The Aventon Soltera.2 is a low-cost urban e-bike with a lightweight and agile design optimized for navigating busy city commutes or tackling fitness rides on the weekend.
The first-generation Soltera was available as either a single-speed or 7-speed build. For the second iteration, Aventon has stuck with a 7-speed model only and added a torque sensor, lights with turn signals, and wider tires. As a result, the new Soltera.2 has a smoother, more natural ride feel.
This model is suited to the city dweller with a limited budget or those who want a simple e-bike to shorten their commute while still offering the ability to get a good workout.
This Aventon Soltera.2 review highlights the bike’s most important specs and characteristics. We will also examine the components in greater detail to see who the bike is best for and how it stacks up against the competition.
Contents
Aventon Soltera.2 Main Specifications
The Aventon Soltera.2 is one of the cheapest e-bikes from a leading direct-to-consumer brand. However, their bikes have a slight premium due to the large network of dealers and easy access to servicing.
This bike retails for $1,399, but commuters may need to purchase a rack and fenders, which could increase the base price by around $100. Thankfully, Aventon Bikes regularly runs sales across its range of e-bikes.
Priced at $1,399, the Aventon Soltera.2 offers affordability and efficiency in a fitness-style hybrid, with additional costs for accessories and some comfort trade-offs.
As a fitness-style hybrid, Aventon designed the Soltera.2 for low weight and efficiency. As such, there is a slight sacrifice in comfort and functionality.
- Motor: 350W, 36V hub
- Battery: 9.6 Ah, 345 Wh
- Range: 46 miles
- Charge time: 5 hours
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
- Aventon Soltera.2 weight: 46 lb
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
- Brakes: Tektro mechanical discs
- Tires: 700c x 38 mm
- Accessories: Lights, turn signals, and kickstand
See the Model on Aventon.com
Detailed Aventon Soltera.2 Review
Sleek Minimalist Frame With Efficient Geometry
Like most of Aventon’s e-bikes, the Soltera.2 is available in two sizes and two frame layouts, step-over or step-through.
Aventon Soltera.2 step-through fits smaller riders from 4’11” to 6’1″ and comes as Storm Blue or Ghost White, while the step-over is suitable for 5’3″ to 6’4″ and sports a Citrine yellow or Matte Midnight Black finish.
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Again, the purpose of this bike is efficiency and maneuverability rather than being a laid-back cruiser that does all the work. Steep geometry and forward aggressive position set you up to go faster and make it possible to ride without motor assistance.
The single-butted aluminum frame is sleek, with clean welds and tidy integration of electronics and cabling. It also has a solid weight capacity of 300 lb despite weighing just 46 lb. This is an increase on the original Aventon Soltera 7-speed model.
Light-Duty Hub-Drive System
The Soltera.2 was the final model in the Aventon lineup to receive a torque sensor. This technology is especially useful for the Soltera.2 because it’s a bike suited for riders who like to pedal and just want a boost.
In cadence sensing systems, a set amount of power is delivered based on the assist level and whether or not the pedals are turning, which can be clunky and unnatural to use. In contrast, a torque sensor measures rider input so the motor can respond with a proportional amount of assistance that changes dynamically with your input.
This technology, a modest 350W motor, low weight, and narrow tires mean the Soltera.2 pedals like a traditional bike. However, you also have the benefit of a throttle for getting started from a stopped position.
Unfortunately, to keep weight low and give the frame a stealthy look, the Aventon Soltera.2 battery only has 345 Wh of juice, with a max range of 46 miles. Thankfully, if the battery dies, it’s comfortable to pedal without assistance.
Reliable Components With a Minimalist Approach
The Aventon Soltera.2 is designed for a limited range of uses. Thus, it has a minimalist list of components compared to the versatile, generalist design of most urban e-bikes, like the Aventon Level.2 or Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus.
Riders of road or fixed-speed bikes will appreciate the vibration-dampening of the slightly wider 38 mm tires, up from 35 mm on the first generation Soltera.
The Soltera.2 has a set of basic Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors, which provide ample stopping power for a 46 lb, Class 2 e-bike like this. Likewise, the Shimano Tourney drivetrain is cheap but suitable for this style, and it helps keep the price low.
Again, the minimalist design means this bike doesn’t have fenders or a rack, although it has mounts for both. A limited selection of Aventon Soltera.2 accessories is available from the online store for converting your bike into a more versatile commuter.
Aventon Soltera.2 vs Competition
The traditional-style design of the Aventon Soltera.2 e-bike isn’t common in the entry-level market.
Most e-bikes from the companies in this space are loaded with accessories or have powerful motors and large batteries closer to electric mopeds than traditional bikes.
However, there are a couple of popular models that compete with the Soltera. Let’s see how they compare.
Aventon Soltera.2 vs. Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2
The Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2 is one of the most popular budget e-bikes in this category. Like the Soltera.2, it has a small 350W motor, it rolls on 700c wheels, and it has Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
The Roadster is significantly lighter at roughly 33lb and has a clean, low-maintenance single-speed Gates carbon belt drive and WTB Resolute 42mm gravel tires. However, the lack of gearing limits its functionality in hilly areas, and a smaller 7Ah battery means a much shorter max range.
While the lightweight Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2 excels in short, mixed-terrain rides, the Aventon Soltera.2, with its longer range and torque sensor, offers a more versatile and natural riding experience for urban commuting.
Consider the Roadster v2 if you need a lightweight commuter for short, mixed-terrain rides. The longer range Soltera.2, with its torque sensor, is favorable for urban commuters who want a more natural ride quality.
Aventon Soltera.2 vs. State Bicycle Co. 6061 eBike Commuter
The State Bicycle Co. 6061 eBike Commuter is very similar to the Soltera.2 in terms of build kit. The main differences to the Soltera.2 are the slightly wider 40mm tires, a lower weight of around 39lb, and a smaller 250W motor.
The 6061 eBike Commuter also uses a cadence sensor and lacks lights and a display, making it less feature-rich but easier to maintain and use. Consider it before the Soltera.2 if you want speed and simplicity but don’t mind the clunky cadence-sensing ride quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Aventon Soltera.2?
The max range of the Aventon Soltera.2 is 46 miles. However, this estimate is with a 160lb rider on Eco mode riding on flat terrain in favorable weather conditions. A typical real-world range will be around 20 to 30 miles.
How heavy is the Aventon Soltera.2?
The Aventon Soltera.2 weighs 46lb, three pounds more than the Aventon Soltera 7-speed. The extra weight is likely due to the addition of wider 38mm tires and more advanced integrated lights with turn signals. This is light for an e-bike but heavier than competing models in this category.
How long does it take Aventon Soltera.2 to charge?
The Aventon Soltera.2 takes roughly five hours to charge from empty. The battery capacity is 9.6Ah, and Aventon provides a 2A charger. This is a typical charge time for the entry-level segment. We recommend maintaining charge levels between 20 and 80 percent to maximize battery lifespan.
What class is Aventon Soltera.2?
The Aventon Soltera.2 ships as a Class 2 electric bike, programmed to a max speed of 20mph from throttle or pedal assist. Owners can increase the max speed to 25mph, which turns the Soltera into a Class 3 electric bike.
Final Thoughts About Aventon Soltera.2
The Aventon Soltera.2 e-bike is a simple, stylish, and affordable commuter. The minimalist component list and light-duty electronics make this bike suitable for riders who don’t mind pedaling.
A torque-sensing hub-drive system provides a higher-end ride quality than alternatives in this space, but the higher weight means you will rely on the 350W motor more.
The Aventon Soltera.2, a chic yet affordable e-bike, combines a minimalist design with a torque-sensing system and efficient Shimano and Tektro components, perfect for practical commuters.
The Shimano drivetrain and Tektro disc brakes stand out at this price, while Aventon’s turn signal integrated lights and premium display add a more premium look and feel.
Consider this bike if you’re a commuter who wants efficiency and simplicity without the extensive list of features or heavy comfort-focused components.
Buy from Aventon.comAventon Soltera.2
$1,399
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and agile design
- Torque sensor
- Decent range and speed
- Turn signals and brake lights
Cons
- Limited accessories
- Basic components
- Compromise on overall comfort
