Ride1Up vs Aventon | Understanding the Differences

There are companies in the ebike space that sell very similar looking ebikes. This makes it difficult for prospective ebike customers to compare across the different models to ensure they get the right ebike. This review is self-serving as I wanted to better understand Ride1Up vs Aventon electric bikes.

Note that I have not yet had the chance to ride an Aventon ebike but I am the proud owner of a Ride1Up LMT’D. In this comparison, we’ll focus on the Ride1Up Core-5, Ride1Up 500 Series, and 700 Series. I will compare these specs to the Aventon Pace 350, Aventon Pace 500, and the Aventon Level.

Brand Differences and Similarities

Note that Aventon also sells the Sinch, a fat tire foldable electric bike. Ride1Up focuses solely on selling typical-styled bike frames. In addition to the Ride1Up models in this review, you may also want to check out the Ride1Up Roadster V2, a lightweight single-speed or the Ride1Up LMT’D, a higher priced model from Ride1Up with a torque sensor. I’ve reviewed the LMT’D extensively on my YouTube channel. For the purposes of comparing Ride1Up vs Aventon in this article, I’ll focus on the models from each company that come in at similar price-points.

A major difference is Aventon electric bikes are sold through a network of dealers as well as online. This is great for those who want to test out the electric bike before making a purchase. Ride1Up operates solely as a direct to consumer business to offer the best pricing to consumers (you’ll see this play out below in the comparison below). If you do end up deciding on an ebike from Ride1Up, check out their Facebook group to see if anyone in your local area has one you can test ride. The Ride1Up Facebook group is also a great resource for troubleshooting. Of course, you also have Ride1Up’s support team which in my experience is very responsive.

What I really like about both Aventon and Ride1Up ebikes is they are using battery cases by a company called Reention. This means that in theory, you don’t need to purchase a battery directly from either ebike company. Some manufacturers use their own proprietary battery pack, meaning you are beholden to that electric bike brand unless you overhaul the battery system with a new one. This alleviates some of the concerns. For instance, whether an ebike company will be around for the long haul when you need a battery or if they even stock the batteries down the line.

Ride1Up advertises the battery cases they are using such as the Reention Eel Pro (Core-5), Reention Dorado ID Plus (500 Series) and the Reention Rhino (700 Series). I believe these packs are same used on the Aventon ebikes but you should confirm this.

As far as frames go, Ride1Up uses extruded aluminum frames as opposed to Aventon who uses hydroformed aluminum frames. If you look closely you can spot the differences in the ways the Aventon frames are shaped and this process is to ensure more strength at certain points around the bike. Welds have are also smoothed on the Aventon for a really clean look. If you’re someone who pays attention to the details this might be something to consider. I’ve also been told that Aventon owns their own factory, but I have not confirmed this.

Another key difference between Ride1Up and Aventon is that the throttle on Aventon ebikes does not operate from a standing start. On Ride1Up ebikes you have access to the throttle at any time. This means that you may have to downshift on an Aventon before stopping so when you start back up again you can get a half pedal stroke, at which point the throttle is accessible. This could be regarded as a safety feature but in my opinion, it is a frustrating feature, particularly when starting on an uphill slope – when the throttle is helpful to get going.

Aventon Pace 350 vs Aventon Pace 500 vs Ride1Up Core-5 vs Ride1Up 500 Series

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To make things even more confusing, both Aventon and Ride1Up offer an ebike with 500 in the name. Taking a deeper look into the specifications you can more easily spot the differences. For the purposes of this article, I kept looked at a few key specs so you can better understand what each model has to offer. If you’re looking for the full specs, be sure to check out each model’s specific product page.

One of the main benefits of the Aventon Pace 350 and Pace 500 is the variety of frame sizes as well as the increased sized disc brake rotors on both models. But these are perhaps the only advantages of Aventon over Ride1Up. The Aventon Pace 350 and Ride1Up Core-5 are identically priced, but the Core-5 is far superior with its 48 volt system, larger battery and a much more powerful motor.

When comparing the Aventon Pace 500 to the Ride1Up 500 Series you’ll note that the Aventon Pace 500 is 4 pounds lighter and also has hydraulic disc brakes. While I prefer hydraulic disc brakes, the Ride1Up 500 Series is $200 cheaper than the Aventon Pace 500. Plus the Ride1Up 500 Series sports a front suspension fork and a slightly larger battery (likely making up a majority of the 4 pound weight difference). My advice is to save the $200 and upgrade the brakes down the road if desired.

	Aventon Pace 350	Aventon Pace 500	Ride1Up Core-5	Ride1Up 500 Series
Price	$1,099	$1,399	$1,095	$1,195
Weight	46 lbs	49 lbs	48 lbs	53 lbs
Battery	36V, 11.6Ah (417.6Wh) with Samsung Cells	48V, 11.6Ah (556.8Wh) with Samsung Cells	48V, 10.4ah (499.2Wh) Reention Eel Pro LG Cells, Smart BMS	48V, 13AH (624 Wh) Reention Dorado ID Plus
Motor	350W, 36V Brushless Rear Hub Motor	750W (Peak), 500W (Sustained)	800w (peak) 500W (sustained) geared Shengyi motor, 56nm torque	800w (peak) 500W (sustained) geared Shengyi motor with 56nm torque
Drivetrain	Shimano Tourney 7 Speed	Shimano Altus 8 Speed	Shimano Altus 7 Speed	Shimano Acera 7 Speed
Brakes	Tektro Mechanical Disc, 180 mm rotors w/ electronic motor shutoff	Tektro HD-T285 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotors w/ electronic motor shutoff	Tektro Mechanical Disc, 160 mm rotors w/ electronic motor shutoff	Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc w/ electronic motor shutoff
Tires	Kenda Kwick Seven 27.5″ x 2.2″	27.5″ x 2.2″ Kenda Kwick Seven	Kenda Kwick Seven 27.5”x2.2	Kenda Kwick Seven 27.5″x2.2″
Fork	Rigid	Rigid	Rigid	100mm travel coil suspension fork (Suntour XCT)
Ebike Class	Class 2 (up to 20 mph)	Class 3 (up to 28 mph)	Class 3 (up to 28 mph)	Class 3 (up to 28mph)
Lights	N/A	N/A	N/A	Integrated headlight
Frame	Medium/Small – Step Through Only	Small/Medium/Large – high step or step through	One size – high step or step through	One size – high step or step through
Display	Large backlit display black/white	Large backlit display black/white	Small black/white display	Small black/white display

Aventon Level vs Ride1Up 700 Series

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When it comes to the Aventon Level and Ride1Up 700 Series, the differences are more subtle. They even look *almost* identical. Same weight, similar motors, and even the exact same battery capacity. Both ebikes have hydraulic disc brakes though the Aventon has larger rotors for increased stopping power. It also has an 8 speed derailleur as opposed to a 7 speed on the 700 Series. The Ride1Up 700 Series has slightly wider tires and I do like the Schwalbe Super Moto tires quite a bit. Note that I do not have experience with the Kenda Kwicks.

Another difference to be aware of is the different sized displays between Ride1Up and Aventon. All Aventon ebikes sport a large black/white LCD display whereas Ride1Up takes a little more minimalistic approach. The 700 Series in particular has a nice color LCD. This is going to come down to personal preference.

With only $100 difference your decision might just come down to the frame size when considering the Aventon Level vs Ride1Up 700 Series. Ride1Up opts for a one-size-fits-all approach, again to keep costs down. The Aventon Level step through has two options: either small/medium or medium/large. The standard frame has all three options: small, medium and large. It is worth mentioning riding position. The 700 Series Step Through comes with swept back handlebars which offers a more upright riding position.

	Aventon Level	Ride1Up 700 Series
Price	$1,599	$1,495
Weight	62 lbs	62 lbs
Battery	48V, 14Ah (672Wh) with Samsung Cells	48V, 14ah (672Wh) Reention Rhino, 52x Samsung 35E Cells, Smart BMS
Motor	750W (Peak) 500W (Sustained)	800W (peak) 500W (sustained) geared motor with 56nm torque
Drivetrain	Shimano Acera 8 Speed	Shimano Acera 7 Speed
Brakes	Bengal Ares 3 Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors	Shimano Hydraulic Brake, MT200, w/ electronic motor shutoff
Tires	27.5″ x 2.2″ Kenda Kwick Drumlin, Ebike Rated, Reflective Sidewalls	Schwalbe Super Moto X 27.5″ x 2.4″
Fork	Suntour Mobie A32, coil spring, thru-axle, 75mm travel, with lockout	Mozo Hydraulic Lockout, 100mm Suspension Travel
Ebike Class	Class 3 (up to 28 mph)	Class 3 (up to 28 mph)
Lights	N/A	Front and rear light
Frame	Small/Medium/Large – high step or step through	One size – high step or step through
Display	Large backlit display black/white	2.2″ color LCD
Accessories	Rack and fenders included	Rack and fenders included

Final Thoughts: Aventon vs Ride1Up

The biggest consideration on whether to buy an Aventon or a Ride1Up ebike is whether you value the dealer network that Aventon has in place. If taking a test ride and having a dealer near you is important then Aventon might be your best bet. The shop you work with is going to support your Aventon ebike post-purchase.

If you purchase a Ride1Up ebike you may need to call around to other bike shops (or work with a mobile bike shop like Velofix) in order to have your Ride1Up ebike serviced or assembled. This is due to some bike shops wanting to service only the electric bike brands that they sell. I personally believe that bike shops will have to adapt their business practices with the immense amount of people purchasing ebikes. In fact, some already have. If you call around, you are bound to find someone who is willing to accept your business.

If you are handy or have a bike shop that works on any ebike brand then it is hard to compete with Ride1Up’s incredible prices, especially on the lower priced models. Just make sure that the frame size is going to work based on the frame dimensions provided on Ride1Up’s website.

If you plan to purchase an ebike from either of these brands, please consider using the links below to make a purchase which helps support Ebike Escape.

Shop Aventon

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