Cannondale has teamed with German auto parts and consumer goods giant Bosch to become a leader in providing high performance electric drives for eBike, a rapidly growing segment in Europe.


”We are an ideal supplier for bicycle manufacturers,“ says Rainer Jeske, head of Bosch Powertrain Systems eBike, ”because Bosch stands for innovation and its key competence areas in the automotive industry, like the electronic control techniques. We are happy to partner with Cannondale who shares our ambitions.”


“Cannondale is known for being at the forefront of innovation in the bicycle industry. As we look to align with strategic partners, we work with likeminded companies that are pushing the limits with new technologies that can advance the riding experience,” said Bob Burbank, GM Cannondale, the flagship brand for Dorel Industries Inc's. Cycling Sports Group. “With Bosch we strive to create a better transportation option with a unique new technology. Bosch is a leader in the industrial engineering space and Cannondale is a leader in the bicycle industry; together we can develop the most progressive products on the market.”


Cannondale will, besides other brand manufacturers, present the first ebike models with Bosch drive early September 2010 at the international bicycle trade show “Eurobike“ in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The headquarters of the new Bosch eBike product group is in Reutlingen, Germany. The components of the system are the drive unit with sensors, the battery pack including its charger, and the control computer on the handlebars (HMI: human/machine interface).

A decisive feature for a positive riding experience with eBikes is the situationally correct detection of the rider's desire for motor support while pedaling. In the Bosch drive, this task is handled by three sensors for pedaling force, pedaling frequency, and speed of travel. Depending on the sensor data, the integrated controller calculates the force with which the electric motor will ”help pedaling“. The level of support can be customized by selecting one of up to four driving programs. The result is highest efficiency in the implementation of the rider’s wishes and the ideal range in every circumstance.

The market introduction of the electric drive is accompanied by a service concept that ensures global replacement parts supply, as well as providing a service hotline and training offerings for manufacturers and dealers as part of the Bosch package.