Aventon has upgraded its popular Pace 500 and Pace 350 upright riding e-bikes. The Pace series is a classic casual e-bike design, offering an easy entry into the world of electric-assist bikes at an attractive price.
Aventon Pace: What’s new?
The Pace series is Aventon’s upright, approachable, hybrid-style e-bike offering. The line caters toward a rider looking to venture on the bike path, casual city commuting, or country roads. The upright riding position is neutral for a casual ride but can still pack a punch when the urge for a sprint to the line comes.
The Next-Gen Pace 500 has an improved battery that is now fully integrated into the frame and integrated rear brake lights, headlight, and an improved full-color head unit. Aventon offers different designs and color options to fit many other personalities, including step-through frame options.
Aventon Pace 500 vs. 350: What’s the difference?
Besides the noticeable $300 price jump from the Aventon Pace 350 to the 500, there’s a component, power, and weight difference between the two Aventon Pace ebike models. The main difference is right in the name; the Aventon Pace 500 boasts a 48V – 500W Brushless Hub Motor, while the 350 (you guessed it) has a 36V – 350W Brushless Hub Motor. What does this mean? The larger motor will have more available power and torque. The Pace 500 will top out at 28 MPH, while the Pace 350 will top out at 21 MPH. Both models claim up to 40-mile battery life, so the battery life is very similar.
The components are slightly different from the Pace 500 and the 350. The Aventon Pace 500 comes with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, while the 350 arrives with mechanical stopping power. Both brakes work with the Aventon Electrical Brake Function, where the brake light comes on when in use, and both come with 180mm rotors to stop the 51+lb bikes.
Interestingly, according to a recent press release, Aventon is the first company to receive a North America cTUVus Certificate, issued by TÜV Rheinland. What does that mean? The press release states that this means the bike complies with the UL 2849 standard to ensure bike safety. Specifically, “the UL2849 Standard for electric vehicles involves product safety, battery management system (BMS), software evaluation, and functional safety evaluation requirements. In addition, it also has safety standard requirements for the controller, motor, charger, and other components.”
The price for both bikes hasn’t gone up from the previous model, making the Pace 500/350 a very attractive new pedal-assist bike for those looking.
Pedal Assist & Throttle
The Aventon Pace 500 and 350 offer pedal assist and throttle to operate the e-bike motor. Use the pedal assist, and it will assist your pedaling efforts with a 1-5 level of assistance. If you’re not able to pedal for the duration of the ride or would like some cruising time, the throttle is there to power you along at up to 20mph, at the push of a button.
Aventon Pace 500 Specs:
- MSRP: $1,699
- Motor: Brushless Hub Motor 48V – 500W
- Range = Up To 40 Miles Average
- Top Speed: Up to 27MPH on Pedal Assist 5
- Frame Colors Available: Midnight Black, Ghost White, Celeste, SoCal Sand
- Frame Type: 6061 Single-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery
- Weight of Bike: 53 lbs
- Tires: Kenda K1052 27.5″ X 2.2″
- Brakes and Brake Levers: Tektro HD-E350E Hydraulic, with Electrical Brake Function, 180mm Rotors
- Sizes: Small 5’1″ – 5’7″, Medium 5’7″ – 5’11”, Large 5’11” – 6’4″
- MSRP: $1,699
Aventon Pace 350 Specs:
- Motor: Brushless Hub Motor 36V – 350W
- Range: Up To 40 Miles Average
- Top Speed: Up to 19MPH on Pedal Assist 5
- Frame Colors Available: Midnight Black, Ghost White, Cloud Grey, Plum
- Frame Type: 6061 Single-Butted Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery
- Weight of Bike: 51 lbs
- Tires: Kenda K1052 27.5″ X 2.2″
- Brakes and Brake Levers: Tektro EL-350, with Electrical Brake Function. Brake Caliper:
- Tektro M280 Mechanical, 180mm Rotors
- Sizes: Small 5’1″ – 5’7″, Medium 5’7″ – 5’11”, Large 5’11” – 6’4″
- MSRP: $1,399
Aventon Pace 500 — First ride impressions
So, I’m usually the kind of rider interested in structured interval sessions and power, but riding the Aventon Pace 500 was a good reminder that bikes are meant for fun.
Aventon Pace 500 — Assembly
When the bike arrived, I was taken back by the size of the box; it was downhill bike big, and reinforced with plastic on the holding slots. The 53 lb Aventon Pace 500 inside was heavier than the carbon road rides my mail carrier and I are used to carrying.
Upon opening the box, I saw large foam forms to keep the wheels and bike safely in place during its travels. It’s an extra step I see from most direct-to-consumer companies that help ensure the delivery goes smoothly and was not wasted on this rider.
After getting the bike out from the generous amount of packing materials, I noticed the Pace 500 was nearly assembled. I looked through the extra boxed and unpacked my included tool kit; pedal wrench with multiple fittings, and a multitool. The only pieces left to install on the bike were the front wheel, pedals (easily labeled for novice assemblers), and the bars.
Most of the setup was straightforward and took no time, though the bar/headset install might take some newer mechanics. All in all, I would say the setup was easy, but I would caution those who are new to bike assembly to bring their bike to the local bike shop for a final safety check over.
Aventon Pace 500 — The Ride
The Aventon Pace 500 came charged and ready to rock, so I took mine around the neighborhood and bike paths. The bike’s 53 lbs aren’t very noticeable under the pedal assist, but when you’re riding “acoustic,” it is apparent. Still, hopefully, you keep an eye on battery life and mileage to make sure it only happens on purpose. Being familiar with e-bikes and a pedal-assist interface, I could navigate the controls quickly and find my desired assist mode. Having levels 1-5 to choose between is friendly and easy to dial in the perfect assistance and enough to get in a workout.
The upright riding position is fun and very comfortable on the open path. The large seat and platform pedals work well with casual clothes and don’t create hot spots or back pain. The step-thru style design is excellent, and the rider doesn’t risk laying down the bike or pulling a muscle while lifting it. The kickstand is robust and perfect for keeping the Aventon Pace 500 upright while taking a break to eat or hang out along the path.
The Aventon Pace 500 is a bike you’ll most likely be taking somewhere to ride, though it would be a fantastic commuter. The brake lights operation is quick and very bright. I received envious comments on my review rider, often from riders behind. The weight requires an Ebike specific bike rack and could be hard for some to lift onto a conventional style. This weight isn’t out of the ordinary for a pedal-assist bike, but I feel that it should be reiterated for new riders, as this could be an issue for most, especially those not used to riding to-and-from ride destinations.
From my time on the Pace 500 thus far, I can say that it is fun and easy to use up the 40-mile battery life. The pedal assist is quick to engage and offers enough to help, but you can get a workout if you’re looking for it. The throttle feature is new to me, and it’s pretty fun, though I found myself pedaling because I didn’t know what to do with my feet.
We’ll have more to come on the Aventon Pace 500, but from our time on the bike currently, we can say it’s an excellent option for those looking to get some time on the bike path and explore beyond their mileage limits worth a look.
For more information check out Aventon.com
