It might be new from the frame design, etc., but it is using good old and familier Bosch motor/display setup, so the electric part of bike is not new at all. And this is what I ment when talking about risks of first iteration of next-gen platform, not the bike design overall.
I believe that was the first year of the 4th Gen CX.
Probably, but still this is just another generation of the existing platform, not the completely new platform from scratch. What we actually see from Bosch right now is a completely new platform with no backward compatibility and new software - it didn't happen to Bosch e-bike world for decades.
Yes, a good job of making the existing installed base obsolete. Those software improvements you CX DU owners got this year, don't expect any more. The smartphone hub has been dead for a while (although I note Trek is going to foist it on Allant 8 buyers yet again this year). I doubt if Kiox owners will see any improvements going forward.
We really don’t know this yet. Listening to their CEO, some backward compatibility was hinted at.
We'll just have to see what happens. He's pretty wishy washy regarding what the new stuff means for existing customers. And he was clear that the new system was targeted at the performance CX du, not the Performance Speed DU that I have. But I should blame Trek as much as Bosch for my frustration. After all, Trek chose the components.
Well, they’re only showing 1 Rail for 2022 on their website and there are no details whatsoever. I would’ve thought they’d go for a commuter bike. Got some inside info?
Yup.
I am probably the only one here, who is pretty satisfied with SmartphoneHub (and I choose it myself as an upgrade for C380+). I know, the potential is much bigger than is implemented right now, but stuff I have is pretty sufficient for my needs and interface is slick and well-readable. Also love the option to control music from the remote - I don't think any other solution for Bosch allows that.
Yes, reliable inside info. In fact he said Trek had to go to publication with their printed manuals and marketing flyers 2 days before Bosch‘s public announcement. Tricky timing.
A few German brands.
They announced just one set of motor-remote-display for now, so don't expect lots of bikes to appear with new system yet.
I think this is attempt to proceed with more "open" or at-least 3rd-party compatible model for the e-bike electronics. Modern world and users demand platform where other 3rd-party devices/services can be integrated with the bikes. Original Bosch system was very closed and isolated and I don't think you can realistically change it without fundamental redesign, which they are doing right now.
Where did their announced it is "outdated"? What I heard was completely opposite - they are willing to support existing systems for the sufficient time so current users can use their bikes. You bike still rides and will continue to ride even after the announcement. What are the exact concerns you have? Let's assume thar new display/controller/battery is compatible with older motor you have on your bike - would you want to pay $1500-$2000 for the upgrade? I don't think so. And 99.9% of owners won't since they are fine with what they have. I am personally enjoying my e-bike and don't care much it is "outdated tech" now.
The new system is closed too, in my reading. Only when they publish an API will it be an open system. And Bosch's track record isn't great. IIRC, they took an open source system, and bastardized it into a closed system in the form of the smartphone hub and cobi.bike.
They've essentially said that "support" will be limited to bug fixes, if any. We current owners can look forward to NO improvements. And let's Not assume the new system will in any way be backward compatible. They've given no indication of that.
I saw the ads video and I think the ability to integrate with the 3rd-party services is one of the main goals and points in the ads. I believe this is one of the goals they ahve, but I do agree Bosch doesn't have good track record for this yet (and my hope it will change now).
Was it ever different? I am relatively new to the e-bikes, but in my assumption when I am buying particular bike, I am paying for the features and functionality it has at the moment of purchase, any updates/improvements are not guaranteed (and this is pretty much similar for the hardware - if I am buying a "smart" vacuum cleaner, I can't expect it will start to wash my floors after firmware upgrade, I will have to buy new model for this). E-bikes are closer to cars and electric home appliances in this matter - not to the phones or computers, where functionality mostly coming from software. Can you provide some example how did it work before Smart System was introduced? Was there any particular thing Bosch did to already sold models to improve user experience? I only can think of display upgrades, but Smart System don't have anything to offer here for older users, Nyon display is much more advanced to Kiox 300.
