I had watched videos of shops taking a TCU2 from a floor model and installing it in a 2021 Turbo Levo and giving it a thumbs up for functionality. Liking the idea of the utility of the TCU2 (Mastermind) features I contacted the LBS and they quoted me a price of $180, and I said order it!
Coming from a tech background, I contacted Specialized Support for information about firmware version requirements or other info I would need to complete the install.
Here are the responses,
and after another few questions for clarity on this:
Seemingly, either Specialized has no concept of building in backward compatibility that would update the firmware to the appropriate versions, or, they find it useful to develop new electronic devices in such a way that you have to buy a new bike to get the TCU2 features.
Based upon their response, even the lower tier 2022 models cannot be retrofitted with TCU2 or it will eventually brick their motors as well. (Frankly, this sounds like a "pat" answer to encourage customers to spring for the $9K bike over the $6K bike if they want "Mastermind TCU" features.)
A company should be able to write code so that compatibility is maintained for previous year models. Motor, Battery, and Display firmware is already aware of each other in the Mission Control OTA updates. How challenging would it be to write the code for the new display to accommodate the motor firmware in the previous year's model, or a lower tier model from the same year?
It leaves me thinking their software team may not be up to the task if they can't do this. Or worse, maybe the sales and accounting departments dictate that they make no effort to maintain backward compatibility.
They could sell these displays to anyone interested had they put more thought into this.
I think that this will be the last Specialized e-bike ownership experience for me.
Sure, I'll ride the bike till it is done, just won't look for another one. Sour grapes? Yeah, but I come from a technical background. I have written code for motion control devices that had to be backward compatible with our prior products so we could best support our existing customers. It shouldn't be that big of a stretch for Specialized to manage to do the same.
Coming from a tech background, I contacted Specialized Support for information about firmware version requirements or other info I would need to complete the install.
Here are the responses,
" Thanks for reaching out to rider care. Unfortunately, the Mastermind computers are not backwards compatible with bikes not originally equipped with the Mastermind display. The primary reason for this incompatibility is technology issues related to firmware updates. Each bike has specific firmware written to the motor, battery, and display, which is then associated with that bike's SN. Plugging in a Mastermind generation computer to a bike not originally equipped with the new system may cause error codes in the system. Attempting to update the Mastermind system with an incompatible SN could result in limited functionality, and in some cases loss of bike functionality, so we do not recommend this exchange and it will not have warranty coverage. I apologize for the inconvenience. "
and after another few questions for clarity on this:
" I am sorry for the misinformation on the web about this. They do not portray long-term use where the incompatibility leads to motors bricking. The TCU2 is incompatible with any model that did not originally come with one. "
Seemingly, either Specialized has no concept of building in backward compatibility that would update the firmware to the appropriate versions, or, they find it useful to develop new electronic devices in such a way that you have to buy a new bike to get the TCU2 features.
Based upon their response, even the lower tier 2022 models cannot be retrofitted with TCU2 or it will eventually brick their motors as well. (Frankly, this sounds like a "pat" answer to encourage customers to spring for the $9K bike over the $6K bike if they want "Mastermind TCU" features.)
A company should be able to write code so that compatibility is maintained for previous year models. Motor, Battery, and Display firmware is already aware of each other in the Mission Control OTA updates. How challenging would it be to write the code for the new display to accommodate the motor firmware in the previous year's model, or a lower tier model from the same year?
It leaves me thinking their software team may not be up to the task if they can't do this. Or worse, maybe the sales and accounting departments dictate that they make no effort to maintain backward compatibility.
They could sell these displays to anyone interested had they put more thought into this.
I think that this will be the last Specialized e-bike ownership experience for me.
Sure, I'll ride the bike till it is done, just won't look for another one. Sour grapes? Yeah, but I come from a technical background. I have written code for motion control devices that had to be backward compatible with our prior products so we could best support our existing customers. It shouldn't be that big of a stretch for Specialized to manage to do the same.
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