Aventon Pace 5 REC Review | Just Enjoy the Ride

Range is where a lot of e-bikes make generous claims and fall short in practice. We run every model through two separate tests to get a realistic picture of its potential using the method explained in the graphic above.

The Pace 5 REC delivered solid results all around. Using its minimum assist level, our team covered 76.8 miles. In max assist, we reached 49.2 miles from a single charge. Realistically, we expect most riders will land somewhere between our results depending on terrain, rider weight, and how liberally they use Turbo mode.

Aventon claims up to 75 miles from the Pace 5 REC’s 733-Wh battery, so our low-assist result matched and slightly exceeded that benchmark. For additional context, similar models we’ve tested, including many of the best city cruiser e-bikes, averaged 69.3 miles in minimum assist and 34.5 miles at max.

The Pace 5 beat both averages by a significant margin, with the nearly 15-mile difference in high-assist test results being particularly notable.

Two things explain the Pace 5 REC’s results: battery capacity and energy efficiency.

First, at 733 Wh, the bike’s battery is larger than average among similar models we’ve tested; comparable models averaged roughly 688 Wh. A bit of additional “gas” in the tank is never a bad thing, as it usually means a bike can keep riding beyond the point at which similar bikes with smaller batteries run out of juice.

In terms of energy efficiency, however, the Pace 5 had another noticeable advantage that came into play primarily in its Turbo mode test.

When dividing battery capacity by mileage, the Pace used only about 1 watt-hour per mile (Wh/mi) less than its peers (9.5 Wh/mi compared to a 10.3 Wh/mi average). At max assist, the difference increased to 5.5 Wh/mi—14.9 Wh/mi versus 20.4 Wh/mi, meaning the motor was noticeably more efficient than average. This allowed it to make better use of its battery charge to exceed the average limits.

Our results show that most commuters could likely cover a few days of round-trip travel on a single charge, even when using the highest assist level. Those taking shorter leisure trips might stretch their charge further, especially when using the lower assist levels, but riders shouldn’t worry. The included 4A charger can power up the battery quickly—only around five hours to reach a full charge.

Ultimately, how many rides you get from a single charge will depend on where and how you ride. The combination of a larger-than-average battery and an efficient motor, however, means most riders might find themselves charging less often than they might expect.

As explained above, our Hill Test at the Devil’s Backbone measures both throttle and maximum pedal-assisted climbing performance on the same grade we’ve used with every comparable model we’ve tested. This gives us a direct, apples-to-apples look at how a bike handles sustained climbs and how it stacks up against the competition.

On throttle alone, the Pace 5 REC climbed the hill at an average of 17.4 mph, finishing in 1:44. When pedaling in Turbo, our test rider, Justin, held an average of 17.8 mph and crossed the finish line in 1:42.

The test averages for similar models currently sit at 2:00 on throttle and 2:08 via pedal assist. As such, the Pace 5 beat both benchmarks by a wide margin: 16 seconds faster on throttle, and 26 seconds faster when pedaling.

As I touched on in the introduction to this review, motor power is a significant factor in the Pace 5’s results. Its motor produces a peak of 1,188W in Turbo mode and 85 Nm of torque. These figures both exceed the category average of 1,004W and 78 Nm among similar models, so it’s no surprise that its climbing times were also markedly above average.

We tested the bike in Turbo mode for consistency with other models, though the optional Boost mode temporarily bumps peak wattage and torque even higher for short bursts.

In my experience, Boost was noticeably faster and easier than Turbo, though both felt remarkably low-effort. Since I used torque mode, I was pushing on the pedals, but not breathing hard or breaking a sweat. Justin described it similarly: the motor’s power felt smooth and responsive, delivering plentiful power in a controlled manner with light effort.

Motor noise was notably subdued under load. I nearly had to tilt my head downward to catch a faint whirr at full effort. For a 750W hub motor working a sustained grade, that is genuinely impressive.

Overall, the Pace 5 REC’s results reinforce the fulfillment of its design intent. It doesn’t feel overpowered, but it has plenty of muscle for those who live and/or ride in hilly areas. It lets riders choose their approach to hills without requiring a workout with any option.

Braking performance matters just as much as a bike’s ability to pedal up to speed, make good use of its battery, and climb hills. We ran the Pace 5 REC through the process explained above, though our test rider has changed to Michael instead of Griffin.

The Pace 5 REC stopped in an average of 23’8″. The category average among similar models we’ve tested is 22’0″, putting it about 20 inches beyond the mean. That is not a number to dismiss, but it is also not one to panic over, and the explanation matters more than the difference itself.

Aventon equipped the bike with Tektro’s HD-E3120 hydraulic disc brake system with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. We’ve tested this system a handful of times before with solid results. Based on those experiences, we can safely say that the brakes themselves are not a concern.

At around 62 lbs, the Pace 5 is not unusually heavy for its style, either, so it should not realistically be any more difficult to bring to a stop.

The bike’s tires, however, may be a contributing factor to its longer-than-average braking results. They use a relatively firm compound, optimized for rolling efficiency and puncture protection rather than maximum grip.

With moderate grip pressure, they modulated speed effectively. Under hard braking, though, I found it fairly easy to induce a skid without applying what I’d call extreme lever pressure.

To be clear, this wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary, but I might recommend that riders get a feel for the amount of pressure that triggers a skid, since that threshold is lower than it may seem. Softer, grippier tires might improve the bike’s stopping distance, though at some cost to rolling efficiency and puncture resistance.

Overall, I don’t feel that any changes are necessary, especially considering that the bike’s results were well within the range we consider normal and safe. I can confidently say that the brakes felt strong without being aggressive, making them well-matched to the bike’s speed and riding style.

Ride quality is an interpretation of how a bike feels to ride. It includes things like sizing, adjustability, overall comfort, handling, motor engagement, and the user interface. Aventon’s e-bikes typically rate highly here, and the Pace 5 REC is no different, though it does come with a few particularities riders should keep in mind.

With two frame sizes, the Pace 5 REC accommodates riders from 5’0″ to 6’3″. The Regular fits riders from 5’0″ to 5’9″, while the Large covers the top end between 5’9″ and 6’3″. As we saw and measured on our test bike, the Pace 5 offers 8″ of saddle height adjustment and an adjustable stem with 90 degrees of rotation to tailor the bike’s fit and feel.

Interestingly, the Regular frame has a noticeably shorter reach, which translates to a more upright riding position that fits closely with the third-generation model. Riders on the Large should expect a slightly more forward-leaning posture due to its longer reach, which has still been shortened up when compared to that of the Pace 4.

At 5’11”, I was able to raise the saddle for full leg extension. I set the adjustable stem close to its maximum height and still found the handlebars somewhat on the low side. Fortunately, this wasn’t too aggressive, and it gave the bike a relatively sporty feel while still being generally comfortable.

Owners of the Pace 500.3 who are looking to upgrade, however, should expect a slightly different feel that their current bike offers. Riders who are considering the Pace 5 REC but who are between sizes might find the Regular better suited for relaxed, upright riding.

The saddle is well chosen for the bike’s purpose. It has a broader, more supportive profile than the sport saddle found on other Aventon models, though it is well-shaped so as to not interfere with pedaling. The lock-on grips felt soft, effectively helping to absorb what the tires and rigid fork could not.

By default, there is no suspension, though Aventon does offer an optional suspension seatpost as an add-on. The ride generally felt smooth and enjoyable; the bike’s 27.5×2.1 tires were wide enough to absorb most small dips and bumps. Given that it is positioned and marketed with comfort as the headline, however, that is an omission worth flagging. Nearly every other Aventon model includes a suspension seatpost, and this one would benefit from the same treatment.

The gravity-cast front triangle gives the frame a sturdy feel with no unusual or excessive flex. Corners felt sharp and predictable, and steering was quick without being twitchy. I’d say its handling felt relaxed enough to make a casual rider feel comfortable, but responsive enough that a more experienced rider won’t feel sluggish.

One thing to note that arose during our testing was a complication related to the frame design near the bottom bracket. While riding, the chain happened to slip off the chainring, getting firmly wedged between this sprocket and some bosses on the frame.

Fortunately, I was able to ride back to our warehouse on throttle power, but fixing the issue required a fair amount of disassembly. Breaking the chain would likely have been faster; we might recommend keeping a spare on hand just in case.

As I touched on previously, the bike is set up comfortably and intuitively right out of the box. Users who want a well-tuned, highly functional bike without diving into the Aventon app will likely be satisfied with the default settings and relatively low learning curve.

Like other models from the same brand, the Pace 5 REC features above-average integrated security features that can be accessed through the settings menu. An electronic battery lock keeps the power pack secure without the need for keys (and comes across as cool and high-tech), while the strong wheel lock prevents a thief from riding off into the sunset.

Those who are comfortable (or become comfortable over time) with using the app, however, will be rewarded with a seriously robust experience. Users can use the app to adjust speeds, tune the torque, peak power, and sensitivity of the PAS, and switch between sensor modes.

An optional subscription (free for the first year) opens up real-time GPS tracking via 4G connectivity, which also informs a motion detection/alarm feature. Geofencing can be used to set allowed or prohibited riding areas which deactivate pedal assist, and there’s even a remote disabling feature if the bike somehow still gets stolen.

At the time of writing, many other e-bike brands are beginning to offer integrated security features, but few in Aventon’s price range match this level of functionality. The Pace 5’s customization and ride tuning features are appreciated, but those interested in theft prevention should be paying attention to what Aventon is doing.

So, while the Pace 5 REC may not be perfect (no e-bike is), our big takeaways were overwhelmingly positive. The bike is generally comfortable, extremely agile, and uncommonly powerful and easy to pedal. It’s also incredibly customizable and secure for its price point, offering great ride quality and solid value.

What makes the Pace 5 REC easy to recommend is how well the bike’s ride feel matches its design intent. Its programming and power delivery are a perfect pairing, combining ample, helpful power with responsive and controlled delivery. Riders who want a predictable, easy to use cruiser will find a lot to like here.

Our test results back that up across nearly every area we measured. The Pace 5 offers generally intuitive programming, excellent climbing power, above-average range, and solid brakes. It stacks up well against other models in Aventon’s lineup and similar models from other manufacturers, standing out for both great performance and its integrated tech.

The Pace 5’s security suite alone sets it apart from most of what it competes against. Integrated wheel and battery locks, GPS tracking, a motion detection alarm, and more; it’s an uncommonly robust theft deterrent package for remarkable peace of mind. Add in the motor tuning options, swappable torque and cadence sensing modes, and granular speed control, and the value and personalization options are even more apparent.

Riders who want a more aggressive, performance-oriented experience may want to look at other Aventon models. The Level 4 REC, for example, is sportier in both its feel and geometry. In contrast, the Pace 5 is intended to be much more relaxed and is designed for those who want an easy, casual, low-stress ride.

Our points of critique largely come down to two things. Based on our experience with the chain binding up, carrying a spare chain may not be a bad idea. Additionally, the absence of a suspension seatpost is a slight miss on a bike marketed around comfort, though this decision was likely made to help keep costs down—and the bike does offer excellent value.

Otherwise, the Pace 5 REC is an interesting middle ground that shows a blend of progress and a return to form with Aventon’s city cruiser. We recommend it for first-time riders, those seeking a relaxed and easy pedaling experience, commuters who appreciate agility and comfort, and those who value loads of security and customization features.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Aventon Pace 5 REC down in our comments section.