Taming the Pace 500

[Rickey Ricardo]

Wife's bike arrived a few days ago, earlier than expected. I think it's great. Got it assembled fairly easily with help from posts here. Aventon must be sending so many bikes out the door that they have no time to bring their written instructions current or update their assembly video from 18 months ago! Fortunately they have now completed more of the assembly for you. Hydraulic brakes helped sell us on this bike--the surest stopping power out there. I'm still trying to decide if the initial power surge is a feature or a bug. You need a riding strategy for this bike. I come from the world of road bikes, and plan to continue riding mine. I also ride a motorcycle, so I'm used to two-wheel fun. The Pace 500 seems like a hybrid of both worlds. It does not give the pure bike experience, you're not going to "become one" with this bike. Being a savvy manager of its power is vital, like on a motorcycle. Tips for starting that I have seen here include setting pedal assist to 0, covering the brakes and being sure you have geared down all the way. I understand concern about the quick take off, but I think it's fun. Not sure why Aventon opted for the severely swept back cruiser style handlebars, this is a bike where you need to sit up and pay attention. I think mountain bike bars would be a good replacement. The Pace 500 has a lot of oomph and quite good specs for the price. I'm happy with the purchase. If my wife's reaction is different I will post. I'm going to suggest she put a picnic basket on the rear rack and ride it across town to a park. I will follow on my road bike, if I can keep up.

 

[Bigal1463]

Welcome Rickey Ricardo to EBR, where there is plenty of help. I’m happy for you and your purchase. I also have the Pace 500 and am very happy with it. You sound like you already have a good handle (no pun intended) on it. I don’t care for lack of throttle on demand, but like you said gear down to the lowest setting when coming to a stop and start up will be easier. I personally like the swept back handlebars for a relaxed ride. The Level comes with the mountain bike type handlebars and a lot more bike for $200. more, but all and all after over 1,200 trouble free miles, sans one flat, I’m thrilled with this bike. Good luck to you and your wife.

 

[TxAventon]

Welcome to your new Pace 500! I purchased the Pace 500 for myself and the Pace 350 for my wife. I also enjoy the surge of power and have adjusted mine to the maximum speed of 32 MPH when using PAS 5. It is a great bike for exercising and I have close to 1600 trouble free miles on mine. I swapped out the saddle for an upright leather Brooks, added a Redshift Suspension seat post and Shimano Clipless pedals to keep my feet firmly in place. I am fine with the swept back handlebars because when I am not exercising at 20+ MPH, I am enjoying a leisurely bike ride with my wife on the weekends. I had one accident where the front tire came out from under me on a 180 degree turn over a slick roadway, but I chalked it up to my inexperience riding in damp weather.

To improve the tire grip over the standard Kwick Seven.5 tires, I just ordered a new set of Kwick Drumlin from the online Kenda store. The OEM tires have a grip rating of 3/5 stars, while the Drumlins are rated at 5/5 for grip in loose gravel and wet conditions. I am looking forward to installing them as soon as they arrive.

 

[Bigal1463]

I’m thinking that come springtime, I’ll be ready for a new set of tires and from what I searched so far is that the Kenda Drumlin is going to be my choice.