To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Blix. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Blix products.
Today I had the opportunity to check out the new 2019 version of the Blix Aveny. The bike is similar to last years model, so you if you read that review you may see some parallel information, however, there are upgrades here too, so I will try to call those out as we go along. The Blix Aveny (which means Avenue) is a stylish step-thru ebike with a laid back cruiser approach and upgraded drivetrain hardware, a full accessories package, and a powerful geared hub motor drive system. It’s one of the more interesting models on the market right now because it hits a reasonable price point at $1,599, commuter ready out of the box, and is still sold through dealers. That means you can go for a test ride, see the 3 different colors in person, and get help with maintenance and support down the road if needed. Anyway, the tires have been upgraded here, they are now thicker at 2” and have reflective sidewall stripes for visibility. The thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall. The Blix Aveny is built around a wave “step-thru” frame that is stylish and easy to approach, while maintaining stability at the same time. This frame increases strength, it also helps to balance out any rear cargo you might add to the back rack. I appreciated the chain guide, which will prevent chain drops and also keep your pant legs or dress ends clean and snag-free. The kickstand is positioned out of the way on the left, so it won’t collide with the crank arm when walking the bike backwards. The stem offers adjustable angle, so you can really get this bike dialed into your specific geometry. One of my favorite features is actually the Wellgo metal pedals with grip tape; they match the silver accents and provide more strength and surface area than the majority of other pedals I see. The bike isn’t perfect, they have made some trade-offs to save weight or money, but overall it works very well. Some of the trade-offs that I perceive are mechanical brakes vs. hydraulic, which would be easier to actuate. There’s no suspension fork up front, but the sprung saddle and stitched faux leather locking ergonomic grips felt decent and this keeps the bike more steady and definitely lighter. Blix has added mounting points in the front and rear this year, so you can put baskets, racks or other accessories on the bike. The rear rack that is included here is stiff and holds panniers and child seats well. I should take a moment to mention all of the accessories Blix has available for the Aveny. For the rear rack, there are 2 different style single side panniers available, 1 double sided pannier, a Yepp child seat, and large basket attachment. In the front, there is a color matched basket available with a drink holder area, small platform rack that can mount the same basket available for the rear, and a large platform rack. Really a lot of cool options and I love the utility of it all. I also should mention that the bike has battery integrated lights, with the front one being mounted on the fender. Having it mounted there means you can add those modular accessories without need to re-wire, do anything electrically, or re-mount that light somewhere else. Very cool!
Driving this e-bike is a new stronger 500-watt nominally rated Shengyi hub motor, spoked into the rear wheel. It has both pedal assist and a thumb throttle on the left, so it make this bike a Class 2 category bicycle. With the centrally mounted battery pack, the bike is very steady and even front to rear. Hub motors usually offer the advantages of instant power, efficient freewheeling (so they won’t slow you down when coasting), they don’t interfere with the pedaling drivetrain, and they can be used more easily with throttles. With the assist and throttle, you have many ways to ride and eliminates the need for pedaling at all if you get tired or need to focus on balancing. The throttle is live as soon as the display panel is activated on and it overrides zero, 1, 2, 3, and 4 assist, so be careful mounting, dismounting, and storing the bike if you don’t turn it off first! If you utilize the throttle and the highest levels of assist frequently, it will cut down on your maximum potential range since the pedal assist mode dictates your throttle top speed. Mechanically, the bike uses a Shimano Acera setup with a grip twist shift on the right handlebar. The gearing uses a 14-28 tooth system in the back with a 48 tooth chain ring in the front. Stopping the bike is a set of 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes from Tektro. It works really well with that small diameter wheel size and is easy to adjust and maintain.
Powering the bike is an upgraded 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack. The previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah. So this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year. Really a big win! This is what I would consider a high capacity battery and compliments the system well… when you are hauling kids around and need to engage that electric motor to the max, a battery like this is just what you want. Although we don’t do range tests at EBR, I would imagine it should easily be able to go 30 miles or so with all the optional accessories and child attached at max power as it seemed to do during my review. It is secured via lock and key and mounts behind the seat post on the bike. This keeps the weight very centered and is appreciated for stability. There is an LED charge level indicator here on the battery too and charging is done through this 2amp charger. 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.
Operating the bike is simple. Once the battery is mounted, start by turning the key in the on position. From there, the display will come to life and give you the read outs. The battery is shown across the top in 16 ticks. These ticks are in an infographic that somewhat resembles a ruler. Shown below that is you speed in MPH and the various levels of pedal assist you might be in, 0-5. To change the pedal assist, simply hit up or down on the arrow controls mounted on the left handle bar. Keep in mind, the pedal assist level controls the throttle too. This is great so if you are in a parking lot, or need to take it slow, you can have it… let’s say at level 2, and the throttle will go nice and easy without fast acceleration and keeps the top speed limited. Similarly, if you want to go full out, you can put it in level 5 and the throttle will act accordingly. Anyways, there is an odometer readout below that and pressing the mode button will change that to display max speed, average speed, and trip set. Some versions of this setup allow you to hold the up and down arrows together for a moment and that will unlock the deep drive menu. Here you can mess with top speed as well as other electrical power configurations to really get the setup how you want it. I was unable to check with Blix if this feature was going to be available in the production version on this bike.
Blix is doing a great job growing their dealer network and refining their product line. The Aveny is one of their most popular bikes, and I can definitely see why. It’s beautiful but not overpriced, the components are all upgraded, and safety and strength have really been taken into consideration. The step-thru frame is incredibly low but weight is positioned well and the battery is easy to remove for charging or transport because of the flip-up saddle mount. As I was learning about this updated model, I asked Pontus about the name of the company and some history. He’s originally from Sweeden and was inspired by the vintage European bicycle designs that he saw growing up. The name Blix means lightening and Aveny means Avenue. It was cool to see how much attention he and his team have paid to user experience here, including a nicer tool set and available accessories. I would like to thank Blix for giving me the chance to check out the new Aveny and look forward to seeing the rest of their lineup.
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 Blix ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- The bikes are feature-complete, you don’t need to add fenders, lights, or a bell aftermarket and the ones Blix chose work very well and look beautiful
- I appreciate how the rear rack is positioned away from the battery and saddle but still reinforced underneath with a metal strut, there’s even a plastic tube for the rear light wire that adds extra protection, the metal fenders didn’t rattle as much
- Great choice on the kickstand hardware and positioning, it supports the rear rack well and is just out of reach for the left crank arm so you won’t get pedal lock
- It made me smile to see how Blix attached the front rack to the left fork arm by actually curving the support rod to avoid blocking the beam, very custom and thoughtful, you can see this in the cup holder and bamboo platform as well
- The upright handlebar is swept back to create a relaxing geometry and I liked the stitched locking grips and rubberized brake levers, the bike feels comfortable and some of the road vibration is lessened through the bumpers on the saddle and steel fork
- Notice how the fork is swept forward a bit, this creates stability and also moves the fender forward so you won’t kick it when turning, a nice touch
- New drivetrain and powertrain on the bike this year, you get an upgraded 500 watt Shengyi motor versus the old 350 watt, and it now uses a Shimano grip shifter on the right
- The tires have been upgraded, they are now thicker at 2”, the thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall
- This has been upgraded with a high capacity battery, a 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack, the previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah, so this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year
- Beautiful display panel, it’s simple and the wires are wrapped nicely, note the threaded metal connectors with rubber washers vs. plastic press fit
- The battery looks nice, I like how the flip-up saddle makes it easy to remove for safe storage or independent charging, and the charger itself is faster than normal at 3 amps vs. just 2 amps
- I care about safety, so it’s nice to see integrated lights and reflective tires here, you could opt for the cream paint job to make the bike extra visible vs. dark green or black
- Blix has been in business since 2014 and I have reviewed some of their earlier products, it’s a company that I trust and they have a pretty solid two-year warranty
Cons:
- The display panel is not removable, this means that it could get scratched at the bike rack or when storing and transporting, it may also take additional weather wear over time if you leave the bike outside, also, it sticks out more than last years, so be careful when carting around
- In order to power the bike on, you need to first press the battery power button and then hold the M button on the display, this two-step process adds time and can require some flexibility or dismounting if you forget the first step
- The key slot, for locking and unlocking the battery, is positioned near the left crank arm and if you leave the key in it could actually get bent… same goes for sliding the battery out of the mount, because there is a frame tube that would collide with the key, just make sure the key is out of the bike once it’s locked on
- Hub motors are great for separating electric assist from pedal power, but they add a bit of cabling to the rear wheel which could get bent if the bike tips
- I feel like this ebike offers great value for the price, but it does compromise a bit by going with mechanical disc brakes which have larger levers and require more hand effort to pull… but the levers themselves are some of my favorite because they have motor inhibitors and an integrated bell on the left side
Resources:
Mike
5 years ago“Multi-step” process to turn on? Gimme a break guys. Its two buttons. One on the battery, and at the display. 2 seconds max. Its not even worth mentioning. Saying it ‘takes time’ makes it sound like its gawd awful. On many batteries and ebikes, you have to turn on the battery first, and hold the button for a few seconds. Its actually a very good safety feature, and could keep the ebike from launching forward before you get on, if you have one with a stuck throttle, and you don’t know its on. If you get on the ebike before turning on the display, and have your hands on the grips ready to go, you have less of a chance of the ebike taking off on you. I’ve seen this happen a lot where people new to ebikes, accidentally brush up against the throttle and the ebike is gone out of their hands, and getting damaged or hurting someone nearby. Or even strangers walk up and push on it, and going ‘whats this do?’ dumb, yes, but people can be very dumb when they get around new technology.
Also , can you lighten up on your negative comments about mechanical brakes. The difference between them and hydraulics is negligible as far as gripping and squeezing, and while hydraulics provide more force at the pads, it also means more accidents where people accidentally grab and handful of the front brakes and go over handle bars – not a pleasant outcome. At the speeds of less than 20 mph, which class 2 or class 1 ebikes are rated at, mechanical brakes stop plenty quickly enough and offer the advantage of being much easier to align, adjust, and compensate as pads wear. Much less expensive to service or repair too!!! Hydraulics are more costly to service, since it takes time to bleed them, and way too frequently bleeding isn’t done properly by the mechanics, and shops will accidentally leave bubbles in the line. Try stopping with squishy brakes sometime, that have bubbles. You will wish badly you had mechanicals, and can easily tell if the cable has been damaged or stretched. In city’s, the risk of getting doored is high, and people with hydraulics think they can stop faster, and it leaves them going head over heels, and over the doors, bc they locked up the brakes using hydraulics. Also the connections on hydraulics are prone to leak, and the lines can easily be severed. At least please note these things about hydraulics, if you are going to list all the so called ‘cons’ of mechanical brakes. Pro’s of the hydraulics only barely outweigh the cons and only if you are riding at Class 3 speeds, and willing to cover the price tag of AT LEAST $200 more at the retail level to get hydraulics versus mechanical brakes.
Blix definitely made the right choice at this price point for mechanical brakes, and they are MORE than plenty adequate for stopping. Now if this ebike had rim brakes, then maybe you’d have something worth bashing.
Reply5 years ago
During the ride the bike seemed to make clicking sounds which were not commented on. What gives with that?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoI didn’t review this ebike, but sometimes when I’m on brand new ebikes I’ll notice the pedals clicking, or if the derailleur isn’t quite adjusted correctly, even the disc brake rotor can make some noise. Perhaps someone else will chime in, or if you point out the spot in the video I can give some more feedback :)
ReplyBeth
5 years agoI noticed the same noise throughout his ride – starting around 20:30. It sounded like chain or maybe fenders? It was disappointing that he didn’t focus in the ride quality, motor noise and other riding issues while on the bike. That’s one of the main reasons to watch the video and always been one of the key benefits of EBR videos. I can read about the specs and available accessories online – but depend on review for ride quality and experienced POV compared to other bikes or LY model. For instance, the review last year commented on quietness of the motor. Is the new motor as quiet or quieter than some others? In any case, thanks the review!
Walt Gearhart
5 years agoI am near 86 yrs. old and ride nearly every day on a standard bike so E bikes look attractive to me, and your Aveny model is configured to my choice. I have ridden E bikes and their motor is noisy and I am told a brushless moter is quiet. Is your motor brushless and quiet?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Walt! I believe that most planetary geared hub motors used on electric bicycles these days are indeed brushless. This is something you could ask Blix directly by visiting their official website here. Hope this helps, enjoy the ride!
ReplyD
5 years agoBlix Aveny bike delivered with handle bars that were not able to be fully adjusted. I was told that either factory installed too tightly or Locktite had been used which prevented rotation of handle. Although problem identified within first month of ownership, neither Blix nor dealer would honor the warranty. If Blix will not stand by product requiring $60 repair, I am concerned how they would handle more significant issues.
In my opinion, not very good customer service. Based upon my experience, I do not feel that I could recommend Blix bikes if one wishes to have a product backed by reliable support.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi D, thanks for sharing your experience here. I’m sorry that the bike did not meet your expectations based on my review… and that the shop and the company weren’t able or willing to fix this for you. Indeed, you should be able to find an affordable adjustable angle stem on Amazon (just look for a quill style with 25.4mm clamp diameter, I think) and that might be your solution for even less than $60. Still, I’m sorry that you’re in this position.
ReplyDAVID BAINBRIDGE
4 years agoYour review indicates that the PAS level adjusts the maximum speed under throttle control. When pedaling, does it control the assist level, or just the motor cutout speed, or both? If it just controls motor cutout speed, how is the amount of pedal assist controlled?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi David, although I haven’t test ridden the most recent version of the Aveny… my recollection is that the maximum power and top speed of the throttle is limited by the assist level selected. This means that for 20mph and high acceleration, you’d need to be in level 5. If you are only in level 1, the bike will accelerate slower and may only reach 12mph top speed. I hope this helps!
ReplyBill Howes
3 years agoPaid for a Blix bike for my wife for Mother’s day at the beginning of March. I was given one update in all of this time, stating that the bike wouldn’t ship until June. Contacted Blix today and was told that the bike would not ship until the end of July. Very poor communication but even worse is delivery. At this point I have no confidence that I’ll see this bike at all.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoOh man! That sounds really frustrating… and it’s sad to hear, because I thought Blix was one of the better companies with customer service. I believe that they have worked with shops, but moved a bit more online. I’ve been able to reach the founder fairly easily in the past, but maybe it’s the supply chain challenges hitting them like many others. It sounds like they could communicate a lot better, even I am behind on comments! I hope the bike comes, I do not think of Blix as a scam company… my guess is that they have just been overwhelmed. Here’s a short video interview I did with another small brand recently, asking about delays.
ReplyDavid W.
3 years agoI recently had the same delay in receiving my 2 bikes as it took over 4 months for them to be delivered. I was equally frustrated waiting for the bikes to be delivered. Blix was excellent in explaining that the cause of the shipping delays was totally out of their hands (the bike parts were delayed in shipping to Blix).
Although it took a seemingly long time to get my bikes delivered, I was so please with them that it made the delay worth the wait. As a side note, I checked my local bike shops for their e-bike availability and I was told they were backordered for 6 to 10 months… if I was lucky.
Reply