Great ride

Level 4 REC Ebike

Picked my bike up 3 days ago and finally have it set in the sweet spot for my range for the bike and I'm very pleased.
My first non big name Ebike and I'm very impressed with the quality, the customer assistance and the app!
Hands down been some of the best in response.
Also the auto shift paired with auto mode my favorite of all. Might not get the full range out of using Auto but I will save the rest on longer rides!!

Just took my first ride on my Level 4 ADV. I upgraded from a Level 2 that I bought two years ago. The least I can say is WOW! The wireless shifting alone makes buying it a no-brainer, but the Level 4 goes way beyond that.

I don't know where to begin, but the automatic shifting is a game changer. I haven't fine-tuned it but even out of the box it's phenomenal. I rode the first half of my 26 mile nightly ride with eco boost and increased my average time by about 20% over the Level 2. On the way back I rode without pedal assist. Despite the extra weight and drag, I actually rode the 13 miles home FASTER than my hybrid MTB!

The configuration options are limitless. I thought I would have to adjust the pedal assist for each of the four modes (off, eco, sport, turbo), but Aventon has made all that unnecessary. You can adjust it by specifying the cadence you want to maintain, the effort you want to exert, the amount of assist the bike provides vs. your effort, etc. Setting a lower cadence requires more effort for a given speed, and it gives you a better workout. I found that 75 RPM was about right for the effort I wanted without using pedal assist. The bike senses cadence changes and selects the gear accordingly. It shifts down going uphill, up going downhill, etc. It even downshifts when you stop to make it easier to get up to speed! You can also ride it in fully manual mode, just as you would a traditional bike.

Automatic shifting is just one improvement. Here's some more.
1) The cheap plastic chain guard that broke off from my Level 2 is now metal.
2) Fender extensions that provide extra protection from splashes and dirt are included. I rigged up an old plastic fender on the Level 2.
3) The Level 4 weighs 10 lbs. less and the weight is better balanced. It's much easier to carry up the stairs into my house.
4) The Level 4 seat post has been upgraded to a suspension style.
5) The mid drive motor feels more natural than the hub motor, and it's easier to remove the rear wheel. The ride is also much smoother.
6) The security features are fantastic. The Level 4 has wheel and battery lockouts, an option to use a PIN to start it, theft detection, and several other improvements including geofencing!
7) The rear lights have been moved from the fender and seat stays to where the seat and chains stays meet. It's easier for rear traffic to see but harder for cross traffic, especially when using panniers.
8) Orange turn signals are new and integrated into the lights. Unlike the Level 2 though, the Level 4 does not have brake lights.
9) The Level 4 has a 10 speed cassette vs. 8 on the Level 2.
10) Last but very far from least, the range on the Level 4 is 120 miles, double that of the Level 2. It's now easy to pedal without assist, effectively extending the range by using assist only when necessary, especially on flat terrain.

Here's a few negatives.
1) Aventon uses low-range components without an option to upgrade. That's understandable, as very few riders need a better group set. Despite this, the chain and cassette on my Level 2 have lasted an incredible 6,300 miles! I've had no problems with the shifters, brakes, chain rings, derailleur, cables, etc.
2) The stock Kenda tires are prone to flats and are a compromise between city and trail riding. I ride almost exclusively on pavement and upgraded them to Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus. I rode 6,000 miles on the Level 2 without a flat!
3) The Level 4 pedals are plastic. I swapped them for metal ones with platform and clipless sides.
4) The kickstand that broke off on my Level 2 doesn't seem to be any better. Worse yet, you can't install a motorcycle-style two leg kickstand because there's no space between the chain stays in front of the rear wheel. Single-leg kickstands will not hold the bike up when it's carrying a heavy load such as panniers filled with groceries.
5) This is a big one. Aventon chargers don't show the charge level and you can't set it. You have to unplug the charger and turn on the bike to see it. If you're charging an extra battery you have to swap it with the one on the bike. All lithium-ion batteries perform best and will last longer when they're not charged over 80% or drained below 20%. They also have to be fully charged every 10 complete cycles to prevent them from developing a "memory." I have to manually calculate the charging time by multiplying the percentage of charge I want to add by 2.5 minutes and use a countdown timer. Also, the batteries "overcharge" by about 15%. I can ride 10 - 12 miles before the charge level drops to 99% on the display. I have to factor this in when setting a charging time.

Don't let these drawbacks fool you. If you're unsure if you should buy a Level 4 ADV, you can put any doubts to rest. This bike has EVERYTHING that I've wanted in an e-bike and more at a very competitive price. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

JUST BUY IT!

I'm a long time bike rider and was silently shopping for an ebike. I gave myself 5 years to decide when I came upon a few YouTube reviews on the Level 3. It seemed just the bike for me and my purposes. This ebike has allowed me to have an efficient way to get to work while still allowing for a workout if I want. I love how I can get to work with minimal sweating compared to the old pedal bike which I still ride on weekends. Eco mode is all I've really used and only use the throttle at intersections but I'm sure I'll try out all the features. I hope there isn't a direct update to this bike soon because I'm still getting to know my new friend. Thanks Aventon!