Almost 4 years in the past, we reported that electrical automobile producer Rivian was contemplating getting into the e-bike market. A trademark website confirmed nearly 50 trademark purposes (I’m positive there have been extra since then) for the model. A number of purposes referenced Rivian’s identify in reference to the bike and e-bike world.
We famous that the purposes may have simply been Rivian defending their namesake inside the e-bike house. Nevertheless, it appears that evidently the model wasn’t simply enjoying it secure, as they’ve simply introduced a brand new e-bike. Nicely, ALSO. has. Sure, that’s a bit complicated, however that’s as a result of ALSO. is the identify of the spinoff model that was “incubated at Rivian.” Now it appears that evidently ALSO. is a separate however sibling firm to the electrical auto producer, and ALSO. is saying their first bike.
Introducing the ALSO. TM-B.
The Rivian ALSO. TM-B’s Modularity
Rivian’s leap into the e-bike house has been years within the making. Whereas they aren’t the primary automobile producer to dip a toe within the bicycle house, theirs could be the most unusual – and it’s really fairly properly designed. This isn’t that stunning when you think about that Chris Yu moved from Specialised to ALSO. to function the corporate’s president.
ALSO. boasts its TM-B as three bikes in a single, due to its modular design. Nicely, kind of three bikes. The modular design originates from ALSO.’s high body design, which is basically a glorified seat tube/seatpost meeting. This beefed-up seatpost part may be swapped out to alter the character and intention of the TM-B.
First is what ALSO. has dubbed the “Solo.” Basically, it’s only a regular saddle, and the usual possibility for the ALSO. TM-B. The Solo is available in two sizes — small and enormous — permitting ALSO. to accommodate a major (claimed) dimension vary of 4’ 11” to six’ 8”.
The dimensions small Solo high body is for rides between 4’ 11” and 5’ 8”, whereas the massive high body stretches from 5’ 5” to six’ 8”. It’s unclear whether or not the Solo high body seatposts are dropper posts or adjustable in any method. Nevertheless, primarily based on the imagery and the truth that they provide two totally different lengths, my guess could be that there’s a restricted vary of adjustment of every dimension as a result of limitations of seatpost extension by means of the underside of the meeting.
A second high body possibility is the “Utility.” This selection has a set seat place with a big cargo rack behind it. That is fairly thrilling as you may mount a toddler seat to the rack, after which swap it out whenever you don’t must tote your child round, or carry extra cargo.
The third possibility is the “Bench.” ALSO.’s bench high body appears to be like to take a seat comparatively low and is maybe finest suited to throttle use.
A Very Distinctive E-Bike
Rivian and ALSO. designed an extremely distinctive drive unit for the TM-B. Sometimes, a series or belt (on this case, a belt) connects to a entrance sprocket, which is then instantly related (through the chain or belt) to a rear sprocket or cogs. This isn’t the case with the ALSO. TM-B.
Moderately than the cranks instantly driving the bike ahead, they hook up with a generator inside the bike. Rivian and ALSO. calls this their DreamRide. The generator powers a battery, which in flip powers a motor, driving the bike ahead.
To be clear, it appears that evidently the pedaling movement solely powers the motor that drives the bike ahead, and doesn’t seem so as to add watt-hours to the battery. Nevertheless, we are able to envision an e-bike sooner or later that does simply that.
The ALSO. TM-B battery was constructed to Rivian requirements and is available in two choices: Customary and Massive. The usual can go as much as 60 miles on a cost, whereas the Massive battery can final 100 miles. Each ship 240 watts and take round two hours to cost totally utilizing a USB-C cable.
ALSO.’s battery is definitely detachable and doubles as a charging financial institution. And by simply detachable, they imply twisting a deal with and pulling. No instruments, and even time, required.
The DreamRide delivers an enormous 180Nm of torque and permits for a high velocity of 28 MPH. This could place the ALSO. TM-B within the Class 3 e-bike class. Nevertheless, it additionally has throttle help, which doesn’t gel with Class-2’s 20 MPH velocity restrict.
Nevertheless, when utilizing the ALSO. TM-B’s throttle, its velocity is capped on the required 20 MPH. So, is it a Class 2 or a Class 3 e-bike? The reply: Sure.
Different Options
The ALSO. is designed with 120mm suspension, entrance and rear. Whereas a Kashima-like colour is observed on the stanchions in photographs, it’s unclear if Rivian partnered with a suspension producer or if the fork and shock are in-house.
A management show is positioned on the highest of the steerer tube with a relatively giant round display screen. Much like the Rivian autos, the show prompts mechanically. It additionally has built-in lights and an built-in locking characteristic.
ALSO. equips the TM-B with 24-inch wheels. Its commonplace tires are slick for the highway, nevertheless it additionally presents an off-road possibility (for a further price) if desired. Equally, wider “sport” handlebars are additionally an possibility.
All of those choices can be found at ALSO.’s web site.
“It’s a utility bike, it’s a commuting bike, it’s a path bike, it’s a recreation bike, multi functional bike,” Chris Yu, President of ALSO., stated of their launch video.
At present, the ALSO. TM-B is on the market for pre-order. Contemplating the whole lot the ALSO. TM-B presents, the value can also be surprisingly affordable. Their “Launch Version” has a listed value of $4,500 and is estimated to launch in Spring 2026. Different fashions will observe later that yr.
That is one ebike from a automobile model that we are able to’t wait to journey ourselves.
