Flo app question.

[Old Codger]

I’m new to flo app and for the first few rides I’ve been trying Auto out. Today another rider told me his dealer told him to ride in normal modes for a few rides and the Auto mode will learn from his riding and adapt the mode.
I’ve not heard about this and my dealer didn’t mention it. I thought that the Auto mode just adjusted automatically depending on torque at the pedals..Am I correct?

 

[Mikerb]

All bike software works on a CAN ( network).....that is a controller reading inputs from ( typically) 3 sensors...speed, torque and cadence. Some also have a sensor for incline but pretty sure that does not apply to Bosch. So can a bike store data a bout your specific type of riding? I would suggest that is complete rubbish. The main learning to be done is by the device with the biggest processor and memory.........YOU! As you become accustomed to the bike you learn how to get the best response from the bike, including the motor, in each mode, according to how much rider input you are comfortable with.

 

[Old Codger]

All bike software works on a CAN ( network).....that is a controller reading inputs from ( typically) 3 sensors...speed, torque and cadence. Some also have a sensor for incline but pretty sure that does not apply to Bosch. So can a bike store data a bout your specific type of riding? I would suggest that is complete rubbish. The main learning to be done is by the device with the biggest processor and memory.........YOU! As you become accustomed to the bike you learn how to get the best response from the bike, including the motor, in each mode, according to how much rider input you are comfortable with.

Thanks for the reply, it’s as I thought then. The Bosch does have 3 sensors, torque, cadence and inertia (imu). Is the inertia one to do with speed?

 

[DieBoy]

Hmmm.

The Flow app does learn from your riding history for providing range estimation.

AFAIK, the auto mode uses the cadence and torque sensors from the motor unit as inputs, and is independent of the app. Though as the app records cadence and rider power, it would be theoretically possible that historical data from the app could be used to fine-tune the auto mode, I just don't believe it does.

 

[Old Codger]

Hmmm.

The Flow app does learn from your riding history for providing range estimation.

AFAIK, the auto mode uses the cadence and torque sensors from the motor unit as inputs, and is independent of the app. Though as the app records cadence and rider power, it would be theoretically possible that historical data from the app could be used to fine-tune the auto mode, I just don't believe it does.

I think the Frow app is a dark art.
Having looked further into the far corners of the Bosch web site it seems that the Auto mode is just concerned with keeping a constant speed and is aimed at urban commuters and cargo riders. Quite haw it does this is a dark mystery.
I have now dumped Auto and gone with Tour+ with +2 assistance. This seemed to work better over a 30 mile ride and my brain had a better night.

 

[Mikerb]

my guess is that auto prioritises torque over cadence and provides a motor input profile with relative easy access to higher power levels. As you say it was aimed mainly at urban and cargo riders who typically ride at a constant, relatively low cadence on tarmac with moderate differences in elevation. EMTB, or Tour + were aimed at MTB.

 

[Old Codger]

my guess is that auto prioritises torque over cadence and provides a motor input profile with relative easy access to higher power levels. As you say it was aimed mainly at urban and cargo riders who typically ride at a constant, relatively low cadence on tarmac with moderate differences in elevation. EMTB, or Tour + were aimed at MTB.

I upgraded to emtb on my old bike ( gen 2) but however hard I pedalled on steep hills I always got a boost by going into turbo so I assumed that either it didn’t go up to turbo or it required a lot more torque than I could muster. I then reverted back to sport. Not tried it since.

 

[PhilKee]

All bike software works on a CAN ( network).....that is a controller reading inputs from ( typically) 3 sensors...speed, torque and cadence. Some also have a sensor for incline but pretty sure that does not apply to Bosch. So can a bike store data a bout your specific type of riding? I would suggest that is complete rubbish. The main learning to be done is by the device with the biggest processor and memory.........YOU! As you become accustomed to the bike you learn how to get the best response from the bike, including the motor, in each mode, according to how much rider input you are comfortable with.

My Powerfly shipped with Eco, Tour+, EMTB, and Turbo. Tour+ is supposed to be ‘auto’ between Eco and Tour. It’s OK when it detects extra pedal force, and even when going uphill (I suspect it DOES have an inclinometer sensor) but is useless at detecting me running out of puff when battling a long drag against a relentless headwind! I swapped it for Tour, because it’s ME that knows when I need extra assistance!
(Context: I went electric due to a heart rhythm issue and use the Powerfly for touring).