SURGING FORWARD

The two big players in the e-bike motor market, Shimano and Bosch, have both upped their game this summer. While a few bike brands, most notably Specialized, have their own motors, and others use FAZUA’s ‘hybrid’ tech, the chances are that if you buy a 2021 e-bike, it’s going to be powered by either Shimano or Bosch. So, what’s new?

Bosch’s latest Gen 4 Performance Line CX motor was already pretty impressive when it launched earlier this year, being both smaller (nearly half the size) and lighter (2.9kg, claimed) than the third-generation version, and boasting peak torque of 75Nm and maximum assistance of 340 per cent what you put in. In June, a firmware update boosted performance further, increasing torque to 85Nm, delivering smoother pedalling assistance, especially in the eMTB setting (which switches modes automatically based on how much pressure the rider is putting through the pedals) and adding a new Extended Boost function for technical trails.

In August, Shimano responded with their new STEPS EP800 motor, which – you guessed it – is smaller and lighter (2.6kg, claimed) than its predecessor (although not to such a radical extent as the Bosch unit, because the old STEPS E8000 motor was already pretty compact) and boasts 85Nm of max torque (up from 70Nm), along with a smoother, more natural ride feel. So far, so similar, although the Shimano motor is said to deliver an even more impressive 400 per cent max assistance, and is also claimed to be significantly quieter and less draggy than the previous version.

What di erence all these changes actually make on the trail, and how the two di erent systems measure up against each other, remains to be seen, but it’s good to see healthy competition between these two rivals delivering a better experience for us riders.