Aventon Soltera 7 Speed Review - $1.4k

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I asked Aventon about the name for this bike, but didn't hear back in time for the video. They recently told me: Soltera means 'Single' in Spanish. Since Aventon originated as a single-geared bike brand, the Soltera was created as an ode to our original fixed gear, single-speed bike audience and here is more details www.aventon.com/blogs/aventon_bikes/meet-soltera-aventons-first-single-speed-ebike.

[@MonchoDeLaMota]

It means single girl or woman

[@djdsf]

Single as in single woman, not single as in 1

[@MegaRedrocket]

Just started my journey into the biking and ebiking world. And I have to say. Your detailed and easy to follow reviews are an absolute joy to listen and watch while I’m deciding which bike to buy. Keep doing what you’re doing and thanks for the great reviews !

[@Mandelbomb]

I just purchased this exact bike yesterday and absolutely love it. I didn't realize that it had the bell. Great detailed review.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Cool! Did you get it from a local shop, or did you buy it online and have it shipped? The bell is pretty neat, very durable design and has a great tone :)

[@damako7072]

Can I ask how tall are you and did you get the medium or large size frame?

[@Mandelbomb]

@@damako7072 5'8. Medium.

[@damako7072]

@@Mandelbomb Thanks brother.

[@davidheiser9395]

Is it pretty fast without peddling ?

[@kranestyles2529]

Fantastic review. Thanks for putting in the time. Your lived experience provides a great, authentic perspective. 👌🏾

[@HumanPozole69]

160mm for a bike that “isn’t that powerful” is perfect and brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace. Wish they were hydraulic but those lights alone make up for the brakes. For the cable just keep it lubricated as it stretches. That dirt and grime shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re taking it into a swamp. All in all I’d say Aventon has perfected the best electric value for bike and I know I’ll be seeing a lot of these on the road versus the more expensive brands.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Good points, I realize that I'm always critiquing things when I do these reviews. My goal is to explore the hardware and share some observations and trade-offs for what is offered at the price. For this low price, I was very impressed with what I saw on the Soltera :)

[@HumanPozole69]

@@ElectricBikeReview so was I, I always said $1,000 was my budget and I’m usually stubborn but Aventon managed to change my mind and open up my wallet :/. It’s for a good cause any gas I save will be on an Ebike.

[@larryfroberg1692]

Thank you for all your reviews. I have learned so much about ebikes in general from you as I contemplate my first purchase. I am a senior citizen who no longer drives a car and plan on using my ebike for general riding fun, extending my range of travel compared to a pedal bike and running small errands. Weight is also important to me. Also of great importance is affordability. Finally, my pedal biking has been on hybrid bikes for about the last 40 years and I love that style of riding, so I'm looking for a similar style in an ebike. I have pretty much narrowed my choices to the newer model of the Aventon Soltera 2 and the brand new Rad Power RadKick 7 speed. They each seem to have advantages, so I'm not sure which way to go. The Aventon seems to have the upper hand in terms of the torque sensor (cadence sensor on the Rad), and some smaller advantages such as the range and integrated brake/turn signal lights, while the Rad excels in power (500 watt motor vs 350 for the Aventon), hydraulic disk brakes vs mechanical for the Aventonan more range in gearing with the 11 - 34 tooth rear sprocket. Do you have any advice?

[@salexander75]

I’m really smitten by this bike, and the budget tier usually isn’t my thing. It’s really nice looking, and the lights and HUD punch well above the price range. I think this is a super alternative to the many $2-3k Mahle x35 bikes out there. And its competition like Rad Mission or Propella don’t have anywhere near the aesthetics that this bike has. Well done Aventon!

[@tcrwild8422]

I feel this aventon model is one of the best out there for hybrid/road guys.. This would make a killer commuter bike.. I would like to see a better version myself an think it could be a huge hit with a few changes.. Bettter tires an wheels. Carbon seat post. Carbon bars. 500 watt hub = more speed etc.. I would pay double 2k for it if available in black an red trim

[@nikkilesley2525]

Yes, but then it would cost more. 🙃

[@steveblankenship5474]

I like this model and I plan to go to a local dealer to see one. I would put a quick release on the front wheel, surprised there is not one there. Going to a larger disc brake is easy just put on the right adapter and put the same caliper back on and you can install a 180 rotor in the front. With different tires this bike can almost be like a gravel bike.

[@the937chef]

Thanks for the excellent review! Your time is appreciated

[@LouRao]

Very impressed, your details covering the e-bike is amazing. Thank you😎

[@adaboy4z]

I'm have a battery fit problem on my Soltera. Replaced the lock once myself with a shipped replacement, still an issue so now off to a shop. Otherwise it's a fun bike to ride. Buy a suspension seat post and better padded seat because it's gets bumpy. I bought a stem riser for tall rider like myself 6'3. Mine will easily do 22mph on PAS 2.

[@gustavogo2915]

6’3” is not tall.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Good catch on the bottle mount location and recommendations. One issue with the horizontal orientation is the bottle will bounce out of most bottle cages when you hit bumps. Aside from the rat’s nest where the cables emerge from before the bottom bracket, this is a beautiful looking ebike, and I love the integrated brake lights in the seat stays.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree with you, it's a great looking design with those lights and also very functional. From what I understand, Aventon has their own factory, so their designs tend to be nicer and more custom.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

@@ElectricBikeReview I didn’t know that! Explains how their frames are more nicely finished than most and have unique features. Likely means they have better quality as they have more control over the finished product. That is for the information!

[@gctw2341]

Impressive bike, as always, thorough review.

[@dperreno]

You are not the first e-bike reviewer to comment on wanting wider bars, larger tires, smaller wheels, lower pressures, suspension components, bigger rotors etc. All the things a mountain bike has. But - this is not a mountain bike! As a life-long road bike rider (yes, I actually used to ride tubular tires at 160psi) I just have to smile. This thing is plenty comfortable and safe for the road or sidewalk where it will be used. This isn't a bike to take off-road.

[@mrjoesmith5930]

Changes? Then customize it. Throw some Atomlab pimplite bars on it.

[@taiwanjohn]

I just bought one of these a week ago, and finally took my first ride today. First it was the damn Presta valves on the tires... had to go buy a new floor pump after finding that screw-on adapters didn't work very well. There was also the problem of the printed user manual... they neglected to mention how to turn the damn thing on!! I had to watch another KZbin video to figure that one out. But now that I've had a brief taste of this machine, I'm really looking forward to *_many_* miles on the local trails with it! ;-)

[@stacysalinas22]

Thank you for the informative video! I just ordered this bike, with the step through frame. You explained everything very clearly. I might order a larger headlight, its field is a little narrower than I'd like.

[@Jamie-666]

Not available in the UK yet. Fingers crossed.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That would be cool, I wonder if they'd have to remove the throttle or require pedaling for it to work like Rad Power Bikes did with their "twist power assist" feature. Basically, the throttle instantly adds power when used in any of the lower levels of assist.

[@Jamie-666]

@@ElectricBikeReview Good point, yes they would!

[@eseweeman]

Love the details and your options, must get me 1

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

Thanks for the honest and great review I'm thinking of buying one so I can commute to work since gas prices are almost $5 by the gallon

[@ricecakeFTW]

Between this and the velotric but this detailed revieww sold me on this bike. Wish you got some kick back for it.

[@stoutdog56]

Great review and a feature rich entry level ebike compared to others in its class. I chose it over the Ride1UP RoadsterV2 and FLX Babymaker for the replaceable battery and lighting. I bought the same bike and beautiful color as this review. My only issue is that I find a more upright riding position is more comfortable for me and the handlebar is too low. I bought a wider and more padded seat and some bullhorn extensions to raise my grip, I bought the single-speed step-through (no longer available) last year and was very happy with it, but found I needed some gearing for inclines and help for my out of shape legs. Now I have an extra battery for longer rides or a bike for a companion or friend.

[@tsant6591]

The new ones are torque sensor. Much smoother with the 350w motor. Not a bad deal for $1200

[@HumanPozole69]

They have an app 🙌🏻 my god if they could only advertise. But I guess I’m so excited I’m doing it for them Aventon Rocks. 🤘🏻

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, great enthusiasm! Yeah, the app is actually pretty great too :)

[@MHH3180]

There are truly excellent suspension stems and mechanically actuated hydraulic calipers are easily swapped.

[@jrnamida5470]

44 pounds is a very heavy for this style bicycle, 36 or 33 is where this bicycle weight should be in the eBike world, along with Torque sensing instead of Cadence sensing are the changes that needs to happen....

[@tompatton2086]

Agreed, the bike needs to go on a diet. It could be done by upgrading some of the components to carbon and changing the wheel/tire combo but now you're adding a fair amount of expense and still using mechanical brakes and a Cadence sensor. The rest of the bike is well thought out minus the unsightly wiring in the front. They could have a really nice sub $2000 bike by addressing some of these things. Aventon, are you listening? 🙂

[@richarde1355]

Disagree. The easiest way to get this bike lighter is to have a much smaller battery; witness the Velotric T1 ST. Lighter, but much less batter capacity. I also like that the battery can be removed from the frame, so a person can have an extra battery or remove it to charge separately from the bike, unlike the lighter bike with the battery integrated into the frame.

[@reinplat]

The cable routing situation below the bottom bracket looks a little under-organized and over-exposed.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I guess they need to route around the bottom bracket spindle, so going outside the frame below looks better than the sides or above. They have two additional wires for rear lights, so it's more clutter for sure. You can even see the cables coming out of the chain stays on both sides and then re-entering the frame going up into the seat stays towards the lights! I wish I would have called them out in the video...

[@HumanPozole69]

Tape it with electrical tape if it bothers you.

[@paulinquebec]

Great review (as usual). In your video the motor seems louder than expected. Is it loud compared to others. Also, do you know if there is anyway to change the speed limit in the app's advance settings? My Rize Fixie allows that and it makes a huge difference IMO to be able to go to at least 35 k on that bike anyway (Weird, but true)

[@davidmontgomery7657]

I Own a Soltera great fitness bike, you're right on the money about the LCD fonts. But I wish it had range in the applications. overall 👍🏿

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Nice, how has it been working for you?

[@georgenogrady6939]

I own a Aventon Soltera 7. It was a great video. I ordered fenders for my Aventon Soltera 7. In your opinion do you, think that it was mistake on my part. Actually do you think that i really need fenders.

[@swright0321]

Wonderful review. I really got a lot out of this video so thank you for that! do you have any recommendations on the best way to modify this model to prevent flats? (tire liners, tubes, replacing the tires, etc.)

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Wow ! Excellent bike....beats the stuffing out of the Rad Mission

[@jeffmpvd7689]

The Mission has a bigger battery and motor and is less expensive. The Aventon has 7 speeds and I believe better build quality.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think the RadMission is slightly less expensive than the Aventon Soltera Single Speed, and it has higher volume tires and different rack options. They are both value priced, I did really like what I saw here... The Soltera design and lights are outstanding.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

@@ElectricBikeReview Yes, for now…..The Mission started at 999…..now 1199…. If you put the bikes together, I think the Aventon is more appealing and worth the 200-ish difference. This is coming from a Rad 5 owner … love it…. Ride it almost daily

[@elevenAD]

Rad Mission is still better bang for your buck imo.

[@willluma9170]

Great review. Hoping to buy one in the spring, 1 question though. I want to buy a high step. I’m 5’5”. Large or medium frame size?

[@colleenconrade3156]

I just put mine together today. I bought high step and I am 5’3. It is PERFECT SIZE FOR ME (bought s/m ) super easy to get on.

[@FOREVER-ADHD]

Is this good for uphill assistance?

[@Hibbs4Prez]

If its a kenda kwest tire DEFINITELY keep it pumped to the higher range.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the tip! Is this to avoid pinch flats?

[@Hibbs4Prez]

Yes!!

[@runeboy200]

@@Hibbs4Prez Welp, wish I read this a month ago right before I got my first pinch flat.

[@jered2177]

Nice bike especially for the price, if I hadn't found a used rad rover 6+ locally I'd get this bike.Also its almost 30lbs lighter than my rad

[@jeffmpvd7689]

Right! That is one drawback to many eBikes, the weight. Then you realize your standard bike rack that you've had four years won't handle the extra weight of an eBike and you need to buy a new more expensive rack.

[@jered2177]

@@jeffmpvd7689 true,might just buy aluminum motorcycle hitch rack from harbor freight

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey Jared! They are both cool bikes in my opinion! As much as I love the appearance and light weight of the Soltera, I prefer the comfort of a full sized fat tire bike with suspension, whether it's Rad or Aventon's Aventure models. As for your RadRover 6+, the motor is zippy and it comes with fenders. Hope you enjoy it, or you could sell used and swap to a city model like this if it fits your lifestyle better, like lifting or transporting more easily. I think the Rover is worth more and should have good resale value if it came to that.

[@sunray7629]

As a new owner of an Aventon Ebike my biggest complaint with Aventon is their customer.and technical support. Just pray you don't have a problem with the bike. Never will I buy again from online bike merchant. Avemtons negative reciews are accurate.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hmm, thanks for that feedback Sun! Sorry to hear you haven't gotten what you needed in terms of support. I borrowed this particular bike from a dealer in Langley BC Canada, and that's one of the things I like about Aventon... they do sell through some dealers. Perhaps there is one nearby that could help you get parts?

[@sunray7629]

@@ElectricBikeReview Aventon is very responsive during the sales phase but post-sales needs help. Support is only available during PST work hours and weekdays. If you contact them via email you get their canned auto-reply saying they will respond in one-day. Ha! I finally manage to make phone contact. Support confirmed the problem and committed to fixing it. It's going on for three weeks and still, the problem is not fixed. I was warned about this type of problem by local bike stores and some negative reviews. Aventon does make a nice bike but unfortunately, their support is lacking. I hope this feedback helps those thinking about an Aventon bike.

[@anita-lx4xo]

I have a question. Do you have to keep pedaling or will the bike go on its own. Is the motor to just make it easier to maintain a good speed to go up inclines. I just assembled my new Solara 7 and it's charging now. But I will be trying it out in the bit and wanted to know. If I stop pedaling will it slow down or maintain speed?

[@Wo9i7sj5l2a]

Astounding bike for the price

[@aog8202]

Great review, I'm 5'8, in your opinion would you lean with the small or large bike? I'm really torn.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hmm, I'm 5'9" and this one felt pretty good. I tend to be capable of medium or large frames. The size difference is usually pretty minor, and can be overcome with a stem swap or sliding the saddle forward and back. A smaller frame would position you more upright, but the standover height is still going to be pretty high. I hope this helps, sorry for the slow reply ;)

[@HumanPozole69]

One thing you didn’t mention is those ergonomic grips. That’s a huge plus to get a bike at that price point with ergo grips.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Oh man, perhaps I cut that out! I actually filmed two full reviews and then edited them together to show different settings and times of day. Yeah, the ergonomic locking grips are awesome here. They are even Aventon branded :)

[@HumanPozole69]

@@ElectricBikeReview Nice ! gotta love the small details. Thank you for all you hard work and dedication throughout the years !!

[@EMVelez]

How does it do on step hills?

[@swilliammanera2491]

Good review. I have two. I agree with everything you covered. You mentioned a 14-34 freewheel as avaliable. Will you please let me know the source?

[@maxmajoros8917]

Nice review. Could the handlebars be swapped out, to something like drop handlebars?

[@iBike2Live]

Of course. For the RIGHT amount of money almost ANYTHING is doable. But would it be WORTH the many hundreds of dollars to make that happen? That would be a more important or relevant question, right? One would need NEW: handlebars, bar ends, bar tape, brake levers, integrated shifters, cable housing, different lengths of road bike cables for both brakes and single right-side shifter, and many, many hours of bike shop labor ( just to name a few items). 😅

[@aombarbor]

Do you know if this battery can be charge with noco boost pro gb150? please

[@BC4150]

You mentioned that the tires don't have puncture resistant liners. How can you tell by just looking if they have them or not?

[@jdubdoubleu]

What's the point of gears if it's electric?

[@birdsofafeather8368]

Would this be a good bike for someone who is not only a beginner to E-Bikes, but also somewhat rusty riding bikes in general?

[@tcrwild8422]

I been looking at this bike for while but i want more speed.. Not sure why they dont build a 28mph version.. I love the frame geometry.. Am looking at the pace 500. One thing i dont dig on aventon is those hanging cables up front the pace models have some sad hanging cables up front.. As a bike builder who builds all my own bikes that to me is a no go. I can fix that tho i believe..

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I think a Class 3 model that could reach 28mph would be a hit. It's easy to top 20mph with pedal power on a bike like this, and it would make commuting more enjoyable for a lot of riders.

[@ericschaefer7378]

You can go in the settings in the app and crank up the top speed to 28mph, its limited by the software not the motor.

[@zsirrr]

@@ericschaefer7378 anyone else confirm this? I know the pace bikes you can unlock the speed assist limit but I’ve never seen it done on the soltera

[@enRod.]

Amazing review!!

[@elevenAD]

Killer review!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks!

[@maxmajoros8917]

Does it go 20mph maximum? Like, does the motor have a limit if you were to try to pedal & accelerate faster than 20?

[@gipperize28]

Outstanding review

[@gbird5000]

I wonder if the motor is as loud irl as it sounds in the review

[@fishlanding]

what a great review..... I'm trying to decide between Aventon's Level 2 or this 7 speed Soltera

[@SnoopyReads]

Did you ever buy one?

[@rickb1387]

Nice review.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks Rick, this one was really fun. Aventon did a great job :D

[@peterobrien7465]

What about a bottle battery range extender. But nice bike

[@rsvp9816]

how many Total km of the lifetime of this bike, do you think it will last? or like a generalized answer to this question. lets say doing 30 KM commute a day total, life expetancy?

[@DarienChenOfficial]

Hi, I'm debating between getting this model or the Pace 350. Does anyone know if the screen is easily removable for both models? Would prefer a removable option for safety. Thanks!

[@1981missperfect]

I love this bike

[@Devin.McGrath.]

Wouldn't C02 reduction be bad for trees? Seems like two silly values that don't really correlate to anything.

[@corykayhoe1033]

The step through version should have a large size as well

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Is that a suggestion from you or did I miss something when I was studying the bike? I agree that a large mid-step frame would be great for taller riders who want a lower stand-over.

[@corykayhoe1033]

@@ElectricBikeReview yep just a suggestion I'm a bigger rider and a large mid-step would b easier to get on and off I love the reviews and the spot on information keep up the good work

[@kirbycvang]

Would it be possible to upgrade the cassette to higher gears and a rapid fire trigger shifter???

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think you could replace the freewheel that threads on (not cassette that slides onto splined hub) with the Shimano Mega Range option shown in the screenshot, and swap twist shifter for Shimano SIS Index thumb shifter, maybe some triggers?

[@EddieExists]

How tall are you and what's your inseam?

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

I have pretty much had it with these names coming to the West two years later when Alibaba was selling bikes similar directly from the manufacturer. 1,500 bucks buys much more nowadays and its ALL coming from China like it or not.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I think Aventon owns their factory in China, so they're a bit different. Unfortunately, I've heard that western companies will go there, share designs, invest in molds etc. and then the factory will break agreements and compete against them by selling through Alibaba etc. It's not as simple as everything being from China, there is a lot of dev work and money going into sales and support channels by western companies that is worth considering.

[@gctw2341]

What's the torque?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Glenn! I asked and didn't get info, also didn't get peak watt of the motor, just nominal. Sorry :)

[@duvalcapozzi5328]

Soltera or pace 500? More worth $300 more

[@davidmontgomery7657]

Great bike !...But I wish that the drivetrain was cassette vs freewheel.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

There would be more upgrade options in that case. I think they use freewheel to save cost.

[@makkiesteban4574]

I think I recognize this neighborhood. Do you live in BC?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I visit different areas in BC for reviews. Sometimes it's based off where the bike is being delivered or loaned from. This one came from Cit-E-Cycles. So, my girlfriend lives up in the city and I spend some time in Langley, PoCo, Port Moody, Delta, and I love the valley of Chilliwack but haven't filmed there yet ;) what area are you from Makki?

[@makkiesteban4574]

@@ElectricBikeReview Im in Coquitlam and live on the street you just rode by. :)

[@makkiesteban4574]

I really liked your review of the Banff bike by eprodigy. It inspired my ebike build with a Raleigh Sprite and a mid drive motor. I loved this Soltera though. Looks like a another good option for commuting. How is the 350w climbing the hills here in Coquitlam?

[@stkyfngez]

Great review! I also have a review video of this bike on my channel, I ride this thing everyday 👍

[@Arewethereyet69]

Would love to see this with some road bike handle bars, larger batter and higher speeds of 25-30 mph. Good review! Keep it up. Do you sell any of these bikes? Let me know.

[@davejohn5876]

Brake rotor size and wheel size have no relationship to one another. Rotor size is based gently on the weight of the over all bike. So the fact is that this uses 160 versus 180 millimeter rotors is just fine. I would think you reviewers with no this basic stuff.

[@mancello]

It makes no sense that they didn't include water bottle bosses on the seat tube. The designer must have been sleeping that day!

[@shaheerkhan5171]

Hey I am so confused between aventon pace 500 and this soltera 7s. Which one would you recommend live in downtown which has many of the things I need in the range of 5 to 18 kms range. Can the speed of the soltera match or increase the speed to pace 500 new one.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I am not sure about the speed, it's probably the same as the Pace 350 if they use the same motors. I think the Soltera uses more efficient tires that are lighter, narrower, and higher efficiency.

[@l.d.8697]

I wish the display had a clock.

[@johnnyk6906]

i am guessing all mid-motor bikes are $2k plus? these hub types aren't very "natural". I will pay $500 more for better Shimano Acera + with mid motor type which has better range per output.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

The mid-motors from Bosch, Brose, MAHLE, Yamaha, Shimano, and even some Bafang are pretty great. It is a different feel than cadence sensors, and even torque sensing hub motors. Not everyone has the extra money for it, but it can be worth it for sure... especially for the increased climbing power and efficiency if you also have gears and shift thoughtfully :)

[@hdtravel1]

Where is the Aventon Soltera made at ? I will only buy an American made e-bike.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Gary! Most ebikes and their underlying hardware is made in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Check out Electric Bike Company for a more US based company, they still use some parts from overseas but do a lot domestically electricbikereview.com/brand/electric-bike-company/

[@TheBrooklynfoo]

seems like a missed opportunity to pair with the phone and not allow google maps or strava to plan a ride. all the gimmicky stuff i can do without.

[@Durangokid2013]

Is nobody else concerned that most Aventons have no front suspension?

[@mikehogan6268]

Aventon is complete trash - their customer service is woefully disappointing.

[@hdtravel1]

I contacted Aventon and their bikes are made in China - I will pass - I will only buy a USA made bike Thank you for reaching out! Aventon e-bikes are made in China in our own Factory, with further assembly and inspection in our Southern California HeadQuarters USA.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I feel you on this Gary, wish the world was a more peaceful and equitable place. Doing my best to treat the people I work with, and you guys, with respect and care.

[@stoutdog56]

I empathize with your thinking given the current world situation, but Taiwan is free China unlike the mainland. I would like to see more industries return to the US, but so many US companies rely on Taiwanese labor and industry.