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Enormous acceleration
Innovative bicycle tech has seen the likes of eBike drive units become vastly more efficient and powerful – and in greater need of equally powerful braking solutions. Some of the latest innovations arriving out of Magura’s Swabian HQ have been created to tackle these modern challenges
Bicycles are riding faster for longer and carrying more load. Offering a legitimate alternative to a car, bikes – particularly cargo bikes – are highly capable vehicles. But, Magura contends, braking system innovation has not necessarily kept up with these developments and being subjected to excessive strain means brakes are prone to wear out more quickly. In short, bicycle brakes today have never had to perform so well.
When you apply that to a commercial application, brakes wearing out fast and requiring more frequent maintenance intervals cut into margins.
Road tests have shown that Magura’s IBS shortens braking distance by up to 40%, the brand says
Cargo and ABS
Magura has been an established supplier to the motorcycle industry since 1893 – and manufacturers have relied on high-performance components from Magura’s Bad Urach headquarters for both road motorcycles and racing. So, naturally, there is enormous expertise in brake construction and Magura is well placed to develop braking systems that can handle heavy demands, like the frequent stop-and-go and regular commuting in urban areas. Magura says: “Special low-wear, stable and precisely modulated components are necessary for an eBike to decelerate in a safe and controlled manner. Many manufacturers still rely on standard brake systems for eBikes, but brakes are among the most safety-relevant components on a motorised bicycle.”
One of Magura’s newest innovations are cargo-specific brakes, for “more miles and less worries”. Magura has doubled the time to maintenance compared to normal brakes. Extra thick brake pads with 40% more volume and thick 2.5mm brake rotors with a 2.1mm wear limit help keep bikes out of the workshop. Offering more control for even the heaviest cargo bikes, other innovations like a super easy bleeding procedure and installation with Easy Link have simplified maintenance routines.
Delving back into Magura’s history, the firm was reportedly the first to launch a hydraulic bicycle brake (in 1987) and more recently, in 2018, Magura and Bosch eBike brought ABS to bicycles.
During the development of the eBike ABS, both companies made use of their experience with anti-lock braking systems for motorcycles. As a specialist for eBike drive systems and ABS, Bosch ensured the integration of the eBike ABS into the eBike-system, while brake specialist Magura developed ABS brake components designed specifically for eBikes.
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 overbraking. This prevents hazardous handlebar drops and rollovers, especially on non-slip surfaces and downhill gradients. 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.
Cargo and ABS
Magura has been an established supplier to the motorcycle industry since 1893, and manufacturers have relied on high-performance components from Magura’s Bad Urach headquarters for both road motorcycles and racing. So, naturally, there is enormous expertise in brake construction and Magura is well placed to develop braking systems that can handle heavy demands, like the frequent stop-and-go and regular commuting in urban areas. Magura says: “Special low-wear, stable and precisely modulated components are necessary for an eBike to decelerate in a safe and controlled manner. Many manufacturers still rely on standard brake systems for eBikes, but brakes are among the most safety-relevant components on a motorised bicycle.”
One of Magura’s newest innovations are cargo-specific brakes, for “more miles and less worries”. MAGURA has doubled the time to maintenance compared to normal brakes. Extra thick brake pads with 40% more volume and thick 2.5 mm brake rotors with a 2.1 mm wear limit help keep bikes out of the workshop. Offering more control for even the heaviest cargo bikes, other innovations like a super easy bleeding procedure and installation with EASY LINK have simplified maintenance routines.
Delving back into Magura’s history, the firm was reportedly the first to launch a hydraulic bicycle brake (in 1987) and more recently, in 2018, Magura and Bosch eBike brought ABS to bicycles.
During the development of the eBike ABS, both companies made use of their experience with anti-lock braking systems for motorcycles. As a specialist for eBike drive systems and ABS, Bosch ensured the integration of the eBike ABS into the eBike-system, while brake specialist Magura developed ABS brake components designed specifically for eBikes.
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 overbraking. This prevents hazardous handlebar drops and rollovers, especially on non-slip surfaces and downhill gradients. 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.
IBS combines braking of the front and rear wheels, which noticeably stabilises the vehicle and provides safer braking
“Many manufacturers still rely on standard brake systems for eBikes, but brakes are among the most safety-relevant components on a motorised bicycle”
Cargo bike stabilisation and safety
Last year’s Eurobike saw Magura unveil its study of an Integral Braking System (IBS) for cargo bikes. The IBS functions as a brake force distributor between the front and rear brakes. Combining the two brakes in this way provides much better deceleration and stabilisation, the firm explained. Road tests have shown that combined braking with the Magura Integral Braking System shortens the braking distance by up to 40%. The first customer – CA GO – is now bringing IBS to market, with more to follow.
Magura’s cargo-specific brakes
| Ca Go is the first to integrate IBS into its range
DETAILS OF THE MAGURA INTEGRAL BRAKING SYSTEM
The IBS goes into action whenever the rider brakes, ensuring continuous optimisation of the driving dynamics. It is independent of other components and operates without a power supply or sensor system. The advantages include:
Vehicle stabilisation
Combined braking of the front and rear wheels noticeably stabilises the vehicle and ensures safe braking.
Shorter braking distance
Optimised distribution of the braking force significantly shortens the braking distance, especially in critical situations without a load. The braking distance is up to 40% shorter than with single-handed operation, making it equal to that achieved by highly experienced professionals, says Magura.
More even wear
Combined braking of the front and rear wheels prevents uneven wear, in this way permitting longer maintenance intervals (especially for wear on brake pads and rotors).
Potential for one-hand operation
The IBS can easily be operated with one hand – without sacrificing safety (however, two redundant brake systems are installed in the vehicle for compliance with statutory regulations).
