Aventon Current test: Innovative e-bike at the best price?

The Californians from Aventon did not make it easy for themselves. After all, it is not a matter of course for a bike brand to rely on a drive system developed in-house for its debut in the e-MTB segment. Where other manufacturers use established systems from Bosch or Avinox "off the shelf", Aventon dares to go its own way. Software, battery, controls, app - the Aventon Current has all been developed in-house.

The Aventon Current combines a carbon main frame with an aluminium rear triangle. The chassis offers 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 140 millimetres at the rear, rolling on 29-inch wheels.

In the video: BIKE checks out the Aventon Current

The down tube houses an 800 watt-hour battery that can be removed from the bottom - a design that is intended to make the bike lighter and stiffer. With success: the top model Current EXP in size L weighs just 23.8 kilograms. This is by no means a record, but it is a more than respectable figure for an e-MTB with a large, removable battery in this price range. Comparable bikes in our last test of proven E-All-Mountains around 5000 euros weighed between 24.2 and 25.8 kilos.

The drive system

The centrepiece is the Aventon Ultro X motor, which the Californians developed in collaboration with motor specialist Gobao. With 120 Newton metres of maximum torque and 850 watts of peak power, the drive offers absolutely solid power.

The touch display in the top tube is particularly noteworthy. The display impresses with its sharp and clear presentation, and the touch function works reliably even when wearing gloves and in the rain. Numerous details can be set directly via the menu, such as the order of the support levels or the "Wheel Lift Control" feature - an algorithm that helps to keep the front wheel on the ground in a controlled manner on steep climbs. The remote lever runs wirelessly, eliminating the need for an additional cable and therefore a potential source of error.

The Current's E-System also comes with special features that are usually found in higher price segments: GPS tracking with theft protection ex works, an alarm system that is unfortunately a little too quiet, and an app packed with functions. Aventon has thought of many details during development and thus offers a welcome alternative to e-mountainbikes with standard drives.

On the trail

The engine makes a good impression right from the start. Above all, it drives smoothly and naturally. It engages directly without being gruff or harsh, and this also applies to the release of power. In keeping with this, the drive noise also remains discreet. In terms of power, the Ultro X feels particularly powerful at the bottom, i.e. when pedalling slowly. On steep sections, it consistently pushes upwards. This is particularly helpful when the cadence cannot be kept up or you get stuck on steps. Aventon specifies up to 120 Newton metres - and the feeling is: Yes, that's right. This really strong thrust at a low cadence is characteristic of this motor.

The Current is fairly uncomplicated to steer uphill. The rider sits comfortably in the centre of the bike and thus retains control with ease. The low cockpit puts a lot of pressure on the front wheel and the bike easily follows the line you take. With the moderate geometry, the bike doesn't develop a life of its own and remains stable and easy to handle even at slower speeds. In technical sections, however, the traction at the rear could be better and when things get really steep, you have to actively keep the Current in check and consciously shift your weight forwards.

Uncomplicated and moderate is also the motto when going downhill. The Current is not a downhill extremo that only comes to life at full throttle. Instead, the Current is an emphatically relaxed bike. It feels most at home on fun trails that aren't too rough. It strikes a good compromise between riding safety and agility. When the going gets steep and rough, the low front end takes away confidence and safety. A higher handlebar with more rise can help. This makes the Current more comfortable on tours and safer off-road.

The inexpensive Lyrik suspension fork is sensitive and fluffy, but can't counteract too much pressure. In other words: with the low front end, the fork dives too much on steep sections. This also improves with a higher front end. Overall, the suspension is solid, especially if you keep the fair price of this bike in mind.

Slight compromises have to be made due to the somewhat poor choice of tyres. So, tuning tip number two: new tyres should be fitted to the bike for serious off-road riding. More grip at the front, more puncture protection at the rear. This will significantly improve the Aventon's handling qualities and riding safety and won't cost the earth. The Aventon Current EXP then mutates into a successful all-rounder at a fair price. One flaw: unfortunately, the motor rattles noticeably downhill, as we've heard from other candidates.

The price must always be kept clearly in mind when categorising this E-MTB: Because of course there are bikes that perform even more consistently on the trail. But they can cost twice as much as the Current EXP.

From 3999 Euro

The Current is available in two versions: In addition to the top model Current EXP presented here for 5499 euros, there is the Current Advanced with aluminium frame for 3999 euros. The entry-level model also offers solid equipment with hardly any noticeable disadvantages off-road - a real option for price-conscious bikers. The biggest difference is probably the weight.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Fair price
• Intuitive operation and handling
• Successful motor system
• 150 kg permissible total weight

Weaknesses

• Restrictions on driving safety on rough terrain
• Engine rattles when travelling downhill