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Rivian's TM-B electric bike

(www.theverge.com)
190 points hasheddan | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.291s | source
1. dashundchen ◴[] No.45676710[source]
While this looks pretty slick, i definitely agree with commenters this falls on the moped end of things. I will assume from the features listed that it's loaded with proprietary parts.

I'm an everyday cyclist and when people ask me for recommendations on bike, I almost always recommend they look at traditional bike brands with e-bikes, rather than pure e-bike brands.

Traditional bike shop level bike brands typically have reputable Bosch or Bafang motors (preferably mid drive, not in the wheels hub)and computers, but the rest of the bike will be mostly standard bike brakes, wheel sizes, derailleurs, chains, hubs etc.

Bring one of those DTC e-bike brands into your local shop and there's probably a 50% chance they'll work on it. Good luck finding replacement parts or getting support from the company with no local prescence.

Look on /r/bikemechanics to see the horror show working on some of these bikes has become.

One of the great things about cycling is that almost anyone can learn to fix and maintain their bike. It's affordable and mostly standardized at this point

It's extremely accessible with YouTube Videos, the Park Tool Blue Book, and bike coops or workshops in most cities. Many local shops are happy to share knowledge with their customers.

The closer your e-bike is to a traditional bike, the better time you'll have in the long run.