Search Update...it seems the more you learn the more nuanced the decision, lol.
So, the biggest change is: I am now more seriously considering a mid-drive - without a throttle! Reading more about them and test-riding that Cannondale Neo 4 a few more times made me rethink how important I thought a throttle would be. For starters, I found I actually can ride a mid-drive perfectly well with the electric system completely off, so the possibility of running out of battery power far from home isn't an issue anymore; I could either get it home - or get an Uber. (Not really feasible, I know - but it's pretty unlikely I'll ever be in a situation where I'm that far away either.) And I just kind of like how the mid-drive feels. After test-riding several mid-drive bikes, the next time I got on a hub drive, I finally understood what I've read others say - it can feel a bit like being pushed. I don't necessarily hate that feeling like some do, but it made me realize I actually like the feeling I get from riding a mid-drive. Plus, I realized that with the motor in a slightly higher assist level, starting off even uphill is super easy - which is what I thought I'd most want a throttle for.
My current top contenders are a Gazelle Ultimate C8 ($3500 at a LBS) or a Gazelle Medeo T9 ($2500 at a different LBS). Both have the same Bosch Active Line Plus motor (50Nm); the C8 has a Gates Belt drive + Shimano Nexus 8gear IGH; the T9 has a 9-speed Shimano Acera. They are, admittedly, VERY different bikes - both in terms of cost and (other than the motor) components. (If price were not an issue at all, and I could find one, I suspect the Gazelle Ultimate T10 or T10+ would be my top choice, but $4000 is just too far above my price range for a first ebike.)
What I love most about the Ultimate C8 is that it just feels great to sit on and ride.
In my happy place there! It has the most comfortable saddle I've ever sat on and the handlebars are perfect for me. I am less excited about the IGH... I've test ridden it twice and it just seems so different. I have a hard time imagining when I would ever use the top four of the 8 gears it has - you'd need a super long straightaway to make use of the speed those gears would give you - with or without the motor assist! I do not understand the rationale behind how those gears are "spaced" - please feel free to shed some light on that if you can! (My biggest concern is getting up hills, so only having four gears that seem likely to be used gives me pause as to how effective the bike will really be on a longer uphill - it is mostly gently rolling around here, but the trip home is almost all uphill if I ever ride down to the river.) It is also pushing my weight limit at almost 54#s. The LBS price is appealing, though, because it's from last year - the new price is $3750.
The Medeo T9 is also nice, though not nearly as comfortable to sit on. The frame isn't a true step-through and its geometry is closer to a MTB than a commuter/cruiser, but the handlebars are adjustable so I can configure it to a more upright position that will work fine for me. The bigger drawback here is that the battery is smaller (400Wh compared to the C8's 500Wh) and located on the rear rack rather than the downtube. So not my preference but at $1000 less, I can be perfectly fine with it. The derailleur isn't top of the line but felt "normal" to use. Weight is a lighter 48# so that's nice, as is the price. (Added incentive...the shop owner will give me 10% off if both my husband and I buy from her.)
I considered and then decided against a few other, lighter models from Cannondale and Specialized - just not enough range for the longer jaunts I hope to do. And I've pretty much decided I want at least an Active Line Plus motor. I'd love to test ride a Specialized Vado, but no one had any in stock - and I am starting to get anxious to just make a decision, lest I find myself with zero options in a couple of months as people start thinking about riding again and supply issues keep store stocks low.
