Eurobike 2022 / E-Performance: The FIT E-Bike System 2.0 will be getting some exciting upgrades this year and more and more models will be available with it. Reason enough for us to take a closer look at the FIT e-bike system.
When talking about e-bikes and their drives, you inevitably stumble across the terms "motor", "drive" or "system". These terms are often used as synonyms - also by us. But that's not entirely correct: the e-bike motor is part of the e-bike drive, which in turn is part of the e-bike system used. The fact that manufacturers such as Bosch or Shimano use closed systems in which the motor determines the drive and system makes things a little more confusing. Still, it's worth taking a closer look, as more and more engine manufacturers are opening up their protocols to use third-party displays, batteries, software, and other accessories. This is not necessarily relevant for the buyers who end up buying the e-bike from a specialist dealer, but above all for the bicycle manufacturers, who thus have significantly more freedom.
In most cases - regardless of whether it is a closed or open system - the thinking is always "from the engine". However, this could change in part in the future, or maybe it already has: In the 2022 and 2023 model years, numerous e-bikes will be available for the first time with the FIT 2.0 system, where the star is not the motor but the system.
FIT: From Huttwil into the wide world
The name FIT should certainly already be familiar to some e-bikers. The abbreviation used to stand for "Flyer Integrated Technology" and referred to the system integration of the drive systems of the e-bike pioneer from Switzerland. Since the summer of 2020, however, FIT has no longer only been exclusive to Flyers, but can also be installed by other manufacturers as its own provider. Although the company headquarters in Huttwil are still shared with Flyer and numerous Flyer e-bikes and e-MTBs are still equipped with FIT, other manufacturers such as Bulls or Pegasus now also offer bikes with the FIT 2.0 system.
The components of the FIT system
But enough beating around the bush - what exactly is FIT? The system includes various components, including displays, batteries, motors and accessories such as locks, trackers or tire pressure sensors. The FIT E-Bike Control app also plays a central role. The special thing about it: All components "speak the same language" and so open up many options for e-bikers after the purchase - different display? plug & play Smaller control panel? No problem. You could still enjoy the latest peripherals and features several years after the purchase.
Motors from Brose or Panasonic
Even if the engine is not at FIT that component par excellence, the drive unit should play the biggest role. Motors from Brose and Panasonic are installed in current FIT e-bikes. Brose only uses the Drive S Mag, while Panasonic has the slightly weaker GX Force in addition to the top model GX Ultimate. The built-in hardware, i.e. the motor itself, is (unfortunately) only half the truth. The engine software used makes a difference in the maximum torque; in some e-bikes, the Brose Drive S Mag is throttled to 75 Nm (instead of the maximum possible 90 Nm), the Panasonic GX Ultimate to 70 Nm (instead of 95 Nm) and the GX Force to 60 Nm (instead of 75 Nm). As a buyer, the differences can be recognized by the respective name suffixes:
Brose Drive S Mag FIT Eco: 75 Nm
Brose Drive S Mag FIT Plus: 85 Nm
Brose Drive S Mag FIT Pro: 90 Nm
Panasonic GX Ultimate FIT Eco: 75 Nm
Panasonic GX Ultimate FIT Pro: 95 Nm
Panasonic GX Force FIT Eco: 60 Nm
Panasonic GX Force FIT Pro: 75 Nm
If there are no necessary limitations due to the built-in components (e.g. hub gears), the motor on most bikes can be "upgraded" to the respective performance levels by means of a (chargeable) update.
We're not a big fan of this approach - for customers it makes deciphering the loadout more complicated than it already is. It also feels very much like an artificial limitation. In any case, you should take a close look at the engine designation and find out about any possible upgrades.
Modern operating concepts from comfortable to sporty
When it comes to operation, a lot has happened on e-bikes in recent years. In addition to technical developments such as brighter color displays, there is now significantly more choice for differently designed e-bikes. While a few years ago most manufacturers only offered one or at most two different operating concepts, today there are significantly more. This can also be seen with FIT: Three control panels, two displays and the option of using your own smartphone as a full display via an app. The special thing about it: All components can be exchanged via Plug & Play.
Batteries up to 925 Wh capacity
There is an enormous selection of batteries: different capacities, shapes, sizes and weights for a wide range of applications. The compact dimensions and low weight throughout the portfolio are remarkable. The Supercore 750 battery with 750 Wh weighs only 3,8 kg. This makes it 600g (!) lighter than the Bosch Powertube battery with the same capacity and competes with the lightest batteries for the Shimano system. In addition, it is almost five centimeters shorter, even if it is a little wider - which should make it easier for the manufacturer to integrate it into the frame. The Ultracore 925 battery is also impressive, weighing “only” 925g with a 4.400 Wh capacity. This is installed, for example, in the E-Stream EVO AM E-MTBs from Bulls.
A range extender can also be found in the FIT portfolio, although its compatibility depends on the respective bicycle manufacturer. With a capacity of 540 Wh, however, it is more in the “extra battery” league. Last but not least, it is also worth taking a look at the chargers, because the standard 4A charger can be upgraded to a 6A fast charger with a software upgrade.
The secret star: the e-bike control app
An essential part of the entire FIT system is the e-bike control app, which has been constantly updated with new features over the past few months. The connection to the system is made via a supplied key card, similar to what is known from Abus locks, for example. You then have numerous options - the navigation functions in particular are extensive: coupling with Komoot is just as possible as navigation directly in the FIT app. In practice, this can also be excellently coupled with the Geo Range function, with which the remaining range can be viewed at a glance depending on the support levels. Further features are planned for the future, such as individualizing the motor support or an integrated service booklet as you know it from the car.
In addition, the app also offers some paid upgrades such as the so-called Drive Screen. This means that the smartphone can also be used as a full-fledged display – for a one-time fee of EUR 39,95 or as a subscription model for EUR 11,99 per year. The anti-theft functions should also be of interest to many e-bikers. Here you can choose between the so-called digital key and the e-bike key. With the former, the smartphone is used to unlock the e-bike, with the e-bike key you get a wireless remote control similar to what you know to lock your car. The functionality is identical, the entire e-bike system can only be activated with the appropriate device. Point of cost: The digital key costs either a one-off fee of 54,99 euros or 19,99 euros annually, the e-bike key is available for a one-off fee of 79,99 euros.
Additional accessories: tire pressure sensor, GPS tracker and frame lock
In addition to these "standard components", the FIT system also offers interesting accessories. Tire pressure sensors, an automated frame lock and a GPS tracker were presented brand new at the Eurobike. The latter connects to the smartphone and offers not only the location of the bike via GPS, for example in the event of theft, but also an acoustic alarm if the bike locked with the digital key is moved and a fall detection while riding. The frame lock expands the security concept: If you activate the e-bike lock with a digital key or e-bike key, not only is the system deactivated, but the lock also snaps shut - cool!
The two tire pressure sensors are attached to the valves and transmit the respective tire pressure to the system. This can then report above-average pressure loss so that plates can be detected early. The exact setting of the air pressure (e.g. on the E-MTB) is then also easily possible.