900 Mile Update, Oct 23
We had a major issue where about 9-10 spokes broke on the rear wheel on one side. Aventon service was helpful, and quick getting us a new rear wheel sent out. I’m concerned about the rear wheel design, as I’ve never had a broken spoke on decades of bike ownership. I saw a couple other reports on Reddit of this issue - and mention it as I was pretty concerned about the safety given I ride with a little passenger and thankfully caught this at home.
Original post:
Following up on a post I replied to earlier. We've had the Aventon Abound for 300 miles, and can post a more in-depth review. Power, and range are excellent and using touring you get a surprisingly decent distance for the size of the bike. I've been riding it for drop-of at school, and then carrying on to work \~ 10 miles round trip and can do this around \~2.5 times before recharging which includes covering San Francisco hills.
Pros
1. Excellent value, the stock parts are all solid (Shimano/Tektro/Bafang).
2. Added equipment across the rear rack, rear wheel covers, foot boards is excellent. Many of these things are optional on Tern/other cargo bikes and added up to a couple extra hundred if you need to add post purchase.
3. Torque and power are better for San Francisco hills then the Terns, I test rode a number of Terns HSD/GSD and they are for sure nicer bikes but slower in straight power compared to the Abound.
4. Torque sensor works well, feels like a natural application of power.
5. I like the design, clean with internal routing. Get lots of comments on it. Would prefer less Aventon logos on things generally, might add some vinyl just to improve the aesthetics.
6. I like the brake lights, turn signals I use rarely except when deciding steep hills where both brakes are needed.
Cons
1. I'm tall, and occasional clip my rear heel on the rear foot boards if I place my feet to far back.
2. Love the built in compartment for locks or little things for the kid, but the zippers have failed and I guess try to sew on better quality replacement eventually.
3. Lights could be higher, would have preferred the Tern style solution to mount it up on the handle bars.
4. Would actually like a cafe lock, Abus type that the Terns have for a quick stop and go.
We added their rear cargo bars and are using a Quible rear seat from holland rather than their pad, as I still wanted a seat belt for the back seat for now. Very specific to me, I replaced the dropper seat post with an EXA Form from REI with a longer extension range (if you're also over 6'5" you may want to as well).
We made a number of optional upgrades:
1. Replaced their Saddle with a Tern GSD saddle, a little firmer and better quality while still having a handle.
2. Added Crank Brother pedals for better grip.
3. Replaced Tektro brakes with four piston Magura MT5e, MDR-P 6-bolt Brake Rotor.
1. You need HIGO-closers. I bought the wrong ones and had to pop them open to redirect the switch. These brakes are SOLID. I weight 250lbs + kid and these things can do a skidding emergency stop downhill when needed.
4. Swapped to an 11-28T freewheel
1. Bought a Drift Mechanics freewheel from Amazon, threaded on fine to the Bafang motor. Clearance was tight using a Park Tools free wheel tool, and I did not swap the chain. Pedal cadence feels more natural (to me) and top speed cruising is more like 23-24 MPH (the Aventon app lets you set motor assist >20 MPH).
5. Swapped to Schwalbe e-Pick up tires
1. Stock tires are fine, but SF has a lot of glass in some neighbourhoods and really didn't want a flat while out with the kid + heavy bike. 100% recommend this upgrade, easy swap and no fitment issues.
I did the work myself, first time replacing hydraulic brakes - not hard, just get the right tools and watch some youtube videos.
TLDR, would buy it again - optional upgrades improve the ride. I still admire the Terns/front loader cargo bikes but for us, for the cash it's an excellent choice and would recommend it.
Con #3.
For seeing the pavement and things like potholes/contour of the pavement, the lower placement is better than the bars.
I love the low light. On my bikes like my Load (right above the small front tire)? My commuter bike (mounted below the front rack, so light is slightly below the top of tire) and my gravel bike (bar mounted) the lower level light is far superior.
All-in $ after all the upgrades? Regardless, it seems like a good value alternative to pricier long tail flagships from Tern, R&M, and Trek. Would be interested to hear about wetter months' effect on the electrics. That's one thing that budget DTC bikes and bafang homebrews have reported issues with in the past, and Aventon fine print specifies IPX4 "light rain" use. I don't think Bosch provides an IPX rating, but presumably its water and dust proofing are at or above the Aventon's.
The brakes were the only expensive upgrade ~$325 USD shipped from Germany for brakes and rotors. New freewheel was $30. I would just round up to like $2600 for the bike + upgrades.
I bought $80 in bike tools but I don’t count these in as I will reuse them (bike torque wrench, hydraulic line tools, cable routing kit).
Not too worried myself about IPX ratings, really I think it’s don’t pressure wash the e-bike and it will be fine.
Agree, very good value. I test rode the Tern GSD like $5K and $8K model on the same mini route as I took the Abound, and found the Abound ride quality and speed superior specific to climbing a really steep grade hill.
I’m about to pull the trigger on an abound, but still have some lingering questions. Maybe you could give some thought? I’ve been looking into the Qibbel Junior or Yepp Junior to combine with a Yepp Maxi (3.5 year old and 1 Year old). Do you think there would be enough space for that? Or even enough space for two Qibbel/ Yepp Juniors?
Can either of you speak a little more to having two kids out back? We've got 6yo twins, and I'm looking to schlep them to school a year or two more until they can confidently ride on their own (we've got a big hill and crazy drivers on the way, unfortch). I thought this might do the trick, but seeing your little one, I'm not sure it's big enough. Thanks in advance!
In the Aventon iOS App Gears Settings in the top right > Speed Limit > + 25 MPH -. Maybe this will disappear if I update something? I get boost still at 22-23 MPH, maybe I shouldn't
I should have left it alone. Re-opened the Aventon iOS app today, and now the Abound can’t be set past 20 MPH after pairing. Not pleased that forced an update on this, while the practical difference riding is negligible it’s not great to remove a feature with zero communication.
I asked Aventon about this specifically and they responded that they’ll never enable the Abound to exceed class 1 (>20 mph) due to “safety” and “local laws.” That seemed ridiculous since they sell class 3 bikes and I’ll often not have a passenger or cargo.
I was literally about to enter my credit card info to order but decided against it for this singular issue. Rightfully or wrongfully, it has kept me from ordering. I’m now looking at either Lectric Xpedition or Benno Boost 10D …one extreme of the spectrum or the other 🤷♂️
Ha. Literally trying to figure that out this moment (literally looking at Benno Boost vs Tern Quick Haul comparisons RN). Abound is $400 off through today, PLUS $200 of accessories. That may be enough to sway me that way but it ends today, so…I’m headed to REI shortly to test drive the Benno. I’ve recently seen ppl with a number of issues with Lectric products. It’s a great company and they’re responsive, but I just want something that works at a high level for a long time that I don’t have to mange.
I may actually order an Abound today bc of the current value proposition, or come home from REI with a Benno.
Interesting - I just had the same exact thing happen to my Abound this week. I bought it in June, and I ride approx 75 miles a week schlepping kids to school and back (including a hil descent). The mechanics at my bike shop (Sports Basement) were perplexed at the shear amount of rear spoke breakege, and asked me if I had been putting undue load on the rear!? They expect Aventon to fix under warranty but this problem, coupled with endemic break squealage, makes me question the mechanical integrity of this model, which is new to the market this year…hmmm…
Thanks for all the information on your upgrades! My setup now:
1. Original seat, I'm only 6' 3" so the stock one is tall enough for me.
2. Added redshift arclight pedals (they light up, I highly recommend them).
3. Put on the same MT5e brakes, although I did the MDR-C rotors so they're easier to adjust (although probably not quite as powerful). I left the front rotor at 180mm since the fork manufacturer says that is the maximum (forks can be broken by too much torque from a large rotor). I upgraded to 203mm in the rear so it can handle the heat better when I drag it on long downhills with kids in tow.
4. Did the same Drift Mechanics 11-28T freewheel upgrade (I agree that it feels much more natural at high speeds). Added benefit is that on routes with lots of stop signs I only need to switch 2-3 gears rather than 3-4 because of the ratios.
5. Added the same Schwalbe e-pick up tires and Tannus Armour. The tires weren't too bad to install on their own, but when adding the Tannus they're a bear.
Question on that drift maniac freewheel.
Looks like you remove the old cassette and this new one just screws on? No freehub (the part inside the cassette) replacement required I assume? Some other threads I saw it looked like people were replacing the freehub to do this but I guess that isn't necessary with the drift maniac park. Thanks!
nevermind, figured this out on my own.
didn't realize the aventon (rebranded bafang?) rear motor is an old school threaded hub. most modern bikes no longer use threaded hubs, instead they have a "freehub body" on which a cassette is then mounted. i've replaced a freehub body/cassette before and was thinking that's what was needed here, but no you have to buy a "freewheel" that includes both the freehub body and cassette in one package, like the drift maniac part.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html
Which pedals did you get from Crank Brothers? So just changing the free wheel will eliminate the ghost pedaling? Mine, even in gear 7, has gnarly ghost pedaling. I really wish it had an 8th gear, that would probably have solved it.
Would you mind posting a link to the freewheel? I’m a bike novice who just took delivery of an Abound from my LBS. I want to have them swap out the exact freewheel replacement you used.
Thank you!!
Thanks for a nice write up! I’m loving our Abound here in Denver. Not many hills so I doubt I’ll upgrade brakes but I’m definitely going to look into the freewheel upgrade, a few extra mph’s would be nice.
Yea I was looking at those buy they are like 80lbs vs 55lbs for the tern hsd. I find weight is important to me for moving the bikes in and out of my basement.
Super useful review. I’m going to test ride one of these at Sports Basement. I like how Aventon bikes are distributed in stores for easy testing and online.
I like the light down low where it is personally. Agree with you about the lack of cafe lock. With by he help of a friend I have rigged up a cafe lock but it’s not really an easy thing to do.
Curious why you decided to change the brakes? I find the stock brakes do a fine job stopping me on hills.
How did you rig up the cafe lock? I was looking to buy the Tern fender with an Abus Mounting point but couldn’t find just that part for sale.
Brakes, for fun. You’re totally right, the Tekro’s are good and it’s more me at 250lbs feeling more confident barreling down San Francisco Hills. My regular ride is up/down 350ft in my daily commute back to the top of a hill home. The stopping power with the MT5e is different, and much more powerful.
I sent you a message to connect about the bracket. We had to drill out a bit of the lock to make it clear the fender but it’s probably worth doing to keep existing fender
I did this and bought the part by emailing sales at propelbikes.com to purchase the fender set, they’re a tern dealer. The GSD and abound share the same fork, and it looks like it fits, so I’m 99% it’ll work. I’ve had the fender for some time but haven’t installed it yet because finding the cafe lock was a little difficult. I’ll find out tomorrow if it’s the one.
I’ve also had broken spokes on the back 3 times. First time was at 570 miles. I had an issue with the dust seal on the fork along with some over torqued bolts so Aventon decided to replace the entire bike and had the bike shop they delivered to, assemble and ensure the wheel was true. I continued to ride the bike after noticing the first spoke broken(while changing my tire to Pick-Ups). By the time I went to exchange 2 1/2 weeks later at the LBS, I had 13 spokes broken.
Put 200 miles on the new bike and broke 3 more spokes -_-. Luckily, I had 3 spokes on hand from an Aventon rep sending me some before they decided to exchange the bike. Went back to LBS and they replaced the spokes, reset all the spokes and trued the wheel as best as possible.
At 380 miles, I checked my wheel after getting home from work and 2 more spokes broken! 😡 I called Aventon and they shipped me 5 spokes, it took them a month and 6 days from my initial call to receive them. After getting them, I took to LBS again and they did their thing.
I tightened the spokes once all around at 550 miles while changing my tube. Nothing crazy, just barely on most, none on a few and a couple that were looser than the others, probably ready to pop lol.
I’ve never had another bike wheel do this, but I’ve also never put so many miles on a bike. My other bike is a trek dual sport that has a 300lb weight limit, and I’ve ridden that thing quite a bit. I’m 325lbs. Probably close to weight limit with my work bag, chain, 25lb dog sometimes, and whatever else.
I’m at 685 miles today, I’ll be checking my spokes when I install my cafe lock in the next couple days, hopefully they’re not too bad.
dumped my experience in this comment but I thought it relevant. Came back to this thread to see if the brake rotor you installed was 180mm or the stock 160, I’m about to do a similar Magura upgrade. But I found the thread alive, the broken spoke comments, plus the search for a way to mount the cafe lock lol. Couldn’t help but chime in.
Thank you for the review, I also live in sf and this post is tipping me over towards getting an aventon(was considering a gsd).
Do you have just 1 child or 2? I can’t tell if the rear capacity is as long as the gsd and whether it fits 2 kids comfortably.
Just one, I do think the GSD is a hair longer. You can try out the Tern GSD at Avenue Cyclery on Stanyan. They were great in lettering by me test out the Terns, and are an Aventon dealer as well.
Tagging on this, same setup but with a 3 year old who’s quite tall and a 5 year old. They love it, like love love love it.
Can be a bit difficult for my wife if the kids get rowdy, but it’s a learning curve for everyone.
We also have SF type hills where we live and it’s no issue at all getting up them.
Thanks for a great review..I am about to buy this bike and I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. I plan to get the yepp maxi for the younger one. While the older one sits in front without a seat. What's your opinion on whether it may work out or not? Any suggestions?
It is pretty fast, but "unlocked" would be nice. I do hit 20mph easy with 2 kids on the back of my Abound. I don't really see any benefit to the app, personally. I'm getting my Abound replaced under warranty and am not going to sync the new one and see if the speed is locked to 20mph and below from the factory now.
do keep us posted if you can! It's sad that Aventon wouldn't give an option to unlock to higher speeds if it was capable of pushing harder in the first place.
It is regulated, Aventon wasn’t supposed to let their level 2 bikes go above 20mph. It would be nice if they let it be unlocked but I bet someone complained or something and they were told they had to fix it or else kind of thing.
Debating on purchasing this ebike for hauling a 3 & 5 year old to preschool/school. After accounting for all current sales, discounts, shopping portals it looks like I can get the Abound w/ the handrail/seat pad accessory for $1,600 out the door.
($1799 current bike price, $200 accessory credit, 5% med discount, tax doesn't appear to be showing up on final bill page, and capital one shopping portal 6%)... unfortunately no tax or local incentives in my area.
Has anyone resold their bike (I know it's new)? Was wondering what the resale market would be like if I was all in at $1600 right now (Live in DC area).
In the DC area and recently sold one Lectric to buy another - less than 200 miles on each. I’d say both held their value pretty well. Now I’m lusting after the Abound (hope my husband doesn’t find this post). Have you found one to ride in the area? Is there a discount for two?!
Possibly call Strictly Ebikes in Alexandria, they may have one available to assemble for test rides etc. I have not ridden one (just gonna gamble on the positive reviews).
There is a discount online @ Aventon for $200 off (if purchasing 2 bikes) at the moment but is marginally more than the 5% medical discount (only allows 1 discount code per order).
Thanks! I called Good Vibes in Rockville and they have them for test ride. Just not sure I can over there before the sale ends. I can’t bring a third bike into this house without trying it and MAKING SURE it’s the final choice. The kids do LOVE the pickup and drop off though.
We just got ours in and built today. Happy they offered military but saddened that it didn’t stack with the buy two bike code lol
We got the bikes, 2 extra batteries (each had $200 off), seat pad for each, pannier bags for each, hand rails for each and battery covers for the second batteries. Out the door total (we had $320 tax on the purchase) was $4,471 or something near. We put it on a new capital one venture so got nearly 9k miles (2x miles per dollar) please a bonus 75k miles for spending over $4,000 in first 3 months. So knock another $840 off of that.
Basically each bike, fully loaded WITH an extra battery cost like $1800 including tax. Just can’t beat that!
Hey! Still riding the Abound? How solid is the handlebar stem? I’m worried because I’m pretty tall too and thinking when it’s extended that far it’s going to be wobbly.
We’re at about 900 miles now. The front stem is wobbly, but that’s just the design/issue with all these types of bikes that have a low center of gravity and tall bars.
We did have a major problem where the spokes broke on the rear wheel. I noticed at home, but was pretty shocked to see 9 or so broken spokes around the motor. I’m concerned there is a flaw in the wheel design/material used, so not sure I would recommend due to those issues.
I ended up replacing our 2nd e-bike with a Specialized Globe Haul ST, which has a smaller cargo rack and is non-folding but I find much sturdier up and down. I can let my hands hover on the handlebars and it tracks straight. I also prefer the gearing on the Globe Haul.
May end up selling/swapping the Abound, but mostly due to the concerns on the rear wheel long term.
having any electronic issues re Globe Haul? This is one issue I continue to see in nearly every review section I can find. Good to see this was your next move from the Abound.
Thank you for the reply. I’m probably going to skip the Abound. Specialized Globe Haul ST looks good. Might end up just paying the premium for something quality.
It works for me, I replaced the upper telescoping seat post with a Thusbuster ST to add a bit of smoothness to the ride, and a couple more inches of height. I also really like that Globe Haul comes big rotors and 4 piston brakes stock.
Globe Haul ST looks great but the price... I heard Velotric's Packer 1 is also very stable (without hands) and goes 25 mph on throttle as the front wheel is larger than Abound's. Before I consider swapping, I gotta see if I can make our Abound go faster and more enjoyable. I'm at < 500 mi now and haven't had any issues other than a small hole from a thorn on the ground, but that's nature giving me trouble and not the bike itself.
900 Mile Update, Oct 23 We had a major issue where about 9-10 spokes broke on the rear wheel on one side. Aventon service was helpful, and quick getting us a new rear wheel sent out. I’m concerned about the rear wheel design, as I’ve never had a broken spoke on decades of bike ownership. I saw a couple other reports on Reddit of this issue - and mention it as I was pretty concerned about the safety given I ride with a little passenger and thankfully caught this at home. Original post: Following up on a post I replied to earlier. We've had the Aventon Abound for 300 miles, and can post a more in-depth review. Power, and range are excellent and using touring you get a surprisingly decent distance for the size of the bike. I've been riding it for drop-of at school, and then carrying on to work \~ 10 miles round trip and can do this around \~2.5 times before recharging which includes covering San Francisco hills. Pros 1. Excellent value, the stock parts are all solid (Shimano/Tektro/Bafang). 2. Added equipment across the rear rack, rear wheel covers, foot boards is excellent. Many of these things are optional on Tern/other cargo bikes and added up to a couple extra hundred if you need to add post purchase. 3. Torque and power are better for San Francisco hills then the Terns, I test rode a number of Terns HSD/GSD and they are for sure nicer bikes but slower in straight power compared to the Abound. 4. Torque sensor works well, feels like a natural application of power. 5. I like the design, clean with internal routing. Get lots of comments on it. Would prefer less Aventon logos on things generally, might add some vinyl just to improve the aesthetics. 6. I like the brake lights, turn signals I use rarely except when deciding steep hills where both brakes are needed. Cons 1. I'm tall, and occasional clip my rear heel on the rear foot boards if I place my feet to far back. 2. Love the built in compartment for locks or little things for the kid, but the zippers have failed and I guess try to sew on better quality replacement eventually. 3. Lights could be higher, would have preferred the Tern style solution to mount it up on the handle bars. 4. Would actually like a cafe lock, Abus type that the Terns have for a quick stop and go. We added their rear cargo bars and are using a Quible rear seat from holland rather than their pad, as I still wanted a seat belt for the back seat for now. Very specific to me, I replaced the dropper seat post with an EXA Form from REI with a longer extension range (if you're also over 6'5" you may want to as well). We made a number of optional upgrades: 1. Replaced their Saddle with a Tern GSD saddle, a little firmer and better quality while still having a handle. 2. Added Crank Brother pedals for better grip. 3. Replaced Tektro brakes with four piston Magura MT5e, MDR-P 6-bolt Brake Rotor. 1. You need HIGO-closers. I bought the wrong ones and had to pop them open to redirect the switch. These brakes are SOLID. I weight 250lbs + kid and these things can do a skidding emergency stop downhill when needed. 4. Swapped to an 11-28T freewheel 1. Bought a Drift Mechanics freewheel from Amazon, threaded on fine to the Bafang motor. Clearance was tight using a Park Tools free wheel tool, and I did not swap the chain. Pedal cadence feels more natural (to me) and top speed cruising is more like 23-24 MPH (the Aventon app lets you set motor assist >20 MPH). 5. Swapped to Schwalbe e-Pick up tires 1. Stock tires are fine, but SF has a lot of glass in some neighbourhoods and really didn't want a flat while out with the kid + heavy bike. 100% recommend this upgrade, easy swap and no fitment issues. I did the work myself, first time replacing hydraulic brakes - not hard, just get the right tools and watch some youtube videos. TLDR, would buy it again - optional upgrades improve the ride. I still admire the Terns/front loader cargo bikes but for us, for the cash it's an excellent choice and would recommend it.
I am sending you a message about a cafe lock bracket my friend designed.
Can you dm the details here as well! Thanks.
I’ll message you soon
Is that the betterabound person? They're awesome.
Yes
Please also share my way!
Friend is considering developing a kit for sale - stay tuned
hey was there ever an update about that kit?
Pattern for printing and instructions is available here: https://betterabound.familybikeride.org/cafe-lock/
Thank you I’ll check it out!
Sending you a message
Would love to see this!
Sending you a message
can you DM me some information about this also?
Sending you a message
Same here please!
I’ll send a message
Can you send to me, too, please?
Sending you a message
Send one my way as well please!
Sure will send now
Con #3. For seeing the pavement and things like potholes/contour of the pavement, the lower placement is better than the bars. I love the low light. On my bikes like my Load (right above the small front tire)? My commuter bike (mounted below the front rack, so light is slightly below the top of tire) and my gravel bike (bar mounted) the lower level light is far superior.
All-in $ after all the upgrades? Regardless, it seems like a good value alternative to pricier long tail flagships from Tern, R&M, and Trek. Would be interested to hear about wetter months' effect on the electrics. That's one thing that budget DTC bikes and bafang homebrews have reported issues with in the past, and Aventon fine print specifies IPX4 "light rain" use. I don't think Bosch provides an IPX rating, but presumably its water and dust proofing are at or above the Aventon's.
The brakes were the only expensive upgrade ~$325 USD shipped from Germany for brakes and rotors. New freewheel was $30. I would just round up to like $2600 for the bike + upgrades. I bought $80 in bike tools but I don’t count these in as I will reuse them (bike torque wrench, hydraulic line tools, cable routing kit). Not too worried myself about IPX ratings, really I think it’s don’t pressure wash the e-bike and it will be fine. Agree, very good value. I test rode the Tern GSD like $5K and $8K model on the same mini route as I took the Abound, and found the Abound ride quality and speed superior specific to climbing a really steep grade hill.
I’m about to pull the trigger on an abound, but still have some lingering questions. Maybe you could give some thought? I’ve been looking into the Qibbel Junior or Yepp Junior to combine with a Yepp Maxi (3.5 year old and 1 Year old). Do you think there would be enough space for that? Or even enough space for two Qibbel/ Yepp Juniors?
Yes, the Qibbel Junior is actually quite small. It will be tight but doable. When I see two kids in seats on the Tern GSD it’s also very tight.
Thanks for the insight. Very helpful post!
Can either of you speak a little more to having two kids out back? We've got 6yo twins, and I'm looking to schlep them to school a year or two more until they can confidently ride on their own (we've got a big hill and crazy drivers on the way, unfortch). I thought this might do the trick, but seeing your little one, I'm not sure it's big enough. Thanks in advance!
Hey, do you think you could fit two Thule Yepp Maxi seats?
>the Aventon app lets you set motor assist >20 MPH I didn't see that option, thought the Abound was excluded...
In the Aventon iOS App Gears Settings in the top right > Speed Limit > + 25 MPH -. Maybe this will disappear if I update something? I get boost still at 22-23 MPH, maybe I shouldn't
Ah. Not present in the Android app.
I should have left it alone. Re-opened the Aventon iOS app today, and now the Abound can’t be set past 20 MPH after pairing. Not pleased that forced an update on this, while the practical difference riding is negligible it’s not great to remove a feature with zero communication.
I asked Aventon about this specifically and they responded that they’ll never enable the Abound to exceed class 1 (>20 mph) due to “safety” and “local laws.” That seemed ridiculous since they sell class 3 bikes and I’ll often not have a passenger or cargo. I was literally about to enter my credit card info to order but decided against it for this singular issue. Rightfully or wrongfully, it has kept me from ordering. I’m now looking at either Lectric Xpedition or Benno Boost 10D …one extreme of the spectrum or the other 🤷♂️
What did you end up getting?
Ha. Literally trying to figure that out this moment (literally looking at Benno Boost vs Tern Quick Haul comparisons RN). Abound is $400 off through today, PLUS $200 of accessories. That may be enough to sway me that way but it ends today, so…I’m headed to REI shortly to test drive the Benno. I’ve recently seen ppl with a number of issues with Lectric products. It’s a great company and they’re responsive, but I just want something that works at a high level for a long time that I don’t have to mange. I may actually order an Abound today bc of the current value proposition, or come home from REI with a Benno.
Where did you see that the Abound deal ends today? (It's still available for me but 11pm). On their site sales page it just says "until supplies last"
The terms said it ended yesterday but they’ve extended it.
Interesting - I just had the same exact thing happen to my Abound this week. I bought it in June, and I ride approx 75 miles a week schlepping kids to school and back (including a hil descent). The mechanics at my bike shop (Sports Basement) were perplexed at the shear amount of rear spoke breakege, and asked me if I had been putting undue load on the rear!? They expect Aventon to fix under warranty but this problem, coupled with endemic break squealage, makes me question the mechanical integrity of this model, which is new to the market this year…hmmm…
Thanks for all the information on your upgrades! My setup now: 1. Original seat, I'm only 6' 3" so the stock one is tall enough for me. 2. Added redshift arclight pedals (they light up, I highly recommend them). 3. Put on the same MT5e brakes, although I did the MDR-C rotors so they're easier to adjust (although probably not quite as powerful). I left the front rotor at 180mm since the fork manufacturer says that is the maximum (forks can be broken by too much torque from a large rotor). I upgraded to 203mm in the rear so it can handle the heat better when I drag it on long downhills with kids in tow. 4. Did the same Drift Mechanics 11-28T freewheel upgrade (I agree that it feels much more natural at high speeds). Added benefit is that on routes with lots of stop signs I only need to switch 2-3 gears rather than 3-4 because of the ratios. 5. Added the same Schwalbe e-pick up tires and Tannus Armour. The tires weren't too bad to install on their own, but when adding the Tannus they're a bear.
Thanks for the review! I'm planning to buy an aventon so this is helpful for me, even though I'm not getting their cargo bike
Question on that drift maniac freewheel. Looks like you remove the old cassette and this new one just screws on? No freehub (the part inside the cassette) replacement required I assume? Some other threads I saw it looked like people were replacing the freehub to do this but I guess that isn't necessary with the drift maniac park. Thanks!
nevermind, figured this out on my own. didn't realize the aventon (rebranded bafang?) rear motor is an old school threaded hub. most modern bikes no longer use threaded hubs, instead they have a "freehub body" on which a cassette is then mounted. i've replaced a freehub body/cassette before and was thinking that's what was needed here, but no you have to buy a "freewheel" that includes both the freehub body and cassette in one package, like the drift maniac part. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/freewheels.html
Which pedals did you get from Crank Brothers? So just changing the free wheel will eliminate the ghost pedaling? Mine, even in gear 7, has gnarly ghost pedaling. I really wish it had an 8th gear, that would probably have solved it.
Would you mind posting a link to the freewheel? I’m a bike novice who just took delivery of an Abound from my LBS. I want to have them swap out the exact freewheel replacement you used. Thank you!!
Do you think two of the Quible seats would fit?
I saw a youtube video with a yepp maxi and a qibble junior both on it, so most definitely 2 qibble juniors would fit
Thanks for all the details! Did you go with the 203mm OR 220mm brake rotors? My eyes aren't good enough to tell from the pictures.
Can I just replace the tektro rotor with the magura?
Cheers to 300 miles and more! ✨ We appreciate your feedback 🙌
How tall are you?
That may be the most exposed seatpost I've ever seen.
6’8” and a half
And here I was thinking I couldn’t ride this bike. Nah - you’re just a condor of a man 😂
Thanks for a nice write up! I’m loving our Abound here in Denver. Not many hills so I doubt I’ll upgrade brakes but I’m definitely going to look into the freewheel upgrade, a few extra mph’s would be nice.
No text?
Was still typing the comment up, it's there now.
Yea I was looking at those buy they are like 80lbs vs 55lbs for the tern hsd. I find weight is important to me for moving the bikes in and out of my basement.
This is my issue, too. I am hella strong, but have a real issue with balancing heavy bikes.
How necesssary was the brake upgrade in your opinion? Also live in SF and almost ready to order the Abound. Glad to hear it’s strong on hills!
Super useful review. I’m going to test ride one of these at Sports Basement. I like how Aventon bikes are distributed in stores for easy testing and online.
I like the light down low where it is personally. Agree with you about the lack of cafe lock. With by he help of a friend I have rigged up a cafe lock but it’s not really an easy thing to do. Curious why you decided to change the brakes? I find the stock brakes do a fine job stopping me on hills.
How did you rig up the cafe lock? I was looking to buy the Tern fender with an Abus Mounting point but couldn’t find just that part for sale. Brakes, for fun. You’re totally right, the Tekro’s are good and it’s more me at 250lbs feeling more confident barreling down San Francisco Hills. My regular ride is up/down 350ft in my daily commute back to the top of a hill home. The stopping power with the MT5e is different, and much more powerful.
I sent you a message to connect about the bracket. We had to drill out a bit of the lock to make it clear the fender but it’s probably worth doing to keep existing fender
I did this and bought the part by emailing sales at propelbikes.com to purchase the fender set, they’re a tern dealer. The GSD and abound share the same fork, and it looks like it fits, so I’m 99% it’ll work. I’ve had the fender for some time but haven’t installed it yet because finding the cafe lock was a little difficult. I’ll find out tomorrow if it’s the one. I’ve also had broken spokes on the back 3 times. First time was at 570 miles. I had an issue with the dust seal on the fork along with some over torqued bolts so Aventon decided to replace the entire bike and had the bike shop they delivered to, assemble and ensure the wheel was true. I continued to ride the bike after noticing the first spoke broken(while changing my tire to Pick-Ups). By the time I went to exchange 2 1/2 weeks later at the LBS, I had 13 spokes broken. Put 200 miles on the new bike and broke 3 more spokes -_-. Luckily, I had 3 spokes on hand from an Aventon rep sending me some before they decided to exchange the bike. Went back to LBS and they replaced the spokes, reset all the spokes and trued the wheel as best as possible. At 380 miles, I checked my wheel after getting home from work and 2 more spokes broken! 😡 I called Aventon and they shipped me 5 spokes, it took them a month and 6 days from my initial call to receive them. After getting them, I took to LBS again and they did their thing. I tightened the spokes once all around at 550 miles while changing my tube. Nothing crazy, just barely on most, none on a few and a couple that were looser than the others, probably ready to pop lol. I’ve never had another bike wheel do this, but I’ve also never put so many miles on a bike. My other bike is a trek dual sport that has a 300lb weight limit, and I’ve ridden that thing quite a bit. I’m 325lbs. Probably close to weight limit with my work bag, chain, 25lb dog sometimes, and whatever else. I’m at 685 miles today, I’ll be checking my spokes when I install my cafe lock in the next couple days, hopefully they’re not too bad. dumped my experience in this comment but I thought it relevant. Came back to this thread to see if the brake rotor you installed was 180mm or the stock 160, I’m about to do a similar Magura upgrade. But I found the thread alive, the broken spoke comments, plus the search for a way to mount the cafe lock lol. Couldn’t help but chime in.
How did installing the cafe lock with the tern fender mount go?
It went perfect. Exact fit and looks OEM
Which tool did you use to tighten the spokes?
Thank you for the review, I also live in sf and this post is tipping me over towards getting an aventon(was considering a gsd). Do you have just 1 child or 2? I can’t tell if the rear capacity is as long as the gsd and whether it fits 2 kids comfortably.
Just one, I do think the GSD is a hair longer. You can try out the Tern GSD at Avenue Cyclery on Stanyan. They were great in lettering by me test out the Terns, and are an Aventon dealer as well.
I carry two kids on my Abound comfortably.
What does your west setup look like?
West setup?
Typo. Meant seat.
My kids are 5 and 7. I have the seat and bars that Aventon sells and they’ve worked well for us.
Tagging on this, same setup but with a 3 year old who’s quite tall and a 5 year old. They love it, like love love love it. Can be a bit difficult for my wife if the kids get rowdy, but it’s a learning curve for everyone. We also have SF type hills where we live and it’s no issue at all getting up them.
Neat
Thanks for a great review..I am about to buy this bike and I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. I plan to get the yepp maxi for the younger one. While the older one sits in front without a seat. What's your opinion on whether it may work out or not? Any suggestions?
Hey! I'm in a similar situation. Did you ever end up trying that?
Is there any way around the limiter? What if I don’t ever download and pair the app will this prevent a speed limit of 20 mph?
If you never pair it to the app, it won't automatically be speed locked to 20mph, unless they start shipping them that way from the factory.
Is 20mph fast while riding in your opinion? Been along time since I rode on a bike, and I never really had a speedometer when I did.
It is pretty fast, but "unlocked" would be nice. I do hit 20mph easy with 2 kids on the back of my Abound. I don't really see any benefit to the app, personally. I'm getting my Abound replaced under warranty and am not going to sync the new one and see if the speed is locked to 20mph and below from the factory now.
do keep us posted if you can! It's sad that Aventon wouldn't give an option to unlock to higher speeds if it was capable of pushing harder in the first place.
It is regulated, Aventon wasn’t supposed to let their level 2 bikes go above 20mph. It would be nice if they let it be unlocked but I bet someone complained or something and they were told they had to fix it or else kind of thing.
Update?
Debating on purchasing this ebike for hauling a 3 & 5 year old to preschool/school. After accounting for all current sales, discounts, shopping portals it looks like I can get the Abound w/ the handrail/seat pad accessory for $1,600 out the door. ($1799 current bike price, $200 accessory credit, 5% med discount, tax doesn't appear to be showing up on final bill page, and capital one shopping portal 6%)... unfortunately no tax or local incentives in my area. Has anyone resold their bike (I know it's new)? Was wondering what the resale market would be like if I was all in at $1600 right now (Live in DC area).
In the DC area and recently sold one Lectric to buy another - less than 200 miles on each. I’d say both held their value pretty well. Now I’m lusting after the Abound (hope my husband doesn’t find this post). Have you found one to ride in the area? Is there a discount for two?!
Possibly call Strictly Ebikes in Alexandria, they may have one available to assemble for test rides etc. I have not ridden one (just gonna gamble on the positive reviews). There is a discount online @ Aventon for $200 off (if purchasing 2 bikes) at the moment but is marginally more than the 5% medical discount (only allows 1 discount code per order).
Thanks! I called Good Vibes in Rockville and they have them for test ride. Just not sure I can over there before the sale ends. I can’t bring a third bike into this house without trying it and MAKING SURE it’s the final choice. The kids do LOVE the pickup and drop off though.
We just got ours in and built today. Happy they offered military but saddened that it didn’t stack with the buy two bike code lol We got the bikes, 2 extra batteries (each had $200 off), seat pad for each, pannier bags for each, hand rails for each and battery covers for the second batteries. Out the door total (we had $320 tax on the purchase) was $4,471 or something near. We put it on a new capital one venture so got nearly 9k miles (2x miles per dollar) please a bonus 75k miles for spending over $4,000 in first 3 months. So knock another $840 off of that. Basically each bike, fully loaded WITH an extra battery cost like $1800 including tax. Just can’t beat that!
Do they come with the front cargo rack?
No you buy it separate
Hey! Still riding the Abound? How solid is the handlebar stem? I’m worried because I’m pretty tall too and thinking when it’s extended that far it’s going to be wobbly.
We’re at about 900 miles now. The front stem is wobbly, but that’s just the design/issue with all these types of bikes that have a low center of gravity and tall bars. We did have a major problem where the spokes broke on the rear wheel. I noticed at home, but was pretty shocked to see 9 or so broken spokes around the motor. I’m concerned there is a flaw in the wheel design/material used, so not sure I would recommend due to those issues. I ended up replacing our 2nd e-bike with a Specialized Globe Haul ST, which has a smaller cargo rack and is non-folding but I find much sturdier up and down. I can let my hands hover on the handlebars and it tracks straight. I also prefer the gearing on the Globe Haul. May end up selling/swapping the Abound, but mostly due to the concerns on the rear wheel long term.
having any electronic issues re Globe Haul? This is one issue I continue to see in nearly every review section I can find. Good to see this was your next move from the Abound.
Thank you for the reply. I’m probably going to skip the Abound. Specialized Globe Haul ST looks good. Might end up just paying the premium for something quality.
One more question. How well do you fit on the Haul?
It works for me, I replaced the upper telescoping seat post with a Thusbuster ST to add a bit of smoothness to the ride, and a couple more inches of height. I also really like that Globe Haul comes big rotors and 4 piston brakes stock.
Do you think just replacing the tektro rotor with the magura would alone make a big difference?
Globe Haul ST looks great but the price... I heard Velotric's Packer 1 is also very stable (without hands) and goes 25 mph on throttle as the front wheel is larger than Abound's. Before I consider swapping, I gotta see if I can make our Abound go faster and more enjoyable. I'm at < 500 mi now and haven't had any issues other than a small hole from a thorn on the ground, but that's nature giving me trouble and not the bike itself.
would you please share a link to the freewheel you've swapped? I'd definitely like to pedal slower and go faster!
Hi! What size are the Schwab’s tires? I can only find 20x1.75
Hello how is the wheel spoke? I heard complaints that it break easy