Aventon Pace 500 Review

Aventon Pace 500 Electric Bike Review
Aventon Pace 500
Aventon Pace 500 Rear Hub Drive Shimano Altus Sproket
Aventon Pace 500 Downtube Semi Intergraded Battery
Aventon Pace 500 Cockpit Controls View Display
Aventon Pace 500 Large Grayscale Display With Back Light
Aventon Pace 500 Tektro Hydraulic Brake Levers Display Controls
Aventon Pace 500 Front Fork 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Aventon Pace 500 Shengyi Rear Hub Drive Motor
Aventon Pace 500 Velo Comfort Saddle
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Black
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Black Kickstand
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Top And Down Tube With Battery
Aventon Pace 500 Step Through White
Aventon Pace 500 Stock High Step Black
Aventon Pace 500 Stock High Step Socal Sand
Aventon Pace 500 Stock Step Through Celeste
Aventon Pace 500 Stock Step Through White
Aventon Pace 500 556 8 Wa Battery
Aventon Pace 500 48v 11 6ah Battery
Aventon Pace 500 3amp Battery Charger
Aventon Pace 500 3amp Portable Charger
Aventon Pace 500 Electric Bike Review
Aventon Pace 500
Aventon Pace 500 Rear Hub Drive Shimano Altus Sproket
Aventon Pace 500 Downtube Semi Intergraded Battery
Aventon Pace 500 Cockpit Controls View Display
Aventon Pace 500 Large Grayscale Display With Back Light
Aventon Pace 500 Tektro Hydraulic Brake Levers Display Controls
Aventon Pace 500 Front Fork 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Aventon Pace 500 Shengyi Rear Hub Drive Motor
Aventon Pace 500 Velo Comfort Saddle
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Black
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Black Kickstand
Aventon Pace 500 High Step Top And Down Tube With Battery
Aventon Pace 500 Step Through White
Aventon Pace 500 Stock High Step Black
Aventon Pace 500 Stock High Step Socal Sand
Aventon Pace 500 Stock Step Through Celeste
Aventon Pace 500 Stock Step Through White
Aventon Pace 500 556 8 Wa Battery
Aventon Pace 500 48v 11 6ah Battery
Aventon Pace 500 3amp Battery Charger
Aventon Pace 500 3amp Portable Charger

Summary

  • A price competitive and affordable ($1,399) yet powerful and versatile high speed ebike which aims to give more bang for your buck versus other value priced offerings
  • The Pace 500 features a capable electric drivetrain sporting a 20mph trigger throttle and a 28mph cadence based pedal assist, each complimented well by the stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes
  • A overall comfortable ride with relaxed ergonomics and thoughtful finishing touches like reflective sidewall stripe tires, also comes in a variety of size and color options for both frames
  • To keep the price low, some tradeoffs are to be considered, no suspension, no intergraded lights, no USB charging, but the big one to keep in mind is the assembly you may have to do on your own, however, you can always get some help from a bike shop, mobile service, or use their instructional videos

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Aventon

Model:

Pace 500

Price:

$1,399

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cruising, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame and Fork

Availability:

Canada, United States

Model Year:

2019

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

49.8 lbs (22.58 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.2 lbs (3.26 kg)

Motor Weight:

9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

13.3 in (33.78 cm)15 in (38.1 cm)17.3 in (43.94 cm)17.7 in (44.95 cm)19.6 in (49.78 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium: 17.75" Seat Tube, 22.5" Reach, 16" Stand Over Height, 32.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 25.75" Width, 72" Length

Frame Types:

Step-Thru, High-Step

Frame Colors:

Chalk White, Celeste, Deep Black, SoCal Sand

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid 6061 Aluminum Alloy, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Nuts

Frame Rear Details:

142mm Hub Spacing, 10mm Threaded Axle with Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Altus Derailleur, Shimano HG-200-8 Cassette 11-36 Tooth

Shifter Details:

Shimano Triggers on Right (One Way High, Three-Shift Low)

Cranks:

Forged Alloy, 170mm Length, 42 Tooth Chainring with Plastic Guide

Pedals:

Tracy ZHU, Alloy Platform with Fixed Pins

Headset:

VP, Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"

Stem:

FSA, Adjustable Angle, 0° to 90°, 90mm Length, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, One 20mm Spacer, Three 10mm Spacers, 60mm Stem Base Height

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back, 15° Backsweep, 640mm Length

Brake Details:

Tektro HD-T825 Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180mm Rotors, Three-Finger Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Generic Rubber, Ergonomic, Locking

Saddle:

Velo Comfort with Rubber Bumpers

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4mm, 31.6 mm

Rims:

Alexrims, Double Wall, Mid-Dish, 26.3mm Outer Width, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kwik Seven-5 Sport (Ebike Rated), 27.5" x 2.2"

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 50 PSI, 2.0 to 3.5 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, E-Bike 50

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Center-Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand, Handlebar Mount Cup Holder, Spare Derailleur Hanger, Spare Motor Cable Clips, Replacement 48v 11.6ah Battery ($399), Optional 48v 14ah High Capacity Battery ($599)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube Semi-Integrated Battery Pack with LED Indicator, 1.3lb 3 Amp Charger, 18 Amp Motor Controller Current, KMC Z-72 Corrosion Resistant Chain

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Shengyi

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

556.8 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

LCD-M5, Grayscale, Backlit, Fixed, Adjustable Angle

Readouts:

Energy Bar (10 Bars), Current Speed (Miles or Kilometers), Assist Level (0-5), Odometer, Trip A, Trip B, Voltage, Timer

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Up, Down, M, (Hold Up for Backlight, Hold Down for Walk Mode, Press M to Cycle Readouts, Hold Up and Down for Settings Menu)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (12-Magnet Sealed Sensor)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)


Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Aventon. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Aventon products.

Aventon (inspired by the Spanish words for “to lift up”) comes from a rich background in performance track and fixed gear cycling. Products like the Cordoba and Mataro have been ridden on the world stage at the highest level, including races like the Red Hook Crit. Their founder, JW, sees the benefits of electric vehicles for fitness, recreation, and transportation. They are looking to bring their past manufacturing expertise to the new Pace ebike line and the 500 is a great example of this. The Aventon Pace 500 is an affordable yet powerful and versatile ebike which aims to give more bang for your buck versus other value priced offerings. It comes in both a step-through and a high-step, each with their own sizes and colors. The step-through comes in White and “Celeste” (a seafoam green) while the high-step comes in Black and “SoCal Sand” (a kind of brownish color). Similarly, you can find the step-through in Small and Medium sizes, while the high-step is available in a Medium and Large frame. For $1,399 there is surprisingly a lot to look over, so lets get in a little deeper. The Pace 500 is a comfortable and upright bike with a relaxed position for leisure riding or commuting. That comfort comes from a seat tube that is further back, adjustable angle stem, swept back handlebars, and locking ergonomic grips. You also get this Velo comfort saddle with rubber bumpers underneath and some nice fairly thick high volume tires (27.5” x 2.2”) which make for a wider attack angle. Unfortunately, there is no suspension fork or seat post, but I am sure most wouldn’t be surprised given the cost of the bike. However, they do have a 30.4mm seat post on the step-through and 31.6mm seat post on the high-step if you want to swap those out with a cushier option. Also, the head tube itself is tapered, which is nice because that will open up some fork options for those looking for an upgrade. The bike itself is fairly lightweight with an aluminum alloy frame and fork, coming in at 49.8lbs total. Its a handsome bike with wrapped wires, some internally routed cables, and extra gussets adding a lot of attention to detail. Other features include rear rack bosses, fender bosses, kickstand (although it is centrally mounted which could produce pedal lock when reversing), reflective sidewall stripped tires, plastic chain guide, and a semi-intergrated downtube battery. The real big wins on this bike though is in it’s performance. The Aventon Pace 500 sports a powerful rear hub-drive motor with both pedal assist and a throttle. The throttle is rated for 20mph while the pedal assist will get you up to 28mph. To match that 28mph top speed, they added on a satisfying set of hydraulic disc brakes complete with motor inhibitors.

Driving the Pace 500 is a Shengyi 500 watt planetary gear hub motor. The 9lbs motor offers 50nm of peak and since its planetary geared, will freewheel a little more efficiently and not cause the drag you get from gearless motors. However, since it is a sealed 12 magnet cadence sensor, you will get a little more of that “on-off-on-off” feeling as you ride it. The pedal assist is capable of getting you up to 28mph and the sealed sensor means no gunk or debris getting lodged inside which is a nice feature. You also can power the bike via a trigger throttle. The throttle is variable speed and is capable of a 20mph top speed, but will only engage with 1 full pedal rotation. I try to get a good example of this in the review video, so make sure to check that out if you want to see it in action. On the mechanical drivetrain of the bike, you will find an 8 speed Shimano Altus sprocket. Altus is a step up from entry level, so its nice to see them kick things up a notch on a value priced ebike. Along with that is a 11-36 Shimano cassette and a 42 tooth chain ring. Controlling everything is a set of trigger shifters (one way high, three-shift low) with a windowed gear display. As mentioned before, we have a nice set of Tektro HD-T825 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and three-finger levers with motor inhibitors.

Powering this high speed bike is a 48v 11.6ah lithium-ion battery with Samsung cells. The battery is running at 556.8 watt hours and weighs a total of 7lbs. There is a USB port on the side, but it is not for charging, but rather for service diagnostics which serves a great purpose, but looking at it does serve as a constant reminder that a USB charging port may have been a missed opportunity. The charger is 1.3lbs and puts out 3amps of charging power, a bit faster than the standard 2amp chargers we are used to seeing. The battery is secured with lock and key and can be charged on or off the bike, but I do recommend charging indoors. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life, and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.

The cockpit controls are great, its nice to see levers for shifting instead of the usual thumb shifter. Most of this is possible since the throttle is on the left along with the display controls. On the right is your shifting levers as well as a gear display window. Right in the middle of the handlebars is the large and easy to read display. The display does have an adjustable angle, but is not removable which can sometimes leave you feeling insecure when parking it or leaving it to the elements. The display is grayscale and features a backlight for nighttime riding. To start the bike, press power on the battery, hold the M button to turn on display. The large display offers a wealth of information starting at the battery levels. The battery infographic is shown in 10 separate 10% intervals which does a better job of leaving guess work out compared to other bikes with 33% or even 20% steps. You can scroll through several modes of pedal assist (1-5) and can use the throttle on any as long as you get that pedal rotation in. Other display options include odometer, trip A, trip B, battery voltage, and a timer. Also, if you hold down the down arrow, you can engage a walk mode. There is a deep dive menu if you want to play with other various settings. Hold up and down arrows for a couple of seconds to initiate this menu of settings. Once inside, you will have access to backlight settings, unit readout, wheel size configuration, and top speed. The top speed is really since since out of the box it is a Class 3 bike. If you want to lower it to a Class 1 or 2, you could change some of the settings and even extract the easy to remove throttle to comply with certain jurisdictions. To exit this menu, hold M to leave.

Its hard to knock a bike with both hydraulic brakes and a 28mph pedal assist that only cost $1,399. So much attention to detail is given but you can’t make a bike to please everybody so there are some tradeoffs to take into consideration. Little things here and there would be issues with the derailleur and some of the wires in the rear being a little exposed. This could be problematic if the bike is damaged in shipping or even dropped. There is no slap guard in the rear, so the chain could knick the paint a bit, something that could annoy you especially if you got a color like Celeste to stand out. I recommend covering it with some box tape or getting an aftermarket neoprene slap guard on Amazon. Its nice to have fender and rack bosses, but unfortunately no bottle cage bosses this time. Also, for a high speed bike with a powerful battery, I gotta say its a little disappointing they didn’t add battery integrated lights for either the front or back. The biggest tradeoff however, would have to be the assembly. The bike is made to order through dealers or online, but if you have it delivered to your home, do be prepared. It can take about an hour to assemble, so make sure you have some tools handy (although they do include some) and some free time. To help remedy this, Aventon does have a YouTube video that details assembly instructions for those looking for some extra help. Of course, you can also have your local dealer do it, or pay a local mobile bike service as well. To be honest however, when you look at the big wins like the 28mph motor, high capacity battery, hydraulic brakes, and comfortable ride, and then look at all the finishing touches like the 1 year warranty, thicker reflective tires, locking grips, and upgraded (from entry level) components, its amazing that this bike comes in at such a great price. Tradeoffs considered, this bike would probably pleasantly surprise anyone looking at the more affordable options. A big thank you to Aventon for inviting me out and letting me see their bikes and their factory.

As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Aventon Ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)

Pros:

  • An affordable ($1,399) yet powerful and versatile ebike which aims to give more bang for your buck versus other value priced offerings
  • Comes in both a step-through and a high-step, each with their own sizes and colors, the step-through comes in White and “Celeste” (a seafoam green) white the high-step comes in Black and “SoCal Sand” (a kind of brownish color), similarly, you can find the step-through in Small and Medium sizes, while the high-step is available in a Medium and Large frame. (s
  • A comfortable and upright bike with a relaxed position for leisure riding or commuting, seat tube is further back, bike has an adjustable angle stem, swept back handlebars, and locking ergonomic grips, also has Velo comfort saddle with rubber bumpers underneath and some nice fairly thick high volume tires (27.5”x2.2”) which make for wider attack angle
  • The Pace 500 is a handsome bike with wrapped wires, some internally routed cables, and extra gussets adding a lot of attention to detail
  • A lot of bonuses like rear rack bosses, fender bosses, kickstand, reflective sidewall stripped tires, plastic chain guide, and a semi-intergraded downtube battery
  • Big win with the 28mph top speed cadence based pedal assist, also a throttle rated for 20mph for leisure riding
  • Another big win with the 180mm Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes, matching the high speed with great stopping power
  • 48v 11.6ah battery with a 3amp charger, a little faster than the standard 2amp charger you usually see with value priced ebieks
  • Large and easy to read display offers a lot of information as well as a deeper settings menu to really do some tweaks and adjustments
  • A lot of value priced bikes have the basic level components however, many of the Pace 500 components are actually Simano Altus, a step up from the entry level adding some nice upgrades versus a normally basic setup most competitors use
  • Because of the deeper menu and removable throttle, you can configure this from a Class 3 to a Class 1 or 2 ebike to adhere to certain jurisdictions and riding trails
  • The bike is sold online or through a dealer network and offers a 1 year warranty

Cons:

  • No suspension in either the front fork or the seat, however they can be swapped out for cushier options if you want to compliment the relaxed riding geometry
  • This battery is powerful and is very capable of charging peripherals via USB, however, there is no such option, it would be nice to see some device charging in the future
  • Additionally, batteries such as this are known for powering integrated lights, another missed opportunity on this bike as it does not come with any in either the front or the rear
  • Display is not removable so be careful when parking in the elements or in high crime areas
  • Bottle cage bosses and slap guards are becoming common place in a lot of value priced bikes and this bike is without them, but I suppose you could add a aftermarket neoprene guard from Amazon and even get a handlebar mounted bottle holder if needed
  • A minor gripe, but some of the derailleur and wires in the rear are a little exposed, this could be problematic if the bike is damaged in shipping or even dropped, make sure to take good care of it
  • A decent amount of assembly is required, Aventon was nice enough to let me in their warehouse to take a look at the products being shipped out so make sure to check out the video if you want to get a good look at what is required, it does come with some tools and they have an instructional video on YouTube, or you could have a bike shop or mobile repair service assemble it if you are not comfortable

Resources:

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Comments (41) YouTube Comments

Mike
5 years ago

Nice review. The big advantage of this Pace 500 is it is NOT speed limited to just 20 mph, providing great assist to well over 20 mph. It’s got key features and build quality of ebikes priced over $1800. LED Lights are very easy to add, and usually you can get much higher lumen power than the integrated lights on ebikes priced below $2000. Plus they wont run down your main battery. Add a nice NCX suspension post, and this will be a super comfortable ride with plenty of power. The display is super easy to read, with large and clear numerals. The cadence sensor being enclosed is very important, and not like the cheap ones found on many of ebikes you order on-line, as those can be kicked, broken off, or just fail work properly. 12 magnets is plenty, and with sinewave controlled motor, and controller, acceleration seems very smooth. The optional stuff like racks, or suspension seat, or lights and fenders are very easy add on’s, and can be done to suit personal tastes and needs. Assembly looks intimidating at first, but the protective packaging is very good, well thought out, and a lot less likely to incur shipping damage, than many others I have seen. It can be assembled in under 45 minutes, and watching their video is a great help. Put on handlebars first, flip it over while using a pillow to protect the handlebar/display, and put the wheels/derailleur on while its bottom up. Or if you have a stand all the better. Another substitute is if you have a WorkMate Bench, remove the seat from the post, and then flip the bike upside down, inserting the seat post in between the clamping section, and place a towel on the surface to protect it. Very easy to then do the rest of the assembly. On the otherhand a bike shop would find this to be a piece of cake to assemble, and should not charge much at all.

For the price, power, quality (i.e. smooth welds, strong frame, clean and well wrapped wiring, great seat post to seat attachment, solid, readable display, throttle) you simply can’t go wrong, and they really put the money in all the important places. If you want the ultimate in seat and ride comfort add a BikeaRoo plush seat. ($39)

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Thanks for your feedback Mike! I haven’t tried the BikeaRoo seats yet, but the price looks great!

  Reply
ElectricBikeZone.com
5 years ago

The Aventon Pace 500, both this step-through model as well as the step-over model, have been very popular and have been selling fast since we added them to the lineup of e-bikes on our site. We love the beautiful design and look of this bike, along with the quality and care that has gone into it. Definitely appreciate the detailed review and info offered, here. Thanks!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Awesome! Thanks for the input and feedback on this model. Sounds like it’s doing well for your shop. Where are you guys located?

  Reply
ELECTRICBIKEZONE.COM
5 years ago

We are based out of Columbus, OH, though our business is online only at ElectricBikeZone.com.

Mike
5 years ago

Aventon now offers a 14 AH battery in addition to its 11.6 AH battery, for increased range. Their battery prices are more reasonable than other brands too. Samsung quality!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Awesome! Thanks for the update on this Mike ;)

  Reply
Mitchell C Lapin
5 years ago

My Aventon Pace 500 ebike seems adaptable to any type of riding. There are five e-assist and eight mechanical gears. In combination I have not found a hill in New England that we can’t handle.

First a word about the Aventon people. They are great, easy to work with and understanding. I did experience some pilot error in assembling the Pace 500 and I feel so silly about it. The Aventon people arranged for me to visit a local retailer and the problem was all me and resolved in thirty-seconds.

I was riding a flat section of route 9 below Oak Street at 12.3 MPH in mechanical gear 4 and e-assist 1. As the road rose up at about a 7-8% grade my speed dropped modestly to 10.8% and pedaling was at the same resistance. After three football fields the road leveled off.

I have ridden at 27.2 MPH in e-assist level five a couple of times pushing the mechanical gear to 6 or 7. At my physical level (71 plus years) I did have to pedal fast to get to 27.2MPH. There was probably a little more performance in me but I was flying. I did not sweat, but it was about forty-two degrees each day.

The acceleration each time you go e-assist is exceptional. Once in e-assist maintain tight control with your breaks until you have completed your turn or the acceleration will surprise you. The breaks clearly handle the higher speeds.

Overall this is the most comfortable bike I have ridden. My hybrid is a Trek 7100 with front shocks and my road bike is a Cannondale Quick with a composite front fork. The Pace 500 rides like silk in comparison.

For assembly support, try this video on YouTube from the company, which was helpful.

Mitch Lapin

Any questions email me at [email protected]

  Reply
Joseph - Pa
3 years ago

The Pace 500 I find being an amazing piece of work. At 68 years of age with arthritis – it allows me to resume outdoor activity. My Wife delighted I can join Her in biking outings.

  Reply
Tumalo Ted
5 years ago

This sounds like the bike for me! On the weight Court, is this something you weigh yourself or is this from the manufacturer?? Since many of us use bike racks in hot weather, does Aventon and other manufactures provide a weather proof cover over the battery contacts on their ebikes when the battery is removed?? Wonderful website here!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Tumalo, one of the ways I strive to set EBR apart from other blogs or news sites is that I measure all of the stats by hand myself, including the weight. Now, I do have help with some reviews, but the Aventon Pace 500 was done entirely by me and I use the same hand scale for every review. Regarding weight, you can definitely remove the battery pack when lifting and transporting on a car rack (and I would recommend that). You can find bicycle covers on Amazon, like these, and use that as a basic cover to keep the frame clean and dry… but these ebikes are all designed to be fairly water resistant. My understanding is that some dust and water isn’t a big deal, as long as you don’t spray them super hard or flip the frame upside down, or leave them wet and then cover with a tarp when it’s hot out, because that can cause condensation in the displays which can cause problems.

  Reply
Tom
5 years ago

Has anyone swapped out the standard fork for a suspension fork? Seems like this frame is a good candidate for light offroad trails with the addition of a front suspension and suspension seat post.

  Reply
Tom
5 years ago

Finally got a chance to ride the Pace 500. What a fast bike and the medium step through frame was surprisingly big enough for my height at 6’3″ even though I’m looking for my gf who is 5’10”. The saddle was very comfortable, hydraulic brakes plenty strong enough to smoothly bring this bike to a fast stop with little effort, and the upright sitting position was very comfortable. Overall a great bike for the price. My only complaint is the old school cadence sensor gives the bike the feeling of “jerkiness” and is somewhat dangerous when pedaling on turns with loose or gravelly roads even on the lowest pedal assist setting. If Aventon would switch to a torque sensor this bike would easily compete with much more expensive bikes on the market. This bike with a torque sensor would be nearly perfect and I’d be willing to pay the extra cost. Perhaps Aventon will offer that as an upgrade option on future bikes?!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Tom! Thanks for sharing your experience with the Pace 500 and that feedback about riding with a cadence sensor vs. torque sensor. I really like what some of the high-end systems are doing now with combined cadence, pedal speed, and torque for smoother more intuitive riding. Perhaps Aventon will see your feedback here and make improvements with their future ebikes :)

  Reply
Paige
5 years ago

Hi Court, do you think it’s possible to switch out the drive train to a single speed on this bike? I much prefer gearless biking and wondered if it would be possible. The gearing would either be extremely challenging with the motor off, or somewhat reasonable with the acceptance of knowing it might not make it to maximum speed. I wish this bike were just a little bit lighter! Thanks!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Paige! Yeah, I think you probably could switch out the drivetrain on this bike… it’s not something I have done personally, but most bicycle shops can order the parts and perform the labor to do so. This could cost in excess of $100, but you would end up with a simpler, quieter, and more reliable drivetrain. An alternative to converting the Pace 500 would be to explore something like the Electric Bike Company Model Y, which comes stock as a single speed and is a similar price. In the review, you’ll get to hear me talk about the benefits and drawbacks of this sort of drivetrain and also see what it looks like to pedal at different speeds! I hope this helps :)

  Reply
LarryC
5 years ago

I am looking to buy my first ebike and I’ve narrowed my search to the Aventon Pace 500 and the Electric Bike Company Model C. The EBC bike is a single gear and I’ve been told you don’t really need multiple gears when you have multiple levels of assist. Plus, they say it’s fewer things that can go wrong. I’m 66 and there are some hills I will need to climb if I don’t stay in the immediate neighborhood. I probably won’t need 8 gears but worry that I will regret not having the option to switch gears. I am mainly buying this ebike for exercise. I’d appreciate any thoughts you might have. Thank you!

  Reply
5 years ago

I’m of the opinion that if you multiply the number of gears by all the levels of assist and the off position you have more than enough for any ebike. Especially one as powerful as this one. The Dukester

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Mike W
5 years ago

Court. THOROUGHLY enjoy your reviews. Any concerns about this motor vs Bafang or Bosch. Ive looked at a few bikes. New to biking. I weigh 300lbs. READY to lose weight and exercise. However I have steep hills to ride.

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Court
5 years ago

Hi Mike! given your weight and the mention of steep hills… I’d recommend spending a bit more for one of the Electric Bike Company models, specifically the C or S since they are quite powerful. Nothing wrong with Aventon, especially if you have a dealer. I have heard that they require more time and effort to assemble, so a dealer is very nice to do that for you. Electric Bike Company has great value and a sturdy frame with lots of power in their top end models. Whatever you choose, I wish you luck and am excited for you! Enjoy the ride, get some good exercise… and take your time, just 30+ minutes a day of some decent cardio, don’t get a heart attack, just work the muscle and circulate that blood, aim for low car foods (check out NoCow bars and Organic Protein bars from Muscle Pharm). Replace rice with quinoa, don’t drink anything with sugar, avoid milk. Good luck!!

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George Mejia
4 years ago

On the aventon pace 500 when using the throttle only, if you let off of the throttle do you have to pedal again for the throttle to work or is that only at stand still?

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Court
4 years ago

Hi George, my experience reviewing this ebike was that it would start right up when pressing the throttle… whether you were pedaling or not. I think it is independent. However, there are some ebikes that do require pedaling for the throttle to work. It’s rare, and I think it’s more of a European requirement. One example of this is the RadRunner EU Version. I hope this helps!

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Paige
4 years ago

I finally bought a Pace 500 (step over) back in August and absolutely love this bike! It’s perfect for city commuting. Coming from a skinny, single speed Populo Sport, this has way more power and speed but also feels much safer with the wider, smoother tires. I can take on potholes and uneven pavement and terrible construction fillings with confidence, it doesn’t feel jarring to ride on sketchy terrain. The bike is around 50lbs but I can still carry it down the 5 flights of my apartment building with not much trouble and at the same time feels sturdy and safe enough when riding through wind or bad terrain. The comfort level on this bike is incredible and the stock battery gets a ton of mileage before needing a charge. I rarely take it up past 25mph but when I do, the brakes are super responsive. My one gripe is the throttle. It’s positioned too far away from the grip so I have to reach over to use it. This wouldn’t be that bad if the throttle worked from stand still. It doesn’t, so when you’re stopped on a steep hill, you’re really in trouble trying to go up. I’m thinking about writing to Aventon to inquire if there could be an override in the LCD screen because that’s really just terrible design. Aside from this flaw, I love the bike and use it for everything.

The bike can be ridden without the motor engaged. It’s kind of a challenge beyond 15mph even in an easy gear but is helpful should you ever have an issue with the electronics not working. I’m expecting to have this bike last quite a few years and then some especially since the frame is so comfortable. I always thought I’d want to stay with the light and nimble single speed/fixed gear bikes I’ve had in the past few decades riding in the city. This bike makes me feel so much safer navigating traffic, terrible roads and bad weather, along with everything else the city can throw at you. I’ll never look back!

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Court
4 years ago

Hi Paige, thanks for sharing these great insights! I hear you and agree on the lack of instant throttle and having to reach so far. It’s cool that you had a Populo and now Aventon (because I think they are part of the same parent company). It sounds like the stability and comfort here are worth the trade in weight. Be careful walking down all of those steps! Probably a great workout each morning :)

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Steven Smith
3 years ago

Hello, I just got the pace 500 today and rode for a 5 mile test ride. I really like that I was able to pedal in a low gear without any power at all, in case I run out of battery. My other bike is the single speed Populo ebike. No way I can ride it without battery power. It happened once and I had to walk it the last bit. It is just too high geared (although super easy and fun to ride with pedal assist.)

Thanks
Steve

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Mark
4 years ago

Court,
I notice your specs at the beginning of the article shows 50Nm torque and in the article you mention 60Nm peak. I’ve seen this in other reviews as well, can you clarify the two different values?

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Court
4 years ago

Hi Mark, thanks for the feedback. I was getting some editing help this year and there were a few places where incorrect information was written in the full review. Always trust the specs first. I think that in this case, the motor produces up to 50nm of torque vs. 60nm. Sorry for the confusion here, I always appreciate help with these mistakes and have fixed it in this review!

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Mir Ali
3 years ago

Hello

I read with interest your review on the Aventon Pace 500 electric bike. Thank you for all your advice. I had a quick question for you. I was considering the RadCity 4 commuter bike by Rad power bikes, but when I test drove the Aventon Pace 500, I was very impressed. Greater than 90% of the time, I will be riding my bike on paved roads. I am only getting an electric bike for recreation because I live in an area that has many hills. I don’t really need a commuter e-bike. The hills in our area are 7 to 10% with regards to incline, and it is becoming very difficult, if not impossible, for me to ride my traditional mountain bike. I was looking for something that can help me continue to ride with assist for these hills.

The main question I had for you was if you had an opinion regarding the geared hub motor vs a non geared hub motor. Is one better than the other? How about in particular regarding torque, motor output, or going up hills? Also, is the lack of having a suspension fork a big problem? I didn’t think so, but I wanted to ask someone who seems to have much more experience. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and have a nice day
Mir

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Court
3 years ago

Hi Mir, those are great questions! It does sound like the Pace 500 would work well for your needs (and you’d save $200). I like the suspension, lights, and fenders of the RadCity, but if you have never felt a need for suspension… it might just add weight and cost. I do prefer the planetary geared hub motors to gearless, but the one Rad uses tends to be very reliable and has regeneration, which is kind of neat. For me, the regen just helps to offset some of the added weight and drag of gearless hub motors. I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, I hope this advice helps! I’d love to hear your thoughts someday, whichever ebike you choose, I do think it will help you with the hills :)

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Nor Antonio
3 years ago

I want to buy this pace 500, I am 5ft 10.5in tall, will medium size fits to my height? If so, can u deliver to Philippines?

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Court
3 years ago

Hi Nor, great job explaining your question! I think that you’re right in between the medium and large size. If I were you, I might lean towards large… but if you want a shorter reach and don’t mind raising the seat post a bit higher then medium would probably work just fine. I cannot speak directly for Aventon, as I am just a reviewer of ebikes, but perhaps they have a way to ship internationally? I’d reach out using their official site here.

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Jaren
3 years ago

Great review! For the disc brake, it should be the HD-E350. HD-T285 dosen’t have the inhibitor and also use the plastic oil tank. But their similar calipers are easy to confuse!

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Court
3 years ago

That’s a great comment! Wow, thanks for the detailed insights Jaren :D

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KJ
3 years ago

Thanks for the review! I’m looking at budget-friendly commuter e-bikes. I’m not an experienced biker and this would be my first serious bike purchase. The other bike I’ve been considering is the Propella 7-speed. The biggest advantages to this Aventon seems to be that I can get it locally from a dealer rather than having it shipped, and it has a much more powerful battery. Really the only thing that’s making me pause is the weight… I was hoping for something on the lighter side and the Propella is quite a bit lighter than this one. However, since this has a more powerful battery, it seems less likely that I would actually have the occasion to ride it without assist. Any thoughts?

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Court
3 years ago

Hi KJ, I prefer the Aventon Pace 500 for most of the riding that I do, because it has fatter more comfortable tires, and has a swept back handlebar and riser stem that provides a more upright body position. Having a shop nearby to work with, to correct problems and provide tuneups is excellent. Even though it weighs a bit more, for me the comfort and support really put it in first place. I hope this helps! Propella makes awesome ebikes, and perhaps you like the sporty road-bike type of feel… but I personally like a more relaxed upright ride :)

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KJ
3 years ago

Great, thanks so much for the reply :) I do like the idea of having the dealer nearby since I’m not exactly an experienced or handy bike owner. And not hunching over seems like a win too. Cheers!

David Bainbridge
1 year ago

Hi. I think you could do readers a great service by discussing the way the power levels work on each bike reviewed. For instance, the Aventon ebikes are the only ones I know of that use the power level to set speed, rather than torque. I bought a Pace 500 for my middle-aged daughter, and with the default top speed at 20 mph, the slowest it wants to go is 9 mph. This isn’t a problem for normal riding, but on twisty trails or among pedestrians, it’s a challenge. Before her model year, the Aventon controller would apply full power when you were going much slower than its speed goal, but fortunately for her model year, they reduced the torque in level 1 or 2 (they call it PAS 1 or 2). This is much better than being hit with full torque as soon as you start to pedal, but remains a challenge.

Most rear-hub ebikes, today, use the level control to set torque, and I think that’s a much better method. Many people feel that a torque sensor is better than a cadence sensor, however our first ebike was a Trek Electra Townie Go, which had torque sensing and the motor mounted at the pedals. That was quicker to respond to pedaling, but using the amount of torque you apply to decide how much torque it applies turned out to not be enough help in the hilly terrain where we live. I believe that some new models use torque sensors to sense ANY pedaling, and apply the torque level you’ve set. It seems like that would be the best design, if it were set correctly, or combined with a cadence sensor in order to apply your desired torque if you were either applying significant torque, OR pedaling.

Anyway, keep up the good work!

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Court
1 year ago

Great explanation David. I appreciate your feedback and will mention these points more in the future. I have also noticed some models that kick in pretty hard and fast, even in the lower levels of assist. Some companies, even those using cadence sensors only, will have a controller that ramps the power and feels more smooth and goes slower in lower pedal assist PAS levels. I’m also a fan of ebikes that have a variable speed throttle system. This allows for very precise power and speed output based on how you interact. I believe the Aventon Pace has a throttle like this, so perhaps it could be used by your daughter to manage those twisty trail sections :)

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Steven
10 months ago

DO NOT buy from this company. The bikes are decent and a good value, but, if my situation is any indication, if something goes wrong, they will do everything possible to weasel out of supporting their product and honoring their promises. My story: My bike was defective out of the box with a faulty battery system (though it wasn’t entirely clear exactly where the problem lay). That much is thoroughly documented and uncontroversial. I wanted to be sent a new bicycle, but, because my bike worked ~90-95% of the time, they convinced me to keep the faulty bike in exchange for a note in my file saying that if the battery system got worse at any time, even after the warranty expired, that they would cover it. Well, the battery indeed fizzled out long before it should have, but after the warranty expired, so I called them up. They claimed to have lost the note (yes, I know, I was an idiot not to have had a copy sent to me). Even without the note, there was more than ample evidence to support my claim—emails, phone logs, etc., going back to the very first ride I ever took—but they still screwed me out of $400. I very much hope that someone reads this and decides not to give them their business (and tells them as much!) so that they learn that dishonest business practices don’t pay.

  Reply

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