grazie

I already have most of the parts and it certainly doesn't include or will ever likely include a Rohloff hub, unless I come into some money. I'll have GSM motor on the boom and I'll have 2 or more options for gears at the rear wheel. However, I'm not following you on a number of your suggestions Do you mean have double chain rings mounted on the motor assembly? I've no intention of doing this at present Don't even know what a Patterson drive is. However, I really want a mid twin sprocket just like the one the in the Italjet photo above for lots of reasons. It would look something like this photo (Sheldon Brown), but without the hub.

It would be helpful if you post clear images of the connector(s), as your link give little info. It does look like it's a bit unusual.

I would like to add a mid reducing double cog system to my trike for the reasons given in this article, as well as other reasons. I have been searching for tandem spares that I could use or adapt, but had no luck so far. Any ideas on where I can find something like this or how to make or have one made (least preferable option).

I see. You know that hub gears should only be shifted when not pedalling? Makes them ideal for shifting down before for pulling way after stopping and your derailleur gear is too high.

If you thought wheel building was easily, you're doing well. However, the black art isn't wheel building per se, it's building one that'll stay true without spokes coming lose or breaking. You won't know how good your wheels are until they've done a fair few miles. Rears take more abuse than fronts unless you're heavy on braking. Sorting out a bad wheel isn't nearly as easy as building one from scratch. What did you use for reference? Not following what you're trying to achieve here?

At long last! Manufacturers have realised that mudguards and panniers racks are essential for practical year round cycling/commuting. Of course, my generation have known this for the last 30, 40, 50 years!

Does look rather impressive doesn't it (ignoring the idiotic comparisons to Porche). However, I couldn't find out the weight of it and the rack carrying capacity is only 15Kg, which isn't much for such a chunky bike.

If you have to have full suspension, your best best is to go for a MTB. Then add the mudguards and panniers either yourself or use a good LBS. It's best if the frame already has bosses, but it's rare/impossible to find these on MTBs. If I were you, I'd find the MTB first and add the eDrive kit, although they are far less elegant. Next month the prices of 2018 models should fall, but perhaps not that much on eBikes as they're becoming popular. I realise that you probably want a model that meets all your requirements for cycle to work scheme, but they may be dealers willing to quote you for the a bike + the upgrades you need.

My experience too. Seems like the 2018 models haven't been made in a while. The 2019 models are all that's offered on new orders. Whether this is just another fob off or not, I don't know.

Does anyone have more info or an opinion on the Airline Corsa wheels? I've not seen them anywhere other than on the Orbea Gain.

Exactly!, hence my initial query. However, others have been very helpful in providing information about what the situation is, which I didn't already know.

There are very few choices in the type of eBike I'd like. These would include the Orbea Gain (unobtainium), Giant Road E+ (I don't like), something I can't remember the name of (I don't like), Haibike Xduro (pricey) and Wisper Wolverine (v.pricey). A shame about the latter as I'd really like to be in a financial position to buy one.

Apparently a red or grey badge is the distinguishing factor. If someone was killed or even seriously injured in a accident (almost certainly the cyclist), they'd be more than willing to take the time & effort to prove it.

So we can conclude that buying the later 250W CX variant that's been de-restricted has more oomph (a highly technical term) than the older variants with a 350W motor. Crazy!

I asked a dealer near to the bike location whether they'd check it over for a fee before I bought it. This answer I received was "No!". They wouldn't do anything with an eBike that wasn't bought from them. I'm not saying all dealers are like this, but it didn't inspire much confidence.