Agreed. That’s one of the big benefits of cheap bikes currently - cheap, available parts that work in a wide range of bikes. There’s always been proprietary shit though, this particular tech isn’t new in that regard.

You’re right, but I think there are some other benefits to doing away with the chain. I have an E-mountain bike and between chain stretch, chain damage, and mud I go through 2 chains per season plus a couple trail-side repairs. Also, no chain means you can optimize pedal speed/torque for each individual rider, and keep it in the ideal range all the time regardless of bike speed. Essentially it offers a much wider power band than gears and a chain. You could also optimize crank length for clearance instead of torque. The front chainring is also a big point of contact on mountain bikes, removing that could improve clearance with the right design. I’d also be interested in the regenerative braking - if I go on an Enduro ride I’m cooking my brakes on much of the downhill, regen could save those and recharge the battery at the same time. Maybe regen could even lead to a smaller battery and save some weight.

Sure there are disadvantages - weight, complexity, efficiency, probably others too. I think with time those will improve though and this just might be a viable setup for certain use cases.

For better or for worse he’s got a lot of friends within openai. Sounds like many of them have threatened to resign if he’s gone. If he goes and starts a competing company without the ethical guardrails, I think it’s likely a lot of folks will follow him. He also has very tight ties to the investing community so he would likely be able to raise funds quickly. I think there’s a solid chance he could make a credible competitor to openai within the next 5 years, especially if they lose talent/money over this.

Fair point. The production emissions make a huge difference. As best I understand batteries still have very high production emissions which roughly balances out their lower runtime emissions.

Only issue with gas mopeds is emissions. If they don’t have a catalytic converter than the emissions are far worse than cars. Same is true with other small gas engines - lawnmowers, pressure washers, generators, etc.

I hear ya on that. My philosophy is that if I’m going out for coffee I’ll pay for a good one from a local Cafe. Most mornings I’ll make it at home to compensate for the cost.

Or support a local Cafe that treats their workers right. Can be hard to find, but they do exist.