Aventon vs Giant Ebikes: The Best Brand for Affordability and Power
September 22, 2024
When it comes to electric bike (ebike) manufacturers, Giant is one of the most well-known brands around, and they’ve been building bikes since 1972. But does that mean they’re the best option when you’re trying to pick the best ebikes? We wanted to find out, so we pitted Aventon vs Giant ebikes to figure out which models come out on top.
From our research, we discovered that Aventon ebikes are generally more affordable than similar Giant models—and usually by a large margin. Aventon bikes also boast features you won’t find on Giant bikes, including integrated turn signals and throttles. Plus, there’s a big difference in motor power.
In this post, we’ll highlight our findings and cover the following bikes:
Key Differentiators
Aventon | Giant | |
Pricing | Aventon ebikes are available at several price points for all budgets (ranging from $1,199 to $2,899 MSRP) | Many Giant ebikes are significantly more expensive than similar Aventon models (the highest price on this list is $7,200 MSRP) |
Throttle | All Aventon ebikes (minus the Ramblas) have an on-demand thumb throttle that can be unplugged and removed as needed | Giant doesn’t make any throttle ebikes; they only offer pedal-assist models |
Turn Signals | Most Aventon ebikes have integrated turn signals to improve safety and visibility | Giant ebikes on this list don’t come with integrated turn signals |
Motors | Aventon offers a wide range of motors, including 250-watt, 350-watt, 500-watt, and 750-watt motors | Giant ebikes come with several SyncDrive motors, but they are all 250-watt motors |
Aventon Aventure.2 vs Giant Stormguard E+1
What’s the best fat tire off-road ebike?
If you’re looking for a rugged ebike, an off-road ebike like the Aventon Aventure.2 or Giant Stormguard E+1 are great options. When it comes to a direct spoke-to-spoke match-up, the Aventure comes out on top thanks to its better pricing, higher payload, and bonus features.
The Stormguard E+1 costs an eye-watering $7,200 MSRP. That’s $5,201 more expensive than the Aventure.2’s $1,999 MSRP. That means you can buy three-and-a-half Aventure.2s for the price of one Stormguard. And while you’re shelling out 260% more, you’ll miss out on great features and won’t be able to carry as much weight.
The Aventure.2 has a payload capacity of 400 pounds, making it a great option for heavier riders and people who want to use the ebike to haul gear. The Stormguard E+1 has a maximum weight capacity of 121 kg (266 pounds), which is 34% less than the Aventure.2.
The Aventure.2 also comes with integrated lighting including front and rear lights with turn signal functionality. The Stormguard doesn’t offer turn signals, so you won’t be as visible when you make moves in traffic. Plus, the Aventure.2 has an on-demand throttle to go faster with no effort, while the Stormguard doesn’t have a throttle.
Some riders complain that the Stormguard doesn’t look like a real bike anymore. Others feel the bike is too heavy and reported poor gear shifting.
The Aventon Aventure.2 is an all-terrain ebike featuring:
Four pedal assist levels that power your adventures and give you options for how much help you want along the way.
Two frame designs including step-over and step-through styles and three color options (Slate Grey, Cobalt Blue, and Camouflage)—the Stormguard is only a step-over frame and comes in one color.
A torque sensor that detects how much effort you’re putting into pedaling and adjusts power to match, giving you a natural-feeling ride.
A front suspension fork with up to 80mm of travel creates a smooth journey even on tough terrain.
The ability to toggle between class 2 top speeds of 20 miles per hour (mph) and class 3 speeds of 28 mph using the Aventon App.
Aventon Level vs Giant FastRoad E+
What’s the best commuter ebike?
When it comes to commuter ebikes, the Aventon Level.2 is a better choice compared to the Giant FastRoad E+ due to pricing and better motor power. The FastRoad E+ will make a big dent in your pocket with its $4,300 MSRP. On the other hand, the Level.2 is more affordable at $1,899 MSRP—that’s 56% less and a savings of $2,401! Plus, it comes with a more powerful motor.
The FastRoad E+ has a SyncDrive Pro motor powered by Yamaha that delivers 250 watts of power. In comparison, the Level.2 has a rear hub motor that offers 500 watts of sustained power and can take things up to 750 watts when you need peak output. While both ebikes have front and rear lights, only the Level.2 has integrated turn signals to improve visibility.
Some riders say the FastRoad E+ is quite expensive, and they reported issues with shifting and creaky frames. Others experienced quality-control issues—with their bike turning off randomly and battery-charging problems.
The Aventon Level.2 boasts specs including:
An on-demand thumb throttle (the FastRoad E+ doesn’t come with a throttle).
A drivetrain with Shimano 8-speed derailleur and shift levers to smoothly transition between gears. Plus, alloy platform pedals for a stable stance.
A 3-amp fast charger to quickly juice up your bike so you can get on to the next adventure.
A built-in rear rack that works with several accessories, so you can carry crates full of books, load up your kiddo, or attach a bike bag.
Five levels of pedal assist (the most of any Aventon bike) to give you maximum flexibility when it comes to support.
Multiple ebike class functionality since the Level.2 ships as a class 2 but can be unlocked to a class 3 ebike in the included Aventon app.
Aventon Level.2 vs Giant Explore E+ 1
What’s the best pedal assist ebike?
The Aventon Level.2 commuter ebike outshines the Giant Explore E+ 1 in both pricing and motor power. While the Explore has a 250-watt motor, the Level.2 features a 500-watt motor with peak power up to 750 watts, making it faster at acceleration, better at hill climbing, and quicker to start from a stop.
The Explore E+ 1 price tag hits your wallet harder than the Level.2 as well. The Explore E+ 1 costs $3,800 MSRP, while the Level.2 comes in at $1,899 MSRP. By buying the Level.2, you’ll pay 50% less and get more motor power. You could buy two Level.2s for the price of one Explore E+ 1
Some Explore owners said you can’t tell when the battery is charged without unplugging the charger and turning on the bike. Others didn’t like that the Explore doesn’t have a throttle. (In comparison, the Level.2 has an on-demand throttle.)
The Aventon Level.2 commuter ebike includes:
Hydraulic disc brakes that give you the confidence to stop quickly without having to clutch the brakes too hard.
Sturdy aluminum handlebars for responsive control and ergonomic comfort grips for a comfortable riding experience.
Built-in fenders that keep you clean by reducing road spray in light rain and wet conditions.
A removable battery that is easy to charge on the bike or off, making it more versatile.
Integrated lights and turn signals to improve visibility and illuminate the path ahead so you can focus on having fun.
Aventon Ramblas vs Giant Roam
What’s the best eMTB (electric mountain bike)?
While the Aventon Ramblas costs slightly more than the Roam ($2,899 MSRP versus $2,750 MSRP), for that extra investment, you get tons of value in the form of more torque and better suspension.
The Ramblas boasts an Aventon mid-drive motor that offers 250 watts of sustained power and 750 watts of peak power. It also delivers 100 Newton-meters of torque, compared to the Roam SyncDrive motor that only provides 50 Newton-meters of torque.
The Ramblas has a sleeker frame design and geometry, plus improved suspension. The RockShox front suspension fork has up to 130mm of travel, while the front shock on the Roam only offers 63mm of travel.
Riders of the Giant Roam say they had to replace the drivetrain cassette faster than they expected. In addition, when a user in a forum asked for help picking from several ebike models, the Giant Roam didn’t receive any votes.
The Aventon Ramblas is a high-quality eMTB offering:
A hardtail frame design that is more battery-efficient, lightweight, and stable compared to full suspension ebikes.
A long range of up to 80 miles, so you don’t even have to think about pulling out the charger on most rides.
A SRAM 12-speed drivetrain that provides smooth gear control and allows you to fine-tune your riding to meet the demands of the trails.
Ride Tune in the Aventon app, a feature that lets you customize your bike by adjusting torque, assistance, and pedal response.
An easy-to-use dropper seat post that raises or lowers with a simple lever on the handlebars.
Aventon Ramblas vs Giant Talon
What’s the best eMTB (electric mountain bike)?
While the Aventon Ramblas costs $2,899 MSRP, which is a bit more compared to the Giant Talon MSRP of $2,400, you get a lot more value and features, including more torque, better gearing, and finer suspension.
The Talon delivers half as much torque (50 Newton-meters) as the Aventon Ramblas (100 Newton-meters). That means the Talon will have a harder time getting up steep inclines and battery usage will be less efficient. The Talon also has a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain versus the higher-quality SRAM 12-speed gearing on the Ramblas, which offers more adjustability to meet the terrain.
The Ramblas also has 30% more suspension travel thanks to its 130mm RockShox fork, while the Talon has just 100mm of front suspension travel. Some riders go as far as saying you should buy a new fork for the Talon, while others say they felt they had to upgrade the brake pads and pedals.
The Aventon Ramblas is an all-terrain eMTB featuring:
Over-the-air software updates that ensure you have the latest performance without having to actually plug the bike in or go to a bike shop.
A mid-drive motor with 100 Newton-meters of torque, giving you the power to climb hills fast and accelerate quickly, even when you’re stopped on an incline.
A compact LCD display that’s repositioned to protect it from being dinged by tree branches and other off-road obstacles.
A front headlight to brighten the trail ahead, illuminating obstacles and making it easier to pick the perfect line.
Three levels of pedal assist (Eco, Trail, and Turbo), which give you the option of putting in the effort to get a workout or sitting back and taking a break after a tough hill climb.
Aventon Abound
What’s the best cargo ebike?
Looking for an ebike that can haul it all? The Aventon Abound deserves a special mention as one of the best cargo ebikes out there. It has a large payload capacity of 440 pounds that can carry everything from two adult riders to one adult and a couple of kids to one adult and plenty of gear.
The integrated rear rack can hold up to 143 pounds, making it ideal for hauling passengers. Or use it as a work bike since that’s the equivalent of a couple bags of concrete, several bags of fertilizer, or 13 gallons of paint.
Priced at $1,999, the Abound is a powerful ebike that can carry almost anything. Its 750-watt motor provides plenty of power, even when fully loaded. Affordable accessories let you haul items like paddleboards, kids, or groceries. Riders are impressed with its quality and features for the price.
The Aventon Abound is a cargo ebike that features:
A storage bag that tucks neatly into the bike frame and is waterproof to keep your essentials within easy reach and safe from the elements.
Aluminum passenger footboards that improve comfort for passengers and serve as extra storage for loading up panniers and bags.
A dropper seat post that you adjust using a lever on the handlebars, so you can raise and lower the seat without having to hop off.
Integrated lights with a headlight, rear light, and turn signals that keep you safe and visible.
Four levels of pedal assist and a throttle that allows you to reach top speeds of 20 mph.
Aventon Sinch.2
What’s the best folding ebike?
Giant doesn’t offer a folding ebike, but Aventon does. The Sinch.2 is a foldable ebike that isn’t just limited to city streets. Thanks to 4-inch wide fat tires, this folding ebike can take on different terrain, including icy paths, snowy trails, and sandy beaches. It has a 500-watt motor that can get you up hills, and a thumb throttle that lets you take a load off while still going places.
This ebike boasts a battery that offers up to 55 miles in range, and it’s a class 2 ebike with top speeds of 20 mph. Aventon app compatibility allows you to easily keep track of riding stats.
The Sinch.2 has an affordable price point of $1,699 MSRP, and it doesn’t sacrifice when it comes to features. Riders say delivery was very quick, assembly was less complicated than they expected, and the bike offered great value.
The Aventon Sinch.2 is a compact, folding ebike that features:
An integrated battery that's protected from the elements and can be charged on the bike or removed to charge indoors.
A full-color LCD backlit display, which clearly shows real-time metrics including battery life and speed.
Advanced lighting including front and rear lights as well as integrated turn signals.
A foldable frame that collapses into a smaller package, so you can easily store it in your garage, bring it into your office, or load it into your car.
A front suspension fork with 45mm of travel to provide a smooth ride whether your route involves navigating potholes or cruising over rocky paths.
Aventon Pace 500.3
What’s the best city ebike?
For a casual cruiser bike, the Aventon Pace 500.3 shines in the spotlight. (Giant doesn’t offer an ebike in this category.) The Pace 500.3’s step-through frame is easy to ride, even if you have mobility limitations or want to ride in attire that makes it hard to raise your leg over a top tube. It’s ideal for most riders, as it accommodates heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’1”.
The 12.8-amp-hour battery lets you ride up to 60 miles on a single charge, and you can use the included 3-amp fast charger to quickly juice it back up after a long adventure. With a price of $1,799 MSRP, you get tons of features, including unlocking capabilities to reach 28-mph top speeds, a 500-watt motor, and integrated turn signals.
Plus, riders love the Pace 500.3! Some said it’s comfortable to ride and easy to breeze up hills, while others mentioned that customer service is very responsive. In addition, cyclists mention that the bike assembles quickly, and the instructions are straightforward.
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is a cruiser ebike with specs including:
Puncture-resistant tires that reduce the likelihood of flat tires, and reflective sidewalls that keep you visible when riding in low-light conditions.
An adjustable stem that makes it easier to custom-fit the bike without a lot of effort.
A stylish frame design that boasts an upright riding position with swept-back handlebars, stable alloy pedals, and a cozy saddle.
8-speed gearing and hydraulic disc brakes that let you control effort, speed, and stopping power.
A torque sensor that matches power based on your pedaling efforts and four levels of pedal assist that make riding fun and easy.
Aventon Soltera.2
What’s the best lightweight ebike?
Looking for a road bike that’s fast and stylish? Aventon’s Soltera.2 offers a geometrically laced frame that’s as visually pleasing as it is fun to ride. With a lightweight construction, this ebike clocks in at 46 pounds and feels like a breeze whether you’re climbing passes or sailing through flat terrain.
A 350-watt motor gives you power, but not so much that you don’t feel the joy of riding a road bike. Top speeds of 20 mph and a removable throttle make this bike suited for most bike paths and paved trails.
At a price point of $1,199 MSRP, the Soltera includes features you’d find on far more expensive bikes, including a torque sensor, integrated lighting, and four levels of pedal assist. Soltera owners like the look of the bike, the high-quality components, and the zippy and fun riding experience.
The Aventon Soltera is a road ebike featuring:
A 9.6-amp-hour battery that gives you a range of up to 46 miles.
A full-color display with hidden USB ports, so you can stay connected and charge up your device on the go.
Three frame sizes that fit riders from 5’1” to 6’2” tall.
A Shimano 7-speed drivetrain that provides seamless gearing, so you can cruise rolling hills or handle longer, steeper inclines.
An Aventon by SelleRoyal seat that offers enough cushion to keep you comfortable on longer rides.
