Aventon Ramblas: Trail-Ready Hardtail eMTB Under $3K | Review

Following Ride1UP’s foray into the performance road bike segment with its CF Racer1, we were eagerly anticipating a follow-up from a competing brand, and Aventon hasn’t disappointed.

The Ramblas hardtail eMTB is the exciting new release we were waiting for.

It’s the brand’s first mid-drive e-bike and the first proper performance-focused electric mountain bike from a direct-to-consumer brand. The Aventon Ramblas’ components are exceptional at this price, rivaling bikes in the $4,000 range.  

With a 130mm suspension fork, 100Nm of torque, and a massive 36V 20Ah battery, the Ramblas can handle difficult terrain and make long, grueling trail rides feel easy.

Our Aventon Ramblas review will discuss the features, highlight the strengths and weaknesses, and provide a verdict on who should consider this bike. 

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Aventon Ramblas E-Bike Review

There are countless hardtail off-road electric bikes on the market, especially from budget brands like Aventon. Likewise, there are many electric mountain bikes available from big-name brands.

However, most of the best electric hardtail bikes aren’t designed for proper trail riding, with brands favoring the full-suspension design for this purpose. This makes us wonder if there’s a reason why brands avoid the hardtail design for true mountain biking.

Regardless, Aventon has managed to squeeze a lot into this bike for just $2,699.

The Aventon Ramblas breaks the mold by offering a budget-friendly hardtail eMTB with premium components and features suitable for true trail riding.

It has brand-name components in almost all key areas, including a full SRAM drivetrain and brakes, a RockShox fork, Maxxis tires, and a KS dropper post. The drive system is designed by Aventon and offers more torque and battery capacity than eMTBs at double the price.

On first looks, Aventon seems to have nailed their attempt at a hardtail eMTB. The Ramblas is capable, looks great, and most importantly, doesn’t break the bank. Now, let’s take a closer look at the key features and specs.

Multiple Frame Sizes: A First for Direct-To-Consumer Brands

One of the ways brands like Aventon save costs is by creating a one-size-fits-all frame or using two generic frame sizes to cover a huge height range. This way, they don’t have to manufacture and design multiple frames.

This approach is effective for commuter-style e-bikes that don’t rely on having a dialed-in fit for comfort and performance but it isn’t efficient for performance bikes.

As such, the Ramblas is available in four frame sizes (S-XL), fitting riders from 5’1″ to 6’5″ and rivaling big-name brands like Trek, whose Marlin+ hardtail comes in five sizes. This approach means a better ride quality and more enjoyable ride for Ramblas owners.

Aventon went a step further by equipping the bike with size-specific components so shorter riders can have the same ride experience. The small size has smaller 27.5” wheels, narrower 720mm handlebars, and a shorter-travel 125mm dropper post. Again, this is a consumer-focused decision that adds value.

Conservative Geometry That Favors Approachability Over Performance

The Ramblas’s geometry isn’t as progressive as that of many modern hardtail MTBs. It seems Aventon opted for approachability over out-and-out performance.

They chose a relatively steep 66.5-degree head tube angle with a typical 74.5-degree seat tube angle for a more upright riding position than non-electric 130mm trail hardtails.

It seems the Ramblas (like Trek’s Marlin+ 6) is designed for riders who want to dip a toe in electric mountain biking, and therefore doesn’t need highly progressive geometry to tackle advanced singletrack trails.

As mentioned above, this isn’t a very popular category. Brands tend not to develop hardtail “trail” eMTBs with 130 to 150mm of travel. The added weight and size of e-bikes limit the potential of the hardtail design, increasing the importance of the additional comfort, traction, and control rear suspension brings, so most brands reserve this MTB category for more capable full-sus models.

Smooth Assistance from Aventon’s First Mid-Drive E-Bike

A mid-drive motor is a rare sight on affordable hardtail electric mountain bikes. The rest of Aventon’s lineup, including the Aventure.2 fat-tire e-bike, features geared rear hub motors and the same is true for the majority of Aventon’s competitors, such as Lectric, Ride1UP, and Rad Power Bikes. 

The Ramblas is an exception and boasts a 100 Nm mid-drive motor developed by Aventon specifically for this bike. It delivers 250W of continuous power and 750W of peak power, which makes it a competent climber.

Moreover, this proprietary motor is paired with a torque sensor, which is another welcome surprise as it offers much smoother and more responsive power delivery.

The Aventon Ramblas stands out with its powerful, torque-sensing mid-drive motor, generous battery capacity, and intuitive display – features rarely found together on affordable hardtail eMTBs.

The Ramblas also features a 36V 20 Ah battery with a 708 Wh capacity that returns up to 80 miles of range per charge. Of course, the range will be affected by the amount of assistance you use, and you can choose between three PAS levels—Eco, Trail, and Turbo.

Finally, the electric system is rounded off by a bright and intuitive LCD display that resembles the Shimano E8000 unit. It supports over-the-air updates by connecting to the Aventon App via Bluetooth, which gives you instant software updates without having to go to the dealer. 

Mid-Level Components at an Entry-Level Price

One of the main features that clearly distinguish the Aventon Ramblas as one of the best electric mountain bikes in the niche is the drivetrain and brakes.

Namely, the SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur puts 12 speeds at your disposal with a massive 11-50T range on the cassette and a 34T chainring. This will allow you to climb steep hills with ease, especially if you also employ the help of the 100 Nm motor. 

On top of that, the spec list also includes SRAM DB9 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes which will provide you with a lot more braking power and control compared to 2-piston brakes. That’s even more important than sheer speed when it comes to off-road riding. 

The Ramblas also features a RockShox 35 Silver TK suspension fork with 130 mm of travel, which is heavy-ish but perfect for moderate trails and singletracks.

The only part we’d like to upgrade is the double-wall aluminum rims that are not tubeless-ready. The Maxxis Rekon tires are, but if you want to set them up as tubeless, you’ll need to spend another $400-$500, which is where the prices for tubeless rims start.

Who Is the Aventon Ramblas Best Suited For?

The Aventon Ramblas is an excellent option for riders looking to dip their toes into the exciting world of electric mountain biking.

This bike doesn’t have aggressive geometry or high-end suspension of top-tier competitors, but it comes with a well-rounded package of components that favors accessibility and comfort over sheer performance.

Moreover, the Ramblas also features front and rear lights with turn signals, which means it doubles as a capable daily commuter. 

The Aventon Ramblas is a great choice for beginner eMTB riders seeking a versatile bike with comfortable features, a powerful mid-drive motor, and excellent commuter capabilities.

Plus, the fact that Aventon offers it in four frame sizes, means that a wide range of riders will be able to find a good fit. 

So if you’re looking for an affordable, smooth, and powerful electric mountain bike with a torque sensor and a mid-drive motor, the Ramblas is a fantastic option.

Is the Aventon Ramblas eMTB a Good Buy?

To sum things up, the Aventon Ramblas is a capable hardtail eMTB for anyone seeking a well-equipped and budget-friendly choice from a reputable brand in the niche.

Its blend of performance and comfort-oriented features make it perfect for riders who are new to mountain biking or those who simply want to do a little bit of everything—from commuting to enjoying off-road trails.

The powerful mid-drive motor, SRAM NX Eagle derailleur, and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes are the main highlights, but there are numerous other features that justify the $2,700 price tag.

So, if you want to experience the thrill of mountain biking without breaking the bank, the Aventon Ramblas should top your lists.

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