Help me do an objective comparison of three bikes: Aventon, Dost and Gazelle

[Marrduk24]

Hi

I have looked in detail at the reviews and specifications of the following three bikes

Aventon Level $1600
Dost Kope $2800
Gazelle Medeo T10+ $3500

I know they span a very different price point. I have looked at the specs in detail. Obviously the biggest difference is in electronics. Aventon has a Bafang rear hub, Dost a bafang mid drive and Gazelle has Bosch’s performance line mid drive.
Having said that, not having driven different motor types, it’s hard for me to know how much difference there is. Given I am buying primarily to ride in NYC, I have been told mid-drive is nice to have and not a must (vs riding steep hills, where mid drive makes a bigger difference).
I was wondering what are other key differences between these bikes that I should be aware of as I decide what’s the best price-value ratio for me

 

[Nova Haibike]

Would you be buying from a dealer, or online? Who would service the bike; you or would you rely on a shop?

 

[BlackHand]

How will you use the bike?

If you want the fastest most efficient commute, the Aventon probably would fit the bill for the least $.

If you need the most range, the dual battery capability of Dost may appeal.

If you want more exercise biking and less effort getting the bike up into your apartment then the torque sensing Gazelle that's 11 pounds lighter than the Aventon could be your choice.

Personally, I think the Dost is awkwardly priced for its feature set. It seems like a nice bike, but other Bafang options either cost less or offer more power and torque sensing for about the same or a little more.

 

[Admin]

If you're planning to use the bike for daily riding and are able to spend a bit more, I'd probably get the Gazelle from a local dealer. It will be the most efficient, feel the most natural, blend in, be the most reliable, and you'll have an easier time getting help with fixes. NYC has rain, snow sometimes, salt, the ocean nearby, bike racks that can get crowded and a little rough. Having a built-in battery from a company with a great track record for selling replacements for many many years could pay off big. Sure, you won't have the throttle like VoltBike and DOST, but you probably won't need it. The lack of throttle might be your biggest consideration... the thing is, I believe that Class 2 might not be allowed in some parts of the city? I hope this helps!

 

[Marrduk24]

If you're planning to use the bike for daily riding and are able to spend a bit more, I'd probably get the Gazelle from a local dealer. It will be the most efficient, feel the most natural, blend in, be the most reliable, and you'll have an easier time getting help with fixes. NYC has rain, snow sometimes, salt, the ocean nearby, bike racks that can get crowded and a little rough. Having a built-in battery from a company with a great track record for selling replacements for many many years could pay off big. Sure, you won't have the throttle like VoltBike and DOST, but you probably won't need it. The lack of throttle might be your biggest consideration... the thing is, I believe that Class 2 might not be allowed in some parts of the city? I hope this helps!

Thanks Court for chiming in.
You nave already hit upon a few things that are appealing about Gazelle. eBike from a company that’s first and foremost a cycling company, lighter weight, doesn’t stick out like an ebike and hope for future service.

 

[Marrduk24]

Court, in that higher price point I was wondering how would Gazelle compare to Bulls and Cube.
They all have Bosch 4th line performance motor and tube batteries. I believe all have Shimano Deore, though some of cube models go upto 12 gears.

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Just took delivery of two Aventon Levels yesterday, one for me (62) and my wife (57). We rented the Aventon Pace 350 in Monterey California in the first week of August and rode through Monterey on the water and Pebble Beach golf course. Took Aventons out for our first ride this morning. Much more powerful than the Pace 350. More power than we will really need. I tested the bike and it ran 19 mph on full throttle up a paved 25-30 degree grade. With the Assist mode 1-5 it would fly up a steep hill with no problem. My only complaint would be the lack of water bottle cage bosses. I knew that going in and they do give you a water bottle cage to mount on the handle bars. Stay tuned or reach if you have any questions.

 

[rich c]

I’d be shocked that the biggest difference is just the electronics. Surely there are hydraulic vs mechanical brakes and derailleur differences. But I’m going riding and don’t go spend the time digging up the specs on 3 different bikes.