I have an Aventon Level.2 and I really like it. I chose it over the Pace series because it came with all the commuting accoutrements. (rack & fenders)
I'm finding the reach to the bars is a bit much. I'm leaning more than I want to. It's fine for my 2 mile commute, but when I go for longer rides, my hands get numb, even with gel-padded gloves.
Aventon quality has been very good; a little better componentry than on my Lectric and on par with my wife's Electra Townie GO!.
If I were to do it again, I would go for the Pace 500.3 and add the rack & fenders separately. It's got a more upright seating position and all the other nice features of the Level.2. (torque sensing, nice integral lighting) The rack, I wound up replacing with the Topeak MTX rack, so I can use the excellent trunk bag with fold-down saddlebags.
Here are a couple of quick (unsponsored) YouTube videos I did on my Level.2:
75 mile review -
100 mile update -
I'm around 300 miles now; time for another update soon.
My local bike shop owner said he could fix the bars for me for around $50. I think I'm ready to take him up on it. It'll be a taller stem with an adjustable angle. I think I'll add some of those bar ends so my hands can be at a more comfortable angle than straight across. I've got the seat and seatpost set up so I can do dozens of miles at a time; I just need to fix the seating position now.
Originally Posted by
grannygears
Hello, I am brand new to the e-bike community and I am looking at buying a commuter style e-bike in the near future. I am located in southern Ontario Canada so my availability to boutique brands might be limited. I am looking at the Aventon Level 2 and reading about it as much as possible. I am also looking at the Ride 1 Up 700 series but I'm not sure about availability in Canada. That is the "style" of bike that I am looking for, a comfortable, sporty hybrid style with slicker tires for pavement and gravel pathways.
I am not looking for a foldable, or athletic hybrid, or drop bar road bike. I guess it's as close to a comfort hybrid or hybrid style commuter in a normal pedal bike.
My budget is about $2000 US I guess, that puts me at $2600 Canadian give or take, I can get a Aventon Level 2 for that price here in Canada.
Please give me some suggestions on any other manufactures or models I should be looking at. How do the big bike companies e-bikes like Cannondale, Specialized, Giant compare to companies that just make e bikes like Aventon?
What are some features that I should be looking for as well as mileage and components? I should also mention I am looking for a step over style as much as possible. I am 40 years old and fairly fit and active. I do not need a foldable or step through frame. Thanks