ABS for bikes: The need to knows as Bosch and Shimano again square up

Eurobike saw Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) making their presence felt, with both Bosch and Shimano again going head-to-head with product partnerships.

It’s fair to say cycling has seen ABS before, just not in such neatly packaged solutions, or at a time when there is such a natural fit; eMobility. ABS won’t solely appeal to cycling as transport focused eBike and eCargo bike manufacturers and riders. Those looking at longer travel, trail focused, eMTB will likely also see the appeal and potential of these systems.

With any ABS conversation it’s also natural to explore the ‘sure to arrive at some point’ next step; ABS as part of an electronic traction control system, a la systems found on high-end performance road, and some off road, motorbikes.

With traction control we’re getting a little a head of ourselves here, so lets dial it back a notch and dig in to what’s on offer with these new ABS systems.

Shimano ABS by Blubrake has been designed to make cycling safer and more accessible for new and less experienced riders. With eMobility solutions having a fundamental role in future mobility – replacing cars with bikes – their use is opening up to an ever wider audience, namely new cyclists, hence the need to develop effective solutions which promote ease of use through safety and reliability.

The partnership between Shimano and Italian scaleup Blubrake brings to the market a new anti-lock braking system which significantly reduces the risk of the front wheel lock-up and rear wheel lift-off, even during panic braking, thus improving the riding experience of every cyclist and reducing the number of accidents.

Uniquely, the Shimano ABS by Blubrake ABS system can be fully integrated in the frame of eBikes and eCargo bikes and is offered by Shimano to manufacturers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Shimano brakes and electric kits, integrating with them in a simple and instant way.

The Shimano ABS by Blubrake ABS system combines the know-how and patents owned by the Italian company with the solid technology, commercial and service network offered by Shimano.

Founded in 2015 by Fabio Todeschini and e-Novia, Blubrake was established with the aim of developing technological products for Light Electric Vehicles able to make mobility safer and more sustainable.

“We are particularly proud to present this product, the result of a partnership that benefits from a constant technical and industrial dialogue and that brings to the market a product that actively improves braking safety on e-bikes,” commented Fabio Todeschini, co-founder and CEO of Blubrake. “From the very beginning, we have been investing in Research and Development to offer cutting-edge products that are easy to use for all of our customers, no matter the context. All of this with the aim of contributing to the development of today’s mobility: connected, smart and sustainable.”

Next up, we have the Bosch eBike ABS system, which sees a merging of Bosch eBike ABS and the Magura ABS brake components.

Both companies bring many years of experience with anti-lock braking systems for motorcycles to the table. As a specialist for eBike drive systems, and ABS, Bosch has been able to ensure a seamless integration of the eBike ABS into the eBike system. With Magura, a brake specialist, the partnership benefited from the development of ABS brake components designed specifically for e-bikes.

The Bosch eBike ABS supports riders during braking on a wide range of surfaces and in most of the hazardous situations that can arise. To achieve this, the eBike ABS possesses two crucial essential functions.

During harsh braking, the Bosch eBike ABS control unit regulates the brake pressure on the front wheel, preventing it from locking. As with a car, the bike then brakes at intervals until it comes to a stop. Steerability is maintained, and the rider sits safe and secure on the saddle. The intelligent rear wheel lift control also reduces the possible lifting of the rear wheel in the event of extremely harsh front wheel over-braking. This prevents hazardous handlebar drops and rollovers, especially on non-slip surfaces and downhill gradients.

Thanks to its different modes (Cargo, Touring, Allroad and Trail), the eBike ABS can be used on bikes for urban use as well as on sporty mountain bikes. Performance-focused trail bikers can also brake with greater control in sudden situations and on a wide range of surfaces. A Bosch accident research study showed that 29% of all electric bike accidents could have been avoided if the bikes had been equipped with the eBike ABS.

Magura MT C ABS components – perfectly dovetailed into the system

The innovative control function of the Bosch eBike ABS places unique demands on the brake master. The most important feature of the MT C ABS brake master is its greater oil delivery volume, which enables the control unit to regulate the brake pressure. The well-known MT brake masters were designed with a 10mm master piston – but Magura developed the MT C ABS master with a 12mm master piston, which delivers a greater volume of oil.

The new Bosch eBike ABS consists of a control unit and the features integrated into the system (control indicator light and ABS tile on the display), two wheel speed sensors, and the Magura MT C ABS brake components, including the ABS rotors and sensor discs.

A larger master piston usually results in higher actuating forces for riders. To solve this problem, Magura created new lever kinematics in the axial master cylinder of the MT C ABS family. This adapted kinematics design reduces the amount of manual force required, ensures short lever travel, and easily modulates braking power. Depending on the usage scenario, two- or three-finger lever blades are used, and in typical Magura user-friendly style, individual lever blades can also be changed.

The one-piece forged two- or four-piston callipers, from the award-winning Magura MT, provide the necessary braking power and stability. The rigid design forms a solid basis for high deceleration values and effective heat dissipation; Perfect for e-bikes, ensuring consistent braking even at high speeds and with heavy loads. MDR-C (180 mm / 203 mm) or MDR-P models (180 mm / 203 mm / 220 mm) are used as rotors.

Sensor discs mounted on the rotor enable the ABS wheel speed sensor to measure the speed and immediately detect any critical locking of the front wheel and lifting of the rear wheel. The sensors are inconspicuously integrated into the MAGURA adapter or mounted on the fork or frame.

The familiar Easy Link plug-in connections from the Magura Cockpit Integration (MCi) are used with the ABS control unit. This facilitates maintenance during servicing since the brake master and brake calliper can be easily separated and dismantled. The new Bosch eBike ABS with Magura MT C ABS components will be available on complete bikes from summer 2022. Retrofitting is not possible.

Conclusion

Looking at both these systems it is clear that this is the start of a wider product development journey. ABS braking systems were previously so bulky in their form factor that even eBike applications met with major resistance by bike brands.

That hurdle has been decisively overcome by both these systems. Critically, we’re also in a market which is wowing new cyclists – people getting out of cars – for whom the tech is really familiar, and, for this customer set, well established in its value.

With Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) also becoming a major player in ‘last mile’ delivery, it is fair to assume that ramp up in development of eBike and e-cargo bike based ABS systems will be rapid, with transfer of technology making it’s way onto more niche, sport focused eBikes, having already proven its worth in a larger a volume – cycling as transport – product set.

Exciting times ahead. Bring on traction control. Your 90Nm powered eMTB rider will absolutely love it.