Ride Quality is a summary of what a bike feels like to ride; it includes a myriad of elements from sizing and riding position to overall handling, motor engagement, and the user interface. The Aventure 3, like nearly all Aventon models at the time of writing, also includes less common elements such as the brand’s app and the ACU module’s features.
Starting with sizing, the Aventure 3 is available in two frame sizes with either a high-step (HS) or step-thru (ST) frame style. The HS model focused on in this review accommodates riders from 5’3” to 6’4”, with a split between the Regular and Large frame sizes at 5’10”. The Regular ST model fits riders from 4’11” to 5’7”, while the Large is suitable for those between 5’7” and 6’1”.
In contrast with many other fat tire e-bikes we’ve reviewed, the Aventure’s riding position is considerably upright, encouraging comfort and a strain-free experience. In my experience, it felt sporty yet relaxed, and in combination with the bike’s suspension fork and suspension seatpost, it made an hour-plus ride enjoyable and smooth.
The bike’s tires add an additional layer of comfort, particularly when riding with low air pressure. Their knobby tread gives the bike a level of versatility that largely defines the fat tire category; like most bikes of its kind, the Aventure is appropriate for on-road travel and off-road adventuring.
As part of my testing process, I rode the Aventure on gravel roads, rocky dirt roads, and dirt paths in the nearby desert. I appreciated the bike’s power, traction, and suspension, as it kept the ride comfortable while allowing me to speed over these loose and rough types of terrain; it’s well-suited for riding fire roads, multi-use trails, etc.
I found the Aventure’s handling to be surprisingly agile for a fat tire e-bike; bikes in this category are typically heavy and somewhat sluggish. The Aventure is not a light e-bike by any stretch, but it felt more lively and nimble than most similar models I’ve tested.
The bike’s motor engagement is highly responsive. When testing the bike, I noticed that it delivered power smoothly and adapted its power output almost immediately when I changed the amount of pressure I applied to the pedals. Aventon’s e-bikes have proven some of the best at combining hub motors with torque sensors; the Aventure seemed to only continue this trend.
The Aventure 3 comes equipped for commuting with integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack, but there are many smaller and less obvious features I appreciated. Many of the brand’s newer models eschewed tail lights that function as brake lights, but I was pleased to see this feature included, along with the bike’s turn signals and crisp color display.
A few of the bike’s main security features, such as a passcode, the rear wheel lock, and the ejection of the integrated battery, are accessible through the display’s settings menu. It’s entirely possible to make do with these features alone, and even these limited options would make the Aventure a great purchase, but the Aventon app opens up even more.
The bike’s ACU module connects to 4G networks, enabling many of the more advanced features in the Aventon app once a subscription is activated. The first year is free, but subsequent years will require a $20 annual fee or a $2/month subscription.
In addition to the location monitoring, remote disabling, and geofencing features mentioned previously, users can set up a motion detection system that can notify the owner’s phone when jostled and engage an audible (though fairly quiet) alarm when moved.
Additionally, the Aventon app grants access to the Ride Tune feature, which allows users to customize the motor’s power and the torque sensor’s sensitivity for each of its three PAS settings. I found this system of three sliders (accompanied by a helpful diagram) easy to use and intuitive.
The bike’s geofencing feature is relatively unique and ideal for situations where a bike is shared between family members, including teenagers. Once boundaries are established via GPS, the pedal assist system will deactivate (and an optional alarm can sound) if the bike exits an allowed area or enters a prohibited zone.
The app can also be used to track ride data, sync with Strava and Apple Health, interact with a community of other Aventon e-bike owners, and adjust minor settings such as the display’s brightness or the length of time it will remain on when parked.
All-in-all, these elements combined to grant the Aventure 3 an uncommonly high level of ride quality. In my experience, the bike felt sturdy, comfortable, and powerful while remaining controlled and approachable. The ACU and Aventon app added a layer of connectivity that felt high-tech and useful—especially in areas where theft may be a concern.
