Aventon Aventure

I heard the name ‘Aventon’ before I laid eyes on one of their bikes. As I tend to be skeptical of things I have not seen for myself, it was a hard sell at first. Speaking with e-bike sales teams, I was told that people seemed to be looking for these bikes. What I heard sounded good, but I also knew that before the Aventure, Aventon had not made a full-size fat-tire e-bike. Is it really possible they scored a hole-in-one? Is this a great build, worthy of consumer praise right out of the gate?

We had the chance to get our hands on a few bikes from the Aventon family, and the Aventure was among them! At first glance, I could see what the fuss was all about. The Aventure is a nice-looking bike and my first ride reinforced this impression. Aventon also broke the mold by offering some very specific ‘real-world’ performance metrics. It’s nice to see the exact range distances for different assist levels listed on their website. But this also presents Aventon with a challenge.

The bike is built for adventure, so why not put it through its paces and see exactly how it fares against Aventon’s numbers? I have a monster commute, 24 miles each way for a grand total of almost 50 miles. We will go over all the real-world data and see if we can replicate those numbers. Will the Aventure go the distance, or will it leave me stranded, calling for a ride home‽

What Is the Aventon Aventure?

At the time of its release, the Aventure was Aventon’s most ambitious design to date; the first fat-tire, full-size e-bike the company had created. It’s billed as a rugged hardtail e-bike designed to transport recreational riders over a variety of terrains. It packs a powerful 750W Bafang rear hub motor, to power you up to its 28 mph top speed limit. This is combined with an 8-speed drivetrain and large 4.0” tires, to soak up the bumps.

The name spells Adventure, minus the ‘d’. At first glance, the brand presents a package that is worthy of this moniker. Everything appears well-built and componentry is nicely thought-out. The bike’s contact points are very pleasant, including good grips and a comfy branded seat. The Aventure is big, though. At 73 pounds, it is tough to lift onto a car rack, and can only be supported by carriers that are rated for heavy e-bikes. But when big looks and big weight are backed up by big performance, then the extra pounds aren’t a deal breaker. But before we get to our test results, let’s look at this e-bike’s pros and cons to see how they stack up.

Pros

High Quality

The Aventure is a nicely built bike and it shows in every detail. The frame is beautiful, with a nice paint job, clean welds, and a pleasant modern geometry. It’s a great-looking unit that feels rugged and capable underfoot. The wonderfully integrated battery is easily removed to one side. The contact points and components are carefully chosen and everything fits together seamlessly. The bike feels great to ride and the grips, pedals, and seat are all comfortable, which is rare for an e-bike fresh out-of-the-box. The full-color display is also impressive, offering a wealth of features and settings. If you want to feel like you are getting your money’s worth, know that the Aventure lives up to expectations. It’s a very modern-feeling bike that would appeal to users accustomed to higher-end recreational bikes.

Performance

Plain and simple, the Aventure is a blast to ride. The Bafang motor is the same as we’ve seen on other units, and with this controller and tuning, it’s wonderfully fun. The bike is quick, responsive, and easily capable of powering you up any incline and zooming you up to its 28 mph top speed. It’s up for adventure without making you work hard, so we’re very happy with the Aventure’s overall performance.

It would be tough to see anyone wanting more out of the unit when riding it over its intended terrain. It’s a great recreational bike that lives up to its name and Aventon’s claims. The Aventure accelerates quickly and is stable at speed. With its comfortable riding stance, the bike performed very well as a commuter on 20+ mile rides over pavement. The Aventure is a great option for riding in any open space.

Great Full-Color Display With App

The display is easy to see, with a control pad that’s nicely shaped and pleasant to use. The fact that it is full-color and backlit sets it apart from other units. The brand has focused on small details such as showing the battery as a percentage rather than just 4-5 bars, which really adds to the riding experience. The display can also show you some cool info, including how much carbon you have saved and how many trees that is equal to. This may be somewhat of a novelty metric, but it’s a fun feature that carries over to the app, allowing you to brag to your friends.

When linking to your phone app via Bluetooth, the display packs a lot of functionality, including extra features, such as the ability to unlock the Aventure as a Class 3 e-bike capable of 28 mph. The app is very versatile, allowing you to track and plan your rides, interact with other users, and to view all the information from your Aventure display on your device. You can even control your lights and settings from the app. It was easy to use and pair, and I love the added ability to change the bike’s speed limit.

Cons

Heavy With Large Tires

There is no denying that the Aventure is highly capable, but it also packs some serious weight and a large set of tires. At 75  pounds and with 4.0” tires, the bike is heavy, limiting its options for mobility both on and off a vehicle. It’s not easy to lift solo, and maneuvering it up more than a couple of stairs is tough. So keep these factors in mind when thinking about your needs. The total weight, combined with large 4.0” tires, is also going to limit your options for bike racks. Make sure you choose a rack that will accept the weight of the bike and the total width of its tires.

Suspension Fork is Clunky With Limited Travel

I was not impressed with the Zoom suspension fork on the Aventure. It would have been great to see something with air suspension instead of a coil suspension fork. Given the price of the bike, I know this is a lot to ask for. Still, the Zoom coil fork felt clunky and unresponsive. I found that it would get a little stuck, halfway through its travel, before clunking back out to full travel when the front wheel became unweighted. While it was offering some assistance, the fork’s noises combined with its sticky, clunky travel to offer an experience that was less than plush.

Wide Cornering at speed, Limited Maneuverability in Tight Spaces

I want to commend Aventon for not claiming that the Aventure is a ‘mountain bike’ or ‘goat’. Rather, it’s a fun and capable adventure e-bike for a variety of terrains. This description rings true, so long as the places you ride are wider than singletrack. The heavy frame has no rear suspension and a rough front fork that suffers on rooty and bumpy terrain.

The bike is powerful and comfortable to pedal. Large tires and a considerable weight give it a great sense of stability at speed, but also come into play in tight spaces and when cornering. The bike corners in a wide arc, as you would expect with 4.0” tires. Carving is slow, so you won’t be making any sharp turns with this bike. In confined spaces, the total weight can make it challenging to maneuver if you are unable to maintain sufficient speed.

The bike is not wonderful over bumps, roots and rocks. An appropriately low tire pressure can help, but lacking rear suspension and a torque sensor, the bike bumps and pushes through rough terrain in a less than comfortable manner. You really feel that 73-pound weight in the rough stuff. So keep this bike in the open, and let that 28 mph top speed take care of the work!

What Does It Do Best?

I would place the Aventure into the ‘Recreational and Light-Duty Commuter’ e-bike category. It earns the ‘Light-Duty Commuter’ label because of its heavy weight, not because it lacks range or capability. It really excels at powering you across a variety of terrains. It’s a fast bike with a 28 mph top speed limit, but its large size and tires make it less appealing. Commuters may be looking for a bike with more maneuverability, both on and off the bike, something with smaller tires and a lighter build. Don’t get me wrong though, with its impressive range, long-distance comfort, and range of accessories (like front and rear racks), you could commute with it!

The bike is a well-built, fat-tire adventure bike that can be used to explore a variety of terrains. It is not a trail-capable electric mountain bike, and while it can make it down some smooth singletrack, the fun quickly fades on tight, bumpy trails. Stick to wider doubletrack and leave the rough stuff to a lighter bike with better suspension.

Who Should Buy This Bike?

Made for the recreation nation, this bike is a great proposition for those that want to get out riding, no matter what kind of terrain they may find. It’s going to do just as well on city pavement as it will off-road, at the campsite or local trails. I can see a range of recreational riders appreciating this do-it-all bike. After using it as a commuter, I was impressed! It’s got the battery capacity to carry you for 22 miles at 28 mph, and much further at lower speeds. It’s comfortable to ride for long distances and has the power to zip alongside traffic. The overall weight could deter commuters who may need to weave through traffic or negotiate other tight spaces. But those with the storage space may find it a great fit for use during the work week and weekend!

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

It is a large and heavy bike. Riders seeking a bike with smaller tires and a lighter overall weight will want to look elsewhere, as will users looking for something that is dedicated to either off-road or on-road riding. If you are one of these people, you may want to look for a true e-MTB, possibly one equipped with front and rear suspension. For on-road riding, you might look to a lighter, commuter-specific option that is more maneuverable in urban spaces. Alternatively, you could just outfit this thing with racks and get that Class 3 commute on!

Conclusion

This e-bike lives up to the adventure it’s named after. Not only is it easy to love this bike, but with Aventon, it’s a feeling that lasts. I was very happy to find that the comments I heard from other users really rang true for me. The bike features everything you would be looking for from a recreational standpoint. With a build and features that reflect a true impression of quality, I can see how it would draw the eye in a brick and mortar e-bike showroom. I had plenty of fun riding the Aventure and was impressed with its capability, both on and off-road. If you’re looking for a fat-tire bike that will get you out riding over a variety of terrains, this could be the bike for you! Until next time, I am Scott with BikeRide.com and I hope you enjoy the ride!

Specs

Electric Bike Class:
Class 2: As shipped
Class 3: Unlockable via settings
Warranty:
2 years
14-day return policy
Model Year:
2022
Total Weight:
73 lb
Motor Brand & Model:
Bafang
H550 RM G062.750.D/DC
Motor Type:
Rear hub
Brushless
Motor Nominal Output:
750W
Maximum Torque:
80 Nm
Battery:
48V 15Ah
720Wh
LG cells
Range [Claimed]:
Average: 45 miles
Level 5 at 28 mph: 19 miles
Level 1 at 11 mph: 53 miles
Range [Tested]:
Level 5 at 28 mph: 21.70 miles | Elevation gain: 915 feet
Level 2 at 16 mph: 47.93 miles | Elevation gain: 1,765 feet
Maximum Speed:
28 mph
Throttle:
Thumb switch
Pedal Assist:
5 assist levels
Controller:
48V
Charger:
48V 3A
Fast charger
Charge Time:
4-5 hours
Display:
BC280 LCD
Smart easy read with backlight
Colorful screen with app
Frame:
6061 Aluminum
Internal battery
Fork:
Zoom
Coil suspension with lockout
80mm travel
Bottom Bracket:
Square taper
Sealed
Brake Levers:
Tektro HD-E350
Mineral oil
Brake Calipers:
Tektro HD-E350
Dual piston
Brake Rotors:
Tektro
Front: 180mm
Rear: 180mm
Chain:
KMC
Crankset:
46t
170mm
Derailleur:
Shimano Acera
8-speed
Shifter:
Shimano Acera
8-speed
Cassette:
Shimano
12-32t
8-speed
Rims:
26”
Aluminum
Double wall
Spokes:
Stainless steel
12G
Black
Tires:
Kenda Krusader
26”×4.0”
Puncture protection
Fenders:
Metal
Front and rear
Lights:
Front: Integrated headlight
Rear: Integrated (on left seat stay)
Grips:
Aventon
Lock-on
Rubber
Saddle:
Velo Aventon
Handlebar:
Aluminum
⌀ 31.8mm
Width: 680mm
Kickstand:
Single-sided
Pedals:
Feiman
Platform
Maximum Payload (cargo and rider):
400 lb

Frame and Geometry

The Aventure is a nicely designed bike and at its core is this great frame. Overall, the look is clean, with geometry that comes across as modern. The battery is integrated beautifully. I love that it comes out to the side, making it the easiest battery to change. The top tube has this steep slope that’s giving us a nice low standover height. The reach on this bike is pleasant. The riding position is a mix where you are in a slightly sloped over position, so it’s a more athletic position than on a straight-backed bike. It’s great for getting some power to the pedals or maneuvering, and then it’s still really easy to go sit up if you are pedaling for some period of time.

Featuring a sturdy aluminum frame, it’s built to last. But with a total weight of 73 pounds, it is also pretty heavy. That said, it’s packed with great features like battery placement, internal cable routing, and nice fender/attachment points for accessories. Plus, check out the placement of the rear brake light, integrated into the left seat stay. It’s a perfect position for driver visibility. Functional and fine-looking, it’s really a great package from the get-go.

Motor

Powering the Aventure, we have the Bafang 750W rear hub motor. We see this unit on lots of fat-tire bikes. It’s a well-configured motor, with a rated output of 750W and a maximum torque of 80 Nm. That translates into plenty of power at the wheels, and Aventon has maximized this with a well-tuned controller. Offering the ability to choose a speed limit in the app, the bike is easily set as a Class 2 bike peaking at 20 mph or as a Class 3 rig topping out at 28 mph. The five pedal assist settings are well-staged, and alter the application of torque as well as the top speed. The bike is comfortable to ride in traffic or pedestrian areas at its lower settings, with brake cut-off switches easily cutting power as needed.

On the open road, accelerating to 28 mph is fast and smooth. The motor really pulls away quickly. The bike is exhilarating and easy to control, ramping up to speed in a smooth but powerful way that is pleasant when trying to take-off and keep up with traffic. The motor maintains 28 mph well, without making you work hard to maintain that speed and power. When faced with a hill it’s no problem, as the bike can easily climb even steep slopes, with minimal decrease to its speed. So no complaints about the motor. It is powerful and well-paired with the controller.

Acceleration:

• Assist Level: Level 5
• 0-20 mph: 7 Seconds
• 0-25 mph: 11 Seconds

Maximum 8% Hill Climb:

• Time: 3 minutes 12 seconds
• Distance: 1 mile
• Elevation Gain: 155 feet
• Maximum Grade: 8%

18%-20% Hill Climb:

• Time: 3 minutes 1 second
• Distance: 0.61 miles
• Elevation Gain: 407 feet
• Maximum Grade: 20%

Cockpit and Control

Aventure riders are greeted by a well-laid-out cockpit. 680 mm riser bars are adorned with Tektro aluminum levers, Aventon branded lock-on grips, a Shimano shifter and a very nice display/control pad combo. Power can also be applied with the thumb switch throttle. The full-color LCD backlit display is great to use. Along with the ergonomic control pad, it’s a simple and highly functional combo. The five-button layout is clear, with dedicated buttons for functions like the light and changing the information display. The integrated app makes this display even better, allowing you to see all the same info and access all the controls and functions from your own device. Pleasant to use and look at, the cockpit is a definite win.

Battery

The 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery is well paired with the 750W motor. It is capable of running the bike at approximately 28 mph for a little over an hour, or long enough to cover almost 22 miles at top speed. Take that down to assist level two, and the battery will power you for over 47 miles! It’s a great range that’s made even more impressive by the fact it actually beats the specs set out by Aventon, rather than falling short, as is the case with so many other brands. It was great to see some real-world testing numbers right on the company website and this was a test the bike beat with flying colors, so it gives me faith in some of the other specs. Looking at those range tests (below), we have some pretty impressive numbers.

Range Test 1:

• Distance: 21.77 miles
• Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Elevation: 915  feet

Range Test 2:

• Distance: 47.93 miles
• Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
• Elevation: 1,765 feet

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The way this battery is installed and removed is truly unique, which is a feature I love about the Aventure. Rather than the bottom of the downtube, the battery is installed and removed from the side. This makes it just so easy, as you don’t have to worry about your fork and fender. Both the key and battery are removed from the same side. It’s just so easy!

The 48-volt 3-amp charger is also a nice upgrade. This 3-amp supply can be considered a ‘fast charger’ (compared to a standard 2-amp charger), and will fully charge the battery in four to five hours. Finally, we have that little bit of flair, with an Aventon branded key. The brand really knows how to get the name out and you will find the name and logo nicely integrated into a bunch of little features on this bike.

Drivetrain

We are seeing a pretty typical gear range on the bike: a 12-32 tooth rear cassette combined with a 46 tooth front chainring. The drivetrain does sport a modest upgrade over some other models, in the form of an eight-speed Shimano Acera groupset, which is better than the seven-speed setup we often see on more budget-minded builds. Overall, the drivetrain is good on the bike, offering crisp shifting. The additional gear is pleasant, as I found I would need to move through my gears frequently when traveling in stop/go traffic, as the bike requires a little torque to get moving from a dead stop.

Brakes

The Tektro HD-E350 dual-piston brakes complement this fast bike. They provided reliable stopping power in different conditions. The levers had a pleasant hand feel that offered good brake modulation, so I felt in control. The bike’s adventurous quality calls for a hydraulic brake, and Tektro is a reliable name. The 180mm rotors are well chosen, and the standard I think we should see on any heavy bike like this. So we are seeing a good package here, but nothing overly special.

Wheels, Tires

26” wheels with Kenda Krusader rubber connect you to the ground, which is a suitable tire choice for the bike. The tire is not the most aggressive, but it’s a good mix for all surfaces and offered performance that matched the bike’s capabilities. They feature puncture protection, probably ideal for thorns but not enough for the two inch nail that got our tire while out on a ride. Still, with a fresh tube, the tires performed just fine on mixed off-road terrain. Comfortable over sand, gravel, pavement, and dirt, the large 4.0” tires provide good cushioning at the right tire pressure. The large tire is a stable base and is comfortable to ride on the road for extended periods. With their large size, they make for some wide turns at speed.

Safety

the Aventure features brake cut-off switches on each lever, as we often see on e-bikes. The integrated lights are a nice second safety feature, with a bright front light and a very nicely integrated rear brake light. The brake light is located on the left seat stay, in a nice spot for traffic to see you as you ride down the bike lane. The bike also features reflectors in the front and rear wheel spokes.

Kickstand

We have a single-sided kickstand, similar to the type we would see on most e-bikes. Aventon has gone the extra mile with this for branding purposes, customizing the shape and adding not just one logo but two. Stuff like this has no performance value at all, but it does add to the overall aesthetic and having all the details buttoned-up like this makes you feel like the rig is premium.

Contact Points

Easily overlooked on many builds, I was a big fan of the contact points that Aventon has chosen on this bike. Starting with the very nice lock-on rubber grips. These are the style of grip you would see on a mountain bike, and they are comfortable with great traction. The Aventon branding is a nice second touch. I was happy to see no ergonomic flares or faux leather stitching in the cockpit of the Aventure.

The seat offered another branding opportunity, and the “custom” Aventon seat (made by Velo) is reasonably comfortable. After the 48-mile range test, I was ready to run away from it, but for the first 20 miles? It’s a pretty comfortable seat, miles better than some of the stock options I have seen on other bikes.

Last, the pedals. So, being accustomed to a set of Wellgo pedals that grace most bike builds, I was shocked to see a different shape. The Feiman platform pedals offer fine grip and worked well for me. They have a shape to them that matches the design of the bike, and I found the pegs grippy enough that I had no issue.

Accessories

Aventon offers a nice range of additional branded accessories for you to add to the bike. These include:

• Front and rear racks.
• Extra batteries and covers.
• Phone mounts and accessories.
• Suspension seatposts.
• Tire inflators.