Hi Johnny & Gang,

I have not biked for years and am planning on getting back with an E-Bike. I found Johnny's Channel very informative as it confirmed some of my suspicions. I have yet to choose in what direction I will go. Love the idea of a folding bike which would be difficult to source without going direct to a manufacturer. I have no problem contacting a company and giving them a set of specifications for them to produce an E-Bike for me. Here's the rub, what's the best way to start researching? How would you suggest finding out who is actually producing a companies E-Bikes? Obviously the name companies, who are the middlemen, that are selling these bikes and are ordering from overseas are going to protect their sources as to who manufactures their bikes. So my first task is finding out how to source a company who is producing the kind of bike I'm looking to get. Any suggesting would be greatly appreciated as far as how to start this type of research.

Now, It is also possible to purchase a new bike and converting it myself, but I do have a few questions. It will be a jack of all trades bike capable of a weekly commuter bike as work is about 4 miles from where I live. Additionally, I would be using this bike on weekends to bike some trails off road. A mid drive is a must as we have some fairly high hills where I live, USA NorthEast, and the roads are questionable though they are getting better...lol. Does an off the shelf mountain bike have have the strength to handle the conversion to a mid drive conversion? I would assume adding a motor would require a stronger stiffer frame which may be available, as I said I am at the early stage and am just starting to look into this. As I said, I am also not against going to a manufacturer if the frame quality and strength would benefit as to a longer lifespan, and give them specifications as to what to produce. Any information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I"m assuming this will be a year long project to be ready for spring time...

Thanks to all that a valuable input.

Greg S.