Aventon Trava EXP: Keyless e-bike on test

A price-performance ratio like Cube, but technology like Specialized? Aventon has big plans for the market launch in Europe. Until now, Aventon has only been available overseas. The brand has made a name for itself with single-speed bikes. For Europe, the Californians are now focussing on a completely different strategy. We have already tested the technology-focussed E-MTB Current here.

As a touring bike, the Trava is also pumped full of technology. The smart features are even more evident here than on the much more expensive E-MTB. Wide tyres with tread, long suspension forks and suspension supports also ensure comfort off the beaten track. The user-friendly electronics should offer real added value in everyday life.

Aventon Trava: Smart technology for everyday life

This includes security features such as GPS tracking via SIM card and a motion alarm. However, Aventon also utilises tech solutions that we have not yet seen from other companies. For example, geo-fencing can be used to set up a fixed movement frame for the bike. And instead of using a classic frame lock, the rear wheel can be secured via a bolt on the rear wheel if desired.

The battery itself is also unlocked electronically. You don't need a key. The practical thing is that many functions such as the frame and battery lock can be activated not only via the app, but also via the bike's menu. This also includes fine-tuning the support levels.

Annoying fiddling with the smartphone is often a thing of the past. You can also set up a six-digit PIN to unlock the bike. It is simply entered using the four-way switch. Up, down, left, right. This works much better than most number-based solutions that we know from other bikes.

Top model at a fair price

Our test bike, the Aventon Trava EXP, is already the top model in the range for just 3899 euros - this is where the fun begins for many classic touring e-bikes. The Enviolo Automatiq gears, the low-maintenance belt, the functional air suspension fork, a suspension seat post and powerful brakes are already on the plus side.

If you're looking more closely at the price, you can also get the Trava for 1000 euros less with a steel suspension fork and derailleur gears. The tech features are the same except for the automatic gearshift. In addition to the step-through version, the bike is of course also available with a diamond frame.

Before we set off on tour, we set up the bike for ourselves. With the numerous test bikes at MYBIKE, this is not usually my favourite task. Download the app, create a user account, add the bike. With Aventon, however, everything works smoothly and SIM tracking with your own mobile phone access costs nothing extra, but is included for eight years.

The motion alarm via push notification and tracking work well from a standing start. You can't say that about some competitors. For transport, the alarm beeping can be temporarily switched off via the app to spare travellers' nerves.

>> Smart city e-bike with GPS tracking put to the test: Ampler Nova Pro

Powerful and comfortable

Aventon was able to continue its good first impression in the driving test. The powerful Ultro S motor with 90 Newton metres of torque uses hardware from the Chinese motor specialist Gobao. The drive is nice and quiet when riding. The Auto support mode covers all applications apart from explicit battery saving. The large 800-metre battery also makes long tours possible without any problems.

For a step-through bike, the handling is dynamic and direct. Even with a medium-weight pannier, the steering hardly flutters - otherwise a common problem with wave frames. And the riding comfort is absolutely top thanks to a usable air fork and suspension support. You sit very upright on the Trava. The sporty, straight handlebars still provide a lot of control and comfort.

Automatic gearstick and well thought-out parts

We were surprised by the simple Tektro brakes. The four-piston calliper at the front in particular is very powerful. The brake discs are particularly thick. This promises uncomplicated everyday performance. Wheels in 27.5 inch provide lively handling.

Thanks to the continuously variable Enviolo-Automatiq circuit (tested here) you can ride the bike well without even using one of the two remotes. In our opinion, this is one of the few truly convincing automatic shifting systems. We would only activate the manual option in exceptional situations.

Only on sporty bends did the gearstick sometimes get confused and get stuck in fifth virtual gear. Improvements could be made here, as well as with some of the bumpy gear ratios in the Aventon app.

Otherwise, the criticism is very limited. The stable rear rack has angular struts and did not always harmonise well with our panniers. The bike is also difficult to grip without a handle if you have to climb a few steps. However, the workmanship of our test bike leaves nothing to be desired.

The Aventon Trava EXP at a glance

Strengths

• Price-performance ratio
• High level of comfort and wide range of applications
• Exciting technology

Weaknesses

• Frame difficult to grip
• Luggage carrier does not fit all panniers

>> No more wrong gear? Enviolo's stepless gearstick in the test

>> Aventon Current EXP: How to ride the sporty E-MTB from Aventon