We Tested Bosch's Free Performance Upgrade 2.0 at an Italian Enduro Race

James Moore · 2026-06-10

Bosch just dropped a free upgrade for their CX and CXR Gen 5 motors, and we couldn't wait to try it. The Performance Upgrade 2.0 is available to anyone with a Bosch-powered e-bike, so we updated our bike and headed to Bike Festival Riva on Lake Garda. Our goal? Test the new features and race the Bosch eMTB Challenge blind. ### What Is the Performance Upgrade 2.0? This upgrade is a software update that boosts motor performance. It's not a hardware change—just a free download that tweaks how the motor delivers power. Bosch says it improves responsiveness and climbing ability. We wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. ### The Race: Bosch eMTB Challenge The Bosch eMTB Challenge is an e-bike enduro with six stages (seven for pros). It's a blind race, meaning you don't get to practice the stages beforehand. You just show up and ride. That adds a layer of excitement and challenge. We were nervous but pumped. ### Our Experience We updated the motor the night before the race. The process was straightforward: connect the bike to the Bosch DiagnosticTool app, download the update, and you're done. Took about 10 minutes. The next morning, we hit the first stage. - **Climbing**: The upgrade made climbing feel smoother. The motor seemed to deliver power more consistently, especially on steep, technical sections. It didn't feel jerky or aggressive—just natural. - **Descending**: On descents, the motor's response felt more predictable. It didn't surge unexpectedly when you pedaled, which helped with control. - **Battery Life**: We didn't notice a big difference in battery drain. But the race was only about 15 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing, so it's hard to judge long-term. ### The Blind Race Element Racing blind is a different beast. You have to read the trail on the fly. No pre-rides, no notes. Just you and the dirt. The upgrade's improved responsiveness helped us react faster to sudden changes in terrain. We finished mid-pack, which felt like a win given the circumstances. ### Verdict Is the Performance Upgrade 2.0 worth it? Absolutely. It's free, easy to install, and makes a noticeable difference in how the bike rides. If you have a Bosch CX or CXR Gen 5 motor, download it. You won't regret it. ### Tips for Your Own Blind Race If you're thinking about trying a blind e-bike enduro, here's some advice: - **Trust your bike**: Know its limits before the race. The upgrade helps, but familiarity matters more. - **Pace yourself**: Don't go full gas on the first stage. Save energy for later. - **Stay loose**: Blind racing is unpredictable. Keep your body relaxed to absorb surprises. We'll definitely do this again. The combination of a free motor upgrade and a challenging race made for an unforgettable weekend.