Power expectancy and Wattage.

[Clavicle]

When I borrowed a Carerra Crossfire from Halfords on a 48h test ride it cut out 20 miles from home.
That is a heavy bike to peddle with no assistance!
The bike had only covered 900 miles, Halfords came back saying that they had diagnosed the motor burning out.

I went with a Wisper 705se in the end. A guy in my work had one and let me borrow it for the weekend. Wisper have shown great aftersales support on this forum and that's what sold it for me.
Plenty of power to get up hills and I have managed 35 miles on a single charge using a decent amount of assistance over mixed terrain.
Woosh closely followed, but wasn't available on my Cycle 2 Work scheme!

Interestingly, I have also just bought a Pendleton Somerby E for the wife. It covered 20 miles before it lost all power to the motor. Still trying to get somebody in Halfords to answer the phone after ringing 5 times a day for the last 3 days!

I would definitely take the hint of finding the "true" advice. Every system has its strengths, weaknesses, fans and haters. I went for the hub style because it was cheaper and within budget. But I wouldn't have any objection to a mid-drive. I get that a mid drive would put a bit more strain on the chain, but in the same way that a 4x4 puts more strain on the running gear of a car. If you want/need it, go for it!

Excellent response, thanks. I will look up and read about the whisper 705se now. Thanks again