Thanks for that ... I'm trying not to make any costly mistakes.
Seems like I've been doing research on this project for ever.

Yes, C58's thread really helped me in nailing down the type of motor
I might need. Now that I think about it, should have placed my post
on his thread that I had referenced ... would really appreciate his
thoughts on the higher torque version of the the motor he used.
Being a new member I don't know if it would be appropriate to send
him a message asking for his input ... is that acceptable on this forum?

I've got the MTB set up for the road ... narrow tires, comfortable
saddle, fairly upright riding position. 40 miles shouldn't be a
problem for me with the motor assist and the right capacity
battery ... we shall see.