I like the idea, but I think it's the wrong bike to implement the first version of it on. If they made it an option/standard for one of their commuter/urban bikes, this would be a perfect fit. Once the tech gets more refined, they could implement it onto the endurance and gravel models as an optional package.

Making it mandatory on the higher end models was probably the nail in the coffin in this case.

I don't mind the external battery, because it means I can take it on and off quickly to charge, use as an external battery for my phone, easily replaced when the battery inevitably goes bad a few years down the line, etc. But then again, I still like external cable routing and stuff, so my preferences may not be indicative of the general market.

It makes sense to not give the system as an option since it would require additional cabling inside the frame, and that would make it more difficult at point of sale. Maybe it could be done in the future via a contact that run between the weave of the carbon. That would be a neat way to get rid of cabling and still provide the ability for wiring to be optional.