I’ll admit it, I’ve always been a bit of a cycling purist. I love the burn in the legs, and ‘earning’ every meter of vert. So when I threw a leg over the Focus Thron with Bosch’s Performance Line CX Drive Unit and their new ABS braking system, I didn’t know what to expect.
The first few pedal strokes were a shock, not because it took off like a motor bike, but because it didn’t. The power comes on smooth and measured, almost like the system knows when you actually need help and when you just want to spin.
The Thron itself is a really capable trail bike, 130mm travel, balanced geometry, and a nice poppy feel. Pair that with Bosch’s setup, and it’s basically a go anywhere rig.
And that ABS system? It was impressive. I thought it was a bit gimmicky at first, until I came into the steeper sections of trail. Instead of that “oh no” front wheel slide when coming in too fast, the brakes held steady and the bike slowed in control.
So here’s what I took away from that first proper eBike ride.
1. The power feels natural
The Performance Line CX doesn’t overwhelm you with power. It just gives you a bit more of what you already have. When you kick it into eMTB+ mode, that story changes and the bike feels more like a race car.
2. It still feels like a workout
I was still cooked by the end of the ride, not just from pedalling, but from throwing the bike around the trail. eBikes are a lot heavier than your everyday mountain bike, and that takes a toll on the rest of your body.
3. The tech stays out of the way
The range prediction was spot on, and the drive unit response was instant. The different modes were really handy for all types of trail riding. I enjoyed flying up the climbs in eMTB+, cruising in eco mode and going hell for leather down the descents.
4. ABS is a quiet game changer
It doesn’t turn you into a superstar, but it definitely saves you when you get a little carried away on the trail. As mentioned by Paul Van Der Ploeg “It gives you the control of a rider with 10 years of trail bike experience”.
5. It’s all about fun
By the end, I wasn’t thinking anything about the eBike, I was just riding as I normally do. The Focus Thron and Bosch system didn’t make the ride any easier or more ‘dull’, it just made it faster and a bit more addictive.
If you’re already a capable rider, you don’t really need an eBike, but you might want one. I didn’t think I would be a convert, but the riding experience makes me think twice. While we weren’t able to spend a whole heap of time on the new Bosch ABS-equipped Thron, we are excited to see where the technology is heading, and how it can best support newer riders to the sport.
For more information on Bosch’s new ABS, head to their website.
