Step Through vs. Step-Over | 10 Factors To Consider | Aventon Pace

[@BretBenson]

I would add 1 more consideration having to do with balance when stopped. As a guy whose had a broken back and neck I have some balance and back strength issues so a step through Bike would seem like a no brainer. At home I typically ride a standard bike( non electric) with a cross bar. Yes, swinging my leg over is problematic and I have found myself laying on the ground looking at the sky a few times after trying to mount my bike. I've found this issue can be easily overcome by laying the bike down, stepping over it and raising the bike back up underneath me. Last fall, on a trip to Alaska in Anchorage I rented an electric bike ( Aventon Pace 500 which over all I thought was a great bike). I opted for the step through model. At some point during the 30 or so mile ride I stopped to read a sign. When I stopped and straddled the bike and it kind of got out of balance, fell over and took me with it. I fell on my side and had sore ribs for the next week or so. What I have figured out since, replicating the scenario with my cross bar bike at home, is the cross bar can help to stabilize the bike between your legs when stopped. If I had a cross bar bike this fall may have been avoided???.

[@scottr303]

Thanks for your story. Just today I ordered a step through since a nerve seizure in my leg effected my standing balance. (once riding I'm fine) I will see how I can stabilize the bike while standing still. The top bar does help.

[@mbarb54]

Very helpfuul. There were definitely some things I wouldn't have thought about. Thanks!

[@nelsonleemiller]

Nice, I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@peppytechie]

Love your videos. Really need a video that explains the difference between assist and gear changing. Sort of a how to and a Why you chose each assist with the corresponding gears. Thanks. My Pace 500.3 will be here tomorrow, from the dealer. Very excited to get out and ride it. Had a knee replacement 13 weeks ago, and I'm so ready to get on this bike and ride, but have some assistance if I need it. Thanks again for the hard work I know goes into creating videos.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Great suggestion! I have been thinking about this topic also, it's something I would love to explain.

[@stulys9349]

I'm 50 and bought my first step through. I'm really liking it BUT it has also disvantages. I had to buy a new bike rack. I don't have place for the water bottle unless I block the step through area. I live in a hilly area and when I go full speed downhill it's clearly less stabile so I Lowered my top speed. For long rides i had a frame bag with space for my smartphone for navigation use. Certainly the last remark is frustrating since most step through don't have flat steering bar so it's hard to fit a mount on there. I don't regret my choice but it Has disadvantages!

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yes, there are pros and cons for sure. I have not noticed any stability difference. I got a strap on water bottle for longer rides.

[@MatthewSSchwartz]

I’ve been agonizing over whether to get a step over or step through… I love the clay color of the level two, but everyone told me step through was much better. I never thought about the water bottle thing. I think I’m closer to making my decision!

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yes a lot of factors to consider!

[@mbarb54]

Your comparison is very helpful as I noted in previous comment. After testing both a step over and a step through., I do like the step over model but ultimately decided to go with the step through. I'm not getting any younger so not having to swing my leg over the saddle is appealing. I'll have to get the extra bar to use with my hitch rack and while I don't really want the water bottle up by my handlebars, I'll get used to it. Thanks again for a good comparison.

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the comparison! Hopefully the bike rack adapter bar is working okay for you. I hope the bike rack market catches up to step thru bikes soon.

[@DrCarlLadd]

Thanks for the walk through - very helpful!

[@nelsonleemiller]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@rousefire]

I just bought a Level 2 step over. I'm 67 and should have bought a step through. Its difficult for me to get on.

[@nelsonleemiller]

I definitely think step thru are becoming popular for a reason. I also wish I had it sometimes.

[@mbarb54]

This was very helpful however I just learned that the step over is being discontinued and they are getting hard to find as inventory is low. Unfortunately, I'd prefer the step over. I also see they added a gray color to the step through line which to me is better than the 2 existing colors.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Oh interesting, I did not realize that but perhaps it makes sense for them to have less SKUs and maybe step thru is just much more popular.

[@SirSidi]

does the frame type change the body position when you are riding? because it seems to that it is easier to keep a straight back position when riding the low step bike than it is with a high step? it also seems to me that in a low step, the handle bars are usually higher than in the other type? thing which allow sitting up straight. is this true? Thanks for the video.. very helpful

[@nelsonleemiller]

I believe the Aventon bikes are exactly the same. I am not sure about other brands, but these are the same except the bar.

[@charlesyuhuadi]

It looks awesome! Could you please measure its actual weight below, I'm curious if it's really 52lbs?

[@cqeggegg]

You got few good points there. After watching your video I think I will go for step over. Thanks for your comments. Can you mount a water bottle cage on the step over?

[@nelsonleemiller]

You can purchase strap on water bottles, that's the one negative about it.

[@cqeggegg]

@@nelsonleemiller Thanks, I never thought about the strap on.

[@nelsonleemiller]

There's quite a few options now online because of all the bikes being released lately with this kind of frame.

[@kfukawa]

Thanks for the video. Is there a difference in how you sit / your posture while riding the Pace 500 step through vs the step over? I've only tried the step through and found it to be very comfortable and relaxed vs. a regular step over bike. I was hoping the Pace 500 step over riding posture was the same as their step through. Do you find them the same?

[@nelsonleemiller]

No, they are the same handlebars, stem, and seatpost. It's only the frame that is different.

[@kfukawa]

Thanks for the info, Nelson.

[@edwardbrogan7341]

After buying an ebike rack for our aventon pace 500.2’s for $350 and tried to use it,ugh! We decided to break the bank n buy the thule easy fold,tho expensive the best ebike rack you can buy! You only buy it once ! Highly recommend !!

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yes those are very good.

[@jonnystarr4975]

I would never buy something for the rack

[@janasibley7480]

Is the rear rack that is offered the same for either the step over large or step through regular?

[@nelsonleemiller]

That's a good question, I assume so since I don't see anything specifiee about frame size, but I cannot be sure.

[@zion_on_the_mountain]

Hi!! Thanks for the video:) Do you think one of these two bike shapes would be gentler on the human body ergonomically speaking?

[@nelsonleemiller]

Everything about the bike is exactly the same, the handlebars, seat, pedals, so I don't think it affects anything other than getting on and off.

[@ebcoleman1]

Guess what....you can also get on a step-through bike from the back if that's what you're used to. So you have two options instead of one with step-through. Comes in handy when you have a rear rack loaded up.

[@nelsonleemiller]

For sure 👍

[@amybaron3468]

What about the weight of each? And the weight of the battery (that may be taken off prior to lifting to lighten the load)?

[@nelsonleemiller]

The weight is about 52 each. The battery is about 8 pounds.

[@avcreations2494]

Great... thanks

[@nelsonleemiller]

You're welcome!

[@billzreviews9973]

Hello, Is this available in Canada ?

[@nelsonleemiller]

I don't know, sorry. You can certainly ask Aventon

[@rahorin]

If you just using it to commute step through style...everytime. If you plan to take it off road on bike trails having the light weight + strength in one bike step over style is the way to go.

[@SciHeartJourney]

I'm just trying to find out what is a STEP THROUGH bike? Frustrating that nobody just SHOWS US! 😖

[@nelsonleemiller]

Well I'm glad you found my video where I SHOW YOU 😉

[@FishHardGetLucky]

How tall are you?

[@nelsonleemiller]

Just over 5'-11"

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm not sure what you mean

[@nelsonleemiller]

Haha you're so funny. Actually the way the English language works, the next implied interval would be the maximum limit, so that means my answer stated that I was between 5'-11" and 6'. But to humor you, I'm 5'-11 and 3/16"

[@nelsonleemiller]

Thank you so much for your help, I have edited my reply above 😁

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm not sure what you mean by your comment. Aventon has two frame sizes - regardless of step over or step through. There is nothing else to mention.

[@stulys9349]

To be honest, your saddle height is too low for your height so mounting the step over would be harder in normal circumstances.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Perhaps different, but I'm not sure a higher seatpost would make it harder.

[@knowone6214]

Thanks Captain Obvious....LOL

[@nelsonleemiller]

You're welcome! And speaking of caption obvious, obviously you didn't think of all of these.