The Aventon Current ADV is a heavy-hitting trail machine designed to shred, not just survive. With a massive 120Nm of torque from the Ultro X mid-drive and a rock-solid RockShox suspension, this bike turns the most intimidating climbs into your personal playground. It’s a masterclass in modern geometry, balancing a planted, stable feel on high-speed descents with enough "pop" to keep things playful on the tight stuff. If you're looking for high-end carbon performance and integrated tech without the $10,000 price tag, the Current ADV is ready to rip.
Video Review
Written Review
Aventon Current ADV Review: The High-Performance eMTB for the Rest of Us
I am having an absolute blast on this bike. If you caught our review of the Current EXP, you know we were blown away by what Aventon is doing in the mountain bike space. But today, we’re looking at its sibling: the Aventon Current ADV.
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Now, "ADV" usually stands for Adventure, but in this case, it might as well stand for "Added Value." While the EXP is the carbon-fiber "shiny object" for those who want the absolute top-tier spec, the ADV is the bike for the rider who wants 90% of that performance but wants to keep an extra $1,400 in their pocket. We’ve been putting this through the wringer on some technical singletrack, and I’ve got to tell you the gap between "entry-level" and "high-end" just got a lot smaller.
The Quick Specs
If you’re comparing this to the EXP model, here is how the ADV shakes out:
- MSRP: $4,599 (A massive $1,400 savings over the EXP)
- Motor: Aventon Ultro X Mid-Drive (110Nm / 120Nm Boost)
- Battery: 800Wh Integrated (Removable)
- Frame: Full 6061 Aluminum
- Suspension: RockShox Psylo Gold 150mm (Front) / Deluxe Select+ (Rear)
- Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission (12-SPD Wireless)
- Brakes: SRAM DB8 Stealth (Hydraulic, 4-Piston)
- Weight: 56 lbs (Only 3 lbs heavier than the carbon version!)
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Geometry & Frame: Aluminum with an Attitude
The biggest change here is the frame. While the EXP uses a carbon front triangle, the ADV goes full 6061 Aluminum. Some people hear "aluminum" and think "heavy tank," but this bike only weighs 3 pounds more than the carbon version. Honestly, unless you’re a professional racer counting every gram, you’re going to have a hard time feeling that difference on the trail.
The geometry is identical to the EXP, which is the best thing Aventon could have done. You still get that aggressive 64.6-degree head angle that makes the bike feel incredibly planted when you’re pointing it down a steep, rocky chute. It doesn't feel twitchy or nervous; it feels like it wants to plow through obstacles. And just like its big brother, the cockpit is sized to fit, with wide bars (780mm-800mm) and a 50mm stem that makes the handling feel "real," not like a budget e-bike.
The Powerhouse: Ultro X Mid-Drive
You aren't losing a single ounce of power by going with the ADV. You still get the Aventon Ultro X motor, and man, this thing is a beast. 110Nm of torque is standard, but hitting that Boost Mode for 120Nm feels like you’ve been shot out of a cannon.
I’ve been taking this up some "hike-a-bike" sections—the kind of trails where you’d normally be huffing and puffing while pushing your bike—and the Current ADV just eats them up. The torque sensor is incredibly natural; it doesn't "surge" or jerk you forward. It just feels like you suddenly have the legs of an Olympic athlete. Aventon has been in the top 3 of "torque sensor ride feel" this past year (personal opinion), but this new setup is going to be hard for anyone else to beat. Plus, you still get the Overrun feature, which is a literal lifesaver on technical climbs where you can't pedal through a rock garden without striking your cranks. Basically, what it does is give you a few extra moments of power after you stop pedaling. My biggest gripe about taking challenging hills with the Ramblas was that when you stop pedaling, the motor stops assisting. In theory, this is exactly how it should work, and the Ramblas was very responsive, but it did make technical ascents challenging because I would lose all of my momentum so quickly. This isn't a "run away from you" cadence feel; it's just an extra little attention to detail that is going to make the ADV and EXP that much more enjoyable to ride.
Tech & Connectivity: No Compromises
Usually, when a brand releases a "lower-tier" model, they strip out the cool tech. Aventon didn't do that. You still get the integrated touchscreen display in the top tube, which is hands-down one of my favorite features. It’s clean, it’s out of the way, and it’s actually useful.
You still get all the "smart" goodies:
- 4G/GPS & Anti-Theft: You can track your bike and set an alarm right from your phone.
- Air Time Tracking: Because if you don't know how long you were in the air, did the jump even happen?
- Wheel Lift Control: This keeps the bike from looping out when that 120Nm of torque wants to send the front wheel to the moon.
Components: Where the Money is Saved
So, where is that $1,400 difference? It’s in the "jewelry." Instead of the RockShox Lyrik, you get the RockShox Psylo Gold. Instead of Maven brakes, you get SRAM DB8 Stealths.
Are they "worse"? On paper, sure. On the trail? The DB8s still have 4-piston calipers and 200mm rotors, giving you more than enough stopping power to stay in control. So, no?
The Psylo Gold fork is surprisingly plush and handles big hits much better than I expected for a "mid-tier" fork. You’re still getting SRAM Eagle Transmission, which, while not wireless, is a good shifting experience in and of itself.
The Verdict
After 5 hours on the trail, I am seriously impressed. We did 22 miles and barely scratched the surface of the 800Wh battery.
If you’re the type of rider who needs the absolute "best of the best" and loves the feel of carbon, get the EXP. But if you’re looking for a bike that can handle 100% of the same trails, has all the same smart tech, and feels just as powerful for $1,400 less? The Aventon Current ADV is a "no-brainer."
This bike makes high-end mountain biking accessible. It’s confidence-inspiring, it’s rugged, and it’s quite possibly the best value in the EMTB market right now.
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Are you an "aluminum and extra cash" rider, or a "carbon and top-spec" rider? Let us know which version you’d pick in the comments below!
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