Trying to get back into cycling but have lots of questions!

[egroover]

My Boardman MX Sport hybrid ( same frame as MX Comp ) are able to handle at least a 46t chainwheel ( i run an ofset 42t). There are more road focussed Boardman hybrid frames that run big chainwheels but less tyre clearance at the rear . Mine can just about handle a 1.75 inch width (700c/28 dia) at the rear (slight rub near mudguard bridge ) the hybrid comp frames I think a bit less.
The other thing to think about is downtube shape, the boardmans are not round but more a oval/ triangle shape, so ideally you need an extra rivnut alongside the bottle cage mounts. I also gave a couple of thick velcro straps on the battery for good measure.

I think this is about the cheapest new disc brake bike that'll take a mid drive right now at £100

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2722135

 

[guerney]

See what I mean by...

Looks like the chainstay tubes of some Boardmans have flattened sides, allowing a couple more mm clearance for larger chainwheels.

...on this "Boardman SPORT DRC 3XB Mountain Bike":

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166668024146

...and on this Boardman full sus MTB (no room for Hailong downtube battery obvs):

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166888199294

... also:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315465142466

I'd really need to see one in the flesh to be sure.

I neither want nor need another bike, but despite this I find myself looking at bikes with a view to conversion all the time, when I should be looking for other stuff. It's the influence of this website.

My Boardman MX Sport hybrid ( same frame as MX Comp ) are able to handle at least a 46t chainwheel ( i run an ofset 42t). There are more road focussed Boardman hybrid frames that run big chainwheels but less tyre clearance at the rear . Mine can just about handle a 1.75 inch width (700c/28 dia) at the rear (slight rub near mudguard bridge ) the hybrid comp frames I think a bit less.
The other thing to think about is downtube shape, the boardmans are not round but more a oval/ triangle shape, so ideally you need an extra rivnut alongside the bottle cage mounts. I also gave a couple of thick velcro straps on the battery for good measure.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2722135

Thanks @egroover, that good info.