As good as the motors from Fazua, Bafang, Maxon and TQ are now: With the exception of Shimano's EP8, which can also be found in some light bikes, motors in the light segment have tended to be products from smaller manufacturers. This has caused some difficulties, particularly in terms of service, but also in terms of quantities and availability. Now the top dog, Bosch, is entering the ring. And with an attractive package to boot. The new Bosch SX is very quiet and lightweight and offers high peak performance. No wonder that a whole range of bikes with the new drive can now be marvelled at. Last but not least Industry giant Cube is entering the lightweight E-MTB market for the first time.
Bosch Performance Line SX: The most important facts at a glance
- Continuous load: 40 Newton metres / 450 watts motor power (manufacturer's specification)
- Short-term peak values: Up to 55 Newton metres / 600 watts motor power (manufacturer's specification)
- Motor weight: 2.07 kg (EMTB measured value)
- New battery: Compact Tube 400 Wh, 2075 grams (EMTB measured value)
- Range extender Power More 250: 250 Wh
- Q-factor: 172 mm (EMTB measured value)
- Part of the smart system
- Compatible with all corresponding batteries, controls and features
These are the bikes with the SX motor from Bosch
Bulls Evo AM SX with new Bosch SX motor
Bulls is presenting four fullys and four hardtails with the new Bosch Performance Line SX. The highlights for sporty e-bikers are clearly the Bulls BEvo AM SX trail bikes. With 140/130 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels and a weight-optimised full carbon frame, the models are designed for lively, fast tours and trail riding. The rather moderate wheelbase (1246 mm in size L) and moderate steering angle (65.5 degrees) also favour a manoeuvrable riding experience. The battery can be secured with a key and easily removed. There is also the option of attaching the PowerMore range extender with 250 watt hours in the frame triangle. The fully will be available in four equipment variants, one of which is a special women's model. Prices range from 5999 to 9999 euros.
There is also the Bulls Evo SX hardtail in four variants, which change hands from 4999 euros. Here too, low weight is a top priority, which is why all models have an elegant carbon frame. The hardtails share the battery system with the fully models; the battery can be removed from the side of the down tube. The fork has 120 millimetres of suspension travel. One of the four hardtail variants comes fully equipped for everyday use, i.e. mudguards, kickstand and pannier rack. Whether fully or hardtail: all models have the slim LED display system controller from Bosch integrated in the top tube. The system is operated via the wireless mini-remote.
Centurion No Pogo SL
With a prototypes of the No Pogo SL, we were able to test the Bosch SX drive for the first time at the beginning of the year. The finished bike is now at the dealer. With 150/145 millimetres of travel, the No Pogo SL is designed as a classic all-mountain bike and will appeal to a broad target group thanks to its high weight clearance and moderate geometry. The full carbon frame and a permanently installed battery reduce the weight. However, both equipment variants starting at 7999 euros are quite exclusive. In our first test, the Centurion proved to be lively and manoeuvrable in handling, and the geometry and high-quality chassis also scored well. On rough terrain, however, the No Pogo SL lacked a little riding confidence. The suspension also left question marks despite the high-quality hardware.
Conway Ryvon
The chic new Conway Ryvon already turned heads at its presentation at Eurobike. In the meantime, it has to be said that the first light e-MTB from Conway is much more than just a facade. The Ryvon LT enduro model in the top 10.0 version convinced us like no other Light E-MTB to date. At just 18.9 kilograms, the weight is very low for an enduro bike with a classic removable battery. On the trail, the Ryvon impressed us with its agile handling and yet high traction qualities. A lively trail bike and powerful enduro bike in one. Thanks to the dynamic SX motor, we even enjoyed riding the Ryvon LT uphill.
In addition to the Enduro Ryvon LT, the Conway is also available in an ST version. Here, the suspension travel is 150 millimetres instead of 170 millimetres and the equipment is more weight-optimised. The ST is said to be half a kilo lighter than the LT and even more agile. Both bikes come with a mullet wheel mix (29/27.5 inch) and 400 watt hours in the battery. Attention: For weight reasons, Conway has dispensed with a charging port. This means that the battery has to be taken out for charging and a range extender cannot be used either. The Ryvon is available in a total of four models, with prices ranging from 6000 to 10,000 euros.
Corratec RS 140 EL
Corratec is presenting three new bikes with the Bosch SX motor, although there is only one equipment variant for the time being. The three bikes are called RS 140 EL (Trail/All Mountain Fully, 6599 euros), X Vert EL Pro (E-Hardtail 5499 euros) and E-Gravel EL (Gravel bike, 4999 euros). All three bikes "only" have an aluminium frame, leaving a little more money for decent equipment. All three bikes rely on Bosch's 400cc Powertube, which is always folded forwards out of the down tube. The bikes should be available from 2024.
Cube AMS Hybrid One44
Industry giant Cube took its time with the first Light E-MTB. This is because the Upper Palatinate company focussed on this first, with the One55 to put a lightweight bike with full engine power on the tyres. But the wait for the Hybrid One44 was worth it. The result is a bike with an excellent price-performance ratio and first-class riding characteristics. We found it to be precise and direct the new Cube during our first test. The key data: 140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29-inch wheels and, of course, a Bosch SX motor with a 400 battery, permanently installed in the down tube for weight reasons.
The new Cube, whose full name is AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X, is available in two different versions and in a total of four model variants. Behind the bikes with the abbreviations TM (for Tame the Mountain) are two downhill-oriented models with 36 mm forks from Fox, shocks with reservoirs and grippy and robust tyres for 6499 and 8999 euros. The two SL models, with 34 mm forks and lightweight tyres, aim for the lowest possible weight and cost €5999 and €7999. Nice: Even the cheapest SLX model for € 5999 is really light at 17.4kg according to the scales in our test lab, while the SLT weighs just 16.2kg according to the manufacturer's specifications. Here, as well as in terms of handling, Cube's first light bike is way ahead. The competition will have to stretch themselves to keep up with it.
KTM Macina Scarp SX
Trekking, gravel, road and mountain bikes: The Austrians from KTM are really stepping on the gas with the Bosch Performance Line SX motor. The highlight for off-road is the sporty fully Macina Scarp SX. With 34 mm Fox forks, lightweight race tyres and a classy full carbon frame, the focus is fully on weight and fast tours. However, 29er wheels and 140 millimetres of suspension travel should also give the bike decent off-road capabilities. In the meantime, we have been able to test the Macina Scarp SX Prime model for 8399 euros and were very impressed. You sit sporty but not uncomfortably stretched on the KTM, the rear suspension with 140 millimetres offers a surprising amount of comfort and is not overtaxed even in difficult terrain, the weight is quite low at a real 17.4 kilograms.
The top model Macina Scarp SX Exonic for 11099 euros is said to be another kilo lighter. And that with an easily removable Bosch CompactTube 400 battery. As known from other KTM E-MTBs, the battery is located under a cover on the top tube. This allows it to be conveniently lifted upwards. The KTM Macina Scarp SX is also prepared for the use of the Bosch PowerMore 250 additional battery. There are three models starting at 6299 euros. The entry-level model Macina Scarp SX Master is said to weigh in at 18.5 kilos.
Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift
Nicolai is also using the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor as an opportunity to present a light eMTB for the first time. The aluminium frame and production in Germany are unique for light bikes, but typical of the brand with the iconic welded seams. There will be two models: The Nicolai Saturn 11 Swift only offers 105 millimetres of travel at the rear, but the weight of 16.5 kilograms would be really heavy for an aluminium bike with a removable battery. More interesting for trail riders: The Saturn 14 Swift with 130 or 138 millimetres of rear travel, paired with a 140 or 150 mm fork. Weight according to Nicolai: under 20 kilograms. The equipment depends on the customer's wishes, prices start at 9000 euros.
M1 Sporttechnik 400 SX
The Bavarian manufacturer M1 Sporttechnik is known for its extravagant e-mountainbikes. The bikes with powerful Brose and TQ-HPR-120 motors have now been joined by an entire series with the lightweight Bosch SX drives. All of them have the CompactTube 400 in the down tube, which can be folded out forwards in the classic way. The new Bosch Purion 200 with a slim, integrated display is used as the control unit. The full carbon frame is available in different versions between CC for Trail (150/150 mm, 27.5 inches) and EN for Enduro (170/160 mm, Mullet). The top model should weigh less than 18 kilos. A striking detail is the split top tube, in which the shock mount disappears. Prices are between 6500 and 15,000 euros.
And how does the M1 400 SX ride? With the enduro version of the bike with 170/160 millimetres of travel, we were able to get a detailed impression of the new light bike from Bavaria. At 21.1 kilograms, the bike is one of the heavier candidates, particularly due to the heavy Eddy Current tyres, but the convenient battery removal is impressive. In rough enduro use, however, the bike could not fully convince us despite its robust equipment. The M1 doesn't get top marks for smoothness, suspension or playfulness. Our guess: A lighter all-mountain configuration, which M1 also has in its programme, would suit the chassis better and enhance its strengths.
MMR Kaizen
The Spanish brand MMR is known primarily among racing cyclists and cross-country bikers. And: "Machines made for Racing" has already won an Olympic bronze medal and a European Championship victory to match its name. While ambitious E-MTBs have not yet played a major role at MMR, the Spaniards are now venturing out of cover with the Kaizen. A new e-MTB with the Bosch Performance SX light motor, which is very sporty in line with the brand's image. The geometry appears stretched, the angles remain rather conservative, which should ensure direct handling. However, with 140 millimetres of suspension travel, downhill fun should not be neglected. The weight is 16.7 kilograms according to the manufacturer. This puts the MMR in the same league as the Macina Scarp SX from KTM or the new Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX. Three models are available for the Kaizen, with prices ranging from 6699 to 10599 euros.
Norco Fluid VLT
The Canadian manufacturer Norco recently with particularly thick batteries with 900 watt hours. Now the company is presenting the counter-design. The Norco Fluid VLT is the first light e-MTB from Norco and also the first bike with a Bosch motor. With 150/140 millimetres of travel and a wheel mix, the Fluid is aimed at the trail/all-mountain category, while the small rear wheel could give the e-bike a high level of agility. The main frame is made of carbon on all models and houses the new Bosch Compacttube 400 battery, which is permanently installed in the frame and can only be removed for maintenance purposes. The Norco Fluid VLT will be available in four versions. The cheaper C3 and C2 models have an aluminium rear triangle, while the C1 comes with a full carbon frame. There will also be a particularly weight-optimised version with reduced suspension travel of 140/130 millimetres, which should only weigh 17.2 kilograms. The cheaper models weigh up to 19.9 kilograms. The Norco Fluid VLT will be available to buy from spring 2024, with prices starting at a moderate €6499 for Norco.
Orange Phase Evo LE
With the Bosch SX, the English cult brand Orange is also venturing into the lightweight e-mountainbike segment. The bike comes with a mullet wheel mix and 160 millimetres of suspension travel, which is provided by the classic Orange rear triangle with just one link. With its geometry, long wheelbase and not-too-short chainstays, the Orange is aimed at the border area between all-mountain and enduro. Heavy terrain is therefore definitely on the menu here. The 400 watt-hour battery is permanently installed, but should be particularly easy to remove from the frame for maintenance purposes. The Bosch system is controlled by the new Purion 200 display. The Orange is only available in a pre-configured configuration with Fox Factory suspension and Shimano SLX components for 8900 euros.
Superior iXF
The small Czech brand Superior is also presenting a slim bike with the new Bosch Performance Line SX drive at Eurobike. The battery is permanently integrated into the down tube of the full carbon chassis, so the developers are aiming for a weight of just under 17 kilos. And that with a suspension travel of 150/140 millimetres. For longer tours, the Bosch Range Extender PowerMore 250 can be placed on the down tube. All three equipment variants roll on 29er wheels, starting at 5999 euros. The Bosch system is controlled by a mini-remote and system controller.
Whyte E-Lyte
Whyte is another British manufacturer making its debut in the light e-MTB segment with the Bosch SX. The E-Lyte comes with a full carbon frame and 29-inch wheels. The Bosch battery with 400 watt hours is permanently installed in the frame. This is intended to reduce the weight of the bikes. The E-Lyte is available in two different versions. The E-Lyte 140 relies on 140/135 millimetres of suspension travel and the lowest possible weight. So far, there's only one real top model with the title Works, which costs 11,000 pounds but should only weigh 16.4 kilograms. The E-Lyte 150 models are slightly cheaper and also offer a slightly wider range of use with 150/142 millimetres of suspension travel. Only two equally high-quality models have been presented so far, with prices of £8000 and £10,000. Prices in euros are not yet available.
Prototypes: SX bikes with aluminium frames in concept status
In addition to those shown above, several other manufacturers are apparently also working on e-bikes with Bosch's new SX drive and want to publicise this with prototypes exhibited at Eurobike. The Italian manufacturer Thok shows a concept bike that was 3D printed using an innovative process in collaboration with service provider Materialize. This makes it possible to create a rideable prototype quickly after the end of the design phase, with shapes that would not be possible with conventional aluminium processing and that come very close to the final carbon model in terms of appearance and stiffness properties.
Aluminium is also used by the Thuringian bike forge Crossworx. The radical study only had to make do with a two-speed hub from Classified at the rear. But the approach with the belt was exciting. There is now a second version from Crossworx, which was first presented at the Bespoked trade fair in Dresden was shown. With a classic derailleur system, this bike is much closer to the series, albeit somewhat less unusual than the concept with a belt and two-speed hub.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
