Aventon Aventure 2 Fat Tire Electric Bike Review – 2024
Jul 04, 2024
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The original Aventure raised the bar for affordable e-bikes. The Aventure 2 delivers an even better ride experience to what was already a top e-bike option.
When it debuted back in 2021, the Aventon Aventure set a new standard for what e-bikers could expect from a fat tire electric bike under $2000. Heck, you don’t even have to get category-specific; the Aventure largely reset the bar for what any sub-$2000 e-bike could achieve: a delightfully powerful motor, great handling, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, solid battery life, and sleek styling to boot. So with our Aventon Aventure 2 review, we find a bike that built upon its predecessor’s original achievements by dialing in precisely on the rider’s feel and experience.
That focus can be attributed to refining a lot of little details, and we’ll touch on each of those, but perhaps the single largest one can be summed up in two words: torque sensor.
As we saw just a few months ago on another Aventon e-bike we reviewed, the brand is making a concentrated effort to provide affordable e-bikes with a more natural pedal experience. The inclusion of a torque sensor on the Aventure 2 means riders will have more purpose to their pedal than ever before, while still benefiting from the fun experience that e-bike motors provide. Oh, and lets not forget how it yields more efficient battery life too.
The marriage of affordable e-bikes and torque sensors is one I’m very much eager to RSVP to.
The Aventure 2 doesn’t stop at the torque sensor though. There are a host of meaningful upgrades and feature add-ons that make this e-bike feel fresh and exciting. The fact that the costs haven’t changed much makes it all the better too.
There is plenty to unpack and explore, so let’s go ahead and dive in together to Electric Bike Report’s Aventon Aventure 2 review.
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Bike Category: Fat Tire Electric Bike
Class E-Bike:Class 2 (Adjustable to class 3 in the Aventon app)
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Aventon Aventure 2 Video Review
Pro’s- The Aventure has always been a ton of fun, but the upgrade to a torque sensor now makes the ride feel more natural and better than ever. Aggressive or relaxed pedallers alike will appreciate the bike’s ability to meet you where you’re at.
- Torque sensors also help deliver the right amount of power in any situation – this is particularly handy when riding on looser terrain or encountering hills.
- The 750 watt motor hits the perfect sweet spot of being powerful but not overwhelming with how the bike distributes speed.
- The stability is amongst the best in this price range and style – it feels rock-solid when riding and handles higher speeds better than most.
- It has accessories and range to make it your daily commuter, and the power and aggressive knobby tire tread for “aventuring.”
- Looks will always be subjective, but it’s still one of our favorite-looking fat bikes with sleek battery integration, and four different color options to choose from across the highstep and ST frames.
- The newly designed rear rack fits the aesthetic better and is compatible with a bunch of handy accessories.
- The gearing ratio feels better than ever thanks to the upgrade from a 46t to 48t chainring. This eliminated ‘ghost pedaling’ at higher class 3 speeds that could be felt on the first Aventure.
- It’s a very safe bike thanks to the stopping power of the Tektro HD-E350
- Speaking of safety…the addition of a second brake light on the chainstays makes you more visible and gives the ability to activate those as turn signals alerting riders behind you where you’re headed.
- Aventon includes a handy app for enhanced metrics and building a community if you’d like to geek out with fellow Aventon riders. It’s a bonus that you don’t have to use the app if you don’t want to.
Con’s- The Shimano Altus is technically a downgrade from the previously equipped Shimano Acera. To be fair, we didn’t have any real complaints about the shifting across the 160 miles we logged on the Aventure 2 we reviewed though.
ELECTRICAL SPECS & FEATURES
- Battery: Lithium-ion 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) LG Cells
- Display: Color LCD Smart Easy Read Display w/ Aventon App Connectivity
- Motor: 48V 750W (1130W Peak)
- Headlight: Integrated 30 Lux
- Taillights: Dual rear Lights w/ Turn Signals
- Peal Assist: 4 Level PAS w/ Torque Sensor Engagement (Eco/Tour/Sport/Turbo)
- Range: 31 – 59 Miles in EBR’s Real World Range Test
- Throttle: Thumb Lever on Left Side Handle Bar
Weight & Dimensions
- Claimed weight: 77 lbs
- Battery Weight 10 lbs
- Maximum Payload: 400 lbs
- Maximum Load on Rear Rack: 55 Lbs
Components & Accessories
- Brakes: Tektro HD-E350 Hydraulic Brakes, 180mm rotors
- Fenders: Metal, Included
- Fork: 80mm Travel w/ Lockout
- Frame: 6061 Singlue-Butted Aluminum Alloy w/ Internal Battery
- Drivetrain: 8-Speed Shimano Altus w/ Rapid Fire Shifters
- Grips: Ergonomic Rubber
- Saddle: Velo
- Handlebar: Aluminum, 680mm wide
- Kickstand: Yes
- Pedals: Alloy Platform
- Tires: 26” X 4” Inova Puncture-Resistant Tires
- Rear Rack: Included
Aventon Aventure 2 Review: E- Bike Overview
*Looking for the Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through review? Find it here!.
Since it first came out, the Aventon Aventure has been a mainstay on our list of the best electric bikes. So to say we had high hopes for its follow-up would be an understatement. Fortunately, Aventon was able to add welcome touches that made the bike feel both familiar, yet new.
Just as Aventon did with the recently released Level 2 we reviewed, they’ve included a torque sensor on the Aventure 2. This greatly enhances its overall ride quality by making the bike and rider feel more in sync. Powerful 750-watt hub motor e-bikes like the Aventure can be a blast to ride, but there can also be a definite feeling that you’re just along for the ride instead of providing one. But by utilizing a torque sensor on an e-bike it allows you to better dictate to the bike your desired pace as it will respond with more or less motor power depending on if you put down more or less force on the pedals.
You can still move up or down across the PAS setting (now found as Eco/Touring/Sport/Turbo) to change speed and effort level too, but you feel like you’re always contributing to moving the bike regardless of being in high or low assist. It allows for a higher heart rate without reaching the effort levels that make the rider super sweaty (unless you ride with no motor help, then a sweaty ride is a virtual guarantee).
Hub motors and torque sensors are still not too commonly found in the e-bike marketplace. I suspect that Aventon is again at the forefront of a trend that many others will follow. The original Aventure came with a color LCD display, an 8-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes at a time when many other affordable fat tire e-bikes were riding with black and white displays, using 7-speeds with mechanical brakes. Nowadays, color displays are catching on, there are a lot of 8-speed fat tire setups, and it’s become rare to find a 750W fat tire e-bike that skimps on the braking power.
Speaking of brakes, gone are the Bengel Ares 3 brakes we saw featured before, and in are the Tektro HD-E350 models instead. We’re happy to see it’s now spec’d with parts more commonly found and familiar to bike shops everywhere.
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The Aventure 2 excelled both on road and off in our testing. It handles well across varied terrain.
Sleek paint jobs and attractive, angular frames make the Aventure 2 a head-turner.
The powerful Aventure motor is back and better feeling than ever, thanks to the upgraded torque sensor.
The overall look of the Aventure is a familiar one with subtle changes. There was no need for an overhaul as the look of the Aventure’s angular frame and multiple color options was already a head-turner (and there are a handful of new colors this time around with cobalt blue and slate gray joining a camo green and midnight black options). One of the small-but-important changes to the design is the once single frame-integrated taillight on the seatstay now has a partner. The two lights not only increase visibility and safety, but they function as turn signals too from activating the buttons on the controller’s touchpad.
Also receiving an upgrade is the included rear rack. The previous one seemed a bit like an “off the rack” rack, but now Aventon has a new design that functions with various accessories while also completing a tailor-made aesthetic. Oh, it can support cargo up to 55 lbs too.
The 26”x4” Inova puncture-resistant tires are new as well. They still have a nice tread pattern for assisting in loose terrain, and they provide a soft feel on roads with a wide footprint that helps the rider easily remain balanced in the saddle.
That rounds out the majority of the new features, but there are some returning ones to evaluate as well. Namely, the bike’s 750W motor, 720 Wh battery, and overall handling characteristics. Let’s take a look at the testing portion of our Aventon Aventure 2 review to better see how those all faired this time around.
Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Circuit Speed Test
When you classify an e-bike as “fast,” you need to clarify as fast has its own spectrum. That can range from controllable and fun, to wild and scary. The Aventure 2 is a fast e-bike that’s easy to manage and is loads of fun.
What you’ll notice from the graph above is that the Aventure 2 moves quickly with motor help, and speeds seem to cluster together a bit across the assist levels. This is largely due to two factors: I pedal a tad aggressively, and a torque sensor is designed to match your effort level.
With the circuit test data we’ve collected over the years and several EBR reviewers to compare myself to, I typically see one or two miles per hour speeds faster on the no-motor lap than most of my EBR colleagues. This yields a 17.3 mph Eco lap for me, while John gets somewhere closer to 14 mph. Remember, the beauty of a torque sensor is the bike wants to meet you where you’re at, which blends the fun of being able to charge hard if you want with the option of taking a more gradual pace for a pleasant cruise.
Now, we have a “test ‘em as they ship ‘em” policy we’ve adopted when it comes to our testing. So while the Aventure 2 comes as a class 2 e-bike, it can be adjusted to class 3 speeds of 28 mph in the Aventon app that pairs with your bike. As a bit of a bonus lap I did change the Aventure over to class 3 (like I said, I’m a bit aggressive) and took the circuit one more time in Turbo mode. In that setting it achieved my third fastest lap on the circuit to date (only losing out to two different 1000W mid drive speed demons). I feel like I learned two key things about the Aventure 2 on that final lap.
First, this bike handles speed well and allows for a high degree of confidence. Typically 22 or 23 mph is the end of my comfort limit on most e-bikes I test. Many of them rattle and vibrate a bit or can feel twitchy in not-so-great ways that cautions me from going much faster. But the Aventure 2 felt so solid beneath me that I approached the 28 mph class 3 limits with ease. It’s an advantage the 77 lbs of heft and 4” wide tires can provide.
Finally, another subtle change from the original Aventure was a larger front chainring on this model – the 46t is now a 48t instead. While the rear cassette has switched from the Shimano Acera to the Shimano Altus, it is still the same range of 12-32. The expanded gearing did feel subtly better, and I couldn’t detect any ghost pedaling all the way up to 28 mph. In combination with the torque sensor, the gearing allows for a good feel even in high speeds on a flat course.
My overall takeaway from the circuit test was the Aventure 2 handles well as either a class 2 or class 3 e-bike. Riders will find manageable speeds with four levels of assist. Each level takes a little more of the edge off as you climb through the assist modes, but the bike never takes a positive pedal experience away.
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The torque sensor does great at delivering power as needed. Handy for achieving speed on flats, and letting the bike know you need more help on any hills.
The display is crisp, and this time around PAS settings feature Eco, Touring, Sport, and Turbo settings.
The battery tucks away nicely into the frame, but can be removed for charging off the bike or easier transport.
Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Range Test & Battery Performance
Not only do torque sensors provide a better ride feel, but they can also work some battery magic. Despite the same motor and battery as before, the Aventure 2 rides more efficiently and allows the rider more miles thanks to the torque sensor dispensing energy on a more “as needed” basis as opposed to just allowing a constant wattage stream.
The chart above helps paint the picture. When we tested the first Aventure’s ST model we had between 24 and 53 miles across the two range tests we conducted. This time we were able to get 31 and 59 miles for our Aventure 2 review from our max and minimum PAS tests respectively. The same 750W nominal motor, the same 720 Wh battery, but a not-so-similar range result.
It’s a savvy bit of engineering to get more mileage from the same battery. This is one of the reasons I’m surprised more brands don’t opt for torque sensors.
To be fair, there are certainly arguments for hub motor e-bikes with only cadence sensors (they distribute power across the PAS levels to pre-determined limits based on whether or not the cranks are turning, not how hard they are turning), but the ability to provide greater range to the rider without having to spec larger capacity batteries seems like a total win-win to me. Not to mention that increasing the battery capacity to increase the range would also raise the e-bike’s price, which nobody is pounding the table to have happen.
Kudos are due to Aventon for allowing for longer times between charges, and helping riders have less range anxiety while out on the roads without having to increase consumer costs with a larger battery.
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Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Hill Test
When we got the Aventure 2 in to review I was most eager to see how it would perform on the hill test. Prior to equipping them with motors, fat tire bikes would have almost no chance of climbing Hell Hole, and I don’t care who is in the saddle. The big heavy bike with hard to move tires shouldn’t be able to make it up a hill like this, but with the right motor it still amazes me what they can do – e-bikes are magical that way.
While much has been made about what the addition of a torque sensor has changed on this e-bike, its hill climbing prowess remains the same. The Aventure had no problems ascending Hell Hole, and it even posted very similar times to our last go around despite a different rider.
When we reviewed the Aventure 1 ST, we had a throttle time of 1:22 and a max PAS result of 1:10. That’s right in line with the 1:19 and 1:13 results Justin posted this time around on the Aventure 2.
Not much difference in terms of performance when it comes to the hill climbing department; the Aventure 2 climbs hills with the best of them. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record to this point of our Aventure 2 review, the feel is what is new here.
On the first Aventure, if popped into first gear and max PAS, you could soft pedal your way to the top and burn only a handful of calories in the process. It was like walking on the moving sidewalks they have at airports – sure you were moving, but you felt a lot of additional help getting where you were going. But the Aventure 2 allows you to be a bit more involved in the process now. You definitely contribute more, but not to the point you feel over-exerted. More like a light jog/brisk walking pace.
Another torque sensor win on hills is how even Eco mode gives noticeable help. It’s not uncommon to change both your gear and PAS level when approaching a particularly steep hill. However, the Aventure 2’s Eco mode provides no small amount of help when the going gets tough so you might only have to adjust your gearing (except maybe on the Hell Holes of the world).
Good feeling climbs, and a throttle that can do the job for you. The Aventure 2 earns an A on the hill test.
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The Aventure 2 provides the power necessary to climb steep hills, and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes ensure safety as they stop quickly and under control.
There’s a host of subtle upgrades that are welcome additions: a second tailight, derailleur bash guard, and an expanded 48t chainring
Commuter capable riding thanks to the comfier-than-it-looks saddle and 55 lbs-rated rear rack.
Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Safety and Brake Test
Earlier in this review of the Aventure 2 I praised the stability the bike’s weight offered and I gushed over how fun the powerful motor is. It’s key though to have a brake system in place that can stop such a large, moving object.
Here at EBR we bring bikes up to 20 mph (the class 2 limit) before stopping and measuring the distance it took to reach a complete stop. We run this test multiple times for a clean average. In the case of the Aventon Aventure 2 and it’s Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, we were able to bring the bike to a stop in 18’11”.
It’s overall a strong result and compared to similar fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested since updating our brake test’s standard practice. It faired well compared to the current (as of this writing) 22’6” average.
The result in the controlled environment is great, but from time to time even EBR testers get valuable reminders of the importance of reliable brake setups. While performing the range test John was able to avoid a potentially bad situation when a rider trying to pass coming from the other direction didn’t see John coming. Fortunately, John didn’t find out how effective his helmet is on that day. The Aventure let him slow down quickly and the sudden stop didn’t lead to any loss of control from the bike.
Adding to the safety of the Aventure 2 is its upgraded brake lights. The frame-integrated design has long been a personal favorite of mine, and the rear lights now include one on either seatstay. Adding to the theme of alerting other drivers to your movements, the control pad comes with turn signals that will blink letting those behind you know your moving intentions. There is an included 30 LUX headlight as well.
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Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Ride Comfort & Handling, Cockpit, and More
Fat bike popularity has been on one heck of a trajectory over the last few years, and e-bikes like the Aventure are a good example of the versatility, comfort, and easy handling that has helped fuel that rise.
The 26”x4” Inova fat tires make for a cushy experience, especially if you let a little air out of the tires, and they also provide great traction on varied terrain. The tires seem to float along roads well enough for how wide they are, but they have enough chunkiness in the tread to allow grip when things get a bit loose. It makes for a good option to ride to and from work during the week, then take it with you camping for a romp in the dirt on the weekends.
Further helping in the commuting aspect is the new rear rack. The look is nicer, it pairs with different accessories, and holds up to 55 lbs. You also have included metal fenders that help you not get too much water kicked up your way on a rainy day.
On either road or dirt you’ll appreciate the 80mm of travel from the fork, and the saddle is the happy medium between soft and sporty. You should have good comfort wherever you’re riding.
The tread pattern does nicely in dirt making for a fun ride on mild off-road trails.
The thumb throttle is modular meaning it’ll give you a little help with a light touch and a lot of help when fully depressed.
The add-on front basket increases the functionality by allowing for even more cargo carrying.
The braking is still top notch and this time features a more easily replaced Tektro setup.
The cockpit is nice. The grips are, well, grippy, and they’re comfortable enough for extended rides. The trigger shifters are nice for changing gears on the fly. Rapid fire trigger shifters are my preference for any bike that invites for off-road riding, and the 8-speed Shimano Altus cassette has shifted reliably in our testing.
The groupset does represent one of the few things the Aventure 2 didn’t improve upon compared to its predecessor. The Altus is technically a lower rung on the Shimano ladder than the Acera, though the average Joe or Jane couldn’t tell much of a difference between the two. In the more than 160 miles we’ve logged on the Aventure we haven’t noticed any shifting issues, and it seems to have held up well so far. You may have to service it sooner than you would an Acera, but if it’s the one thing I’ve found to gripe about so far than I think the Aventure 2 is still scoring well in my book.
The final features worth mentioning to wrap up our Aventure 2 review would be Aventon’s display and app. The display is colorful, bright, and easy to read. All your relevant ride information is easily scannable while riding (PAS level, speed, battery, etc.). If you want even more info you can download and pair the Aventon app to your bike. It’ll add in some running totals of ride time, calories burned, max speed, and an approximation for CO2 reduced by riding an e-bike instead of a car (yay planet!). It also allows for tracking rides, community features with other app users, and the ability to adjust speed settings.
The thing that I like most about the app is how it doesn’t need to be used. I’m all for extras and bonuses in life – an app with my e-bike feels like a bonus. But I get a little grumpy when e-bikes don’t have a screen and instead force me into an app on my phone for a display. I’m on a three-year-old iPhone with noticeably diminished battery life. I don’t want to be forced into using it for my e-bike, so a quality display AND a nice app feature is appreciated.
Aventon Aventure 2 Review: Summary / Where to Buy
Yet again the Aventon Aventure series is top choice electric bike!
The Aventure has long held a spot atop our list of e-bikes we recommend, and with the Aventure 2 improving in so many ways, it will cement its place there a while longer.
The Aventure 2 feels both familiar and new to me: a testament to how they’ve kept what worked but added meaningful additions – most notably the torque sensor. The bike feels better than ever. The motor moves with you in lockstep no matter what your preferred pace is, but the speeds achieved and hills climbed make the rider feel like it was earned and not given, even though the bike is definitely enhancing the rider’s abilities. Not to mention the efficiency it brings to the battery life – squeezing another 6-7 miles of juice out of the same battery capacity as the first Aventure in our testing – is something everybody can appreciate.
Hills are a breeze, even in lower PAS settings you’re getting actual help. It perfectly delivers the assistance people are hoping to see on hills, or you can ditch pedaling altogether with a throttle that knows how to get the job done on its own.
The Aventure’s sleek design is still one of the more eye-catching ones you’ll find. More color options, a better rear rack, and a second taillight make it feel more complete than ever before. The bike isn’t just a looker though, it feels great too. The saddle, fork, and grips keep you comfortable even on extended rides, and the 4” tires handle roads and dirt trails alike with ease.
When a bike emphatically can check the boxes of performance, comfort, value, and fun, it’s hard to find much to nitpick here – it’s just a great all-around bike. It can be used for nearly anything whether you need something for daily use around town, something to encourage you to get outside more, or be your exploring vehicle for finding parts previously unknown to you.
If the Aventure 2 sounds like something you want to go “aventuring” on (yeah, I couldn’t help it), click the button above for current pricing from Aventon’s website where they can ship the bike directly to your front door.
‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Aventon Aventure 2.
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How does the Aventure 2 compare to the electric bike company model R? I know you have reviewed them both separately…how do they compare?
I am 69 year old and the adventure 2 is my first ebike and i love it. The torque sensor is great. Thanks for the informative review
This was a VERY helpful review. I just purchased the Aventur2 ST from a local bike shop and am anxious awaiting its arrival. I also own another (unnamed brand) fat tire eBike that I will “Keep as a spare” and loan out to my grandson for some extended rides together. But the Aventur2 has really captured my fancy and I am looking forward to many mikes of exciting riding. Thanks for the excellent review. So thorough and well-informed.
Love the reviews! So, I’ve narrowed it down to the Adventon Adventure 2 or the Ride1UP LMTD. I’m not as drawn to a fat tire biske, but I can see how it might help with ride comfort (amoung other things) on a heavy hard tail. On the other hand, I like the stealthy good looks of the LMTD, and the tires are still fairly wide. I believe that it’s also over 20 lbs lighter. My use would be recreation and excercise on pavement. Mostly the beach bike path. But getting there and back requires navigating some short but serious hills.
Help me choose! Again, love the reviews!
What a comprehensive review. This is REALLY well-researched and clearly written. My A2 is on its way. Can hardly wait to give it a spin…and then some. Thanks for your great review. It helped build my confidence in purchasing this amazing ebike.
So helpful. I really want to find a compatible rear rack basket for the Aventure 2.0 before I pull the trigger. Any thoughts or leads on what might work? Thanks!
great review, would love to see a review of the newer Freesky Swift Horse to see how it compares to the Aventure.2.
How easy is it to get spares for the adventure 2 what is the warranty , if you don’t use the bike for long periods does it affect the battery ?
does it come with a bottle holder ?
Liked the review. Went out and got me a step through. Now can you suggest a bike rack with a ramp for this old fogie to haul this behemoth to St George? I can’t find one that can handle the beast that I can load onto.
I purchased a Aventon Adventure 2 about 3 months ago. It is an OK ride with one flaw. Range on the battery – best I have gotten on flat ground in the “econo” position is 35 miles. They claim “60” , that must be downhill with a 95lb rider in the lab.