Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
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My next bike may be a true road bike with electric assist, like those by Orbea or BMC. They both have the problems mentioned. Pay a lot for the bike, then pay more to replace a bunch parts.
orbea is one of the more customizable ones in that space - others you literally have no choices other than size, and any components you change you just eat. it’s too bad, but understandable given what a niche market it is.
interestingly you can buy just a frameset (including motor, battery, controller) for some of the higher end eMTB, so it’s certainly doable.