I meant to ask this when you did the Q bike flecc: how difficult is it to bend & reshape the frame i.e. the rear stays for these projects? How much care is needed? I read somewhere that aluminium frames should not be "spaced" i.e. stretched/bent as they are weaker than alloy frames for that: is that not true, or must it be done judiciously and by an experienced metalworker?
I still have an aluminium framed MTB which I may try a "project" build on
but this aspect has so far been an obstacle to progress because all good powered hub motors won't fit standard dropout sizes.
Also, would it be easier or harder to mount a front hub motor in suspension forks? Can over-wide front suspension forks be had for the purpose? Or better to just rear-mount for comfort, traction etc. and accept some possible gearing compromise (currently I have a 7-speed freehub with 3 front chainwheels...).
Of course, since the bike is quite old, it may be better to just find a newer bike with "potential" for conversion, but in the spirit of recycling what I've got & as "practice"...
also its quite light really...
Stuart.