Bosch plans to acquire COBI

[Chris Nolte]

Some very exciting news from Bosch and COBI today. Bosch is in the processes of acquiring COBI the connected bike display. We're very excited about this as it seems to be a perfect match.

Below is the text from the press release:

Bosch eBike Systems planning to acquire the Frankfurt-based connected-biking start-up COBI.

Founded in 2014, COBI offers e-bikers and cyclists the opportunity to use their smartphone as a control, infotainment and display unit. "The acquisition of COBI provides the ideal opportunity to expand the product portfolio of Bosch eBike Systems in the area of connected products and services. COBI offers the necessary expertise and experience, as well as the appropriate technologies for a successful partnership," said CEO of Bosch eBike Systems Claus Fleischer.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price. The transaction is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.

COBI offers services such as navigation, music, telephony and fitness. COBI also connects the rider with other apps such as Strava, Komoot, Spotify, Apple Health und Bluetooth fitness sensors.

CEO of COBI Andreas Gahlert added: "With Bosch as a strategic partner, we see huge scope for worldwide growth in the area of digitally connected products and services in the bike environment. For us, this is undoubtedly a significant step into the future."

Below is a video Court did highlighting the product.

I tested an early prototype and I've now been using the 2nd generation which has been practically flawless. I'm very excited about this development as it gives Bosch a jumpstart into the future of Connected mobility. The system also has a SDK so there are no limits to what can be developed on top of it.

 

[Sonoboy]

This might explain the non-release of the Nyon here in the States. Could the COBI eventually replace the Nyon? We shall see.

 

[medjed]

thanks for sharing chris!
sonoboy that sounds about right lol. my guess is that the nyon 2 (or whatever they'll eventually call it) will be a us product too.
but this cobi acquisition sounds like a good idea, lord knows everyone wants everything on their phone these days.

 

[rich c]

You sure read some bad reviews on the Cobi. Anyone had a good experience?

 

[hurricane56]

The app and hub firmware is actively developed, but their customer service and materials need to improve.

I have a Cobi hub that literally broke off the Bosch Intuvia mount while riding, luckily I caught the hub and the phone before it fell on the ground. They use a plastic that’s way too brittle and eventually creates a stress fracture at the mounting point.

They outsource the customer support to a company called ModulusLink that does a pretty terrible job at following up with support tickets. When my hub broke it took several attempts and the duration of a few months to arrange a return. Cobi wanted the hub sent back to their HQ in Denmark.

 

[Sonoboy]

The app and hub firmware is actively developed, but their customer service and materials need to improve.

I have a Cobi hub that literally broke off the Bosch Intuvia mount while riding, luckily I caught the hub and the phone before it fell on the ground. They use a plastic that’s way too brittle and eventually creates a stress fracture at the mounting point.

They outsource the customer support to a company called ModulusLink that does a pretty terrible job at following up with support tickets. When my hub broke it took several attempts and the duration of a few months to arrange a return. Cobi wanted the hub sent back to their HQ in Denmark.

This is where a 'graybeard' specialist might be of use in an emerging company. Quite often, we see young entrepreneurs with a great plan for a product delve into manufacturing without knowledgeable insiders to help guide them through the pitfalls of the design/manufacturing process. Many of us older types have made the same mistakes; don't relegate us to the pastures just yet.