That was what I was referring to in post #3 when I said "the bike for you". I remember reading your posts when you were searching out your first ebike an SLs didn't exist yet,
"An ebike under 40 lbs used to be really rare and ridiculously expensive. Now they are just ridiculously expensive. Progress!"
That, WEIGHT, was the deciding factor for me and the Creo. While I did get the heaviest Credo, Aluminum, I wanted a bike I could get up short flights of steps to my house - 6 from the street, 3 to the deck and 3 more to the house. I also wanted to be able to lit it on a rack. Again, weight made that determination. Now when I tested the Creo, I knew it had a bit less power than my titanium front hub converted bike when I tested it. I rode a steep hill three times. It was harder than the front hub bike but I was able to do it with some effort. But I still slept on it for a week. Then asked for another test ride. Doing that same steep hill with some others about 3 or 4 times. Yes, it was work but it worked. Decision made.
Now ask me if that will work after another year of aging!!!!!. THE ACCOUNTANT has told me I can buy another, new and improved as long as I consider selling an older one. She must be obeyed.
So, yes, the Creo is not tops in power and neither am I but it seems to work. There is one hill, deadend down to a beach which I pass on and let my friend do on her more powerful and much heavier bike while I sit and contemplate nature. I did the front hub bike on that hill three times. The last time, the bike just stopped a block from the top. Fortunately, it powered up again when I walked it to the top. (which raises a question to be asked in another thread)
This is the reason I really think being able to test the bike or bikes is necessary. Specifications are great but those are paper numbers. Oh, and the Creo is much more stable than that front hub conversion. Much less squirrely and twitchy so I prefer the Creo on steep hills.
edited to add: But I'm not commuting on it day in and day out. Not doing the same steep hill each and every day. That could definitely enter into any decision.