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De Bosch Performance Line SX motor is a new player in the world of electric bikes. This motor is specially designed for sporty lightweight e-bikes in urban, e-road bike, gravel, and e-MTB categories.
A trend that we are seeing more and more. For sporty bikes, the extra weight of a heavy mid-drive motor is a disadvantage. The additional weight makes cycling above 25 km/h too difficult. Light electric motors are the solution, a convenient alternative to the rear-wheel motors currently used.
Design and Specifications
The Performance Line SX motor is housed in a black magnesium casing, similar to Bosch’s more powerful motor, the Performance Line CX. However, the SX is 20% smaller than the CX option, making it take up less space on the bike.
The motor is compatible with 1x or 2x chainrings, and the Q-factor is reduced from 178 mm to 160 mm for a more natural pedaling feel. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Q-factor is the distance between a bike’s pedals.
Performance and Test Results
The Performance Line SX motor is responsive and delivers sufficient power for uphill riding. With a maximum of 55 Nm of torque and a peak power of up to 600 watts (which is a lot), the motor offers impressive performance.
Moreover, the motor is designed to promote a higher cadence, meaning you get more power at higher pedaling frequencies. One minor drawback is that there is slightly less support at low cadences.
We had the opportunity to test this electric motor on the Canyon Roadlite:ON, an excellent lightweight electric bike. Bosch is top quality, we know that. This new SX motor is nicely concealed and remarkably quiet, even under significant load.
It’s also well integrated; you can’t immediately tell it’s an electric bike. A significant difference from the bulkier mid-drive motors we’ve seen so far.
Battery and Charging
The motor is paired with the new 400Wh CompactTube 400 battery. If you plan on taking long rides, you can supplement the standard battery with the optional 250 Wh PowerMore range extender, which can be attached to the bottle cage. The motor can be charged using the new compact charger (2 Ampere).
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Performance Line SX motor has both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the motor is lightweight, powerful, and quiet. It also provides a natural riding feel and is compatible with a range of battery options. On the other hand, the motor is more challenging to. It’s fully concealed within the frame and requires more steps to maintain or repair.
Ideal Usage and Users
We see this SX motor as ideal for two scenarios. Firstly, when you want an electric bike that doesn’t stand out due to a bulky mid-drive motor. A sleekly designed bike with an integrated motor.
Additionally, we also see it being used as an extra-light motor for sporty bikes that don’t benefit from heavy, powerful motors. This will improve in the future, where the most powerful models will become lighter. For now, the Bosch SX and the competing Fazua Ride 60 are the most popular choices, although we expect this to change soon. To provide you with the best possible information, we keep our list of light (yet powerful) electric motors up to date.
