Aventon Abound SR First Impressions Review | Stable & Secure

As with the original Abound (and every model in Aventon’s latest generation of e-bikes), the SR features a torque sensor that gives the ride a natural and highly responsive quality. In contrast to a cadence sensor, which effectively acts as an on/off switch, this torque sensor allows its motor output to fluctuate based on the rider’s effort.

Interestingly, the Abound SR features a 36V electrical system and a 750W rear-hub motor. This combination is unusual; most bikes with 750W motors use 48V electrical systems that allow energy to flow more quickly between their motor and battery. In the Abound SR’s case, the 36V system allows the bike to feel powerful while also seeming controlled and natural.

I mentioned previously that Aventon clearly had the Specialized Globe Haul ST in its sights when designing the Abound SR; this was apparent in its ride feel as much as its price point and contemporary design. We remarked in our review of the Haul ST that the bike’s ultra-sensitive torque sensor required a careful and consistent cadence to achieve a smooth ride.

We experienced a similar feeling in our first rides on the Abound SR. We appreciate the quickly adapting nature of a sensitive torque sensor, as this ensures that more power is delivered the instant it is needed. On the other hand, it can take time to get used to. In the interim, the ride can sometimes feel jerky as the motor constantly adapts.

Fortunately, Aventon offers users the ability to tune and customize the strength of the motor’s output and the sensitivity of the torque sensor through the Aventon app; the Abound SR pairs easily with the app using a QR code that can be accessed through its display menu.

The app also allows users to customize the bike’s maximum speed. The bike ships as a Class 2 e-bike with throttle and pedal-assisted speeds up to 20 mph, but it can be unlocked to a (limited) Class 3 with pedal assist up to 25 mph. In our experience, reaching the bike’s top speed is easiest when the pedal response is cranked up to the max.

Aventon sent us the Abound in advance, so we had the opportunity to work with the brand’s development team behind the scenes to dial in the Abound’s motor output and sensitivity.

When the bike arrived at our door, two of its three pedal assist settings felt and behaved nearly identically. After incorporating our initial feedback and pushing through a few over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates—more on that later—we’re happy to report that the bike feels great to pedal.

Thanks to its relatively compact design, 20” wheels, and powerful, responsive motor, the Abound SR has excellent handling. The bike feels peppy and nimble despite its approximately 80-lb weight. We can’t wait to dive into our full-length testing process with it!

The Abound SR’s design, construction, electrical system, and torque sensor go a long way in setting it apart from the myriad of similar e-bikes in the utility e-bike category. Its included technology, however, gives it a few additional leaps and bounds for good measure.

At the heart of the Abound SR is a smart module called the Aventon Control Unit or ACU. This component connects to and controls many of the bike’s features, allows for OTA firmware updates, and includes a 4G chip for GPS tracking and security.

The latter element, which links to nationwide cellular networks, is free for the first year. After that point, it requires a subscription of $2 monthly or $20 annually—one of the most reasonable rates we’ve seen.

Why would anyone want or need this feature? I’m glad you asked.

The Abound SR includes a robust package of security features, including theft detection, an alarm system, and the ability to set up geofencing to create boundaries for allowed or prohibited areas (a feature parents will likely appreciate) monitored along with the bike’s location.

But that’s not all. The bike can be set up to require a passcode prior to use, and the ACU can even be used to lock the kickstand and battery (or eject the power source from its sealed home in the Abound’s down tube when needed). Additionally, the ACU can allow for remote shutdown and locking of the bike in the event of theft. It even keeps a log of unusual events!

While it is connected to the main battery, the ACU has a separate power reserve that allows it to remain active for up to two weeks if the main battery expires or is removed. Additionally, the bike’s kickstand and battery can be unlocked through the display in case the rider’s phone dies while on a ride.

I tested most of the ACU’s features briefly in preparation for this initial review, and all seemed to work well. I intend to spend more time with them in the near future for our regular “deep dive” into the bike.

The Aventon app is an equally essential component of the SR’s user experience. In addition to tuning motor output and pedal sensitivity, the app can track and be set up to sync ride data with Strava and Apple Health automatically. It can also connect Aventon owners with each other through an exclusive social media-like community feature.

Aventon shared that the Abound SR’s features aren’t set in stone; with OTA updates, the ACU has “room for new functionalities in the future.” We’re not sure what those may be, but we’re excited to find out more! At face value, the bike’s $2k+ price tag may seem steep, but we feel it is justified, as the SR includes a host of features not typically found on bikes in its price range.

How do we expect the Abound SR to perform as a cargo hauler? The bike is, after all, a utility e-bike made for carrying kids, groceries, packages, lunch orders, and anything else one might conceivably load onto the cargo rack.

As we have not yet tested this aspect of the bike’s performance, I cannot speak from experience. Thanks to its motor’s maximum output (950W and 80 Nm of torque), we expect it will handle its weight capacity effectively while feeling relatively natural to pedal.

The Abound SR boasts a mighty payload capacity of up to 440 pounds (including the rider). This rivals—and, in most cases, matches—the weight capacity of even the best and mightiest full-size cargo e-bikes we have tested. The bike’s rear cargo rack can carry up to a respectable 100 lbs: enough for a child passenger or a heavy load of gear.

The bike includes mesh wheel guards to keep little hands and feet safe when carrying passengers, but additional accessories will need to be purchased separately. It’s compatible with a front rack, a rear basket, footpegs, two seating options, a rear handlebar, and panniers.

The Abound SR features many expected components, such as an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and 2-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. It also includes a variety of uncommon extras, including components with a higher spec level than we expected and some less impactful but appreciated features, such as its chain guard.

A prime example is the bike’s suspension fork, which offers an appreciable 40 millimeters of travel but also features stout 40-mm stanchions and a thru-axle. This combination enhances the bike’s handling by providing stability when cornering—especially important when riding under load.

Additionally, while many similar bikes feature no rear suspension, the Abound SR includes a suspension seatpost with 50 mm of travel to reduce the impact of bumps. So far, we found this effective, if somewhat springy-feeling.

Safety features such as the integrated headlight, tail/brake light, and rear turn signals are now commonplace on Aventon’s full line of e-bikes, though the latter element is still somewhat uncommon in general. As such, I feel it important to continue to give the brand kudos for raising the bar!

We also like the brand’s new color display/control panel, which puts all of the bike’s controls within easy reach of the left grip. The screen is admittedly tiny, so some riders may need to update their glasses prescription to read some elements, but we found that it presented essential ride data well.

The Abound SR is UL 2849 certified, and it includes a substantial UL 2271-certified 20 Ah/708 Wh battery. Aventon advertises a range of up to 60 miles from a single charge; the bike is currently in the middle of a range test as I write this review, so we will share our findings as we evaluate the brand’s estimate.

While the Abound SR seems to be outfitted well for its purpose and price, we will not know for certain if it meets our high expectations until we measure its performance in our full review. So far, our experiences show a positive trend, but we will reserve judgement until the final results are in.

In the meantime, we have a handful of additional questions that we intend to explore and answer during our testing process. Perhaps most importantly, we are curious about the bike’s 36V electrical system and its effect on the SR’s range and its ability to carry heavy loads of cargo.

Additionally, while I had the opportunity to explore the recently updated and expanded Aventon app briefly, I will need to spend more time with it to understand all of its features. We have traditionally found it to be useful, but my first impression of its robust suite of new features suggests that it may now be an essential element of owning the bike.

Finally, we look forward to discovering how the Abound SR’s performance compares to similar e-bikes we have tested—especially its high-end competitor, the Globe Haul ST.

If the Abound SR caught your attention, stay tuned for our standard full-length performance/data-driven review, which we will update here once our testing is complete. Please also be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on the update!

Happy Riding! In the comments section below, make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Abound SR.