Co-Op Cycles Cty vs. Aventon Soltera: Which One Wins?

Co-op Cycles CTY vs. Aventon Soltera: this is a battle of two of the most worthy contenders on the e-bike market. But which one should you put your money towards if you’re looking for a new bike?

Specifically, the e1.1 from the e-bike company Co-op Cycles CTY and the Soltera from Aventon are fantastic choices in the world of electric bikes designed for city commuting. 

They both come with a sleek build that is not to be underestimated and an impressive lineup of the latest technology to carry you wherever you want to go. Whether you’re a commuter or an e-bike enthusiast, you’ll find both of these bikes exciting. With that said, is one still a better option than the other? Let’s find out.

Co-op Cycles CTY vs. Aventon Soltera: Side-by-Side Comparison

Co-op Cycles CTY vs. Aventon Soltera: What’s the Difference?

These bikes are both on the lighter side compared to most e-bikes on the market, but neither compromised durability to accomplish this.

Both of these bikes were designed for ease of transport and can be comfortably carried by most people. They are also both comfortable on the wallet compared to the market without any fewer features. More on that later. 

The bikes do have a few differences worth noting. For example, the Aventon Soltera comes with two different design options: the “Step Over” and the “Step-Through.” The Soltera also comes in a single-speed and 7-speed variant.

Interestingly, they both come with a top tube, but for the “Step-Through” option, the top tube is positioned much lower at an angle for ease of getting on and off the bike. For the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1, while it does have a top tube, took great care in the design of the saddle, hand positions, and grips for optimal comfort while riding.

Let’s dig into the specifics a little more.

Technology

Both the Aventon Soltera and the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 have small LCD screens to track all of your biking needs. They both track the necessities such as distance traveled, battery life, average speed, and pedal assistance level.

With that said, we have to say the Aventon Soltera likely wins in this comparison because its screen is in full view right in the center of the aluminum handlebars and has full color. The best part is probably the fact that you can sync it with your phone for up-to-the-minute data about your bike.

The Aventon Soltera has a “Throttle on Demand” feature meaning that you can throttle from a complete stop. The controls are located on the left handlebar for ease of use. If the throttle is being used at full capacity, you can cruise for about 20 miles without a problem.

If the throttle is not your favorite feature, you can easily remove it. Then, you can use it like any other e-bike with just the pedal assistance. In contrast, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 does not come with a throttle option at all.

Battery and Range

The batteries that come with both bikes are incredible pieces of technology. The Aventon Soltera gives you a removable but integrated 36V lithium-ion battery with LG cells. This bike was designed to look like that battery isn’t even there, which is certainly appealing for aesthetic reasons. But they did not compromise on the power and durability of the battery to do so.

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 comes with a stellar Bafang 43V battery which is slightly larger. But it is still lithium-ion and removable as well. Both bikes are pretty comparable as far as range goes, with the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 sitting at an expected 40 miles at best.

The Aventon Soltera gets up to 41 miles of range. However, remember this is highly subjective depending on the weight, the speed, and the terrain you’re riding on. In reality, both bikes will offer you 25 to 30 miles on average.

Best Uses

Both of these bikes are great options for commuters or leisurely bike enthusiasts, especially city dwellers. Despite their small sizes, they have impressive weight capacities to carry you and all your necessities.

The Aventon Soltera weighs a nimble 43 pounds for the 7-speed version and 41 pounds for the single-speed variant. Even with the light frame, it has a 300-pound payload capacity. Conversely, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 weighs 48 pounds and can carry about the same amount of weight.

The Aventon Soltera is rated a class 2 e-bike. But should you remove the throttle, it would be considered a class 1. Either way, this bike is an exceptional choice for commuters or those wanting to go for a sunny afternoon bike ride without doing all the work.

The Aventon Soltera comes in two sizes and can accommodate individuals between 4’11” and 6’3”, depending on your chosen size and design. The saddle is adjustable for maximum comfort regardless of which size you choose. 

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 is rated as a class 1 e-bike and is also a great choice for commuters or anyone with similar biking needs. This bike actually offers three different sizes and can meet the needs of anyone between the heights of 5’0” and 6’3” across the three options. The saddle height is adjustable, and the handlebar angle can be adjusted as well. If you’re taller, this is likely the bike you would want to choose. 

Components

Each bike has a design that accommodates the latest technologies and similar frames. But they are pretty different in the details.

The Aventon Soltera has Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors, while the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has FPD alloy pedals, and the Aventon Soltera was designed with 9/16’ alloy pedals. There isn’t a significant difference in the overall pedal design.

The Aventon Soltera and the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 both come with 36h tire rims. While the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 uses its own double-wall manufacturing design, the Aventon Soltera lists no manufacturer. The Aventon Soltera has a 100-link, 7-speed chain on their bike, but the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 comes with a KMC-manufactured chain designed specifically for e-bikes.

The handlebars of both bikes are comparable but are still slightly different. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 was designed with their own 6061 aluminum riser handlebars with grips focused on comfort. They do not list the exact size specifications of their handlebars.

On the other hand, the Aventon Soltera has 602 x 31.8 mm handlebars made out of aluminum, but they don’t specify a specific shape. Based on the photos, the angle and adjustment choices were pretty similar. The primary differences were the orientation of the LCD screen and the lack of a throttle on the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1.

Speed and Stability

In spite of being in different classes with the use of the Aventon Soltera’s throttle, both bikes possess a top speed of about 20 mph. That speed is achievable for the Aventon Soltera with the use of pedal assistance and the throttle engaged.

For the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1, you only get pedal assistance. Either way, coasting at higher speeds for longer periods of time will drastically reduce the overall range you can achieve with these bikes before another charge is necessary, so we don’t recommend maxing out the speed at all times if you’re traveling long distances or don’t want to have to re-charge too often.

The Aventon Soltera design includes a rear-mount kickstand. So, there’s no worry about this one toppling over when you take a break. This bike does not come with fenders or racks. But both are available as an additional purchase. Even though it lacks protective fenders and mudguards, this bike is rated as IPX4 water resistant. So, a little rain or mud puddle splashes are nothing to be concerned about.

Just like the Aventon Soltera, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 does not come with front or rear fenders either. But they are available for additional purchase. This bike has no waterproof or resistant rating, so proceed with caution when in rainy or muddy conditions.

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 is of a similar design that is not destined for the use of grand adventures, but it will pose you no problems getting back and forth from wherever you’re headed.

Frame

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 frame is made out of durable 6061 aluminum that comes with a lower top tube height that you can easily stand over to ensure you can get on and off quickly. This bike only comes with one color option. But it possesses an attractive frame with a low top tube and the ergonomic benefit of allowing you to sit upright for peak comfort.

Unfortunately, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 doesn’t come with a suspension. But despite this, the fork designed for this e-bike is created out of aluminum with a tapered steel tube to ensure there is added security across the bike.

For the Aventon Soltera, the frame is also made with 6061 aluminum. But it’s double-butted and has an internal battery design. If you don’t know to look for it, you’d think this was just a regular bike at first glance. This bike technically has four different color options. But only two different color choices for each size. The Aventon Soltera also has no suspension, so neither bike is destined for rough terrain compatibility.

Accessories

The Aventon Soltera is advertised on its website as having a minimalist design, and the accessories that come along with the purchase of the bike do align with that ideology.

With that said, they are currently running a promotion where you get a front rack for free with the purchase of the bike, so if that’s what you desire, it’s worth looking into while supplies last.

Otherwise, both front and rear racks are available for purchase as well as a mirror for the handlebar, a water bottle mount, fenders, a backup battery, and much more. Front and rear lights do come integrated with the bike, so that’s one less accessory to worry about. 

On the other hand, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 was manufactured by a company known as REI Co-op, which sells pretty much everything a cyclist or any lover of the outdoors could desire. The bike itself comes with both front and back safety lights and a battery charger.

However, you can also purchase numerous other cycling accessories, such as helmets, fenders, child seats, backup batteries, jerseys, storage racks, and anything else in between. REI is truly any outdoorsy person’s dream store. They have everything you need. 

Co-op Cycles CTY vs. Aventon Soltera: 8 Must-Know Facts

• Both the Aventon Soltera and the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 have top tubes, but the Aventon Soltera has two design options to adjust its orientation.
•  The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 comes with a Bafang 43V/450Wh 
• The Aventon Soltera has a 36V, 350W Nominal Brushless Rear Hub
• The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has one color option, while the Aventon Soltera has four (two different colors for each size)
• The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 provides three different size choices and is designed for riders with a maximum height of 6’3”, but the Aventon Soltera has two size options with similar accommodations
• The Aventon Soltera comes with a removable throttle. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 does not have throttle capabilities 
• Both bikes are pretty comparable in size, weight, carrying capacity, range, and speed
• There is only a $100 dollar difference in the price between these two bikes

Co-op Cycles CTY vs. Aventon Soltera: Which One is Better? Which Should You Choose?

While this is a pretty tough choice given their similarities and equally compelling features, we would have to go with the Aventon Soltera as the victor in this round. Despite only a 5-pound difference, this bike is still lighter and is easier to transport. And it did not compromise durability with its design.

We are also a big fan of the two different design options depending on personal preference as well as the accommodation for a range of heights in individuals that will be riding it. The tech specs on this bike are certainly tough to compete with, given its incredible LCD display and integrated battery design.

Overall, they’re both great choices, but the Aventon Soltera is a sleek force to be reckoned with.