Revised Electric Motor: Bosch Performance CX Announces Power Boost on the Whyte Kado RSX – How Far Will It Travel? Range Test Analysis.
In a noteworthy development, Bosch has significantly upgraded the power and torque of its Performance CX motor. This update promises to enhance the riding experience, but the question remains: what range can cyclists expect from the 800Wh battery? To find out, we conducted a range test utilizing the latest Whyte Kado RSX.
The Whyte Kado RSX represents a significant shift for the UK brand, marking their entrance into the full carbon full-fat e-bike market. The bike boasts a number of new features intended to build upon the success of the old E160, including a new and improved removable battery design. The 800Wh battery has been optimized to lower the center of gravity, reducing the bike's weight and providing a better overall balance.
The heart of the Kado is the Bosch CX motor, which has been calibrated to accommodate the battery. For this range test, we rode the top-of-the-line RSX model, priced at £7,499. This makes it more affordable than the Specialized Turbo Levo Pro we previously tested (£10,250), but more expensive than the Amflow PL Carbon Pro (£5,999).
The Kado comes equipped with a full carbon frame, 150mm of travel, a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork up front, and a Float X shock in the rear. It also features Magura MT7 brakes and Maxxis tires. A hinged cover offers access to the battery and protects the motor, a major advantage over the Amflow's non-removable DJI 800Wh battery.
The Bosch Performance CX motor powers all Kado models, and an 800Wh battery is expertly tucked away within the down tube. The battery is easily removable due to the motor's rotation and the hinged battery door that swings out of the way to grant access. While the standard charger is painfully slow, taking approximately 8 hours to fully charge, Bosch does offer a faster charger for an additional cost.
Weighing in at 24.04kg, the new Kado has shed around 2kg compared to the previous E-160. This weight reduction should provide enhanced agility for riders. It's worth noting that Santa Cruz has opted for the smaller 600Wh battery in the Bullit and Vala, with the option to supplement with the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender. Other brands, like Mondraker with the Crafty, and Whyte, have chosen to fit the bigger 800Wh batteries to maximize range.
From July, Bosch owners will have the option to upgrade to 750W and 100Nm of torque, making the larger power pack a sensible choice. The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo, on the other hand, features a larger battery but less power than the Bosch update.
After conducting range tests on the Amflow PL Carbon, Specialized Turbo Levo Pro, and now the Whyte Kado RSX, the Bosch seems to offer a compelling blend of power, weight, range, and price. The Kado racked up 1,601 meters of climbing on a single charge in Turbo mode, which is impressive considering it has a smaller battery and more power than the Specialized Turbo Levo.
Both the Specialized and the Bosch maintained full or near full power until the battery depleted, while the Amflow suffered from limp mode during the most tired periods. In terms of keeping the lights burning brightly all the way to the end of the ride, the Spesh and the Bosch clearly outperform the Amflow.
Looking ahead, we plan to test the DJI Avinox again in drier, warmer conditions, using the new 1,000w Turbo mode. Stay tuned for further updates!
For reference, below is a table summarizing the range test results:
- Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Pro: 1,633 meters
- Whyte Kado RSX: 1,601 meters
- Amflow Pl Carbon: 1,430 meters
- Cannondale Moterra SL 1: 1,215 meters
- Santa Cruz Heckler SL S: 1,202 meters
- Orbea Rise LT M10: 955 meters
- Whyte ELyte 150 RSX: 861 meters
- Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert C: 844 meters
- Trek Fuel EXe 9.7: 811 meters
- The shift of Whyte's focus to the full carbon full-fat e-bike market, demonstrated by the Kado RSX, also incorporates technology from other domains, such as gadgets and sports, through the use of Magura MT7 brakes and Maxxis tires.
- The new Kado RSX, equipped with the Bosch Performance CX motor and an 800Wh battery, offers riders a delightful combination of features that caters to both lifestyle and technology enthusiasts, aiming to provide a balanced riding experience that also showcases the latest advancements in electric-vehicles.
- As the market for electric-vehicles expands, manufacturers like Bosch are continually striving to optimize the range and power of their products, with the Kado's 800Wh battery standing in competition alongside other notable brands like Specialized and Santa Cruz, each taking differing approaches to achieve the best balance between range, power, and affordability for diverse cycling needs.
