“Performance values” of the Performance Line CX/CX-R can be increased to up to 600% support and 120Nm of torque.
Will Bosch be ‘avin’ Avinox? It will certainly have its work cut out, if our Amflow PX Carbon review is anything to go by (which it most definitely is). With a performance upgrade 2.0 available from May 4th as a free over-the-air update Bosch CX Gen5 motors will be able to offer 600% assistance. Although there’s no explicit mention of watts, one has to assume that Bosch hasn’t strayed over the 750w figure that features prominently in the recent calls to review e-bike regulations.
What else will be the update? Adjustable overrun, a new 12A charger and something called ‘Trick Check’ (part of the Bosch Flow app; it detects and records jumps, wheelies, manuals and endos). There’s also a new ‘drivetrain tensioner’. Details below.
We have a suitably Bosch-equipped bike in (details in Fresh Goods Friday later) so we’ll be updating its firmware on Monday and will let you know how it goes.
Highlights from the Press Release:
From May 2026, Bosch eBike Systems is offering riders the free performance upgrade 2.0 for the Performance Line CX and Performance Line CX-R, expanding the brand’s dynamic ecosystem. The eBike Flow app can now be used to increase the maximum torque and maximum support to master the steepest climbs with ease, ride technical accents with full control, and overcome challenging trail sections. The intelligent riding software recognises technically challenging situations and automatically delivers full power precisely when it is needed. Combined with the now customisable Extended Boost, the Drivetrain Tensioner, the new Trick Check feature, and the 12A Charger (arriving late 2026), these innovations provide a significantly more powerful and refined package for performance riders.
Using the eBike Flow app, performance riders can increase the torque of the Performance Line CX and the Performance Line CX-R to up to 120 Nm in any riding mode, with the maximum setting value being defined by the respective bicycle manufacturer. Starting from the basic setting of 85 Nm, there is a wide adjustment range for personalised tuning. In addition, the maximum support can be increased up to a speed of 15km/h, alongside up to 600% support, now provided in certain riding situations.
This functionality relies on dynamic rider input. For those who drive more power through the pedals, the system delivers a decisive boost and rewards that effort with a new sense of achievement. Immediately afterwards, the system adjusts back to an efficient level. This intelligent, short-term power peak reduces wear and tear on components, particularly the chain, cassette, and freewheel, while maximising the range.
Extended Boost gives eMTB riders the decisive boost they need to overcome obstacles on a trail, even if a full pedal stroke is not possible. The system delivers an intuitive, residual boost of up to two metres. From mid-2026, a new slider in the Bosch eBike Flow app will make it possible to set the length of the overrun for each riding mode. Some modes, such as eMTB, eMTB+, or Race, already have a predefined boost length by default that matches the characteristic of the respective mode.
Bosch eBike Systems is introducing the Drivetrain Tensioner for the Performance Line CX and Performance Line CX-R, bringing maximum control in technical riding situations. The software optimisation closes the freewheel between the motor and rear wheel, reducing the free travel on the pedal to a minimum and eliminating delay whilst pedalling. The result is almost instantaneous traction, even quieter freewheel, and the rider’s input converted directly into precise propulsion. This direct power transmission enables superior control and noticeably more agile riding behaviour, particularly on demanding sections, such as when starting off on a step or accelerating out of tight bends. In combination with the performance upgrade 2.0, the Drivetrain Tensioner can protect the freewheel, ensure a longer service life, and lower repair costs.
Flow smoothly through a curve on the rear wheel or take the next jump a little further – with the new Trick Check function, every successful move becomes an achievement. The sensor technology automatically recognises Jumps, Wheelies, Manuals, or Endos, records duration, height, distance, or angle, and confirms success with an audible signal. The last trick is shown on the display for eight seconds – a moment that visualises the rider’s personal achievements. Once the ride is over, the eBike Flow app shows all personal best performances at a glance. Riders can track progress, compare attempts, and generate additional motivation for the next ride.
The new 12A Charger now significantly shortens charging breaks. With a charging power of around 500 W, it charges around three times faster than the familiar 4A Charger. A PowerTube 800 can now reach a battery level of around 50 percent in approximately one hour, made possible by modern GaN technology. Since it generates significantly less heat than conventional semiconductors, it enables efficient and intelligent thermal management. Despite its high performance, the charger is compact, weighs less than 1kg, and fits in a backpack or small bike bag. For performance riders, this means spontaneous recharging, a range buffer before their after-work ride, and more time on the trail instead of at the power outlet.
Same. Can’t see the point in more torque/power.
Would rather have more range for big days out and lighter ebikes.
If we’re not careful I can see ebikes over a certain power needing insurance and some sort of number plate.
I really like my ebike but it doesnt need more power. More range would be great.
This. Use and abuse of loopholes to ride what are legally electric motorbikes risks heavier handed regulation for everyone, whether they’re on an ebike or not.
I’d suggest that this is a valid concern, rather than dismissing it as frothing.
I’ve got the Performance Line SX (2024/5) on my e-bike, it’s due a service next week. It’s not covered by this ^^ upgrade but there is (apparently) something already in circulation to boost the torque on mine a bit.
The amount that e-bike motors are restricted anyway (25kph cut off etc) you can safely boost them quite substantially before it starts to have any significant impact on life expectancy.
Agree on the comments above though. Longer battery life / greater range would be more useful than just ALL the power!
Just now available at 60rpm cadence, instead of the previous heady 72… 🤦🏻
Now don’t get me wrong, I love my eBikes… But I also love regular bikes, and I am still afflicted by the disposition to put work in to gain my reward too… Yesterday’s ride for instance, 19 miles, 4200ft of climbing, mostly in Tour+ (which is turned down to 70Nm and 450W max on my Bosch CX powered Mondraker)… Used only half of an 800Wh battery, so had I been able to carry on, I should have been able to roughly double those numbers! Some people will burn a whole 800Wh battery in the same time, using far more assistance…
Anyway… Horses for courses… Cos I still prefer the Bosch SX motor personally, which even with its 60Nm update a few months ago (up from 55), it still needs a cadence of 96rpm to access its peak power of 600W (down from 104rpm!!!), which means it really rewards a high cadence “ride it like you stole it’ pedalling style… Which I love, as it feels far more natural and engaging to ride.
Agreed… The difference being that that was an arbitrary gentlemen’s agreement, to stop the focus on the power arms race and to focus on delivering improvements elsewhere to the vehicles they were developing, it has nothing to do with legality… The eBike motor manufacturers are already flouting the laws of what constitutes a Class 1 eBike, and willingly so, it won’t take long for one person to ruin everything for the rest of us by pushing the limit too far and bringing blanket draconian laws in to control everything going forward.
I guess with the mega power headline grabbing motors, turning the power down via the app will give better range from a similar capacity motor? I’d prefer a lower power / increased range and improved battery technology making the heaviest component lighter, personally.
My old tech Gen 3 Levo still had 22% left on its 700w battery when my friends Amflow had 6% left. All this extra oomph will only work for shorter rides.
I think auto mode and new traction control stuff is way more useful and interesting than extra power.
On a side note, on a family ride at Dalby on Saturday I only used 4% in 15 miles and that was pushing the wife up a long hill. Once you get the big bugger moving you don’t notice the extra weight with the motor off. So in theory you can do as many miles as you want if you’re not in a rush…
I assume the fat cow’s not on STW, then ?
Anyone got the update yet?
Not yet. I’ll try again later.
I’ve had the update on the App Store. just updated the bike now and it only took a few minutes. There’s a thing in the update info that you may not be able to access the full 120Nm until up to 24b after installing the update. This seems to be the case on mine.
The only update I want, is @Mugboo still alive?
I’ve got the update but I had to uninstall and reinstall the app twice to get it to work, a quick ride up and down the road confirms that the bike definitely feels quicker
SX motor user here, the App has updated but when connected, the bike shows being up to date, so the power upgrade which didn’t apply anyway, but there are no other details in the upgrade that seem to affect the SX system
There was no mention of the Garmin live data upgrade in the app update description, so that might roll out later. I hope it does work with the SX system.
I’m currently on Flow 1.34.7 (1131) on a Gen 4 CX…. I don’t see any upgrade available for me and I don’t think I get anything out of this as far as I can see. The last update gave me Recorded HR as opposed to just dynamic HR whilst actually riding.
Ha! Alive and well, I’ve just had to push her up the same hill again today!
The update only works on gen 5 motors which came out September 2024 as far as I can see.
Gen 4 motors don’t get the update to give more power. I’ve just updated mine and it doesnt have the extra power option in the mode settings.
Well, I’ve had an app update today but I don’t appear to have any of the new features!
Tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app, no difference.
There was an update in October ish that increased the torque from 55 to 60nm
Update still not working for me on my Kado 🤔
I did the update on Monday, no difference. tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app, still no difference. went into the app and turned on ‘automatic updates’ and bingo. this is on a cube reaction.
I’ve tried all that!
I’m not that bothered about the power increase but I’m keen to play around with the overrun settings.
Now that they can get 120 out of the existing motor – can they go make an 85nM motor that’s half the weight and size?
This is quite interesting – they all seem to be able to sustain more than double the max allowed indefinitely. Manufacturers are taking the piss and need to be regulated.