Power vs Refinement: Which value-focused commuter delivers the better ride?
Bottom Line: These bikes represent two philosophies in value commuter design. The Ride1Up 700 Series prioritized raw power and battery capacity, delivering 750W and 720Wh at a competitive price. The Aventon Level 2 focused on refinement, trading peak power for a torque sensor that transforms the riding experience. Both bikes established templates that influenced the entire industry's understanding of what "value" means in e-bikes.
Choose the 700 Series if: You can find one refurbished or used ($900-1,200), prioritize top speed and power over pedal feel, or prefer supporting a smaller direct-to-consumer brand. The 750W motor and 720Wh battery provide measurable performance advantages for power-focused riders.
Choose the Level 2 if: You want the most current technology including torque sensor responsiveness, value dealer support and professional assembly, prioritize natural pedal feel over peak power, or prefer buying new with full warranty. The $300 price difference buys significant refinement in ride quality.
Important Note: The 700 Series is discontinued as of 2024, with Ride1Up transitioning focus to the Turris and other models. This comparison remains relevant for used market buyers and those seeking refurbished units.
| Specification | Ride1Up 700 Series | Aventon Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (New) | $1,595 (Discontinued) | $1,899 |
| Motor Power | 750W (800W+ peak) | 500W (864W peak) |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) |
| Range | 30-50 miles | 40-60 miles |
| Weight | 62 lbs | 62 lbs |
| Pedal Assist | Cadence sensor | Torque sensor |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic, 180mm | Tektro hydraulic, 180mm |
| Suspension | 100mm Mozo fork | 65mm fork |
| Drivetrain | 8-speed Shimano Acera | 8-speed Shimano |
| Tires | 27.5" x 2.4" Schwalbe | 27.5" x 2.1" Kenda |
| Display | Basic LCD | Color LCD, Bluetooth |
| Top Speed | 28 mph (Class 3) | 28 mph (Class 3) |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current model |
| Dealer Network | Direct-only | Extensive dealers |
The torque sensor versus cadence sensor distinction represents the most significant experiential difference between these otherwise similar bikes. This single component fundamentally changes how the bike feels and responds to rider input—more than motor power, battery size, or any other specification.
The 700 Series employs a cadence sensor that detects pedal rotation rather than pedaling force. When you rotate the cranks, the motor engages at a predetermined power level based on your selected assist setting. This creates consistent, predictable power delivery that many new riders initially find easier to manage.
However, the cadence sensor's limitations become apparent over time. The motor provides the same power whether you're pedaling hard up a hill or barely spinning the cranks downhill. This disconnect between rider effort and motor response feels unnatural to experienced cyclists and reduces efficiency—the motor often works when it doesn't need to, draining the battery unnecessarily.
The 700 Series attempts to mitigate cadence sensor limitations through programmable assist levels, allowing riders to fine-tune power delivery across different scenarios. This helps but doesn't eliminate the fundamental disconnect between pedaling effort and motor response.
The Level 2's torque sensor measures how hard you press the pedals, not just whether they're rotating. Motor assistance scales proportionally to your effort—pedal harder and the motor amplifies that effort; ease up and assistance reduces accordingly. This creates riding feel that experienced cyclists describe as "natural," "intuitive," or "like an extension of your own legs."
Beyond subjective feel, the torque sensor delivers measurable efficiency improvements. The Level 2 achieves 40-60 miles of range from its 672Wh battery, while the 700 Series manages 30-50 miles from its larger 720Wh battery. The torque sensor's intelligent power delivery explains this apparent contradiction—the motor works only when needed rather than maintaining constant output.
The torque sensor also improves control in technical situations. When navigating tight parking lots, crowded bike paths, or challenging terrain, the proportional response allows precise speed modulation. Cadence sensors struggle in these scenarios, often providing too much or too little power relative to immediate needs.
Choose cadence sensor (700 Series) if: You're completely new to e-bikes and want predictable, consistent power delivery. The learning curve is gentler, and the behavior is easier to anticipate initially.
Choose torque sensor (Level 2) if: You have cycling experience, value natural pedal feel, ride varied terrain requiring precise control, or plan 1,000+ miles annually. The efficiency and refinement advantages compound over time.
The 700 Series' 750W nominal motor outpaces the Level 2's 500W nominal output on paper. Real-world testing shows this advantage manifests primarily in sustained high-speed riding and immediate throttle response. The 700 Series maintains 26-28 mph with less rider effort, making it superior for riders prioritizing maximum speed over nuanced control.
However, peak wattage tells only part of the story. The Level 2's 500W nominal motor produces 864W at peak versus the 700 Series' 800W+ peak. More importantly, the Level 2's torque sensor allows more efficient use of available power, reducing waste and extending range.
Both bikes handle moderate urban hills (5-10% grades) without difficulty. The differences emerge on sustained steep climbs (12%+) where the 700 Series' additional power provides noticeable advantage when maintaining high speeds uphill. The Level 2 climbs these grades successfully but requires more rider contribution and typically operates at slightly lower speeds (18-22 mph vs 20-24 mph).
The Level 2's torque sensor partially compensates for lower nominal power through intelligent assist scaling—it recognizes increased pedaling effort on hills and responds proportionally. This creates efficient climbing that feels more natural than the 700 Series' constant-power approach.
Both bikes are rated for 28 mph Class 3 speeds. The 700 Series reaches and maintains 27-28 mph more readily, particularly beneficial for riders keeping pace with 30 mph traffic zones. The motor provides robust assistance even at high speeds.
The Level 2 reaches 28 mph but requires slightly more rider effort to maintain these speeds, particularly on flat terrain. Some riders report the motor assistance tailing off noticeably above 25 mph. For commuters averaging 18-22 mph, this difference proves irrelevant. For speed-focused riders, the 700 Series delivers clearer advantage.
Despite the 700 Series' larger battery (720Wh vs 672Wh), the Level 2 achieves superior range through torque sensor efficiency. Real-world testing shows:
The efficiency difference compounds in stop-and-go commuting where the torque sensor's intelligent power delivery prevents unnecessary battery drain during coasting and light pedaling.
The 700 Series' 100mm Mozo suspension fork provides noticeably superior bump absorption compared to the Level 2's 65mm fork. On rough urban pavement, broken asphalt, and moderate gravel paths, the additional travel makes meaningful difference in rider comfort over extended rides.
However, neither fork represents high-end suspension technology. Both provide basic hydraulic dampening without adjustable compression or rebound. For serious trail riding, both bikes fall short. For urban commuting and light recreational use, the 700 Series' additional travel offers measurable but not transformative advantage.
The 700 Series' 27.5" x 2.4" Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires versus Level 2's 27.5" x 2.1" Kenda tires create subtle ride differences. The Schwalbe tires offer slightly better grip, more cushioning, and superior puncture resistance. The narrower Kenda tires roll marginally faster on smooth pavement but provide less comfort on rough surfaces.
Both bikes use 27.5" wheels—a sweet spot for e-bike commuters providing better rollover characteristics than 26" wheels while maintaining more agility than 29" wheels. This wheel size handles urban obstacles (curbs, potholes, speed bumps) effectively without sacrificing handling responsiveness.
Both bikes employ single-size frames designed to accommodate riders from approximately 5'4" to 6'2". The step-through variants extend the lower range to 5'0" but may feel cramped for riders over 6'0". Neither bike offers the fit precision of multi-size traditional bicycles.
The riding position on both bikes skews toward upright commuter geometry rather than aggressive sport positioning. This reduces strain on back, shoulders, and wrists during extended rides but sacrifices some efficiency and aerodynamics compared to more forward-leaning positions.
The 700 Series includes a Selle Royal comfort saddle that most riders find adequate for rides under 20 miles but may cause discomfort on longer journeys. The Level 2's Velo saddle receives similar mixed reviews—comfortable initially but potentially problematic for extended use or riders with specific anatomy requirements.
Both bikes include basic rubber lock-on grips that prove functional but unremarkable. Neither bike's contact points (saddle, grips, pedals) represent premium quality, making these components common first upgrade targets for serious riders.
The 700 Series ships partially disassembled requiring more extensive setup than most direct-to-consumer e-bikes. Assembly involves attaching the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, fenders, and rack—approximately 60-90 minutes for mechanically inclined individuals. First-time e-bike assemblers may struggle and should consider local bike shop assembly assistance.
The Level 2 ships similarly packaged but benefits from Aventon's extensive dealer network. Many buyers opt for dealer assembly and pickup, adding $100-180 to the purchase price but ensuring professional setup and immediate service relationship. This represents meaningful value for non-mechanical riders.
Both bikes require standard e-bike maintenance: tire pressure checks, brake adjustments, chain lubrication, and periodic tune-ups. Annual maintenance costs typically run $150-250 depending on usage intensity and local shop rates.
The Level 2's dealer network provides service advantage—owners can visit local Aventon dealers for warranty work, troubleshooting, and repairs. The 700 Series, as direct-to-consumer only, requires owners to perform troubleshooting through remote support and self-service for many issues. Ride1Up's customer service receives generally positive reviews, but lack of local service represents genuine inconvenience for non-mechanical owners.
Both companies offer one-year comprehensive warranties covering frame, motor, battery, and electrical components. Beyond the first year, both provide limited frame warranties but require out-of-pocket costs for component replacements.
Ride1Up's customer service reputation includes both glowing reviews of responsive support and concerning reports of slow response times and difficult warranty claims. As a smaller company, their capacity appears stretched during busy periods.
Aventon's support experiences vary by whether customers purchased through dealers or direct. Dealer customers typically report smoother experiences with warranty issues handled locally. Direct purchasers face similar support variability as Ride1Up customers.
The 700 Series' discontinued status raises legitimate concerns about long-term parts availability and support. Ride1Up maintains that common wear components (brake pads, tires, chains) use standard bike industry parts readily available anywhere. Proprietary components (controllers, displays, batteries) face greater uncertainty, though Ride1Up commits to supporting discontinued models with spare parts for "years to come."
The Level 2 remains in active production with Aventon's typical 3-5 year model lifecycle. Parts availability and support should remain robust through at least 2028-2030.
At original pricing, the 700 Series ($1,595) undercut the Level 2 ($1,899) by $304. This price gap made the decision straightforward for power-focused, budget-conscious buyers willing to accept cadence sensor limitations. The value equation clearly favored the 700 Series for riders prioritizing motor wattage and battery capacity.
However, as discontinued inventory cleared and Black Friday sales brought the Level 2 to $1,499, the comparison shifted dramatically. At equal or near-equal pricing, the torque sensor's refinement advantages overwhelm the 700 Series' power benefits for most riders.
The 700 Series' discontinued status creates interesting used market dynamics. Refurbished units sell for $900-1,200 through services like Upway, representing exceptional value for buyers comfortable with discontinued-model limitations. At these prices, the 700 Series becomes difficult to beat even acknowledging the cadence sensor compromise.
Level 2 bikes rarely appear in the used market yet, as the model only launched in 2023. When available, expect pricing around $1,200-1,500 depending on condition and mileage. The newer technology and current production status may support slightly higher used prices relative to the 700 Series.
Assuming 3,000 miles annually over four years:
The refurbished 700 Series delivers unbeatable value on a per-mile basis. At full retail pricing, both bikes cost similar amounts over ownership lifecycles once accounting for maintenance and resale value.
E-bikes depreciate rapidly, typically losing 40-60% of value in the first two years. The 700 Series' discontinued status may actually support better resale percentages as limited availability creates scarcity value among enthusiasts seeking this specific model.
Current Level 2 bikes should follow typical e-bike depreciation curves, retaining approximately 50-60% of value after two years of moderate use. The strong Aventon brand recognition and dealer network may support slightly better resale compared to lesser-known brands.
Status: Discontinued - Refurbished/Used Only
New units no longer available. Check refurbished marketplaces like Upway for professionally restored units with warranties starting around $900-1,200.
Price: $1,899 (Frequent Sales to $1,499)
Available direct from Aventon and through extensive dealer network. Dealer purchase includes professional assembly and local service relationship.