If you’re looking to enhance your life with an electric mountain bike, a stellar experience starts with a state-of-the-art pedal-assist motor that will make the most out of your pedal strokes, no matter what mode you’re traveling in.

Enter Bosch’s Performance Line CX system which debuted in 2019 to high acclaim. Bosch took the mountain biking experience to a new level with this system that is incredibly powerful and sensitive while being lightweight and compact. Made out of superior materials, it’s built to last, even with the most aggressive riding.

What’s more, Bosch swiftly upgraded this already-impressive motor not long after its 2019 release. The redesigned 4th generation system is nearly half the size of its antecedent, and significantly lighter. With a range from 31 to 94 miles per charge depending on battery size and riding factors, get ready for more fun than ever!

Keeping up the momentum, this past summer Bosch also released a significant software update (model year 2021). This update increases the torque up to 85 Nm, and introduces Advanced eMTB mode for the ultimate in control, and Extended Boost which makes rocks, roots, steps and other technical sections smooth, even on the climbs.

These three improvements combine to make your ride feel remarkably natural no matter the terrain. Let’s take a look at each to see what they mean to your riding experience.

Increased Torque

An increase in torque to 85 Nm (from 75 Nm) equals a motor that’s more powerful than ever. This means faster and more powerful acceleration when in eMTB and Turbo mode, felt over a wide cadence range.

It’s at especially low cadences that this new feature is especially helpful; imagine the edge you now get on those pesky uphill starts.

Also, you’ll be sure to notice a difference as you take technical sections smoothly, naturally, and powerfully. Plus, delayed gear shifting and acceleration out of tight turns won’t derail your ride.

Advanced eMTB Mode

The all-new advanced eMTB mode is all about motor sensitivity. This innovative technology allows for sublime control due to new sensor and motor control functions. We’re talking optimum traction no matter what gear you’re in, and “power on demand” for a remarkably powerful, responsive, and smooth ride.

You’ll feel like the motor is right in tune with your effort, particularly in low gears, and you won’t even have to switch riding modes. This synchronistic mode allows for an extraordinarily dynamic and natural feel on the trail, enabling you to feel comfortable and confident on a wide range of trail conditions.

Extended Boost

Extended Boost is another new upgrade that will take your riding to a new level. This unique function in eMTB mode enables you to navigate those tricky, techy sections easily and nimbly, even when climbing — with no pedal jam.

Imagine clearing those steep, rocky, rooty singletrack climbs gracefully! Simply apply a certain level of pressure to the pedal, and la voila.

For example, you’ll feel confident on that step-up … just get that front wheel on the step, apply a slight amount of pedal pressure, and you’ll get that perfect amount of kick to smoothly make your way onward and upward.

e-MTB lite: a trek Exclusive

Also new as of this past year, Trek eMTBs equipped with the Gen 4 Bosch motor feature an eMTB Lite mode — exclusive to Trek — which replaces Tour mode. eMTB Lite offers dynamic variable assist just like eMTB mode, but at a lower torque range.

This allows for a powerful, organic experience, but with extended battery life. It’s ideal for for riders who enjoy longer rides and aren’t adverse to putting in a bit more power, yet would like more assistance than Eco mode offers.

So how do you get some, so you can get after it?

Buy the bike with the upgrade already installed

This 2021 software update is standard on 2021 electric mountain bikes with the Performance Line CX drive unit. Swing by to check out the Trek Rail eMTBs we carry at our three convenient stores.

Retrofit your existing motor

If you own an eMTB bike with model year 2020 and later CX drive units, we can update your software. Contact us for details!

About Bosch

Bosch has led the world in motor (and battery) innovation for decades. Their eBike Systems division was established in 2009, and their drive systems power the majority of the Trek and Electra electric bikes we carry at Epicenter Cycling.

The Bosch warranty is quite impressive — two years on the motor, battery, and computer. Compare that to what most other brands that offer — just one year on the motor and 90 days on the battery.

eMTB Motor Review: Bosch’s Performance Line CX System with 2021 Update