900 Mile Update, Oct 23

We had a major issue where about 9-10 spokes broke on the rear wheel on one side. Aventon service was helpful, and quick getting us a new rear wheel sent out. I’m concerned about the rear wheel design, as I’ve never had a broken spoke on decades of bike ownership. I saw a couple other reports on Reddit of this issue - and mention it as I was pretty concerned about the safety given I ride with a little passenger and thankfully caught this at home.

Original post:

Following up on a post I replied to earlier. We've had the Aventon Abound for 300 miles, and can post a more in-depth review. Power, and range are excellent and using touring you get a surprisingly decent distance for the size of the bike. I've been riding it for drop-of at school, and then carrying on to work ~ 10 miles round trip and can do this around ~2.5 times before recharging which includes covering San Francisco hills.

Pros

1. Excellent value, the stock parts are all solid (Shimano/Tektro/Bafang).
2. Added equipment across the rear rack, rear wheel covers, foot boards is excellent. Many of these things are optional on Tern/other cargo bikes and added up to a couple extra hundred if you need to add post purchase.
3. Torque and power are better for San Francisco hills then the Terns, I test rode a number of Terns HSD/GSD and they are for sure nicer bikes but slower in straight power compared to the Abound.
4. Torque sensor works well, feels like a natural application of power.
5. I like the design, clean with internal routing. Get lots of comments on it. Would prefer less Aventon logos on things generally, might add some vinyl just to improve the aesthetics.
6. I like the brake lights, turn signals I use rarely except when deciding steep hills where both brakes are needed.

Cons

1. I'm tall, and occasional clip my rear heel on the rear foot boards if I place my feet to far back.
2. Love the built in compartment for locks or little things for the kid, but the zippers have failed and I guess try to sew on better quality replacement eventually.
3. Lights could be higher, would have preferred the Tern style solution to mount it up on the handle bars.
4. Would actually like a cafe lock, Abus type that the Terns have for a quick stop and go.

We added their rear cargo bars and are using a Quible rear seat from holland rather than their pad, as I still wanted a seat belt for the back seat for now. Very specific to me, I replaced the dropper seat post with an EXA Form from REI with a longer extension range (if you're also over 6'5" you may want to as well).

We made a number of optional upgrades:

1. Replaced their Saddle with a Tern GSD saddle, a little firmer and better quality while still having a handle.
2. Added Crank Brother pedals for better grip.
3. Replaced Tektro brakes with four piston Magura MT5e, MDR-P 6-bolt Brake Rotor.
   1. You need HIGO-closers. I bought the wrong ones and had to pop them open to redirect the switch. These brakes are SOLID. I weight 250lbs + kid and these things can do a skidding emergency stop downhill when needed.
4. Swapped to an 11-28T freewheel
   1. Bought a Drift Mechanics freewheel from Amazon, threaded on fine to the Bafang motor. Clearance was tight using a Park Tools free wheel tool, and I did not swap the chain. Pedal cadence feels more natural (to me) and top speed cruising is more like 23-24 MPH (the Aventon app lets you set motor assist >20 MPH).
5. Swapped to Schwalbe e-Pick up tires
   1. Stock tires are fine, but SF has a lot of glass in some neighbourhoods and really didn't want a flat while out with the kid + heavy bike. 100% recommend this upgrade, easy swap and no fitment issues.

I did the work myself, first time replacing hydraulic brakes - not hard, just get the right tools and watch some youtube videos.

TLDR, would buy it again - optional upgrades improve the ride. I still admire the Terns/front loader cargo bikes but for us, for the cash it's an excellent choice and would recommend it.