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The review by Pete at Electric Bike Report on this Aventon Pace 500 illustrates a pretty nice e-bike can be built and sold for $1400.
https://electricbikereport.com/aventon-pace-500-electric-bike-review-part-2-ride-range-test-video/
Its truly an 'entry level' price point, but with mid level features that are often lacking on ebikes in this lower price range.
Such as these highlights that caught my eye at this price level:
+ 500 Watt WITH 48 Volts - Usually at this price point you are lucky to get a 350 watt and at only 36 Volts, and more frequently 250 watts
+ 27.5 Rims with E-Bike Rated Tires 2.2" thick - many ebike riders seem to want the wider tires which provides nice footprint for fine gravel trails, and also a somewhat smoother ride. Kenda's are decent quality tires. Whereas many ebikes at this price point may usually have 26" tires x 1.75" thickness, and definitely not ebike rated or nicer Kenda tires.
+ Nice LCD - The displays on ebikes priced below $1500, usually are LED with no speed, and very little other data, with led dots to show a rough indication of battery level. Or they are the kit like display LCD, that just look cheap. The display on the Aventon has nice large read out, and all the basic parameters you'd want.
+ Shimano Altus Derailleur - far too often you will see entry level Tourney derailler. The Altus was originally designed for MTB's, and has proven durable over time.
+ 48 Volt 11 AH battery - this is a decent size, for what this ebike represents. Under rigorous conditions, high speeds, 2000 feet of elevation change, mostly level 5 and 190 lb rider, Pete got 27 miles. That's not too shabby. Probably a lighter rider, in flatter areas, staying on level 1 or 2, with decent physical conditioning could do between 40 and 50 miles. Remember on an ebike, if you go slower, (less than 15 mph), you will get longer range because wind resistance is not linear, and increases quite a bit in terms of needed force once speeds start going above 15 mph.
+ 28 MPH, Class 3 - Class 3 at this price point is pretty much unheard of.
+ Sinewave, Brushless Hub Motor - there is a better write up at their website, but generally speaking this is a more reliable design and with higher torque than the typical geared hub motor at this wattage level and voltage.
+ Samsung Battery - brand name with A grade cells is good. Not typical for entry level price points below $1500
+ Comfortable seat, swept back handle bars, coupled with adjustable stem. Usually you don't see this combination of components at this price point, and more around the price of $1800, so its a flexible design for many sized riders
+ Multiple geometries and frame sizes - usually its one size fits 'many', but they offer 3 men's sizes, and 2 step through sizes. Likely to get a better fit for your height with this combination, than relying on the 'one size fits many' approach many smaller ebike firms take.
+ Thumb throttle - we take this for granted, but I have seen so many ebikes without them. Its a $5 item, if the controller is set up for it. Just put it on ! (let consumer take it off if they wish)
+ Flat Foot Geometry (aka Pedal Forward Design) - these designs are not that common, especially on ebikes, but the geometry allows one to get better leg extension while also being able to keep your 'feet flat on the ground' while seated. With most bikes, the pedals are more directly below your seat, so to get the proper extension for pedaling, you'll likely end up only being able to 'tippy toe' or touch the ground with one foot while seated. us older folks sometimes appreciate the added stability or ease of getting on and off our ebikes. Usually the choice for a flat foot design was limited to the $2400 Electra Townie, or less common Fuji, with a weak motor, class 1 only. Or the Schwinn Constance, which has a mid drive and is priced also around $2400. Even if you don't want or need that pedal forward configuration, it does result in really nice all around 'cruiser feel', without looking too much like a 'beachy' bike.
+Frame integrated battery - they did a nice job, and it keeps the weight balanced where its placed, especially given you have a rear hub motor
+ Weight of 50 lbs. - this is not real heavy, but many designs at these price points clock in around 55 to 60 lbs, and often you have to pay a lot more money to get one that weighs around 43 lbs. - they've used hydroforming on their alumimum, and even cleaned up welds pretty nicely. I've seen weld points that look atrocious on $3000 to $4000 ebikes.
In general, many people (consumers and producers) seem to focus too much on the wattage and battery level, whereas Aventon has taken the approach of getting a lot of little things right, designing a fairly approachable ebike, with step through and step over designs that both men and women alike should find attractive with plenty of power for most situations, and speeds where you aren't going to hit the proverbial "20 mph wall" of the traditional Class 1 ebike. Many customers express that they'd just not like to be capped by that 'wall', and are not necessarily needing to scream around at 25 to 28 mph. I get the 'laws' and all of that, but I can tell you that more than 60% of the buyers would like an ebike assist that is not 'capped' at 20 mph, even if they mostly stay below that mph. The larger tires both in diameter and thickness, certainly help provide better assurance in on or modest off road conditions. Rather than shocks, these tires will help, but you can actually get very nice suspension seats that do a better job than front shocks, for your whole body. Often shocks on ebikes at price points below $2000, are very entry level, and are only effective for very rough situations, while robbing you and the battery of range when you are facing more hills.
All of the above for $1399 ! (you know - finally, a decent one not at the level of unobtanium)
That's impressive (to me at least), and it seems to be a very capable all around ebike, at a price that doesn't 'break the bank' and hopefully should allow many more people who have been reluctant to get into e-biking, feeling they have to spend over $2000 or $3000 to get a 'good one' with the performance they think they'll need, or people finding too few choices at this price point.
I felt compelled to bring more awareness to this brand, merely because it fits with my own philosophy that the industry SHOULD be able to both build, and sell a very good quality ebike at price points much lower than we all have been used to seeing. (i.e. this understating it, but THERE IS NO LACK of models and brands priced between $3000 and $6000, which seems like its over doing it for the disposable income levels of the average American, who are likely not buying an ebike for commuting purposes. More often its recreational, or health related, and for fun. Using ebikes (and of course regular bikes) for commuting is far more common in Europe and other countries where ebikes have been more popular and around for far longer than here in the US, and greater percentages of their populations just ride bikes for so many more purposes than we do here. In those situations, its likely easier to justify the expense of a $3000 to $6000 ebike, especially when its often those folks don't have a car. ) I get that if you have the means, then what you spend is your business, and I have no complaint. But there is a lot of the US population, where spending anything close to $1500 is a very hard thing, and yet they probably could really use the health benefit and regular exercise and motivational aspects of
an ebike, where now they have a regular bike, but just dont want to ride because its 'too hard' or they get 'tired too quickly' or dont ride fast enough to keep up with a spouse who is capable of riding regularly and in great physical shape. Some people want to get there (great physical shape), so an ebike allows them to get that 'start' and build up over time.
Again, this is just my own perspective, and I am not looking to start any arguments or debates, that far too often occur here on this forum.
If you already knew about the Aventon Pace, feel free to just ignore the thread.
https://electricbikereport.com/aventon-pace-500-electric-bike-review-part-2-ride-range-test-video/
Its truly an 'entry level' price point, but with mid level features that are often lacking on ebikes in this lower price range.
Such as these highlights that caught my eye at this price level:
+ 500 Watt WITH 48 Volts - Usually at this price point you are lucky to get a 350 watt and at only 36 Volts, and more frequently 250 watts
+ 27.5 Rims with E-Bike Rated Tires 2.2" thick - many ebike riders seem to want the wider tires which provides nice footprint for fine gravel trails, and also a somewhat smoother ride. Kenda's are decent quality tires. Whereas many ebikes at this price point may usually have 26" tires x 1.75" thickness, and definitely not ebike rated or nicer Kenda tires.
+ Nice LCD - The displays on ebikes priced below $1500, usually are LED with no speed, and very little other data, with led dots to show a rough indication of battery level. Or they are the kit like display LCD, that just look cheap. The display on the Aventon has nice large read out, and all the basic parameters you'd want.
+ Shimano Altus Derailleur - far too often you will see entry level Tourney derailler. The Altus was originally designed for MTB's, and has proven durable over time.
+ 48 Volt 11 AH battery - this is a decent size, for what this ebike represents. Under rigorous conditions, high speeds, 2000 feet of elevation change, mostly level 5 and 190 lb rider, Pete got 27 miles. That's not too shabby. Probably a lighter rider, in flatter areas, staying on level 1 or 2, with decent physical conditioning could do between 40 and 50 miles. Remember on an ebike, if you go slower, (less than 15 mph), you will get longer range because wind resistance is not linear, and increases quite a bit in terms of needed force once speeds start going above 15 mph.
+ 28 MPH, Class 3 - Class 3 at this price point is pretty much unheard of.
+ Sinewave, Brushless Hub Motor - there is a better write up at their website, but generally speaking this is a more reliable design and with higher torque than the typical geared hub motor at this wattage level and voltage.
+ Samsung Battery - brand name with A grade cells is good. Not typical for entry level price points below $1500
+ Comfortable seat, swept back handle bars, coupled with adjustable stem. Usually you don't see this combination of components at this price point, and more around the price of $1800, so its a flexible design for many sized riders
+ Multiple geometries and frame sizes - usually its one size fits 'many', but they offer 3 men's sizes, and 2 step through sizes. Likely to get a better fit for your height with this combination, than relying on the 'one size fits many' approach many smaller ebike firms take.
+ Thumb throttle - we take this for granted, but I have seen so many ebikes without them. Its a $5 item, if the controller is set up for it. Just put it on ! (let consumer take it off if they wish)
+ Flat Foot Geometry (aka Pedal Forward Design) - these designs are not that common, especially on ebikes, but the geometry allows one to get better leg extension while also being able to keep your 'feet flat on the ground' while seated. With most bikes, the pedals are more directly below your seat, so to get the proper extension for pedaling, you'll likely end up only being able to 'tippy toe' or touch the ground with one foot while seated. us older folks sometimes appreciate the added stability or ease of getting on and off our ebikes. Usually the choice for a flat foot design was limited to the $2400 Electra Townie, or less common Fuji, with a weak motor, class 1 only. Or the Schwinn Constance, which has a mid drive and is priced also around $2400. Even if you don't want or need that pedal forward configuration, it does result in really nice all around 'cruiser feel', without looking too much like a 'beachy' bike.
+Frame integrated battery - they did a nice job, and it keeps the weight balanced where its placed, especially given you have a rear hub motor
+ Weight of 50 lbs. - this is not real heavy, but many designs at these price points clock in around 55 to 60 lbs, and often you have to pay a lot more money to get one that weighs around 43 lbs. - they've used hydroforming on their alumimum, and even cleaned up welds pretty nicely. I've seen weld points that look atrocious on $3000 to $4000 ebikes.
In general, many people (consumers and producers) seem to focus too much on the wattage and battery level, whereas Aventon has taken the approach of getting a lot of little things right, designing a fairly approachable ebike, with step through and step over designs that both men and women alike should find attractive with plenty of power for most situations, and speeds where you aren't going to hit the proverbial "20 mph wall" of the traditional Class 1 ebike. Many customers express that they'd just not like to be capped by that 'wall', and are not necessarily needing to scream around at 25 to 28 mph. I get the 'laws' and all of that, but I can tell you that more than 60% of the buyers would like an ebike assist that is not 'capped' at 20 mph, even if they mostly stay below that mph. The larger tires both in diameter and thickness, certainly help provide better assurance in on or modest off road conditions. Rather than shocks, these tires will help, but you can actually get very nice suspension seats that do a better job than front shocks, for your whole body. Often shocks on ebikes at price points below $2000, are very entry level, and are only effective for very rough situations, while robbing you and the battery of range when you are facing more hills.
All of the above for $1399 ! (you know - finally, a decent one not at the level of unobtanium)
That's impressive (to me at least), and it seems to be a very capable all around ebike, at a price that doesn't 'break the bank' and hopefully should allow many more people who have been reluctant to get into e-biking, feeling they have to spend over $2000 or $3000 to get a 'good one' with the performance they think they'll need, or people finding too few choices at this price point.
I felt compelled to bring more awareness to this brand, merely because it fits with my own philosophy that the industry SHOULD be able to both build, and sell a very good quality ebike at price points much lower than we all have been used to seeing. (i.e. this understating it, but THERE IS NO LACK of models and brands priced between $3000 and $6000, which seems like its over doing it for the disposable income levels of the average American, who are likely not buying an ebike for commuting purposes. More often its recreational, or health related, and for fun. Using ebikes (and of course regular bikes) for commuting is far more common in Europe and other countries where ebikes have been more popular and around for far longer than here in the US, and greater percentages of their populations just ride bikes for so many more purposes than we do here. In those situations, its likely easier to justify the expense of a $3000 to $6000 ebike, especially when its often those folks don't have a car. ) I get that if you have the means, then what you spend is your business, and I have no complaint. But there is a lot of the US population, where spending anything close to $1500 is a very hard thing, and yet they probably could really use the health benefit and regular exercise and motivational aspects of
an ebike, where now they have a regular bike, but just dont want to ride because its 'too hard' or they get 'tired too quickly' or dont ride fast enough to keep up with a spouse who is capable of riding regularly and in great physical shape. Some people want to get there (great physical shape), so an ebike allows them to get that 'start' and build up over time.
Again, this is just my own perspective, and I am not looking to start any arguments or debates, that far too often occur here on this forum.
If you already knew about the Aventon Pace, feel free to just ignore the thread.
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