ALSO Reveals the TM-B E-Bike, Fold Offers Folding Cargo Bikes, More Details on eBliss Global | TWR Ep 54

ALSO revealed its new TM-B e-bike on Wednesday, October 22nd, showcasing a unique modular design packed with proprietary technology.

The bike, which features a mid-step frame with 120mm front and rear suspension, can be set up as a traditional, cargo/utility, or moped-style e-bike with ALSO’s variety of three proprietary “top-frames.” These seatpost/saddle combinations can be swapped in seconds to convert the bike’s feel and function from relaxed cruiser to trail bike to family-friendly kid-hauler.

The TM-B rolls on 24-inch wheels that can be outfitted with either a standard set of commuter tires or knobby off-road tires with the optional all-terrain ride package. Its frame fits riders from 4’11” to 6’8” with up to a 324-lb payload capacity. Additionally, it will be sold as a Class 2 and 3 e-bike with pedal-assist up to 28 mph and a throttle capable of reaching 20 mph.

Its customizable nature extends to its trim package, battery capacity, riding mode, and more. While ALSO has not yet shared exact battery specs, its standard battery is advertised to power the bike for up to 60 miles. A larger battery is rated for up to 100 miles. Both options can function as external power banks and, paired with a fast charger, can reach 80% in roughly two hours.

ALSO’s proprietary drive system, the DreamRide, takes a unique approach to propelling the bike. Instead of its cranks being tied mechanically to the belt-driven drivetrain, the rider’s pedal effort is converted to electrical energy stored in the battery. This energy is then used to power the motor, which turns the chainring to rotate the rear wheel.

Depending on the chosen trim level (Standard or Performance), the motor can provide either 5X or 10X assist, respectively, and can handle up to 30% grades. ALSO also (pun intended) programmed two drive modes; Auto intuitively adapts power output to the rider’s chosen speed or cadence, while Manual uses programming to create the more traditional feel of shiftable “gears.”

To operate the bike, its throttle, and its drivetrain, the cockpit is outfitted with custom modules hosting a variety of mysterious buttons, levers, and dials. The TM-B’s stem-mounted display features a 5” color touchscreen that can receive OTA updates.

ALSO built in some standard security features, including a rear wheel and battery lock, but additional optional security and ride-enhancing features can be accessed through through the company’s Connect+ subscription service.

With annual or monthly plans ranging from $10-15 per month, subscribers gain access to real-time GPS tracking, tamper alerts, and remote disabling features. Built-in navigation is also available, as well as an integrated media library granting access to music and podcasts. The bike’s display also pairs with the brand’s mobile app and can sync with its Bluetooth-enabled Alpha Wave helmet.

The helmet, which is sold separately, features brand-new RLS technology for reducing rotational force upon impact. It also includes integrated (transparent?) speakers and dual front and rear lights that synchronize with the TM-B’s onboard LED lighting. The bike itself features a 1500 Lumen headlight, a 250 Lumen tail light, and both front and rear turn signals.

A Launch Edition of the TM-B is currently available for $4,500. Buyers can also reserve a standard or Performance model with the purchase of a $50 token or see all customization options through an online build tool via ALSO’s website.

Our Take:
Considering the waves that Rivian has made in the EV world, we hoped that ALSO’s entry into the e-bikes space would be just as dramatic. It’s hard to say definitively whether the company succeeded without getting our hands on the TM-B, but based on the information available to us at this time, the bike does look promising.

We like its modular design, which could allow riders to switch between completely different uses and riding modes quickly and easily. Such a design could allow riders to tackle moderate off-road trails in the evening while taking their child to day care in the morning—all without purchasing multiple e-bikes.

One of our biggest remaining questions is how the bike handles a fully-drained battery. With the TM-B’s capacitor-like battery and the fact that its cranks are not mechanically connected to the drivetrain, it would be unfortunate if riders were not able to pedal the bike home after depleting its charge.

Otherwise, ALSO seems to have reinvented the wheel in a way that may reshape how we think of (and use) e-bikes. We’re pleased to see that the Launch Edition’s price point is within the financially-accessible range for a premium, proprietary e-bike; we wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been significantly higher.

We hope to be able to test and review the TM-B in the near future. Stay tuned for updates!

Depending on whether you’re looking at its analog or electric cargo bike, Fold’s folding models are also aptly titled the Fold or E-Fold, respectively. Instead of a sideways hinge such as those found on most standard folding bikes, both Fold models feature a vertical hinge with an end-over-end design.

Folding the Fold requires collapsing the bike’s steering column, rotating and lowering the saddle, then lifting the rear wheel to swing the back section of the bike over the cargo deck. After folding, the full-length frame collapses from 2.36 meters (7 feet, 9 inches) long to a much more manageable 1.6 meters (5 feet, 3 inches). The brand claims this process takes as little as 40 seconds.

The bike also features a cable steering system capable of 75-degree angles to either side, as well as expandable cargo capacity through either a platform or basket that attach to the cargo deck. It’s equipped with 20” wheels with Schwalbe Pick-Up tires and Tektro Orion 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The analog model features a 9-speed 3×3 NINE gear hub.

In contrast, buyers can choose from either a Bosch Performance Line CX or Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor for the electric model. These bikes include either a Shimano Alfine or Shimano Nexus gear hub.

Analog Fold models start at €3,200 ($3700) while the E-Fold starts at €6,495 (about $7550). The brand’s website also lists a shorter version of the bikes (the Fold Mini and E-Fold Mini), but neither webpage is available at the time of writing.

Our Take:
While we have much less experience with front-loading cargo e-bikes than those of the short- or long-tail style, they are much more prevalent in the European market. The Fold’s design is certainly unique, though we can only speculate as to its practicality; we expect it would be relatively heavy and tough to lift, but it may be easier to store inside or take on public transit.

We like the bike’s expandable cargo capacity, and it is undoubtedly well-specced with premium components that match its price point. Considering Fold’s German base of operations, we may not be able to test this model, but we’re definitely curious about its feel and functionality.

As we covered previously, eBliss Global is currently building an e-bike factory in Utica, NY. The company has been producing bikes under the Always Bikes label, but models assembled at the new facility will be sold under the Ride brand, which will be exclusive to brick-and-mortar dealers.

eBliss initially plans to assemble bikes using only imported frames and components, but its goal is to transition to using more domestically produced parts. In its planned second phase, the company’s bikes will include four to six US-made components; this will allow Ride e-bikes to bear a “Built in the USA with USA and Global Parts” label.

The end goal is to use domestically manufactured and finished frames, which would enable the bikes to be labeled “Made in the USA.” Per the company’s roadmap, only a max of 10% of their bikes’ value will be from imported components after five years. The brand also plans for its bikes to share as many components as possible to streamline assembly and parts replacement.

Ride’s lineup will include 9 models (including one folding bike) assembled in Utica, with prices between $2,000 and $3,000. By default, the bikes will be limited to 20 mph via throttle and pedal assist, making them Class 2s. Dealers will be able to enable Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph through pedal-assist, but a “customer comfort” feature will allow users to reduce top speeds to 11 mph.

The company plans to offer a 3-year warranty on its e-bikes, and promises that any unique components will be available for a period of 5 years after purchase.

Our Take:
Considering the explosion of e-bike-related tariffs over the last year, and the fact that a goal of tariffs is to encourage domestic manufacturing of products, we’re hopeful about eBliss Global’s plans.

From our point of view, there are two big questions remaining. First, whether the company is able to stick to its roadmap and produce e-bikes made with domestically-produced frames and components. Second—perhaps most importantly—whether its e-bikes will deliver worthwhile value if the company is able to meet its goals. We will wait and see!

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