Aventon Ramblas EMTB Review
When most direct-to-consumer e-bike manufacturers claim to have made an eMTB, the offerings often fall short of the necessities required for genuine off-road riding.
Essential components such as a quality suspension fork and an 11-speed drivetrain are frequently lacking, leaving riders wanting. However, the Aventon Ramblas challenges these shortcomings and delivers a robust performance that redefines expectations.
Performance and Handling
The Aventon Ramblas stands out with its 66.5-degree head tube angle and a 44mm-rake suspension fork, which set the tone for its handling capabilities. These features make it behave like a true eMTB, particularly on descents and through turns. A steeper head tube angle would have compromised control on steep or fast terrain. The inclusion of a dropper post further enhances its performance, allowing for confident navigation of steep descents without the fear of going over the handlebars.
Tubeless Tyres: A Minor Flaw
While the Ramblas impresses in many areas, it misses the mark by not incorporating tubeless tires. Tubeless setups offer reduced rolling resistance, improved traction, and the ability to run lower air pressures, enhancing comfort and reducing the likelihood of flats. This omission is a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar eMTB, but it’s not a deal-breaker given the bike’s overall performance and affordability.
Range and Power
Range Rating: 4.9
Estimated Range (from Aventon): Up to 80 miles
The Aventon Ramblas is powered by a 36V, 250W mid-drive motor with a torque sensor that delivers 100Nm of torque. This collaboration with Gobao marks a new direction for Aventon, as they typically use 750W hub motors in their models. Despite the smaller motor, the mid-drive system multiplies its effort through the bike’s drivetrain, providing a seamless and efficient riding experience. The torque sensor ensures the motor’s output is precisely adjusted to match the rider’s effort, resulting in an intuitive and powerful ride.
While the A100 motor impresses with its power, it lacks some of the refinement found in motors from Bosch or Specialized. There is a slight drag when pedalling with the motor off, and it operates louder than its high-end counterparts. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall performance and price point.
Battery and Riding Experience
The Ramblas is equipped with a 708Wh battery using LG cells, promising up to 80 miles on a single charge. This capacity ensures riders can enjoy extended rides without worrying about running out of power. The absence of a throttle and a maximum assist speed of 20 mph make the Ramblas compliant with Class 1 e-bike regulations, allowing it to be ridden on most trail systems that permit e-bikes.
Components and Build
Aventon has equipped the Ramblas with high-quality components, ensuring it can handle technical terrain effectively:
Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with an 11-50t cassette offers a nearly 500% gear range, making it suitable for a variety of terrains.
Brakes: Powerful 4-piston DB8 hydraulic disc brakes with a 200mm rotor on the front and a 180mm rotor on the rear provide reliable stopping power.
Dropper Post: The inclusion of a dropper post (120mm travel for small size, 150mm for medium, large, and XL) allows for quick seat adjustments, essential for technical descents.
Tyres: Maxxis Recon tyres offer excellent traction, though the lack of tubeless compatibility is noted.
User Interface and App
The Ramblas features a smaller, full-colour LCD display tucked behind the handlebar, reducing the risk of damage during falls. Riders can choose from three PAS levels: Eco, Trail, and Turbo. The accompanying smartphone app allows users to fine-tune the assistance levels, maximum torque, and acceleration characteristics, providing a high degree of control over the bike’s performance.
Conclusion
The Aventon Ramblas is an exceptional eMTB that defies expectations for a direct-to-consumer model. It combines quality components, a powerful motor, and thoughtful design to deliver an outstanding off-road experience. While it may not compete with high-end models like the Specialized Turbo Levo, it opens up technical trail riding to a broader audience at an accessible price point.
Aventon’s decision to offer the Ramblas in four sizes and with different wheel sizes for better handling further demonstrates their commitment to quality. Despite a few minor flaws, the Aventon Ramblas is poised to be a game-changer in the sub-$3000 eMTB market and could well be a contender for e-bike of the year.
