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VanMoof encryption key exporter

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Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#11

Post by barefeg »

ano-ther wrote: post #8

Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

Maybe a clarification: it doesn’t need both the app and internet connection to unlock. There are 2 ways to unlock and one of them uses the app and Bluetooth (no internet).

In terms of the appeals, I see it the other way around. The app is just the means to get the feature set to work; people don’t buy the bike because it has an app. There might be other implementations of the features that don’t require an app.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#12

Post by yabatopia »

gregdoesit wrote: post #2

Note that a competitor to VanMoof, Cowboy Bikes, have also created an iOS app - with a beta on the App Store - that supposedly does the same (saving the encryption keys locally). I say supposedly because the source is not available to inspect. However, the linked FAQ states that no data is stored outside the app. Here it is: https://bikey-app.cowboy.bike/ (Note this is not en endorsement for Cowboy - whom I know noth…

Going from Vanmoof to Cowboy Bikes is like switching from the plague to cholera.

Same modus operandi: excessively VC funded, lots of hype, proprietary parts, mounting losses, loosing money with every sale, ... and it's getting worse every year. Cowboy Bikes is just another bankruptcy waiting to happen.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#13

Post by fh973 »

gnopgnip wrote: post #10
ano-ther wrote: post #8

Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

If it’s stolen they will either recover it or replace it. And everyone knows this, so no one will buy a stolen one and they are less likely to be stolen.

If they're still in business.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#14

Post by jjav »

ano-ther wrote: post #8

Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

> Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

I struggle to understand those who think something like that could be a good idea.

Isn't it obvious that an app will not be around for as long as a bike can last?

I have a bike from the early 90s, that's over 30 years. Does anyone think an app will be around even for 10 years, let alone 30+?

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#15

Post by TeMPOraL »

gnopgnip wrote: post #10
ano-ther wrote: post #8

Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

If it’s stolen they will either recover it or replace it. And everyone knows this, so no one will buy a stolen one and they are less likely to be stolen.

> And everyone knows this

You mean they know the vendor is an infinite supplier of free bikes to steal, deSaaSify, and sell to a different market?

Either way, the message doesn't spread itself; I wouldn't overestimate how much small-scale semi-pro thiefs know or care about bullshit tech startups.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#16

Post by nicbou »

ashald wrote: post #9
fermentation wrote: post #4

I'm just now hearing about VanMoof failing. This is surprising, considering these bikes seem to have pretty meh build quality and are being priced much higher than one would expect.

I've got an X3 that is rock solid even after me and the bike flying apart in an attempt to avoid collision with a truck. And its design is the primary reason why I decided to start biking again to begin with - I just find it so pleasantly satisfying I just want to ride it. So IDK, but I haven't seen a viable alternative yet.

What about it makes it so satisfying?

If you're not into bikes, try a few of them. I find any properly tuned bike to be an absolute joy to use, although I never tried a Van Moof.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#18

Post by aden1ne »

fermentation wrote: post #4

I'm just now hearing about VanMoof failing. This is surprising, considering these bikes seem to have pretty meh build quality and are being priced much higher than one would expect.

The build quality is so bad they are going under in warranty claims. They also don't use common components, so very few bike repair shops in high-volume markets (e.g. Netherlands) are willing to touch VanMoof bikes.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#19

Post by dtech »

wjnc wrote: post #3

Don’t buy products made by VC funded firms! Especially not if it’s a real product and you value repairability and service. VanMoof made losses the size of their revenue. They made bikes… where’s the natural monopoly to be chased there?

Blitzcaling to achieve monopoly is not the only reason for funding. A manufacturing company like this has high up-front costs for R&D and manufacturing, orders of magnitude more than a typical software companies. You also don't need to chase a monopoly to make expanding to new market with investor money a sound decision. Obviously VanMoof didn't make it work here and had horrible OPEX due to expanding to markets without getting the sales to support it.

Re: VanMoof encryption key exporter

#20

Post by benoliver999 »

jjav wrote: post #14
ano-ther wrote: post #8

Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock?

> Honest question: what’s the appeal of a bike that needs an internet connection & app to unlock? I struggle to understand those who think something like that could be a good idea. Isn't it obvious that an app will not be around for as long as a bike can last? I have a bike from the early 90s, that's over 30 years. Does anyone think an app will be around even for 10 years, let alone 30+?

I worry about this with most components of e-bikes. I suppose a mid-drive one is probably always gonna have parts you can replace but custom kit like VanMoof seems ready for landfill.
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