Meet the Aventon Aventure M. Here, the ‘M’ signifies a major step forward: a mid-drive motor. Aventon first introduced its powerful A100 motor on their Ramblas eMTB, and we’ve been anticipating its arrival on another model ever since. That day is here. The Aventure M brings a host of upgrades, including intuitive electronic paddle shifters, automatic shifting, and pedal assist. A suite of smart features is also accessible through the Aventon app. At $2,899, it promises a refined and powerful experience, especially compared to its hub-drive counterparts. This review covers its key features, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
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Aventon Aventure M YouTube Review: See It In Action!
Words and specs only tell part of the story. You need to see the Aventure M for yourself to truly understand how it performs. Our in-depth video review covers every component, takes you along for first-person ride tests, and demonstrates features like the innovative automatic shifting.
The Future is Now: Key Upgrades on the Aventure M
This latest release from Aventon is not just an existing model with a new motor. It’s a look into the future of what a smart ebike can be. Aventon has integrated several new technologies that enhance the ride experience.
The A100 Mid-Drive Motor
The star of the show is the Aventon A100 mid-drive motor. This isn’t just any motor; it’s a powerful unit that delivers 100Nm of torque. Because it’s a mid-drive motor, the power is applied through the drivetrain, which allows you to leverage the bike’s gears for optimal efficiency and impressive hill-climbing. This combines with Aventon’s refined torque sensor for a more natural and responsive pedaling experience, which is especially noticeable on hills. It’s also significantly quieter than many hub motors, providing a more premium ride feel.
Electronic Shifting & Auto-Modes
Say goodbye to traditional shifters. The Aventure M has intuitive electronic paddle shifters paired with a modern 10-speed Shimano Cues derailleur. This provides crisp, fast, and reliable shifting with a simple press of a button. For a truly seamless experience, you can enable the Auto-Shifting feature and calibrate it in the app to match your preferred pedaling cadence. When paired with the auto pedal assist mode, it creates a true set-it-and-forget-it ride that you can manually override at any time.
Ride Tune and Customization
The Aventon app unlocks deep personalization through its “Ride Tune” settings. Here, you can fully customize each pedal assist level by adjusting the maximum torque, assistance level, and pedal response. The app also lets you set the top speed up to 28 mph, allowing you to create your perfect ride whether you’re maximizing for range or power.
Uphill Start Assist
A standout new software feature is the Uphill Start Assist. This clever function is configurable in the app and provides a quick, powerful boost when starting from a standstill on an incline. It makes getting going on steep grades much easier and safer, preventing that moment of imbalance before the motor fully engages.
Aventon ACU Security Suite
The Aventure M offers a comprehensive security package for ultimate peace of mind. Through the Aventon app, you can locate your bike via GPS at any time. You can also set a virtual geofence that allows or restricts where the ebike is allowed to ride. Should the ebike cross one of these boundaries, you’ll get an alert directly to your phone, and the bike will be completely immobilized and difficult to pedal. In the event of theft or tampering, you can remotely lock and turn off the motor and will receive unexpected movement alerts. This works with a built-in alarm and an electronic wheel lock that engages a pin, providing multiple layers of protection.
Aventon Aventure M Frame, Options, and Sizing
The Aventure M is available in three color options: Basalt, Pacific, and Camouflage.
For its frame, the Aventure M uses a single high-step style, providing a sturdy and traditional feel. The frame geometry, combined with a suspension seatpost offering 50mm of travel, creates a comfortable riding position for various terrains. While it’s a capable off-roader, it’s also comfortable for cruising on gravel paths or commuting. The bike is available in two sizes, Regular and Large, accommodating a wide range of riders.
Specs & Components: The Tech Behind the Ride
Aventon equipped the Aventure M with a thoughtful selection of components designed for performance and reliability. From the motor to Aventon’s signature lighting, the following table offers a detailed breakdown of what makes this electric bike tick.
Performance and Real World Riding: How Does the Aventon Aventure M Handle?
50mm Travel and Preload Adjustment
80mm Travel with Preload and Lockout
This is where the rubber meets the road—or the trail. The Aventure M offers a dynamic and customizable riding experience thanks to its advanced motor and multiple assist modes. For our testing, we used the Ride Tune feature in the Aventon app to max out the torque and assistance in the Turbo pedal assist level. This showed us what the ebike is truly capable of.
Throttle-Only Acceleration
While many mid-drives omit a throttle, Aventon includes it as an option. It’s a plug-and-play addition that provides power in any pedal assist level (except ‘Off’). Acceleration is smooth but requires shifting through the gears to reach 20 mph, which is a different experience from the instant power of a hub motor.
PAS Exploration
The Aventure M features three standard pedal assist levels: Eco, Sport, and Turbo.
- Eco: Provides a gentle boost, perfect for conserving battery or getting a workout. It’s responsive and can still reach speeds near 20 mph with effort.
- Sport: This is the sweet spot for many riders, offering a significant boost that makes cruising at 20-24 mph feel effortless.
- Turbo: Unleashes the full power of the A100 motor, making it easy to maintain speeds up to the 28 mph limit with moderate pedal effort.
Auto Modes: Shifting and Pedal Assist
For a “set it and forget it” experience, you can enable Auto-Shift and Auto-PAS. The auto-shifting works well to maintain your preferred cadence, especially when accelerating. The Auto pedal assist mode intelligently adjusts motor output based on your effort, allowing you to go from a casual pace to full speed without ever touching the controls.
Hill Climb Tests
The A100 motor truly shines on inclines.
- Throttle Only: Even without pedaling, the bike can climb steep hills. You’ll need to be in the correct gear, however, to avoid straining the drivetrain.
- Pedal Assisted: In Turbo mode, the bike conquers hills with ease, maintaining speeds of 10-12 mph on steep grades with very little rider effort. The new uphill start assist feature also provides an initial burst of power to help you get going from a standstill on an incline.
Accessories to take your Aventon Aventure M to the Next Level
The Aventure M is a capable machine out of the box, but the right accessories can unlock even more functionality.
Official Aventon Accessories
The Aventure M has four mounting points on the head tube for their sturdy Front Rack, making it ideal for carrying extra gear. Another key accessory is the optional Thumb Throttle, a simple plug-and-play addition for riders who want on-demand power. You can browse their full collection of accessories at the Aventon Accessory Store.
Ebike Escape’s Top Picks
We’ve tested countless accessories, and a few stand out for the Aventure M. The included rear rack is MIK-compatible, making it a perfect match for our Dairyman Basket or other MIK bags. For hydration, our Side Winder ABC Cage makes accessing your water bottle easy on the go. For safety and peace of mind, our flame-resistant Ebike Battery Bag is a must-have for storage and travel. You can find them all at shop.ebikeescape.com.
Aventon Aventure M vs. Aventure 3: Is the Mid-Drive Worth the $900 Upgrade?
Aventon now offers two excellent choices in their fat tire lineup. The Aventure M is the premium, mid-drive sibling to the best-selling Aventure 3, which uses a rear-hub motor. The $900 price difference is significant, so the choice comes down to understanding the core advantages of each motor type and which features you value most.
The primary difference is the ride feel. The Aventure 3’s hub motor provides a powerful, immediate push that many riders love, especially when using the throttle. It’s a simpler system where you don’t need to worry as much about what gear you’re in. Conversely, the Aventure M has the new A100 mid-drive motor that delivers power through the drivetrain. This allows you to leverage the bike’s 10 gears, creating a more natural, responsive pedaling experience that feels like an extension of your own effort. It’s also a more efficient and capable climber, as you can shift to a lower gear to multiply the motor’s torque on steep hills.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your riding style. Go for the Aventon Aventure 3 if you prioritize value, simplicity, and the on-demand power of a throttle without having to manage gears. The Aventure is one of the best all-around fat tire e-bikes for the price, and it offers a step-through frame option that the Aventure M does not provide. Choose the Aventon Aventure M if you are a more engaged rider who appreciates the nuanced, responsive feel of a torque-sensor mid-drive and wants the latest tech like electronic shifting. You should be willing to invest more for a quieter, more efficient, and superior climbing machine.
To see how the Aventure 3 stacks up on its own, check out our full Aventon Aventure 3 review or browse our other Aventon electric bike reviews.
The Aventon Buying Experience
Aventon stands out with its omni-channel business model. You can buy directly from their website or through their massive dealer network of over 1,800 local bike shops. This approach provides the convenience of online shopping and the invaluable support of a local dealer. Opting for a bike shop means you can test ride the Aventure M, get professional assembly, and have a local point of contact for service and support. This is a huge advantage over purely direct-to-consumer brands. Aventon has built a strong reputation for quality products and customer support, backed by an active community on their Official Facebook Page. They have also moved to using cross-compatible batteries across their lineup, a huge plus for ‘Aventon households’ that can now share batteries between bikes.
If you choose the online route, your ebike will arrive mostly assembled with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind. In the box, you’ll find an Aventon multi-tool, bike grease, a user manual, and a handy replacement derailleur hanger. Expect to attach the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. While not overly complicated, if you’re not comfortable with bike assembly, purchasing from a local dealer is a great alternative.
Pros and Cons of the Aventon Aventure M
No electric bike is perfect. Here’s our honest breakdown of what we loved and what we think could be improved.
Conclusion: Who Is The Aventon Aventure M For?
Ultimately, the Aventure M is for the rider who wants more than just a basic fat tire electric bike. It will appeal to more experienced cyclists who appreciate the natural feel and efficiency of a mid-drive motor and get excited by new technology like electronic shifting. If you are looking for a versatile, powerful, and smart ebike that can handle trails, gravel, and pavement with a level of sophistication that most fat tire bikes lack, the Aventure M is an excellent choice.
Ready to ride the Aventure M? Using our Aventon affiliate link when you purchase is a great way to support our channel at no extra cost. If you purchase from a local dealer, just email us your receipt to ryan@ebikeescape.com and we can still get credit. We appreciate your support!
