Rivian Built an E-Bike?! 100-Mile Range & No Chain (Also TM-B First Ride)

“Final mile” refers to the last leg of transportation—typically the short distance from a depot or transit point to where a person or package actually needs to go. It’s a key area for new mobility solutions because it demands convenience, efficiency, and easy maneuvering.

This is the physical setting for the product reveal/first look. Listeners can treat it as a segment marker for the “we’re at the venue, here’s what’s being shown” portion of the episode.

Also is described as the manufacturer of the e-bike the hosts are about to ride. The segment frames Also as a company spun out of Rivian, which helps explain why their e-bike tech and design may share resources or engineering DNA with Rivian.

A “Skunk Works” project is a small, highly focused team working on experimental or breakthrough products, often with more freedom than a typical corporate program. The host’s wording suggests Also began as an experimental effort before becoming a more formal company.

The TMB, or Transcendent Mobility Bicycle, is Rivian’s electric bicycle concept built with an automotive mindset. The key idea is that it’s designed like a vehicle first, with bike-like recreation as the secondary goal.

This phrase describes a design philosophy: treat the bicycle as a real mobility product (with durability, systems integration, and user experience) rather than just a recreational gadget. It implies higher-grade components and engineering choices borrowed from automotive design.

A “portal display” is a dashboard-style screen interface, positioned to be easy to see while riding. Here, the hosts compare it to a heads-up infotainment screen in a Rivian vehicle, emphasizing that the bike uses automotive-grade UI and hardware.

A heads-up infotainment screen is a display designed to keep your attention forward while still providing information. In cars, this often means the screen is positioned and designed for quick glance readability, reducing the need to look down.

“Vehicle grade” implies components built to automotive standards for durability, temperature range, vibration resistance, and long-term reliability. The speaker uses it to contrast this bike’s electronics and materials with typical consumer bicycle hardware.

A propulsion system is the electric drive hardware that provides motion—typically including the motor and its control electronics. Calling it a “dream ride” system suggests Rivian is positioning the bike’s powertrain as a core part of the riding experience, not just an add-on motor.

The battery is the energy storage that powers the electric drive, and in an automotive-grade context it implies attention to safety, thermal management, and durability. The speaker ties it to “automotive grade,” suggesting higher engineering standards than many consumer e-bikes.

Front suspension is the suspension system on the front wheel that absorbs bumps and helps maintain tire contact with the road/trail. On bikes, good suspension can improve comfort and traction without necessarily making the ride feel slow.

Rear suspension is the suspension system on the back wheel that absorbs impacts and helps keep traction. In this segment, the hosts argue that suspension doesn’t have to mean a slower, mushier ride—if it’s tuned well, it can still feel quick.

A series hybrid means the pedals drive a generator (or power source), and an electric motor provides propulsion—rather than the drivetrain mechanically sending power directly to the wheels. This architecture can let the system optimize how it converts pedaling into electric power for smoother, controllable assist.

“Pedal by wire” means the pedals aren’t mechanically linked to the rear wheel. Instead, your pedaling is sensed and translated into electrical commands that control a motor driving the wheel. This is similar in concept to drive-by-wire systems in cars, but applied to bicycle pedaling.

“No chain” indicates the bike’s rear-wheel drive doesn’t use a traditional chain-and-sprocket connection. The transcript also contrasts this with a belt-driven rear wheel, which reduces some maintenance and packaging constraints. It’s an important design choice because it changes how power is transmitted and how the drivetrain can be packaged.

A “belt drive” uses a toothed or friction belt to transmit power to the rear wheel instead of a metal chain. Belts are often quieter and can require less lubrication, but they still need correct tension and can wear depending on alignment and conditions. In this design, the belt is driven by a motor rather than directly by the pedals.

The “drive motor” is the electric motor that actually spins the rear wheel in response to the pedal-by-wire signals. The transcript explains that the generator sends electrical signals to the motor so it can control how the wheel spins. This is the core of the bike’s electric propulsion control loop.

Here, the “generator” is the device that converts your pedaling motion into electrical energy. That electricity is then used to control the drive motor and to recharge the battery. This is the key bridge between human effort and electric propulsion in the described system.

A traction motor is the electric motor that actually provides driving force to move the vehicle. In an e-bike, it’s what turns electrical energy into wheel torque for acceleration and climbing.

The Rivian R1 is Rivian’s electric vehicle platform referenced here as a benchmark for battery cell technology. The hosts are saying the e-bike battery uses the same type of cells as the Rivian R1, which can matter for performance consistency and manufacturing scale.

“Cell type” refers to the specific chemistry and design of the individual battery units inside a pack. Using the same cell type across products can improve cost, supply, and expected performance characteristics.

A “cost benefit” here is about economies of scale—buying and producing large volumes of battery cells lowers per-unit cost. The hosts connect that to Rivian’s ability to leverage its cell supply across multiple products.

Battery “cells” are the individual electrochemical units that are packaged together to form a complete battery pack. The discussion contrasts the large number of cells in the Rivian R1 with the smaller count in the e-bike pack to illustrate how pack design scales with application.

Economies of scale means spreading fixed costs (like manufacturing setup and supply contracts) over a larger number of units. In EV batteries, larger orders can reduce per-unit costs and improve pricing.

The hosts are describing how a battery maker can extract more usable performance from the same type of cell by tuning how it’s used in the pack. That can include operating voltage and temperature ranges while still meeting warranty expectations.

Voltage is the electrical potential the battery cell provides to the system. The segment suggests Rivian can run cells at different voltage levels to increase usable output while managing heat and degradation.

Battery temperature strongly affects how fast cells age and how safely they can operate. The hosts mention operating at higher or lower temperatures while still preserving warranty coverage, implying thermal management and conservative limits.

A battery warranty is the manufacturer’s promise about expected performance and failure coverage over time or mileage. Here, the important point is that higher performance/usage is only acceptable if it doesn’t increase degradation beyond what the warranty allows.

The hosts explain that for the same battery energy (watt-hours), a more efficient battery system can deliver more usable range and performance. This is about how effectively the battery’s energy is converted into motor power, not just raw capacity.

Watt-hours (Wh) is an energy rating for batteries. For e-bikes, it’s commonly used to estimate how much total energy the battery can deliver to the motor over time, which strongly affects range.

“Range” is the estimated distance the e-bike can travel on a full battery charge under certain conditions. The episode ties the claimed 100-mile range to the battery’s energy capacity (about 800 watt-hours) and how efficiently it delivers power.

Motor assist refers to how an e-bike’s electric motor helps the rider, typically up to a legal or programmed speed limit. In this segment, the bike’s assist tops out at 28 mph, but the rider can still pedal faster.

A power bank is a portable battery pack that can charge other devices. In this context, the e-bike’s battery can also act like a USB-C charger for a phone, which is handy for travel.

USB-C is a modern charging/data connector used by many phones and accessories. The hosts are pointing out that the e-bike battery includes USB-C ports so you can charge devices directly without extra adapters.

A “top frame” is a structural design element of the bicycle frame, and here it’s described as a new, proprietary part. The idea is that Rivian’s e-bike packaging and battery integration may require a different frame geometry than conventional bikes.

On a bicycle frame, the seat tube is the angled tube that holds the seat height. It’s where the seat post slides in and is a key part of how the bike’s geometry fits you.

The seat post is the adjustable post that raises or lowers the saddle. On many frames it’s inserted into the seat tube, and the fit affects comfort and pedaling position.

DreamRaw appears to be the product/platform name they’re using for the e-bike’s frame/architecture. It’s mentioned alongside the battery and “skateboard” layout, suggesting it’s part of how the bike is built.

In e-bike design, a “skateboard” layout usually means the battery and key electronics are packaged low and flat in the frame area, similar to a skateboard deck. This can improve weight distribution and make the bike feel more stable.

A throttle is the control that tells the electric motor how much power to deliver. On an e-bike, it lets you move without pedaling as much (or at all, depending on the bike’s design and local rules).

A banana seat is a long, curved bicycle seat commonly associated with vintage-style bikes. On an e-bike, it’s often chosen for comfort and a more “moto-inspired” riding posture.

A rear light is the bike’s visibility and safety lighting at the back, typically including a brake light or running light function. The segment also mentions turn signals, implying the rear lighting is part of a more complete signaling system.

Turn signals are electronic indicators that communicate your intended direction to other road users. On e-bikes, they’re often integrated into the rear lighting and may be controlled from the handlebars.

“Sense pins” likely refer to electrical contacts or sensors used to detect when a frame module is properly installed. This would let the bike power up or enable functions only when the attachment is secure.

Key-based personalization is when a vehicle stores driver preferences (seat position, ride mode, and other settings) and automatically loads them based on which key fob is detected. This reduces manual setup and helps multiple drivers share the same vehicle comfortably.

“Auto adjust” refers to power seat and/or steering adjustments that move to a saved position when the car recognizes the driver. In this segment, the seat won’t fully adjust, but it will leave you at the position you’ve chosen, and settings are tied to your key.

A “ride mode” is a selectable driving profile that changes how the vehicle behaves—often including throttle response, steering feel, and sometimes traction/regen behavior. The key point here is that the ride mode you prefer can be saved to your profile and recalled automatically.

Haptic feedback is touch-based feedback (like vibrations or force cues) that helps you feel what the bike or interface is doing. On vehicles and e-bikes, it’s often used to confirm inputs such as gear changes or assist modes without relying only on visuals.

A motorcycle-like electric vehicle without pedals is typically treated differently than a pedal-assist e-bike, both legally and in how the power is delivered. The host’s “no pedals” description signals a throttle/ride feel closer to a scooter or motorcycle than a bicycle.

Rad Power is a well-known e-bike brand that sells pedal-assist electric bicycles aimed at commuting and everyday riding. Mentioning it helps listeners anchor the conversation around mainstream consumer e-bikes.

Sauron appears to be another e-bike brand referenced in the discussion. The hosts are unsure about pronunciation, but the key point is that they’re comparing different electric bike makers.

This describes a direct pedal-to-wheel drive feel, where pedaling input is mechanically or electronically translated into wheel motion. It’s a key difference from e-bikes that rely on a separate throttle-only experience, because it affects how “natural” the bike feels when you’re pedaling.

Cadence is how fast you pedal (typically measured in revolutions per minute). The speaker notes that on an uphill, their cadence stays the same while speed doesn’t drop, implying the bike is maintaining assist effectively as load increases.

The speaker is describing how an e-bike’s motor assist can compensate for increased gravity load on an incline. When assist ramps up as needed, you can keep a steady pedaling cadence while maintaining speed, which feels different from a non-assisted bike where speed typically drops unless you pedal harder.

Automatic gears on an e-bike mean the drivetrain shifts without the rider manually selecting gears. In practice, the system uses sensors (like speed, pedaling effort, and cadence) to choose the right gear ratio so the bike stays in its efficient range.

An electric bike conversion is when you take a regular bicycle and add an electric motor, battery, and controller. Conversions can work well, but the ride quality depends heavily on sensor/controller tuning and motor placement—so some setups feel seamless while others feel awkward.

Switch is referenced as a company that makes an electric bike conversion system. In this segment, it’s described as using a front hub motor and a battery, which is a common approach for DIY e-bike upgrades.

A front wheel hub motor is an electric motor built into the front wheel hub. It can feel different from mid-drive systems because it directly drives the wheel, which can affect traction, balance, and how the bike responds when you pedal or change cadence.

A pedal sensor (often a cadence or torque sensor) tells the controller when and how much you’re pedaling. In this segment, the pedal-sensor behavior causes odd power pulses, which is why the rider describes the system as unintuitive and unpleasant.

“Accelerates off the line” refers to how quickly an e-bike launches when you start moving from a stop. Many riders notice this first because it’s where motor control, sensor response, and power limits are most obvious.

“Auto mode” generally means the system automatically selects how much assistance or control input to provide based on sensors (like speed, pedal input, or rider behavior). It’s meant to make the bike feel smooth and require less rider management.

“Manual mode” implies the rider has direct control over the bike’s performance level rather than letting the system choose automatically. In this segment, the host mentions going “all the way to 10,” suggesting a selectable power/assist level.

“Sport mode” is a driving setting that changes how a vehicle responds to your inputs. It typically makes throttle response sharper and may adjust steering, traction control, and regenerative braking behavior for a more aggressive feel.

“All purpose” here refers to a general-purpose drive/ride mode that’s meant to be a balanced default. The idea is that most conditions don’t require specialized modes because the vehicle already performs well enough for everyday use.

“Range anxiety” is the worry that you won’t have enough battery to reach your destination. It’s common in EV and e-bike use because real-world range can vary with speed, terrain, temperature, and how aggressively you ride.

“Conserve mode” is an efficiency-oriented setting meant to extend driving range. On many EVs, it reduces power output and/or changes regenerative braking and climate control so you use less energy.

“Steering by wire” removes the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism, using sensors and actuators instead. The transcript groups it with throttle-by-wire to discuss how software can create “similar sensations,” but with different feel than mechanical systems.

A torque sensor measures how much twisting force the rider applies through the pedals. That signal lets the controller deliver motor assistance that matches the rider’s effort, which is critical for making an e-bike feel smooth and “natural.”

The hosts describe instrumenting bikes to measure forces and performance variables like braking forces, pedaling forces, and acceleration. These parameters are used to tune control algorithms so the bike responds smoothly and predictably.

Gear shifting changes the effective drive ratio between the rider’s pedaling cadence and the rear wheel speed. On an e-bike, this can be software-controlled to keep the ride smooth and efficient, but the rider may not notice it unless the bike provides cues.

“Auto transmission style” on an e-bike means the bike automatically selects the appropriate gear ratio instead of requiring the rider to choose gears manually. This is often designed to reduce rider workload while keeping cadence and power delivery in a comfortable range.

An e-bike’s assist level controls how much electric help the motor provides while you pedal. Higher assist drains the battery faster, so the same bike can have very different real-world range depending on whether you ride at low or high assist.

“0 to 100” here means charging from empty (0% state of charge) to full (100%). Charging time matters because it determines how practical the bike is for daily use and how often you’ll need access to a charger.

The hosts are criticizing the idea that key parts of the bike are proprietary, meaning only the manufacturer (or approved partners) can make replacements or service them. That can limit where you can get repairs and may increase costs over time.

This sounds like a mis-transcription of a bike frame/connection concept—likely referring to a specific structural section or interface where parts connect. The key idea is that the bike uses a dedicated connection system rather than standard mounting.

The discussion highlights a “service lock-in” risk: if a bike is designed so it can’t be serviced by independent shops, owners may be forced to rely on the manufacturer or a limited network. That affects long-term ownership costs, turnaround time, and repair options.

They’re questioning whether the bike’s functionality (e.g., “more speeds” or gear options) will be controlled through software and paid upgrades. This is similar to feature subscriptions, where hardware capability may be “unlocked” later for an ongoing fee.

“10 speeds” refers to the number of gear ratios available on the bike. In this context, the hosts are using it as an example of how the bike’s gearing could be treated like a paid software upgrade rather than a fixed hardware spec.

In cycling, “open source” is used loosely to mean the bike ecosystem uses widely standardized parts and interfaces. That makes it easier for riders to swap components from different brands without proprietary tools or compatibility issues.

Quick releases are lever-style clamping mechanisms that let you remove and reinstall wheels without tools. On bikes, they’re common for fast wheel changes and easier maintenance.

Allen wrench bolts (hex bolts) are common fasteners on bikes, especially for seat posts and other adjusters. They’re a standard hardware approach that makes adjustments and repairs straightforward.

“29-inch” refers to the wheel diameter used on many modern mountain bikes. Larger wheels can roll over obstacles more easily and may feel smoother over rough terrain, but they also reflect how the industry has diversified wheel standards.

The speaker contrasts “proprietary” components (unique to one company) with standardized, widely compatible parts. The idea is that proprietary designs can enable innovation, but standardized parts reduce friction for repairs and upgrades.

A flat tire is a puncture or loss of air pressure that prevents the tire from holding proper shape and traction. It’s one of the most common bike failures, so tire availability and easy replacement matter a lot for rider experience.

Tire size determines what tires will physically fit the wheel and frame, and it affects ride feel and rolling resistance. The speaker emphasizes choosing a size that’s easy to replace so riders aren’t stuck waiting for specific inventory.

Brake pads are wearable friction components that gradually thin out and need replacement. The speaker groups them with other “consumables” to highlight that routine maintenance shouldn’t require proprietary parts or special sourcing.

“Hot-swap” here means quickly attaching or removing accessories without tools or major disassembly. On an e-bike, that’s usually about standardized mounting points so you can change things like racks or baskets fast.

The “aftermarket” refers to third-party companies making accessories or parts that fit a product. In this context, the hosts are discussing whether other brands will make compatible basket/top-frame components.

A “mechanical connection” is the physical way components lock together—like a strong mounting interface that transfers loads and keeps parts secure. The speaker is implying Rivian’s design uses a robust attachment system so accessories don’t feel flimsy or require frequent rework.

“Murphy’s Law” is the idea that if something can go wrong or be inconvenient, it will. The speaker uses it to describe how accessory changes can turn into a time sink when parts aren’t where you expect or required pieces are missing.

A saddle is the seat on a bike. Different saddles can change comfort a lot, especially for longer rides, because they affect how your weight is supported and how much pressure you feel.

A proprietary battery means the battery design/pack is controlled by the manufacturer, so only compatible packs (or specific partners) can be used. That can affect cost, availability, and whether owners can swap or upgrade easily.

A swappable battery pack is designed so you can remove it and replace it quickly with another charged pack, reducing downtime versus waiting to recharge. For electric bikes, this can make longer rides and commuting more practical, but it depends on standardization and availability of extra packs.

Battery swapping is a system where you exchange a depleted battery for a charged one instead of waiting for charging. The idea is to reduce downtime and make electric two-wheelers feel more like refueling a gas vehicle.

The micro-mobility industry refers to small, lightweight transportation—typically e-bikes, e-scooters, and related shared or subscription mobility services. It often has different requirements than cars, especially around battery logistics and rider experience.