The Aventon Current eMTB might be the most disruptive electric mountain bike of the year. With premium components, advanced tech, and a surprisingly aggressive price, Aventon is challenging the traditional eMTB market in a big way.
Video Review
Written Review
Aventon Current EXP Review: Is This the Best High-End EMTB for the Money?
Welcome back to Freshly Charged. Today, we’re looking at the all-new Aventon Current EXP. Now, if you know Aventon, you know they’ve basically mastered the commuter and cruiser market. But with the Current EXP, they aren’t just trying to "join" the mountain bike conversation; they’re trying to dominate it. We’re talking carbon fiber, wireless electronic shifting, and a motor that feels more like a bionic leg than a piece of machinery.
Let’s dive into why this bike might be the "affordable eMTB" we’ve been waiting for.
Check the latest prices HERE
The Quick Specs
If you’re just here for the "give it to me straight" details, here is the breakdown:
- MSRP: ~$6,000 (roughly $4,600 for the ADV version)
- Motor: Aventon Ultro X Mid-Drive (110Nm Base / 120Nm Boost)
- Battery: 800Wh Integrated (Removable)
- Range: Up to 105 Miles (claimed)
- Frame: Carbon Front Triangle / 6061 Aluminum Rear
- Suspension: RockShox Lyrik Select 150mm (Front) / Super Deluxe Select+ (Rear)
- Drivetrain: SRAM S1000 Transmission (12-SPD Wireless)
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Base (Hydraulic, 4-Piston)
- Weight: 53 lbs
Full comparison using our compare tool HERE
Geometry & Cockpit: No More "Awkward" Pedaling
One thing I have to give Aventon credit for is their DNA. Unlike a lot of companies that just jumped on the ebike "gravy train," Aventon started in traditional cycling. That matters because 95% of ebikes on the market today have geometry that feels… well, weird. You feel like you're sitting on the bike rather than in it.
The Current EXP feels like a natural cycling bike. The geometry is dialed in, and they actually adjust the cockpit based on the size you buy. If you get a Small or Medium, you get 780mm bars; go Large or XL, and they bump you to 800mm with a taller rise. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between a bike that feels custom-fit and one that feels like a compromise.
The wiring is also incredibly clean—it runs right through the frame, leaving you with a cockpit that isn't a "rat’s nest" of cables. You’ve just got your two brake levers and your dropper post lever. It’s sleek, it’s professional, and it makes the bike look twice as expensive as it is.
The Ultro X Motor: Quiet Power
Let’s talk about the heart of this beast: the Aventon Ultro X mid-drive. Aventon took everything they learned from their previous A100 motor (on the Ramblas) and refined it. It is significantly quieter, which is a big deal when you’re out in nature. You want to hear the dirt under your tires, not a vacuum cleaner between your legs.
It puts out a massive 110Nm of torque, but if you’re staring down a vertical wall of a climb, you can engage Boost Mode to hit 120Nm and 850W peak power.
What really impressed me, though, isn't just the raw power; it's the Overrun feature. In technical sections where you can't complete a full pedal stroke because of rock clearance, the motor keeps providing power for a split second after you stop pedaling. It literally "nudges" you over obstacles. It made me, a somewhat competent rider, feel like a decent mountain biker today.
Tech Features: The First Touchscreen EMTB?
Aventon has moved the display from the handlebars (where it’s prone to getting smashed in a crash) and integrated a touchscreen display directly into the top tube. It is super responsive. We have none of that "weak" touch lag you see on cheap tablets.
But the tech goes deeper than just a pretty screen:
- Jump Tracking: It actually logs your air time. (Great for bragging rights, or realizing you aren't going as big as you thought!)
- Anti-Wheelie (Wheel Lift Control): This keeps the front tire planted during those steep, 120Nm-torque climbs so you don't loop out.
- IoT & Security: You can actually disable the bike through the app, and it has an audible alarm. If someone moves your bike, you're going to know about it.
Ride Quality & Components
We’re riding on RockShox suspension here, 150mm of Lyrik travel in the front and 140mm in the rear. It’s plush, it’s adjustable, and it handles "chunky" trails with ease. Pair that with SRAM Maven 4-piston brakes, and you have serious stopping power. I almost went over the bars once because I wasn't expecting that much bite, having ridden more bikes in that Tektro 2-piston range recently.
And the drivetrain? The SRAM S1000 Transmission is a game-changer. It’s a wireless electronic shifter that gets its power directly from the main ebike battery. No more worrying about charging a separate little battery for your derailleur. As long as the bike has power, you can shift, which I think will be the standard going forward for these eMTBs, but we'll have to see how widespread the adoption is here.
The Verdict
What you get for the price makes the Current EXP pretty darn insane! Is it the end-all, be-all of eMTBs? Probably not, but the amount of bike you can get yourself into for around $6,000 USD is unheard of. I think we'll start seeing more Aventons on our local trails and bike parks in the next few months.
If you look at the "big" brands like Specialized or Trek, a carbon frame with these kinds of specs would easily run you $12,000 to $15,000. Aventon is giving you the same (or better) tech for roughly half that.
Is it perfect?
Almost. I’d love to see a quick-release battery that didn't require an Allen wrench, but since you should be carrying tools on a trail anyway, it’s a minor gripe. The added benefit to a harder-to-remove battery is that the trail isn't going to yank it out of the downtube on a gnarly gap case (it happens to everyone).
If you’re looking for a high-performance, tech-heavy electric mountain bike that doesn't require a second mortgage, the Aventon Current EXP is currently the one to beat.
Check the latest prices HERE
What’s your take on the integrated touchscreen? Is it the future of EMTBs, or are you sticking with the old-school handlebar displays? Let us know in the comments below!
No comments yet…