, which, as its name suggests, provides 625Wh of power.

Here at Electric Bike Report, we’ve been waiting for a race-specific eMTB motor. In our estimation, given the way eMTB racing has been growing, both abroad and here, we knew someone was going to release a racing-specific motor at some point, and while we weren’t sure who would do it first, our money has been on Bosch from the beginning.

Some of the features of the Performance Line CX Race Limited —like placing the controller in the top tube—are likely to trickle down to other product lines. Why? Having the controller positioned out of the way, where it would be difficult to damage in the event of a fall or crash, is a terrific idea; mounting an easy-to-replace Bluetooth selector on the handlebar means that the e-bike can still be ridden even if the selector is damaged, and because it won’t contain any of the critical circuitry or processors, replacing the switch is unlikely to cost much. This is an idea some companies, including Specialized and Orbea, have already adopted.

Extended Boost is a fascinating feature, one that promises to make eMTB riding and racing more dynamic. We can see its utility, not just in racing, but in all technical riding. The trails near our offices are exceptionally technical and often require dynamic movements to ascend sections that feel more like steps than slopes. Extended Boost is a feature that will allow riders to simply goose the pedals briefly and then focus on rider position, weight shift and steering. It’s a feature that will make riding safer in some places, but carries with it the challenge of figuring out how to ride an eMTB with a motor that keeps going after a rider has stopped pedaling.

We are curious to see how this new motor will be priced, and ultimately how the bikes it is spec’d on will be priced. The “Limited” designation seems likely to spur demand among riders who may worry that it will be in short supply.

While this new motor is considered a limited edition, we’ve placed our money on the idea that this motor is just the first of a series of dedicated race motors. It seems unlikely that Bosch would devote so much effort to developing a race-specific motor and not have plans to develop this technology further.

What are your thoughts on Bosch’s latest motor? Let us know in the comments below!