Bosch ABS Pro and Trail Pro - an interview about the new ABS profiles

When testing the new Bosch Performance CX gen5, we were also introduced to the TRP E.A.S.I. A12 automatic shifting and the the new ABS profiles. We had a chat with Daniel Klemme, Bosch ABS product manager. Check out that interview for more detailed info about functionality, servicing, etc. This was a spur of the moment thing, and unfortunately, we didn’t have a proper mic.

Performance, not safety​

Initially, the Bosch ABS system was designed for improved safety. There were different profiles developed for different bikes, like ABS Touring, ABS Allroad and ABS Trail. Now Bosch has brought out new ABS profiles designed to improve performance. These have been used for e-Enduro racing and Bosch claims it can make the bike more than 3% faster. As before, there is only ABS on the front wheel. The rear wheel will lock up as we’re used to.

Now the sensors read out much quicker, allowing the system to wait longer before interfering. That allows the rider to go closer to the limit before braking, and the brakes will be more effective. Bosch says they’ve tested, and experienced enduro racers was unable to out-perform the ABS system using the new Trail Pro or Race profiles.

Testing the Trail Pro profile​

We tested the Trail Pro profile, it’s the least hardcore of the two and it’s designed with a dash of rider-safety in mind. When braking hard with the front brake, the rear wheel will lift. But if the rear wheel comes up too high, the system will ease off the front brake and let the back-end drop.

The Trail Pro profile allows the front end to lock up briefly before releasing, thus preventing the front wheel from sliding out. As you get deeper into the braking session, the system allows the front wheel to block for longer. And just before coming to a stop, it will no longer be active.

We didn’t test the Race profile, but Daniel told us there is no rear wheel lift-mitigation here. The rider can decide how high the back wheel goes. But it has got the same ABS behavior under braking, it will try to stop the front wheel from sliding out when braking hard into a turn for instance.

My take​

I’ve briefly ridden the old ABS profiles, and sure, I could see how it would improve safety. But it wasn’t really something I desired for my riding. Will I buy a buy I bike with the Bosch ABS Pro system next time I’m shopping. Well, it depends on the price-point of those bikes. I would happily ride having the system active, but I’m not sure I would pay 5 digits to get the new ABS system.