This is going to come as a weird recommendation, but Costco's mountain bikes are a steal for the quality:
http://https//m.costco.com/Diamondba...100303215.html
The tube welds are nice and even, the hardware is all decent mid-grade stuff... if you can get over the Diamondback name, you won't find a nicer ebike project base for $400 IMO.
Quote:
Specifications
Color: Green
Frame: Overdrive 27" Butted 6061-T6 Aluminum with Formed Top / Down Tube, Machined Headtube, Forged Drop Outs with Replaceable Hanger, disc only
Fork: SR Suntour XCT, 80mm Travel, Coil Spring, 28.6mm Stanchions
Headset: FSA IS-3 Integrated
Cranks: Suntour XCT, 42/32/22T
Bottom Bracket: Square Taper - 5pc
F. Derailleur: Shimano TX50, Top Swing, Dual Pull, 34.9mm Band Clamp
R. Derailleur: Shimano Acera M360 8spd
Shifter: Shimano Altus EF-51 8spd
Cogset: Shimano HG-31 8spd Cassette (11-32t)
Chain: KMC Z82
Brakes: Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc w/ 160mm Rotors
Brake Levers: Shimano Altus EF-51
Front Hub: 32h SL-7 Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount
Rear Hub: 32h SL-7 Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc mount
Spokes: Black 14g Stainless Steel
Rims: DB SL-27 27.5" 32h Doublewall
Tires: Chaoyang Hornet 27.5x2.1
Handlebar: DB Laser Series, Low Rise, 600mm Wide, 31.8mm Bar Bore
Grips: DB4L 135mm Kraton
Stem: DB AL6061 Ahead, 31.8mm, 7°
Seatpost: DB Micro Adjust 30.9mm
Seat: DB Race s M-series saddle
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You can usually find them in store if you want to go take it for a spin, although beware the store demo models are apparently assembled by chimpanzees (out at least employees with no clue about bicycles). Is be using one myself if I wasn't so in love with my old Trek 820.