The Pace 4 is available in two frame sizes: an S/M frame intended for riders between 4’11” and 5’7” and an L/XL for those between 5’7” and 6’1”. We tested the L/XL frame, and at 5’11”, I am well within the bike’s recommended height range.
The bike’s suspension seatpost offers 50mm of travel for cushioning and has roughly 5” of adjustment for saddle height. I was able to set the saddle comfortably for proper leg extension, and the bike’s geometry put me in a mostly upright position with a slight forward lean and my arms outstretched on the BMX-style handlebars.
Having recently reviewed the Aventon Level 3, which has a more aggressive forward lean appropriate for a dedicated commuter, I found the Pace 4’s more relaxed positioning generally more comfortable. I was, however, somewhat surprised by the bike’s sporty feel, which is a significant departure from the firmly upright, cruiser-influenced design of previous Pace models.
Riders new to the Pace line likely won’t think twice about the changes, but owners of older models such as the Pace 500.2 or 500.3 who enjoy that bike’s style may be caught off-guard. Such riders may want to consider swapping to a set of Dutch-style cruiser handlebars and possibly also a stem with more rise.
Great handling has always been a major highlight of e-bikes in the Pace line, and I’m happy to report that this new bike continues the trend. Like its predecessors, the Pace 4 felt zippy and agile, with crisp cornering and a generally sturdy frame. Both of the latter aspects of its handling are benefits of a rigid aluminum fork and the bike’s gravity-cast frame.
The Pace 4 rolls on relatively smooth and efficient 27.5×2.1” street tires. These tires add some cushioning while offering great stability and traction on paved surfaces.
As mentioned in previous sections above, the Pace has a highly responsive motor with power levels ranging from light to ample. It adapted quickly to changes in the amount of pressure I put on the pedals, resulting in an incredibly natural pedal experience that I’ve come to associate with Aventon bikes (and a few other brands).
One additional strength of this bike is its overall simplicity, at least at face value. The app and many of its security features can add a layer of complexity along with a learning curve, but considering that the battery and wheel locks can be accessed through the display, they’re not absolutely necessary. I do recommend setting up a passcode on the display for those who opt out of using the Aventon app.
For those who wish to take advantage of the additional features granted through the app, I highly advise taking some time to familiarize yourself with all it has to offer. Our video review (linked above) includes an app walkthrough that explains all of the customization options and security features, though I’ll give a brief explanation of many of them below.
The first thing to note is that a subscription is required to get the most from the app and the Pace 4’s integrated 4G chip. Aventon charges an extremely reasonable $20 annually or $2 monthly for the service, which allows for GPS location tracking and remote disabling of the bike in the event of theft, among other things.
The combination of the ACU and the app allows users to set up a motion detection and alarm system with three sensitivity settings. If the bike is moved or jostled, it will send notifications to the phone of the user it is paired with.
The bike also has geofencing features that make it great for parents who want to monitor their child’s location. Users can set allowed or prohibited zones using GPS; if a rider enters a prohibited area or leaves an allowed zone, the bike’s pedal assist system will deactivate, and an audible (though relatively quiet) alarm can be set to sound.
Users can choose to enable a setting that will deactivate the bike if it is not turned on and allowed to connect with Aventon’s servers within a set time frame. The app also offers a power-saving Transport Mode that reduces the ACU’s draw from the battery and disables the motion detection system when moving the bike with a larger vehicle.
In short, the Pace 4 includes a myriad of cool, high-tech features that are nearly unheard of at its price point. We’ve tested a handful of e-bikes with similar locks, alarm systems, and 4G connectivity, but most have been priced significantly higher—in some cases, over six times above Aventon’s pricing for the Pace (at the time of writing).
To reiterate, the Pace 4 can be a simple and straightforward e-bike, but the Aventon app encourages a more connected approach that gives users a high degree of control over the security of their investment. I enjoyed the bike’s overall feel and experience without the app, but the ACU cranked its ride quality up to 11!
