I’ve already come to the same conclusion that this group has that this isn’t going to be a inexpensive ride. I am down the Shimano Steps path because of the Alfine 8i integrations and the support for the belt drive from Gates. My current primary ride is an IGH with a Gates carbon belt and I am a huge advocate of the combination. I’d like a very similar bike with electric assist and electronic shifting.

The Shimano Steps components are available and the sellers are all asking full MSRP.

The frame remains the primary impediment to the project. The usual sources including Alibaba yield nothing for ebike frames. I’ll try the suggestion to post in the frame builders forum. I appreciate everyone’s insight.