Mahle has released an updated version of its X20 electric bike motor.
Here are three key things you need to know:
- The X20 is Mahle’s flagship motor system, sitting above the X30 and X35.
- Mahle has boosted the torque delivered by the X20 by 18 per cent, from 55Nm to 65Nm.
- The peak power produced by the new X20 motor has increased from 250 watts to 275 watts.
The X20 is a drive system designed for premium and lightweight road, gravel and urban bikes that cut a similar silhouette to unassisted bikes.
The motor is housed in the hub of the rear wheel and, on the Orbea Gain pictured, a 350Wh battery is found in the down tube. Mahle says this provides a range of around 140km, and you can add a range extender to give you another 60km of motor-assisted pedal power.
With 275 watts of peak assistance, there's plenty of power on tap for steep climbs. Beyond the increase in power, Mahle says one of the key features of the new X20 is the increase in torque, from 55Nm to 65Nm.
Torque plays an important role in how quickly an electric bike can deliver its power and, as a result, the acceleration, as well as its ability to handle a variety of terrain and surfaces, is ideal for e-gravel bikes.
Each bike manufacturer that works with Mahle defines specific motor mapping, so every bike brand has its own 'riding DNA' pre-configured from the factory. Riders can then fine-tune within the ranges defined by each brand via the app.
Mahle says the torque sensor is central to the natural pedaling feel: the more torque applied by the rider, the more assistance the system provides. The motor is also designed so that it doesn’t just cut out above 25km/h, it reduces resistance gradually until 27.5km/h, for a smoother ride, according to Mahle.
The total system – motor, torque system, a small 250Wh battery and a bike computer – weighs a claimed 3.2kg.
You can find the X20 on ebikes from mainstream brands including Van Rysel, Ribble, Rose, Ridley, 3T, Wilier, Bianchi and Mondraker – and smaller boutique brands such as Pashley, Origine, Conor and Nordic Bikes.
