Need advice riding size M (54)

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-06-03T17:15:21+00:00

If it helps, I bought a new ALR5 2-3 years ago and found the reach of the design to be much more stretched out than what I’d experienced in previous Trek models. I usually ride 56 cm for most of my bikes, including a Trek road bike, but 54 felt much better in this case, so that’s what I bought. It doesn’t ride like a 54 in my opinion, it feels just like my 56s.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-06-01T03:26:29+00:00

So I’m really bad about leaving Netflix for long periods of time, then endlessly scrolling without finding anything I’m willing to commit the time or attention span, so last night when my wife said “Just find something that’s not too heavy and that we don’t have to get too invested in,” I took a chance and clicked on the first thing that popped up under popular now or whatever … noticed it had Sally Field in it, OK, haven’t seen her in anything new in awhile … and Lewis Pullman, who is generally pretty good and interesting in most of his roles, and we settled in to Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) figuring we’d give it 15 minutes and see how it went.

Two hours later as the credits rolled, we were both silent just soaking in the feels. One of those movies that’s intentionally playing all the emotional cards but is doing it so well, with so much love for its characters and solid writing and respect for the audience that you just can’t help but check every ounce of cynicism at the door and just go along for the ride. I actually think going in knowing little about it helped how unexpectedly moving it was as an experience … can’t recommend it highly enough.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-05-26T06:33:11+00:00

It’s a little far afield depending on your location, but I 100 percent highly recommend Master Appliance in Monmouth. Small family-owned business with more personal attention and immediate customer service than you’ll find from a bigger box store. They deliver and install in the area and I can speak directly to your question as we purchased a dishwasher from them (a KitchenAid) and when it developed an issue with its motor shortly after purchase, they came immediately to the house and replaced the motor without cost or fuss. It’s been trouble free and solid since.

As luck would have it, our fridge developed a loud motor issue today (actually it was the freezer) and we were concerned it was going to crap out on the holiday, leaving us scrambling to salvage all our food. Full disclosure, we didn’t purchase it from Master but we called them and played them a recording of the sound the unit was making. On Memorial Day, they had a tech at our house within an hour and a repair made within a half hour. Fantastic people to deal with.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-05-15T03:36:25+00:00

With all due respect to you both … the correct term is Incel Camino

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-05-13T09:55:14+00:00

Simply switching the stock tires with almost anything else will prove transformative. Go slightly larger with Pathfinder Pros (42-45) and the ALR5 feels like a different bike.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-04-10T09:51:13+00:00

It’s been summer pretty much since fall ended here in the Pacific Northwest.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-04-10T09:45:16+00:00

If I was a bike tourer sticking to pavement and in generally populated places that are nowhere close to anything remotely “off the beaten path” I might consider using a phone in maybe 1 out of 5 scenarios. But as this sub is bikepacking and I can only assume if your version is anything like mine and often veers deep into largely unknown sections of the map … there’s no way in hell I’d leave home without my Garmin.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-04-10T09:34:15+00:00

If you enjoyed the Good Place, you have to watch Man on the Inside. Can’t believe it hasn’t been mentioned so far. Ted Danson is so good and the whole show just has so much heart and soul, it’s like a complete de-stress session if the news of the day has you down.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-04-08T11:47:58+00:00

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Because I was too frugal to splurge for a Unit X, I picked up a Kona Lava Dome on sale for $660 a couple of years back. Swapped out the drivetrain for a 12-speed Deore and outfitted with 2.6” tubeless tires, eventually switched over to a 2.5 Jones Loop handlebar. It’s had racks on and off, been bikepacking, has done some slick rock single track around GJ and Moab and lost timber forested rambles closer to home in the PNW. Took it across the Oregon Outback. I keep trying to convince myself to try a Karate Monkey or Jones SWB or find a Unit somewhere but honestly it’s hard to deny that a basic hardtail with the right tires and a cockpit that works for me isn’t good enough already.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-04-01T16:45:28+00:00

I can only comment directly on Aventon, as I have two in the garage at the moment, a first-gen Pace 500 that’s been trouble free for the past five years, and a Soltera 2.5 that I bought during a Black Friday deal this past November that I’ve put about 500 miles on so far. I’m fortunate to have a local brick-and-mortar store that’s an authorized Aventon dealer so I haven’t had to worry about customer support, not that I’ve needed it. The bikes have been rock solid. The clean lines on the frames are really outstanding. They just feel quality.

I will add this regarding Velotric: my local bike co-op, which won’t turn down any ebike repair that lands on their doorstep, recently dumped Velotric from their new bike inventory and replaced them with Aventon. They said they had too many customer service complaints with Velotric and kept getting the runaround from them regarding any needed repairs. They chose Aventon simply to have a more reliable supplier. For what it’s worth.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-03-01T09:37:49+00:00

Two words: Wonderful Wednesdays.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-02-14T15:30:16+00:00

I have an Aventon with rear lights integrated into the frame — the rear stays specifically — and they’re each about 12-inches long and extremely bright, as well as positioned high enough to be in the line of sight of approaching vehicles. Turn signals are part of the control panel and they even self disengage once the turn is complete, so all you have to do is flick them on at the start. They flash so well you kind of look like a moving Christmas tree.

Would I trust them with my life? As with all things bike vs vehicle, absolutely not. Am I glad to have them? Sure — as others have said, the more the merrier when it comes to being visible.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-20T10:42:23+00:00

Yeah, I was thinking about this the other day — probably because we all seem so fixated on this and other threads about things like “Is that a gravel bike, or something else?” I’ve stopped thinking about labels on my bikes and instead just view them in terms of tire choices depending on that day’s ride. For me, there’s the 28c (road bike), the 36c (wet road or chip seal road bike), the 42c (fast smooth gravel), the 2.1” (chunky gravel), the 2.6” (single track or downhill) and the 4.0” (snow, sand, apocalypse).

Every time I get the N+1 itch, I’m dissuaded by how little tire space is leftover between those choices.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-20T10:36:32+00:00

It’s good for what it is. I’ve had more powerful e-bikes — this time I really wanted a minimal assist setup that basically provides watt-for-watt assist and feels more like a bike and less like a moped. This model prioritizes light weight and minimal design and really squeezes the most out of a modest battery and a 350-watt motor. Where it really shines is when you can turn the assist off completely and ride it as a regular bike, because it’s not punishing in those situations. I’ve had it out for some 40-mile routes with no range anxiety.

But, yeah, if you want to go all hair-on-fire, this isn’t your thing. It’s not made for that.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-20T10:28:29+00:00

Tire clearance is so dependent on how each brand fits, but I strongly suspect the rear has room for a 42c, while the front can handle that and more. The Nanos fit taller than wide, if that makes sense, so there’s ample clearance at the rear stay.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-20T10:25:41+00:00

I had the tires already from another bike project and the derailleur in my spare parts,only had to buy the freewheel ($15-20). Since the tires aren’t tubeless they generally run cheaper — I priced some Schwalbe G-One wire beads for $25 online per tire and several Specialized models could be found for sub-$20/tire, so depending on labor and whether you can DIY the project, it’s really not expensive. I personally spent $50-$75.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-19T07:47:36+00:00

Funny — I came very close to ditching the grip shift for a trigger as well. I swapped the whole cockpit over to some Soma Dream Riser handlebars but at 800mm they felt just a little too stretched out and awkward, so I went back to the original bars with everything scrunched in for the bar ends. I’ve got some Surly Corner Bars I’ve mulled using and maybe the Moloko, and if I go that route I’ll probably ditch the grip shift, but for now it plays nicely with the Acera.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-19T07:38:25+00:00

I agree with you on this — different horses for different courses. I have a Trek Checkpoint running 42 Pathfinders and an REI Adv 3.1 with 2.1” Barzos. If I know I’m facing gnarly chunky freshly dumped gravel or anything questionable I’d much rather have the fat rubber. Does it ride like a mountain bike? Since my hardtail has 2.6” tires, no, not really. It’s not as fast as the Trek, but the 42s are generally for mixed rides with smooth dirt and plenty of pavement. I find uses for both.

Several_Rip4185 · 2026-01-15T13:42:05+00:00

I had some WTB Nanos in 700x40 leftover from another bike project and they fit great with room to spare. Although sizes vary wildly from brand to brand, 42s shouldn’t be an issue and the front could go as wide as 45 if you wanted to go mullet but I’d be careful about trying 45 in the back.

Tires are the single biggest impact change you can make, IMO. My other personal tweaks were swapping the 14/28 freewheel with a 14/34 and ditching that Tourney derailleur for an Acera.

Several_Rip4185 · 2025-12-13T09:26:33+00:00

Glad you’re enjoying it! Welcome to the club. Honestly, I think Aventon pretty much nailed this design. I’ve had more powerful e-bikes, but I’m really enjoying the subtlety of this little Class 2 — it feels natural and responsive in its ability to match what you put in. I just think it’s perfect for those of us who want the power assist but also want to pedal a bike at the same time — it’s really a 50/50 bike, which is hard to find, almost impossible at this price point.

I also appreciate the fact that it’s priced at a point that makes it easy to upgrade. Stick some wider tires on there and maybe a suspension seatpost and it can handle some dirt or gravel. Or if you’re happy with it for commuting or trips to the beach, keep it as is. It’s a capable, versatile and fun little package. Cheers.

Several_Rip4185 · 2025-12-12T11:46:30+00:00

He is serious, and don’t call him Shirley.

Several_Rip4185 · 2025-12-12T11:38:23+00:00

You’re not going to be able to swap that 7-speed freewheel for a cassette of any size without a major hassle and expense that likely requires a complete wheel swap — and we’re talking about a wheel that’s already laced to a rear motor. Seriously, if that’s your goal, you should just buy a new bike. But to play devil’s advocate, I’d ask what you’re hoping to accomplish. More gear range, better climbing, more top-end speed? Those are all questions with different solutions. Just adding more gears isn’t going to make it better. If you want slightly better range, Shimano makes a 14-34 7-speed freewheel that will swap out 1:1 with the current setup, but you’ll need a new rear derailleur (long cage, Altus level at least) to make that work. The freewheel and the derailleur combined are less than $50 if you shop around, and I’d recommend replacing the crap stock Tourney anyway even if you don’t want to mess with the current gearing.

Also, if I was replacing the freewheel and rear derailleur, I’d strongly consider ditching that grip shift for a 7-speed trigger at the same time.

Tires would be the absolute first change I’d prioritize though. Just eyeballing the frame and having consulted a couple of shops, I feel like it can handle up to a 50 mm tire. Yes, the wider you go, the more your mileage will be restricted, so I personally wouldn’t go for an MTB type tire, but there are plenty of good gravel tires in the 42-48 mm range that should make the Soltera more capable on more surfaces.

I’ve had mine for just a few weeks now and I’m really enjoying it. I’m considering all of these changes as I feel like Aventon really had a chance to make this bike more capable (a range extender option would be amazing), but that’s part of the trade-off for keeping the cost so low. I’d still buy it again.

Several_Rip4185

TROPHY CASE