Originally Posted by Aussie_Cyclist

I've been hesitant about buying an eBike because I didn't want to spend Australian dollars $6000 and upwards for a bike I wasn't really sure I was committed to having, but I didn't want to buy some cheap one that would cause me no end of problem either. There's a lot of piranhas out there... phew!

After months of researching and trying out many eBikes at my local bike stores I finally made a decision and today bought the Merida eSpresso 300SE EQ (504Wh) (I'll post a picture of my actual bike later) In my LBS it's marketed as the Merida eSPRESSO 300SE EQ 2021, being this year's model. It includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and 2 years warranty (with an extended 3 years supplied free from my LBS) on the parts.

The big appeal is the internal cable routing and all of the components are made by Shimano including the motor rather than a hodge podge of parts from different sources.

I really like the mid-drive over the rear hub as it feels quite natural to ride. I just got it home (it's getting late here) and I put my Brooks B17 saddle on it ready to go to work tomorrow.