True! Usually, if there is a power failure/user error, during firmware update, the device will “brick”. Car firmware updates are crazy. You have to do a series of functions during the update and they are timed.I bet they are concerned about users damaging their devices if they try to update the firmware themselves or they want to control the rollout of new firmware updates so that they can ensure that they are not causing any problems.
I went through this hassle with updating my firmware on a 2019 Gain M20i. It seemed to me that Orbea was abandoning the American market (contrary to what OrbeaUSA said) as it was impossible to find a dealer anywhere close to my location and it seemed that the road bikes were not available any longer. Some dealers that I did contact had fallen out with Orbea over payment for warranty work and were not carrying the brand and could not service them. The one place that I did find was 2-hours away and was not a brand specific dealer, but an excellent and experienced mechanic. He did work on ebikes and had the dongle to load the firmware. The firmware completely fixed the problems I was having with the app. recording rides and keeping up with the charge and range on the bike. I am not impressed with Orbea or Mahle's Customer Service. I do really like the 1st Gen Gain but it has been a rough ride dealing with the foibles of the X35 system and getting service.Any ideas what the new firmware does or offers? I have an original X35 system on a Orbea M20i and now get a lot of code 6 (cadence/PAS sensor) errors. Turning the system off and back on usually clears the error for another 40-80 miles or so. Engineering mode on the consumer mobile app indicates everything is working well before the error occurs. Orbea USA suggested updating the firmware but there are no dealers near where I live. I just want to get a sense of the benefits/upside before investing the time and money for the update.
Thanks for the update and information! I have the bike linked to my garmin head unit via the add-on ANT+ dongle so dont use the Oreba/Mahle app. Its unclear whether my occasional issues would be resolved with the new firmware. I dont have a LBS that is an Orbea dealer either but there one about 90 minutes away. When I spoke with them, they still seemed pretty positive on the brand. They mostly sell gravel variants but didnt mention anything about Orbea backing off the market.I went through this hassle with updating my firmware on a 2019 Gain M20i. It seemed to me that Orbea was abandoning the American market (contrary to what OrbeaUSA said) as it was impossible to find a dealer anywhere close to my location and it seemed that the road bikes were not available any longer. Some dealers that I did contact had fallen out with Orbea over payment for warranty work and were not carrying the brand and could not service them. The one place that I did find was 2-hours away and was not a brand specific dealer, but an excellent and experienced mechanic. He did work on ebikes and had the dongle to load the firmware. The firmware completely fixed the problems I was having with the app. recording rides and keeping up with the charge and range on the bike. I am not impressed with Orbea or Mahle's Customer Service. I do really like the 1st Gen Gain but it has been a rough ride dealing with the foibles of the X35 system and getting service.