RideControl app worth it?

[hemismith]

Is it worth using the RideControl app? Seems like there have been lots of problems, and the Apple store rating is horrible. I have a 2023 (I think, how do I tell) Stance E+ 1 Pro. The specs say the following, but the existing computer seems really basic. There was no manual for it and I don't see one online.

Giant RideControl Dash, Smart Assist automatic mode, 5 manual support levels, USB-C (10W)
Giant RideControl Dash, high-angle visibility, full color LCD display
Giant RideControl App enabled ANT+ wireless display signal with e-bike profile

 

[Montana St Alum]

Isn't the app free? Why wouldn't you try it and see?

 

[hemismith]

Yes, but some updates seem to have bricked some bikes in the past so I’m wondering if that’s still a risk. I also find it odd that it requires a separate login than the Giant website.

 

[Montana St Alum]

Yes, but some updates seem to have bricked some bikes in the past so I’m wind if that’s still a risk. I also find it odd that it requires a separate login than the Giant website.

I don't have the Trance, so maybe it's different, but I've ridden the E+Elite 3 since the beginning of last year. I've been using the app because with the E3, it's necessary for the purpose of setting things like "launch", "support" and torque. Maybe that's not needed on the Trance. Also, I've installed all of the motor programming updates through the use of the app with no problems. I did have one Samsung update on my phone that caused some connectivity issues, but that was a Smasung problem, and the subsequent Samsung update resolved the issue. (Apple based updates didn't cause any problems.) For the E3, the use of the app is almost a requirement unless you are happy with the "factory settings".
I doubt the app itself would cause problems of any kind and the updates to the bike itself appear to be optional and require WiFi to implement.

 

[hemismith]

I don't have the Trance, so maybe it's different, but I've ridden the E+Elite 3 since the beginning of last year. I've been using the app because with the E3, it's necessary for the purpose of setting things like "launch", "support" and torque. Maybe that's not needed on the Trance. Also, I've installed all of the motor programming updates through the use of the app with no problems. I did have one Samsung update on my phone that caused some connectivity issues, but that was a Smasung problem, and the subsequent Samsung update resolved the issue. (Apple based updates didn't cause any problems.) For the E3, the use of the app is almost a requirement unless you are happy with the "factory settings".
I doubt the app itself would cause problems of any kind and the updates to the bike itself appear to be optional and require WiFi to implement.

Ok good to know, thanks!

 

[Krrr]

Giant Ride Control App - Problems After Updates - No Ride Distance​

• Thread starter Qualitydog1
• Start date May 16, 2024
• Tags None

 

[offroad]

Giant is dropping support for the earlier Ride One components in upcoming versions of the unpopular and unreliable RideControl app. Firmware enhancement updates are finished for the hardware which is now 5 years since last production. Dealers will still be able to use the Giant Diagnostics Tool for troubleshooting.

Running and controlling two sets of different signalling protocols in one app is challenging, so concentrating on just (SG) Smart Gateway with Canbus might improve the performance of the app by doing away with legacy hardware support.

With new tech like tyre pressure monitors and Ai assisted automatic modes on horizon, there is plenty to keep the software development team (Ai or not) at the coal face.

 

[Nicho]

I have had a Trance since 2019, and the various versions of the app have NEVER worked properly. Always some bits not working or reporting ridiculous mileage, altitude, etc.
One of the worst apps with the worst ratings I have ever come across.

 

[wcndave]

There are a few things about the app that I don't get.
One is that you have to login online in order to connect to the bike to set up, or record a ride.

This is a data mining and intrusive exercise, and quite often not possible when I am somewhere remote.

Second, the actual ride recording fails at least 50% of the time.
See the below ride I just took - 5km going up 200m.
it shows -3km, and under the popup you could see the route, which was in fact correct.
I can't even save it...

It's shockingly bad...

 

[xjoeabc3x]

There are a few things about the app that I don't get.
One is that you have to login online in order to connect to the bike to set up, or record a ride.

This is a data mining and intrusive exercise, and quite often not possible when I am somewhere remote.

Second, the actual ride recording fails at least 50% of the time.
See the below ride I just took - 5km going up 200m.
it shows -3km, and under the popup you could see the route, which was in fact correct.
I can't even save it...

View attachment 179648

It's shockingly bad...

I will try to fix it in next version.
Maybe v1.34.0.

 

[xjoeabc3x]

I have had a Trance since 2019, and the various versions of the app have NEVER worked properly. Always some bits not working or reporting ridiculous mileage, altitude, etc.
One of the worst apps with the worst ratings I have ever come across.

This year, we have a big change plan.
To renew the overall UI and functionalities.

 

[Nicho]

This year, we have a big change plan.
To renew the overall UI and functionalities.

The last time Giant had a big change plan with totally new developers that was going to fix everything with an "All New App", the new app was even worse than the old one, with many of the functions either not working at all or reporting grossely incorrect readings.
Since the first app it has been an absolute disgrace that a company as big as Giant could insult its customers, who have paid lots of money for their bikes, with such utter "not fit for purpose" dross!

 

[wcndave]

This year, we have a big change plan.
To renew the overall UI and functionalities.

As a software engineer, I know this won't be easy, especially with all the different hardware out there, both phone and bike.
So I would expect to see something in 2-3 years?

Really, what you want to do instead, is get the existing one working first, and then look at UI.
The UI layer and functional layers should be separated so you can work on one without breaking the other.

 

[MeatBike]

Giant is dropping support for the earlier Ride One components in upcoming versions of the unpopular and unreliable RideControl app. Firmware enhancement updates are finished for the hardware which is now 5 years since last production. Dealers will still be able to use the Giant Diagnostics Tool for troubleshooting.

Running and controlling two sets of different signalling protocols in one app is challenging, so concentrating on just (SG) Smart Gateway with Canbus might improve the performance of the app by doing away with legacy hardware support.

With new tech like tyre pressure monitors and Ai assisted automatic modes on horizon, there is plenty to keep the software development team (Ai or not) at the coal face.

View attachment 179570

Is this real? Looks nice and neat as far as controllers go, but the grips themselves look like those awful hard/generic ones that go straight in the bin.

 

[offroad]

The photo is taken from a post on WeChat from Ananda who have joined forces with a Chinese developer of Ai automation systems. It is possibly a mock up of whatever the 'technology' does ? But an example of what manufacturers are thinking to drive ridiculous Ai solutions into a bicycle.

At the end of the day it's 'marketing technology' to drives sales, just like an Ai powered robot vacuum cleaner with a stupid ridiculous price tag - aka Dyson comes to mind $$$$... Giant - your call awaits and I'm not 'buying' it.