Aventon Level 3 vs Velotric Tempo
Posted by Difficult-You-8088@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 19 comments
I’m really torn between the Aventon Level 3 and Velotric Tempo. The Level 3 is on sale for a good price due to the new level 4 coming out. This will be my first e-bike purchase. I rode both and just so torn. I love how lightweight the tempo is. It feels like normal bike when riding but with a great assist. When i go on the level 3, it feels more like a true e-bike. It definitely feels more powerful (has a larger battery), can go a bit longer if a distance, and comes with so many features for the price. But i question if i really need all that? I’m looking to go in the city (Chicago) to do some rides with friends. Light paved trails around the city and forest preserves/parks, i would love to travel with it since i like road tripping. I feel like the level 3 could give me more “options” in regard to commuting but idk i also just loved the real bike fee of the tempo and it really does have a great pedal assist. Thoughts??? Could use any advice.
Ok_Armadillo_1336@reddit
I own several "e" vehicles (bikes, scooter, car). When I really enjoy them my mind starts thinking about other places I can go with them, and then I start bumping my head against "what's the actual range with this thing".
This is a long way of me saying: if you *think* you might really enjoy longer rides, then you might consider a bike with a better battery.
Side benefit: With my bikes with bigger batteries, it's kinda nice not worry about charging them when I'm just doing a series of shorter rides.
But these are good problems to have and to wrestle with! Good luck!
sentinel_of_ether@reddit
On the other hand, with a lighter bike like the tempo, you can always just treat it like a normal bike and pedal. So running out of range can still be a lesser concern; as long as you’re already on your way back lol
IndependentTrust4594@reddit
I’d get whichever you can get from a local bike shop. They’ll help you size it.
I test rode the Velotric T1 ST+ and loved it. Ended up with the Tempo Mid-step because of the tempo’s ability to remove the battery making it light enough to move up and down stairs.
However … I’d avoid this model. The midlevel bar means you can’t step over if you have a water bottle on either bar spot as it’s right at crotch level. I’d rate it 3.5 stars because of this. If you are worried about the high bar stopover, then Od go with the Aventon.
tbRedd@reddit
Just looked at this one recently... You can also mount a water bottle on either side of the front fork too as an alternative.
IndependentTrust4594@reddit
That is true—it has plenty of options. But then I can’t reach it when I ride. I did put it on the lower position which means the bottle top only is right at crotch height versus the whole bottle 😳 .
It’s because the seat is so far forward even when moved all the way back on the post. It rides more like a cruiser than a road bike, which is why I wish I’d have gone with high step regular instead of the mid step large. The Rep I spoke with said the geometry is the same but it isn’t. And Velotric online charges a 20% restocking fee if the bike is unboxed and assembled, even if it’s ridden less than a mile (buyer beware!!!). I wasn’t going to pay $300 to return it.
I’m going to do either a setback post for this reason OR I mean go with a dropper post to get a bit higher while riding. Doesn’t solve the bottle problem but will make it more comfortable.
tbRedd@reddit
How tall are you and do you know your inseam?
And did you go with Regular or Large?
Looking for wife at 5'1" and 27" inseam. She was not able to 'comfortably' stand over the 'regular sized' high-step demo bike and they did not have the regular mid-step to try out. We also saw the potential water bottle conflict and concluded that is will probably be ok, but not 100% sure for her inseam.
The mid step geometry suggests that sizing is about an inch less; reach, length, etc..
IndependentTrust4594@reddit
I’m 5’5” with a 28.5” inseam.
You might be able to find some Velotrics in general and you can see how the large versus regular feels in general. The mid-size without the bottle is still kijhivery hijijjjj
I’m right at the top of the Regular size, which is why I went with the Large based on the Rep’s recommendation. Aside from the water bottle, It just feels a bit unwieldy. I’ll get used to it, as I’m a pretty proficient rider, but will probably give this to my teen and get another one if I ride it a ton. My husband, who is 6’ fits pretty comfortably on my Large at the top seat post height.
The weight of the regular is about 2 pounds lighter than the large, although they don’t post that (it’s somewhere in the fine print though).
tbRedd@reddit
Thanks for the feedback! They did have a large mid-step and the clearance issue was discussed as you discovered, but without an actual water bottle, it was just a guess. Although in hindsight, they probably had one in the building!
I think the regular mid-step is what I'll order and we can try the 2 water bottle locations or punt to the fork ones as a last resort.
With your inseam clearance at 28.5", yeah, you may have been ok on the regular high step.
IndependentTrust4594@reddit
I was just looking at the geometry for the regular vs the large. The stand over height is 200 mm (7.8 inches!) higher on the large.
🤪
tbRedd@reddit
Yeah, there is a mistake on the website when you toggle the mid vs the high when the large frame is selected. It doesn't change off of 724mm for either unlike when you have the regular size selected. Oops!
I think if you apply some logic, the standover will probably be 19mm higher on the large mid step. Take the 521mm and add 19mm to get 540mm for the probable mid-step large size.
I took the difference between the regular and large high step stand over to get that 19mm number if that makes sense.
IndependentTrust4594@reddit
Just a reminder about their online 14 day trial not being “free.”
But I’ll bet she’ll be just fine. I have trouble with bike sizing all the time.
The_Mighty_Glopman@reddit
I just bought the Tempo and I am loving it. I have a hip problem that I am trying to rehabiitate. On level trails I can turn the power off to get a bit more exercise for my hip, but then turn the power on going up hills so I don't strain it. By downshifting and increasing the level of power, I can get up any hill without difficulty. I think it rides like a good quality regular bike without the power. Another benefit is that it is light enough that I can use my cheapo Walmart strap-on bike rack to transport it (I remove the battery to add a margin of safety).
rshetts1@reddit
Lesser range is limiting. You may think it will suffice but once you get riding, that all changes. If you really like the Tempo perhaps buy a back up battery to increase the range otherwise I would go with the Level 3. Finally if you have hills in your ride, you will be glad for that extra power. The Tempo has a max output of 45 NM, while the Level 3 is 60 NM. Thats a big difference. Also something to consider is if you have large hills, its recommended that you have at least 75 nm. Honestly, since the price difference between the Level 3 and Level 4 is only $300 I would probably go with the Level 4. It has a max NM of 80, a better range and a lot of really nice tech upgrade. The upgrades are worth the extra $300 in my opinion.
Erodommoc@reddit
Haven’t ridden the Aventon, but I recently got a Tempo and I’m really loving it. I find it gets me about 50 miles of range, which is more than I’m up for in a single day. But, I ride it like a normal bike, just with boost when I need it. I expect that heavy throttle use would drain it much faster.
RoundSyrup4424@reddit
I love my Level 3 and I recommend it all the time. It can take me on long rides, some over 100 miles, with extra batteries. I've put 5000 miles on mine in 8 months. Superior support when needed.
Comparing the Level 3 to the Veloctric Tempo is comparing apples to oranges.
Better comparisons would be the Aventon Level 3 / 4 REC to the Veloctric Discover 3.
Or the Aventon Soltera 2.5 / 3 to the Veloctric Tempo.
That being said, go with the bike that feels right to you. The Level or Discover are definitely not bikes you want to ride without some motor assist.
Go on a LONG test ride, preferably with hills.
Buy from a bike shop that'll let you return it if you aren't happy.
My 2 cents.
Ok-Type-8917@reddit
I have a few ebikes and in reality my farthest ride has been about 45 miles. I thought of adding a second battery but right now the range is fine. After an injury made getting that 80lb bike in and out of difficult I bought a cheaper under 50 lb, less range, bike that I find very enjoyable because of how nimble it is and the weight difference. So I think whichever one is more enjoyable for you to ride is the right choice. As for the added security features they may be nice. I live in Metro Detroit and probably no police department is going to go find my bike based on a GPS tracker. It would be up to me, so I'd probably pass.
RCLogger@reddit
You mention road tripping with it. Do you mean loading it on a car rack? An issue with e-bikes is their weight. The tempo is much lighter and will be easier to deal with. Along with the lighter weight comes less powerful motor and probably less range on a charge. Everything on an e-bike is a trade off. They are actually two pretty different bikes.
unseenmover@reddit
the aventon with the larger battery will allow you to ride further, but the lighter bike could be easier to use on buses, the L or Metra if you wanna branch out further.
NewspaperOld1221@reddit
Hey dude, I was between the Tempo and the level 4 for the past couple weeks, the Tempo is really attractive especially for its price, and I was also torn between wondering if I "need" the extra features from the Level
My level 4 just got dropped off yesterday and I've already put 15 miles on it, it's pretty much the best thing ever. I still dunno if I "need" the features but the 4 has regenerative braking and it has been really cool to watch my range literally climb back up while I'm coasting down a big hill
I was basically down to "do I save the 500$ difference or splurge" and I'm glad I splurged