Some ebikes attempt to problem the pace and torque of a motorbike. Others pack so many ‘sensible’ options that their spec sheets learn like they describe a flagship telephone reasonably than a commuter automobile. However after testing ebikes for just a few years now, I’ve come to prioritize designs that emphasize day-to-day practicality and journey high quality over extreme energy and overwhelming connectivity.
Few ebikes match that description in addition to the Aventon Soltera, a light-weight and modern ebike beginning at simply $1,199.
At that worth, it’s my Goldilocks selection of ebike. I’ve ridden cheaper, extra highly effective, extra futuristic, and lighter ebikes earlier than, however none that steadiness these qualities with as a lot finesse because the Soltera. Contemplating Aventon has been making bikes since 2012 — versus the most recent crowdfunded startup with questionable longevity — there are few caveats to immediate a raised eyebrow.
Granted, not one of the bike’s specs actually stand out. You get a 350 W motor for help as much as 32 km/h (20mph) by default. The detachable 365 Wh battery is rated for 32 – 101 km (20 – 63 mi) of vary. The bike comes with built-in entrance and hind lights, a colourful show, and Bluetooth app connectivity. It additionally makes use of a typical pedal cadence sensor versus a extra responsive torque sensor, but it surely does include a throttle for once you want a right away energy enhance.
On the mechanical facet, the Soltera is available in single-speed ($1,199) and 7-speed ($1,299) configurations — the previous with rim brakes and the latter with mechanical disk brakes. It additionally is available in each high-step and low-step frames, every out there in two sizes and a wide range of colours.
These specs are typical ebike fare, however the Soltera appears like extra than simply the sum of its elements.
For one, these elements add as much as an ebike of surprisingly low weight. The only-speed weighs in at 18.5 kg (41 lb), whereas the 7-speed weighs 19.5 kg (43 lb). That’s fairly mild by typical ebike requirements, particularly right here within the US, the place the preferred ebikes are inclined to weigh 25 kg (55 lb) or extra. Once more, I’ve examined lighter ebikes, however these both have smaller batteries that can’t be simply eliminated, or they’re much more costly.
By comparability, NYC’s fashionable rideshare Citibikes weigh about 20 kg (those with out electrical help). Even when your battery runs out, the Soltera gives an affordable ‘acoustic’ bike expertise, and it’s comparatively simple to haul up a flight of stairs or two.
The Soltera actually appears nicer than a Citibike. It by some means manages to be eye-catching whereas not drawing an excessive amount of consideration to itself in comparison with typical ebikes. The paint job and welds look clear, and the battery is tucked neatly into the downtube to keep away from garnering undue consideration.
However by far the good element is the pair of brake-activated tail lights embedded into the seat stays. It’s a design contact I’ve solely seen on far costlier ebikes earlier than, and it permits Aventon to supply some pizzazz to distinguish itself from similarly-priced opponents with generic frames.
The headlight isn’t fairly as neatly built-in, but it surely’s nonetheless simpler than many ebikes on this worth vary. I appreciated that it’s mounted on the handlebars, making riders extra seen at evening, and that it has a centered beam sample that gives clear illumination of the street forward reasonably than a nondescript blob of sunshine.
Aventon’s show can be a minimize above these on the vast majority of ebikes I’ve examined. The high-resolution shade panel gives loads of data, and it permits the bike to hook up with Aventon’s Bluetooth app, the place you possibly can observe stats and alter the bike’s most pace.
Regardless of these high-end touches, I’m grateful Aventon largely avoids proprietary elements. Just about the entire bike’s mechanical elements could be serviced by your typical bike store, and the bike’s modern design and minimal weight imply you (most likely) gained’t get the side-eye from a purist bike mechanic once they elevate it onto the restore stand.
I additionally recognize that the bike is available in a number of sizes and step-through configurations — too usually I assessment a terrific ebike that solely is available in one dimension, severely limiting its potential viewers.
Should you’re questioning concerning the effectiveness of the mechanical rim brakes on an ebike; they’re a lot good for the single-speed mannequin I examined. The motor energy cuts off everytime you brake, and 20mph isn’t an outlandish pace for first rate rim brakes to have the ability to deal with anyway, even within the rain. There are advantages to rim brakes too; you lose out on some stopping energy, however they’re only a lot simpler to service in a pinch.
Nonetheless, when you’d reasonably have the additional stopping energy, you possibly can at all times go for the 7-speed Soltera.
Persevering with the theme of practicality, I additionally recognize the detachable battery, which is uncommon to see in a design this modern and light-weight. It’s good to know that if the battery loses its capability or fails down the street, changing it is so simple as turning a key and slotting the brand new battery in. You would additionally decide up a second battery for $360 and double your vary, one thing that merely isn’t an choice on most ebikes with built-in batteries.
The Soltera would problem a few of my favourite ebikes twice its worth had been it not for the shortage of the aforementioned torque sensor. The essential cadence sensor requires half a crank rotation or so earlier than it engages, which at all times reminds you there’s a motor behind your pedal strokes, reasonably than making you’re feeling like you will have superhuman legs the way in which a very good torque sensor setup will. The delay will also be a little bit annoying at a pink mild or on the backside of a hill, particularly on a single-speed bike.
However that’s not likely a knock towards the Soltera. Torque sensors are virtually remarkable at this worth and are uncommon at below $2,000. The cadence expertise right here is at the very least applied with a easy ramp-up in energy, and the thumb throttle permits for immediate entry to extra energy, making up for among the sensible advantages of the torque sensor. It simply doesn’t really feel as good.
I additionally wouldn’t have minded a belt drive setup, however a good-old chain works simply superb too.
These caveats apart, there’s little to complain concerning the Soltera. It has sufficient energy for many riders, it appears nice, the vary is stable, and it’s virtually as serviceable as a daily bike. The truth that the bike comes from an organization that already has a foothold available on the market and is prone to stick round provides substantial peace of thoughts, and the lifetime body guarantee (1 12 months on elements) doesn’t damage both.
It provides as much as an ebike that does little or no mistaken and a complete lot of issues proper — one that’s fairly probably the simplest ebike to suggest I’ve examined to this point. The truth that you gained’t injure your self selecting it up is only a good bonus.
