Transporting Aventure in the Rain

[Katzenjammer]

Planning on taking my bike back to the dealer for its first break-in period adjustments and the forecast is for a pretty good chance of thunderstorms. Everything I've seen tells me to remove the battery when transporting the bike on a hitch rack, but with it removed the contacts and all the electronics below them are exposed to the elements, especially on a highway behind a pickup truck. I can't think of anything short of taping plastic sheeting over the opening (and hoping it stays in place) to protect those components. Anyone have experience in successfully transporting a battery-less Aventure in heavy rain? Thanks.

 

[ebiketom]

It's an example of the disconnect between Corporate and the user. I wish that the engineers rode the product before landing on final design and that the marketing department had a rider's understanding of the bike. With some other changes (Torque sensitive versus Cadence controller; variable versus on/of accelerator; built-in delay shutting off power when stopping pedaling) the Adventure could be best in class and pricepoint. The answer to your question is leave the battery connected. The battery removal is only to reduce the weight. However, you may want to protect the other water penetration vulnerable points. Regarding the other rider who finds the Adventure won't take him up a steep hill. If the bike is in good working order, I would guess that the ride just needs more experience with the idiosyncrasies of the Adventure. I've ridden mine up some pretty knarly inclines that I failed when I first got the bike. Just a guess, not a judgement.

 

[Amishman]

I have transported my Pace 500 and my Aventure in driving rains without batteries and without incident. Aventon indicates the bike will not be harmed in rainstorms. I can attest to that having ridden into a sudden rainstorm at the edge of a tornado.

 

[ebiketom]

I am an Adventure rider. It's not just the rain. The turbulent wet air on the back of a vehicle contains grit and contaminants. in early spring, until several rains, it contains deicing chemicals and salt as well. I don't care what Aventon marketing says (your claim) I won't risk it. A plastic plug, made for that purpose, would be a cheap to make and should be made available.

 

[Amishman]

I only relate my experience in the year and four bikes (one Non Aventon Bike) that I have taken in the rain. I have observed no degradation in the Aventon bikes. I recognize your experience and concerns may be different.