Why I Chose The Aventon Pace 500 vs. The Level

[@barry7920]

Especially for older riders or those with some issues - with hands, wrists, neck or back, the comfort bike geometry can improve comfort while riding significantly. The Pace 500.3 has those high, swept-back handlebars to address the above, plus the step-though model has a generous space to swing your leg through while mounting for those with limited range of motion or balance problems. I also added a Specialized comfort bike saddle and a suspension seatpost. Love this bike.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Thanks for sharing! Yes the suspension seatpost is a must-have, highly recommend as well!

[@mattius459]

Another reason you don't need suspension on the Pace is that, due to the sitting position, your hands are not resting as hard on the handlebars as they are on the level, and as a result your arms are taking a lot less shock than they are on the level.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yes exactly! In my first 100 miles I only missed it once in a rough gravel road, otherwise I never think about it.

[@fveestudiosdjfrankiefedora5475]

Thank you very much. I bought 2 pace 500.3 I was beating myself up over this front fork thing as well. No more I am comfortable on the pace, appreciate your help

[@nelsonleemiller]

I know exactly what you mean! I'm glad my experience was helpful to you.

[@lita4458]

I have zero explanation for this - But I did test rides on multiple bikes yesterday, all had front suspension, except the Pace 500.3. This was on downtown streets full.of.potholes & bumps. The Pace 500.3 was the only bike that I didn't feel the road in an utterly detrimental.manner. I have no explanation.for it. But simply adding to the argument that the suspension is not as big of a factor that one thinks it is, at this level of purchase.

[@srobeck77]

You wooulnt notice a front fork on the Pace upright frame on paved roads. That said, a suspension seat post is a nice upgrade

[@porterbrass]

Bought the level.2 for my wife, raised and changed the handle bars to swept back style. Also switched out the seat to a Cloud 9. So now it’s sort of a pace/level bike with a slightly better derailleur and front suspension. With these mods, my wife LOVES her bike. Plus it’s pink!

[@nelsonleemiller]

Glad you found what works best for your wife! 👍

[@lita4458]

You're so right. It really does come down to everyone's personal best ft & riding style. I went in the bike shop wanting to upgrade to a Gazelle Medeo,.was positive that was my choice (and they have better customer service, it aeems which is important to me). They have a Bosch motor and battery. Would never worry about extra batteries in rhe future. I wanted it & was suee. Came our wirh a Pace 500.3. 😊 It was all abour fit and how the ride felt. Eberyone should be test riding. Theae are big purchases.

[@packinpattie1675]

I wanted what both had to offer. I wanted the front suspension, as well as the fenders and back rack, but I also wanted the swept back handlebars with adjustable stem. So I just purchased the Level 2 and am having the Pace stem and handlebars retrofitted on it. Can’t wait to get it any day now and try it out. A big benefit of purchasing from a local dealer!

[@jm5732]

I had the same thoughts...spoke to them about doing the same possibly later. Hope it worked out...waiting on my Level 2 in a week or so.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Sounds like a popular thing! I'm still not convinced the Level has anything I'd want. I am loving the Pace.

[@bbbbbb-i2b]

Thank you for helping me decide on Pace

[@kelviskelvis7140]

Three weeks in and happy with our purchase. We bought the Pace 500.3 in both step over and step through versions. (I am tall) The up right cruiser riding position was the deciding factor for us. The adjustable handle bar position is important to find that right feel. We added both the fenders (for puddle splashes) and rear racks (for carrying things like extra water and dry towels) as accessories. Aventon has done a good job with the torque sensor programming, the peddle assist is very smooth and feels natural. A well rounded model for parks and bike paths, just watch local signage restrictions for classes 1,2 and 3 on public lands. The federal park rangers seem to be well versed on ebike models and classifications. Our average rides so far have been about 40 miles with battery charge to spare, keeping throttle usage light.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Awesome to hear, thanks for sharing! We are absolutely loving them too!

[@Morpheus197]

This helped me out a lot. I am looking at the Pace 500, Level 2, and Velotric, and I see myself really enjoying the Pace.

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm glad to hear that! I also recommend a suspension seatpost, I just posted a new video about it.

[@centralny753]

We have two Pace 500,s first Gen for the same reason that you have explained. We love them and have served us well with no issues. keep on exploring weather by bike or RV. 🚲

[@nelsonleemiller]

That's great to hear you still love them! We are enjoying them very much.

[@peppytechie]

Nice video! Subbed. Keep up the videos on the Aventon! Thank you for talking about the fork. I have also had a suspension fork, on my regular bike. I ride a flat trail but it is mostly gravel, with some rough spots. So I was worried. Your explanation of the fork was great. The salesperson I worked with also felt that the seat post upgrade was a better choice.

[@nelsonleemiller]

I have a lot of videos planned, just didn't get time yet - thanks for the push. Yes I have no regrets at all with this bike, we absolutely love them and everyone who tries them says the same.

[@mooninthewater3705]

Very helpful! I've been wondering to get the Pace or the Level, and this confirms the Pace for me.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BillyBob-me6gv]

Great video! I originally purchased the Pace-2 after 75 miles exchange it for the Level-2 because of front shocks and swapped handlebars with the Pace ( there interchangeable with a little work) it's more of an upright riding position also added the seat post shock. Of course it depends on road surfaces but on long rides those additions makes for a much more comfortable ride. As an older rider the level-2 was a better fit for me I highly recommend using a dealer much less hassle when something's wrong. Seat post shock and the step through model would be my choice

[@nelsonleemiller]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TwoWheelWarrior]

Wow. This video took things to the next Level. Not sure I can keep up with this Pace.

[@awjake137]

I've got gen1 and gen2. Love the comfort of the cruiser position. But knowing that you can go high speed if you want is so cool. Sometimes you may find yourself running a little late on your commute🤣

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm so glad you are enjoying the bikes! We are absolutely loving ours!

[@melinda1145]

Love my Pace 500.3. I bought it because of all the reasons you mentioned. The swept back handle bars. Comfortable hand grips. I will get a suspension seat as it feels a lot more rough and bumpy than my standard bike. Maybe because of the wider tires. Love it though! I also added a gel seat cover purched at Walmart and that helped a lot with the bumps.

[@nelsonleemiller]

That's great to hear! I would highly recommend the Suntour suspension seatpost, in my opinion it is essential and totally with the money. These bikes place more of the rider's weight on the seat, so this is a good place to add comfort.

[@stevenhess9502]

Yeah. Getting over the suspension fork. I'm trying. 😄 Thanks!

[@nelsonleemiller]

You got this!

[@srobeck77]

Get a gel seat cover and a suspension seat post and you wouldnt even notice it. Actually those 2 upgrades would provide more suspension then then front suspension would

[@Thomas-ZET]

Great comparison, my wife got the pace and I got the level, I will be adding a riser for the handle bars and the seat suspension

[@nelsonleemiller]

The suspension seatpost is amazing.

[@mbarb54]

I've been considering the Pace 500.3 so your review was very helpful. I think front suspension is over rated. I've never had a bike with front suspension. Another benefit of the Pace is it is lighter in weight compared to the level. Now I'm off to my LBS for a test ride!

[@nelsonleemiller]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the review! Yes I do think the front suspension is overrated. We have not even thought about it being missing. But we do have good seatpost shocks.

[@markbabcock40205]

Nice comparisons. My wife bought the Pace 500.3 step through. I'm undecided but before your vid I was thinking the Level with adding the Pace stem & bars to get the upright riding position. Lack of suspension was a concern but gotta rethink!

[@nelsonleemiller]

It was a tough decision at first for me, but I believe ultimately I had to realize what my riding style really was. I'm at the point where I prefer the cruiser style. I will say that I think the Suntour suspension seat post makes a huge difference, almost essential. I rode about 10 miles this week on bumpy roads and at the end I realized that I didn't even notice the bumps on my handlebars. Sure, they were there, but I didn't think about it since my body and most of my weight was on the suspension seat.

[@mattius459]

​@@nelsonleemiller You don't need suspension on the Pace. Due to the sitting position, your hands are not resting as hard on the handlebars as they are on the level, and as a result your arms are taking a lot less shock than they are on the level. I say this as a level owner.

[@nelsonleemiller]

@@mattius459 Yes that's what I noticed too, the shock should be in the seat on the Pace.

[@peterwinkler8382]

Thanks! Great video. I was thinking Level 2, but you may be changing my mind.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Glad it was helpful! I always recommend riding both first, it will help your decision.

[@bbqturtle]

excited to watch about the suspension seatpost - I'm on the fence between buying one/not for my pace next gen.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Great, it is amazing! I did a video with my camera mounted on my seatpost before and after and it's unbelievable how well it works.

[@kiaf2106]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you

[@nelsonleemiller]

You're welcome, I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@honestnewsnet]

Adjustable stem is available online for 80.00 for level 2. Also Aventon offers stem for 12.00 ea bear in mind this is not adjustable on level 2 like the 80.00 stem.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Right, I don't think the riding position of the Level requires an adjustment stem, but nice it is available.

[@luisa.adrianzafaria2515]

Good review! Helping me decide.. what about the motors? 759 vs 500 is that not a big deal? Thanks

[@nelsonleemiller]

The Level shows the motor as 500w sustained and 750w peak, but the Pace just says 500w so not sure on the sustained vs peak for the Pace. It all depends on how you plan to ride. For a cruiser style, the Pace is plenty of power and I've never noticed any issue.

[@charlesyuhuadi]

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

[@SnoopyReads]

That black Pace looks badass, and I prefer that streamlined look compared to the chunky Level

[@nelsonleemiller]

I really do like the Pace, it's perfect for me.

[@SnoopyReads]

@@nelsonleemiller i actually bought the Level on Facebook because it was only 1000 used, it's great, but I do wonder about the lighter Pace

[@honestnewsnet]

The Pace should come stock with rear rack and fenders. Just as level should come stock with adjustable stem.

[@RobertRobert-zh2ez]

I agree!!!! That's the first upgrade I did. The second upgrade was a suntour ncx suspension seatpost. The third upgrade was tannus tire liners. The next upgrade will be the front rack.

[@nelsonleemiller]

The Level is not a cruiser though, so the adjustable stem is not seen as important.

[@srobeck77]

@@RobertRobert-zh2ez the 5th upgrade shud be a gel seat cover

[@RobertRobert-zh2ez]

@@srobeck77 good idea

[@gregmuniec3088]

Great review. How much extra height does the seat post add vs the stock one?

[@nelsonleemiller]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! It is about 3" extra height with the suspension seat post compared to the regular.

[@ianwells5414]

Pace 500 is also a lot lighter, which makes it more manuverable, liftable, storable and less threatening to pedestrians when your riding around them.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Excellent point, the weight is very impressive compared to similar models from other companies too.

[@JeffVicary]

I was wondering about your suspension seat post, I looked for a video on it but have not seen anything yet. Can I ask what size post will fit the Aventon Pace 500.3?

[@nelsonleemiller]

Sorry I forgot to post it, I will!

[@lobilly]

Nelson Can you please share the link for the seat post and the shim?

[@nelsonleemiller]

I have a separate video about the seatpost, with all the links there. Can you see it on my profile?

[@lobilly]

@@nelsonleemiller Yes. Should have checked.

[@michaelwintemute3670]

You need both bikes to do this comparison. You compare saddles, seating positions, etc. Without both bikes I have to “imagine” the differences. Also one is 500 watt and one is 750 watt motor. Was this considered in your decision?

[@nelsonleemiller]

@@michaelwintemute3670 Which part of the video are you referring to? Did you watch it?

[@michaelwintemute3670]

@ yes I watched the video. Your video explains that you chose one bike over another. Particularly focusing on the seating position. But if I have to visualize the seating position rather than seeing the seating position of the second bike I’m not seeing the point of this being a video. Also you don’t address the apparent differences in the motor or battery power and if that comparison made a difference in your decision.

[@nelsonleemiller]

The premise of this video assumes you already are aware of the Aventon Level and are trying to decide which is best for you. That's why everyone else is finding it so incredibly helpful.

[@chipulm9346]

You should not be able to touch the ground when sitting on the seat, your leg should be slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke and the pedal isn't on the ground. I've been looking at the Level, but after your discussion of the poor suspension fork, I may look elsewhere. Our current suspension forks aren't entry level and have lockouts.

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yes the lower leg should be at a 15 degree angle for optimal efficiency. However, keep in mind that will be different for cruisers vs a mountain bike for example, especially a cruiser ebike. To clarify, I didn't say the Level suspension fork was poor, but it is basic as far as I know.

[@joedwc]

The level’s fork has a lockout

[@lizc7090]

Can you ride on light trails with the seat suspension?

[@nelsonleemiller]

The seatpost suspension is amazing, in my opinion. I'll be posts visit soon about it. It really works for any bumps.

[@lizc7090]

@@nelsonleemiller how does it feel going over gravel?

[@opinionator3884]

The Level is a commuter bike instead of a cruiser or fat tire (Aventure).

[@nelsonleemiller]

Yeah they say that. I'm personally not clear if it's supposed to be a mountain bike or a city bike. (Fat tire does not equal mountain bike)

[@srobeck77]

Pace is the most comfy commuter bike. Level is a light off-road. Adventure is full heavy off road. Fatter tires use up more battery.

[@bobsibert1968]

The 500 has a crappy little battery??

[@nelsonleemiller]

Is this a question? If so, try using your words.

[@srobeck77]

Are drunk? That thing is huge

[@honestnewsnet]

Why don’t these stupid ebike companies give customers what they want instead of what they think the customer wants???

[@nelsonleemiller]

I think some competitors like Mokwheel are trying, check it out.

[@srobeck77]

Companies try to make what the sells most, so Im not sure where you came up with this odd notion.

[@Yomomsaltima]

Fenders went in the trash on my level rack I kept

[@nelsonleemiller]

Interesting

[@srobeck77]

On my Pace I bought a rear rack with a solid bottom that acts just like a fender if you drive over a puddle

[@kenrichmond6906]

Or just get the Aventure and go anywhere you like.

[@nelsonleemiller]

This video is not about that. I definitely don't want a bike that weighs that much, and fat tires are a weird trend that is not proactical.

[@srobeck77]

Nah Pace 500 is superior on paved roads (upright frame, cruiser handlebars, lighter weight, and more miles because of skinnier, flat tires). Aventure is off roading and less comfy leaning forward aggressive biking.