So, you want to get an Aventon Soltera e-bike, but you’re at an impasse: Do you get one with a single-speed or the 7-speed model? Generally speaking, you’ll want to consider one factor over all others in this case: terrain. Single-speed bikes get the best performance on flatter ground. They are ill-designed for uphill pedaling and downhill braking. Seven-speeds, however, are great with hills.
Today’s article will break down the pros and cons of the Aventon Soltera single speed vs. 7-speed, otherwise known as the Aventon Soltera and Soltera 7. One is a sleek, simple single-speed bike, and the other is a seven-speed commuter. Which one is best for you? Let’s find out!
Aventon Soltera Single Speed vs. 7-Speed: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Factor | Single Speed | 7 Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 20 mph | 20 mph |
| Range | 41 miles on average | 41 miles on average |
| Weight | 41 pounds | 43 pounds |
| Intended Use | Commuter bike for flat to mostly flat areas without steep grades | Hilly commutes with lots of dips, climbs, and switchbacks |
| Effects from Shifting Terrain | Top speed diminishes, while the strain on Power assist speaks to the motor’s relatively modest wattage; power is used more quickly. | You have to shift gears and power assist levels if the terrain constantly shifts as you ride, but hills don’t drain the battery as fast. |
| Performance on Flat Ground | Optimal | Great |
| Ease of Repair | Relatively simple for an e-bike. One chain to work with, so it’s less of a pain. | More complex due to the more complicated drive chain. |
| Brakes | Rim Brakes | Disc Brakes |
Aventon Soltera Single Speed vs. 7-Speed: What’s the Difference?
The decision over single-speed vs. seven-speed comes down to the terrain you’ll be riding on. More specifically, the grade of the terrain (how steep it is) should be the deciding factor as to which one you should select. Maybe right now you live somewhere a little hilly, but you’re thinking about moving to a much flatter city. You could get a single speed and tough it out for a little while until it makes more sense to have it. On the other hand, you could get the one with six extra speeds to choose from, drastically increasing your bike’s versatility.
Range
Both e-bikes boast an impressive range of 25 to 40 miles, depending on how much pedal assistance you use. If you want an e-bike to commute with, either model will leave you seamlessly gliding through your daily routine—commuting to work, stopping by the grocery store, and running a few errands—all on a single charge.
Elevation definitely factors into the range. Tackling hills on a single-speed bike can drain the battery more quickly. In areas with frequent altitude changes, opting for the seven-speed variant may yield a higher average range. Despite these minor differences, both e-bikes offer commendable performance, given their 350W motors, and deliver an efficient and enjoyable riding experience.
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Weight
The single speed is two entire pounds lighter; what a drastic effect that will have on its ability to not roll backward down a steep hill like Sisyphus’s boulder, only to be pushed up again in a futile effort to catch up with the gang. The extra weight comes from the six extra gear sprockets, known as the “cassette,” and rear derailleur, which is required for changing gears. In reality, that two pounds of extra weight is negligible for the most part. You’ll definitely notice more advantages with the seven-speed over disadvantages due to the weight.
Effects from Shifting Terrain
The effects terrain has on riding any kind of bicycle are easily sensed. If you’re going up a hill, you’ll feel it in your legs and instinctively reach for the shifter to gain more leverage. Either model is going to be sluggish at first, but while the gears of one shift, they regain speed to a degree. Meanwhile, our single-geared friend is still slogging their way up the hill slowly but surely. The electric motor helps out as long as you have your pedal assistance turned up, but it will use more battery on the single-speed model.
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Ease of Repair
What if you’re super into minimalism and simplicity? Then maybe the single gear would resonate with you. Here’s a prime argument in favor of the single speed: it has less stuff to break. The seven-speed would absolutely be more complex to fix should something slip out of place mid-ride. That’s a very real concern, especially if you find yourself far from home when something goes wrong.
The good news is that Aventon is looking out for you here: they include a handy travel toolkit with fallen wrenches and screwdrivers. This way, you can make minor repairs on the spot. Just don’t forget it at home!
Brakes
The single-speed e-bike features rim brakes, which may not provide optimal safety when descending steep hills. In such scenarios, brake failure could become more likely due to the increased pressure required to slow the e-bike and maintain control. Nevertheless, these brakes are suitable for casual rides around town at moderate speeds.
In contrast, the seven-speed e-bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, which offer superior stopping power and safety, particularly when navigating steep inclines. Even if you live in Kansas and everything’s flat around you for miles, the 7-speed might be preferable for the disk brakes alone.
Accessories
Whether you pick the single-speed or the seven-speed model, the good news is that you get the same cool accessories like an integrated LCD with a speedometer and trip meter, headlamp and taillight, and removable battery. Considering the low price point of this bike, that’s pretty impressive.
Like other Aventon e-bikes, you can pair the Soltera to your phone using their mobile app. Just connect your e-bike’s computer to your phone using the QR code on your bike’s display, and you can see helpful information like charge level, past trips, and other stats about your bike.
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Pricing Information
Most bike shops won’t charge you extra for the seven-speed, despite the added steps needed to put it together. That being said, it’s not unheard of to see the single-speed Soltera being offered for slightly lower prices. Both models retail between $999 and $1199. As the proud owner of a Soltera 7-speed model, I can say that I paid slightly more than this, but only because I was getting it preassembled by my local bike shop.
Aventon Soltera Single Speed vs. 7-Speed: Must-Know Facts
- Both bikes are urban commuters, designed for use in the city or on the street.
- Both models come with the same great accessories package and sleek design.
- The single-speed model is two pounds lighter than the seven-speed version.
- The seven-speed model is superior if you need to get up and down a lot of hills.
- Range is similar on both models, though the seven-speed might be more efficient depending on your commute.
- Braking power is a differing factor, with the single-speed coming with rim brakes, and the seven-speed offering disc brakes.
Aventon Soltera Single Speed vs. 7-Speed: Which One is Better? Which Should You Choose?
Well, it seems obvious to us all that unless you are in a very certain set of circumstances, who wouldn’t pay a little more for the seven-speed model? It’s still fairly affordable compared to other product lines in that sector. The seven-speed Aventon Soltera offers better performance on hills and will get you more range if you live in more varied terrain. Another bonus to the seven-speed is the more powerful disc brakes.
Honestly, it concerns me that disk brakes aren’t required for all vehicles operating at speeds at or around 20 miles an hour. Our experiences with bikes, in general, indicate that rim brakes are reaching a point of obsolescence, now that manufacturing disk brakes is more commonplace and budget-friendly. That being said, if you are cool with giving up the added versatility and braking power to save a few pounds, then the single-speed is worth it. But if you want the best possible solution, opt for the seven-speed, especially if you can find it for the same price.
