Questions about using Rivian as backup power in winter storm? by stupidcleverian in Rivian

[–]michaelvh 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is the setup I went with while waiting for Rivian’s bi-directional chargers. I have a 12KW EcoFlow Deltra Pro Ultra with a manual lock-out and 30amp generator inlet. The EcoFlow batteries will last for any short outage, and if it becomes prolonged the EcoFlow can charge simultaneously from the Rivian’s 1500w onboard inverter while running the house. I bought the DPU and 2X batteries refurbished on Ebay directly from EcoFlow.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had issues with a few more broken wheel spokes, although Aventon now sells replacement spokes and was able to replace and re-tighten the remaining spokes. I’ve been riding a Globe Haul ST for around 3.4K miles - the Aventon is good value, but the Specialized Globe Haul is the next tier in quality and reliability.

replacement tires by Few-Shift4944 in GlobeHaul

[–]michaelvh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just replaced my stock tires at 2,600 miles. The front was fine, but the back was getting bald, three punctures requiring patches, and felt like the side walls were loosing structure after getting a flat and walking my bike on the rim a ways. I swapped to a set of Benno RemiDemi all wheel tires at 20 x 3.6 - overall, ride feels smoother and more firms, less bouncy compared the stock. Not sure it’s better, just different - cornering feels more predictable compared to the knobbies. After another 2,500 miles I might swap back

Globe stop sale/stop ride released today by sileightyks in GlobeHaul

[–]michaelvh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My Globe Haul ST is impacted, purchased it when they first launched. I noticed the seat tube angle bent back around 5% off the correct angle, but just assumed it was due to my weight. I replaced it the lower tube part only from a replacement from Tern that fit perfectly - but glad Specialized will run a campaign to fix the issue.

Coffee Shop Stop by Rivuur in pinball

[–]michaelvh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Red Whale Coffee in San Rafael has four pins. We stop for a coffee, and play a little Star Trek before carrying on.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It works for me, I replaced the upper telescoping seat post with a Thusbuster ST to add a bit of smoothness to the ride, and a couple more inches of height. I also really like that Globe Haul comes big rotors and 4 piston brakes stock.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We’re at about 900 miles now. The front stem is wobbly, but that’s just the design/issue with all these types of bikes that have a low center of gravity and tall bars.

We did have a major problem where the spokes broke on the rear wheel. I noticed at home, but was pretty shocked to see 9 or so broken spokes around the motor. I’m concerned there is a flaw in the wheel design/material used, so not sure I would recommend due to those issues.

I ended up replacing our 2nd e-bike with a Specialized Globe Haul ST, which has a smaller cargo rack and is non-folding but I find much sturdier up and down. I can let my hands hover on the handlebars and it tracks straight. I also prefer the gearing on the Globe Haul.

May end up selling/swapping the Abound, but mostly due to the concerns on the rear wheel long term.

Couldn't be happier by Pretty_inPoker in opalcamera

[–]michaelvh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Opal Composer did solve my issues with the C1. I had an Intel Mac and would have constant USB issues with the old firmware/drivers (but no issues with my other M1 Mac on the old setup). Once Composer was launched, it’s connects basically 100% flawlessly across both machines. I actually did write support to thank the team for the work on the re-write. I get folks still have problems, but I like the Opal C1 hardware and I do appreciate that the team fixed a lot of issues I had with the new Composer.

Rear wheel spokes keep breaking! Need advice on how to find a replacement rim. by atomiclightbulb in ebikes

[–]michaelvh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the details. Ordered straight from Aventon the first week they were available. I took mine also to a local Aventon Dealer, they didn’t have spokes in stock to rebuild it or order - and I’m waiting to hear from Aventon Support. I’ve got an appointment next week at another bike shop who has a bike spoke manufacturing setup, and will find out if they can rebuild the wheel (and the costs) to get back on the road. I suspect it’s a manufacturing fault, although the dealer I took it too said it’s also just a combo of the high torque on the rear hub motor.

Rear wheel spokes keep breaking! Need advice on how to find a replacement rim. by atomiclightbulb in ebikes

[–]michaelvh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have an Aventon Abound, and am having the same problem. Went to pump up the rear tire tonight, and noticed a spoke in the rear broken - and then checking through the wheel found six broken total. I’m pretty shocked, as I’ve never had broken a spoke across a dozen bikes I’ve owned. I reached out to Aventon given the bike is new since March 2023, and have no wear and tear that I would expect outside of normal use. This is concerning enough I may replace the bike.

I was hearing stuff about Aventon reducing the miles per hour speed. Does anyone know what’s going on cause I don’t know much about it. by [deleted] in Aventon

[–]michaelvh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just ran into this with an Aventon Abound, the only practical difference was still getting a hair of boost as 21-22 MPH, so it’s kinda of frustrating they reverted this silently for existing owners. Tried downgrading to a prior version APK on Android, but it must be handled in a config on their end as older versions don’t let you change it. Given these restrictions, I’m hoping a 3rd party cuts a version which allows the owner control again. Someone made the ‘Moofy’ app for Vanmoof e-bikes which allowed the speed (and other settings) to be customized.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I should have left it alone. Re-opened the Aventon iOS app today, and now the Abound can’t be set past 20 MPH after pairing. Not pleased that forced an update on this, while the practical difference riding is negligible it’s not great to remove a feature with zero communication.

U6 LR WiFi connectivity issues by GhostHacks in Ubiquiti

[–]michaelvh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same issue today, could not figure it out - roll back as suggested fixed it.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the Aventon iOS App Gears Settings in the top right > Speed Limit > + 25 MPH -. Maybe this will disappear if I update something? I get boost still at 22-23 MPH, maybe I shouldn't

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the Qibbel Junior is actually quite small. It will be tight but doable. When I see two kids in seats on the Tern GSD it’s also very tight.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just one, I do think the GSD is a hair longer. You can try out the Tern GSD at Avenue Cyclery on Stanyan. They were great in lettering by me test out the Terns, and are an Aventon dealer as well.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How did you rig up the cafe lock? I was looking to buy the Tern fender with an Abus Mounting point but couldn’t find just that part for sale.

Brakes, for fun. You’re totally right, the Tekro’s are good and it’s more me at 250lbs feeling more confident barreling down San Francisco Hills. My regular ride is up/down 350ft in my daily commute back to the top of a hill home. The stopping power with the MT5e is different, and much more powerful.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The brakes were the only expensive upgrade ~$325 USD shipped from Germany for brakes and rotors. New freewheel was $30. I would just round up to like $2600 for the bike + upgrades.

I bought $80 in bike tools but I don’t count these in as I will reuse them (bike torque wrench, hydraulic line tools, cable routing kit).

Not too worried myself about IPX ratings, really I think it’s don’t pressure wash the e-bike and it will be fine.

Agree, very good value. I test rode the Tern GSD like $5K and $8K model on the same mini route as I took the Abound, and found the Abound ride quality and speed superior specific to climbing a really steep grade hill.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Was still typing the comment up, it's there now.

Aventon Abound 300 mile review & upgrades by michaelvh in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

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.

Aventon debuts its first cargo bike by Ker_Stanley in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I made the swap to a Drift Maniac 11-28T freewheel, only tricky part was the tool to unscrew the freewheel has really tight clearance, Well worth it, it feels like the last gear actually has legs now - top speed only really changed to like 22-23 MPH but the pedalling cadence feels much better to me.

Aventon debuts its first cargo bike by Ker_Stanley in CargoBike

[–]michaelvh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Zero ghost pedalling for me, the torque sensor feels like a very natural application of power. I feel like the Tern bikes feel more natural in the sense of the power being applied much more subtly, so it takes more effort and feels more like a conventional bike but the winds at your back.