Just a few days ago, AZUB introduced a change in the range of motors they offer. Previously, they offered the Shimano EP6 and EP801 motors, which are quite common in the recumbent world, as well as the German BROSE Smag. However, AZUB has dropped the EP801 and BROSE and added a big surprise to their configurator. It is the top model of the German manufacturer Bosch, the Performance CX in its latest 5th generation.
The 5th generation of the CX was only officially introduced on 30 September, which made it somewhat difficult for AZUB to present this novelty. They even had one trike with Bosch at Cycle-Con in Ohio in the middle of September, but they couldn’t show it to the public because Bosch itself had not yet introduced the engine, and there was a strict embargo on any publicity. Only recumbent dealers who had signed an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) could ride it.
So what makes the Bosch Performance CX so interesting? First of all, it is essentially the most powerful engine from a very well-known and proven manufacturer. It offers 85 Nm, 250 W of nominal, and up to 600 W of maximum power. The AZUB will come with an 800 Wh battery as standard, providing up to 150 km / 93 miles of range, but thanks to Bosch’s official DualBattery system, two batteries can be plugged in side by side to double the range. Now that’s some range! Sure, you can only go that far on ECO mode and on the flat, but even on Boost (the highest assist adding up to 340% of your input) that can be a whopping 60 miles / 100 km.
Further extras come when you connect the motor to your smartphone. Not only can you then view lots of interesting information, but the Range Control function, for example, can optimise the assistance so that you reach your destination with a particular level of remaining battery capacity, which you have chosen in advance.
Another interesting product that you can only pair with the Bosch and no other engine is the Rohloff E-14, a 14-speed hub gearbox from the German manufacturer. However it’s controlled not with gripshift and cables but with buttons and wires.
As written above, the Bosch Performance CX is among the top of the range of motors that are legal as Pedelecs in the EU with a speed limit of 25 km/h, and in the US as Class 1 with a speed limit of 20mph and no throttle. And it’s definitely a good thing that such motor is being offered by one of the recumbent brands.
Learn more on the AZUB website and in the video below.