The Trek Allant 8s and Raleigh Redux IE have always been on my shortlist. The first Generation Giant Quick E had a 16 speed drivetrain but they killed that. I don't think you can pay $4000+ to Trek, Giant, or Specialized and get a bike that won't get you up any hill that you can keep the bike straight on! Look at some reviews on e-bike review sites. Watch some videos. Back of the napkin calculations ... that way lies madness. Ultimately I bought a 750W+ mid-drive and built an e-bike with $5000 production bike performance for just over $2000K. BTW, yes, the Allants are stiff but they have 2.4" clinchers. 40psi even 30psi is possible for these tires. I personally would not bother with a Thudbuster but that's me.