Earlier this month I was invited to Huntington Beach, California to check out Aventon's new e-cargo bike, the Abound SR (Short Rack). Unlike the existing Abound, this new version is slightly taller and features a shorter wheelbase, better stem and stack height, and more comfortable handlebars.
My office for the day… (Photos / Ron Frazelle)
The new Class 2 Abound SR receives Aventon's new Electronic Control Unit (ACU). This new ACU offers smart security features such as 4G and GPS tracking, remote locking and an alarm system. There are other features that I will discuss below.
The new size of the bike makes it easier to ride and maneuver as well as park and store. Still an extremely capable e-cargo bike, the Abound SR is great for transporting the kids to school, grocery shopping, commuting, and other errands. It's a real multitasker.
It has a range of up to 60 miles and a top speed of 20 miles per hour, which can be unlocked to 25 miles per hour in the app. The new, lower access frame makes it easier to get on and off. It uses a 750W 36V rear hub motor and also has a payload capacity of 440 pounds.
Plenty of SR detail and retail
Retail: $2199
- Frame: 6061 gravity cast aluminum
- New display unit with 3 levels of pedal assistance: Eco, Sport, Turbo
- Rear hub drive motor with 80 Nm torque
- Battery, Aventon 36V, 20Ah, 708Wh, LG 21700 cells
- Weight: 80 pounds
- ACU – Aventon control unit with intelligent safety and driving functions
- Suspension seat post
- The scope of delivery includes luggage racks, mudguards and mesh wheel protection
- Quill stem with BMX handlebars
- Tektro hydraulic brakes
- Shimano Altus 8-speed drive.
- Smart Lock Stand
- Double sided bottom bracket torque sensor
- Three colors: Haze, Stealth and Cobalt
First thoughts on the Abound SR
My wife and I have been tinkering with the original Abound e-cargo bike for almost a year and are very happy with it. So when I attended the launch of the Abound SR in Aventon, I was curious to see what changes they would make to what I thought was already a great e-cargo bike.
I was impressed with the changes made. These weren't changes for the sake of change. The new Abound SR's updates improve the already great Abound platform, such as the new and improved display.
It was nice to see. I'm a fan of most of the newer motorcycles that Aventon has released. In addition to the OG Unbound eCargo offering, there is, for example, the Ramblas, an affordable and fun e-MTB with lots of features and ideal for someone interested in e-mountain bikes.
Shimano Altus drive.
The included luggage rack and net protection.
The Aventon Control Unit (ACU)
The Aventon Control Unit (ACU) helps keep you “connected and protected.” Security features include remote lock, geofencing, and passcode. These protect your Abound SR and give you security. When you ride your Abound SR, you can rely on GPS tracking, a 4G connection and cloud sync, giving you real-time cycling stats.
The Aventon Control Unit (ACU)
ACU functions
- Peace of mind with a smart, password-protected login, smart locking stand and battery, alarm system, geofencing, remote shutdown and theft protection.
- Connectivity: 4G/Bluetooth enabled (OTA updates), GPS tracking including trip log and statistics, unusual event logging and power status reporting.
- Ride Tune allows the rider to fine-tune the feel and performance of the three levels of pedal assist for the ultimate customized riding experience.
- All-new handlebar display unit with easy one-touch access to all bike functions and pedal assist levels without having to take your hands off the handlebars.
The Abound SR comes with free 4G connectivity for the first year, but that means you'll likely have to pay a subscription fee after the first year to use all the features.
Travel with the Abound SR
After arriving in Huntington Beach, it was time to head out on the bike. It was a foggy morning on the beach, which was kind of nice.
The route included 17 miles of waterfront travel through Huntington and Newport Beach, then a ferry to Balboa Island and the Pacific Coast Highway back to the hotel for lunch.
The seat post was too short for me, even when fully extended.
One thing I noticed immediately was that the sea post was a little too short for me. I'm only 1.80m tall and had the original post 2mm above the “minimum insertion line” and needed even more seat post to get decent leg extension. The stock seat post is a suspension seat post, which compounds the problem of it being too short.
Waiting on the ferry
Ferry arrival
Loading onto the ferry
However, a new position (without suspension) is not a major expense. But perhaps Aventon could offer longer posts on stock suspension on their website. This could take the guesswork out of ordering for the consumer. The short post didn't stop me from having a lot of fun on the ride.
More convenient water bottle holders
Dual torque sensors
While driving, I was amazed by the smooth power delivery, which is likely thanks to the Aventon's dual torque sensors. It's not like the older hub motors found on less popular e-bike brands. These feel either on or off and lack any sense of finesse. However, Aventon's dual torque sensors give you the feeling of always being in control.
The slightest pressure on the pedals provides instant support. The harder you push yourself, the more pedaling assistance the Unbound SR rewards you with. That was nice. I also found the new handlebars and the new stack height to be very comfortable.
Cobalt colorway
The original Abound has one of those long, foldable/collapsible stems. This type of stem has been eliminated on the new Abound SR. Aventon has equipped the SR with standard spacers, stem and riser bars while retaining the ability to make the bike suitable for a wide range of users.
Great lights, mediocre suspension
The Abound SR's integrated front and rear lights worked great. The rear brake light and indicators are a great touch for a bike in this price range. Honestly, both the brake lights and turn signals probably made driving on the busy PCH on the way back to the hotel a little safer.
Haze colorway
The front suspension fork wasn't great, but it worked perfectly. I'm not sure how long the fork will last, but after a year, our OG Abound's fork is holding up pretty well. There have been no problems.
Also, in Aventon's defense, all the suspension forks I've ridden on cargo bikes in this price range aren't that great. I'm currently testing another competitor's e-cargo bike and it probably uses the same unnamed 50mm suspension fork, but the bike costs more than double the price of the Abound SR.
Tektro hydraulic brakes
I just don't think a suspension fork is a mandatory spec for a 20″ cargo bike. I usually lock it out and drive like that. Speaking of non-essential specs: the suspension seat post needs to be reworked.
When it came to the Abound SR's suspension support, it was virtually unnoticeable to me and offered no real benefit to ride quality. I could have done without this as it exacerbated the seat post length problem.
In the e-cargo bike space, I would find a dropper seat post much more useful.
Stealth color scheme
In conclusion
I think Aventon is doing a good job lately and is not the same Aventon of 2017. They continue to offer high quality e-bikes at affordable prices. The Abound I own and the Abound SR I tested are both great bikes with great features at a great price.
It is a reasonable purchase price with lower risk for people who make a habit of driving less and more. I see this as one of the biggest advantages of the eCargo bike.
I would highly recommend the Aboud SR to anyone willing to give the e-cargo bike a try. I made a few friends at OG Abound and they are happy with their purchases.
The Aventon Abound SR can be pre-ordered today and will ship on 11/25/24. Click the link below to get your copy now.
Aventon.com
Comments are closed.