Depending on the Aventon Ebike you own, you may have either a 7, 8, or 12-speed drivetrain. The speed of the drivetrain can be determined by counting the number of gears on the rear wheel cassette or freewheel. Naturally, the other parts of the drivetrain will be compatible components for the same amount of speeds. The drivetrain consists of the crankset/ chainring, chain, cassette/ freewheel, shifter, and derailleur.
Depending on what you would like to improve, different parts can be upgraded from the stock components in order to achieve this goal. Below we will go through the benefits of changing each part and what other components may be affected by each upgrade.
Upgrading the Chain
A chain upgrade can be a great upgrade for both performance and cosmetic reasons. Upgraded chains come with hollow pins and side plates to reduce weight and provide better shifting performance. Chains can also come in many colors and finishes in order to improve the aesthetics of the bike. When purchasing a chain, it will need to be specified as the same amount of speeds as the rest of the drivetrain.
Upgrading the Shifter/ Derailleur
If you would like to improve your shifting experience, a higher-end shifter and derailleur can significantly improve the performance of your shifting. Upgraded shifters and derailleurs are assembled with more precision parts and materials allowing for a more adjustable and durable product in usually a lighter package. As it is recommended to upgrade the shifter with the matching derailleur, if only one of them is being upgraded, the best results will be achieved by matching the make of the shifter to the derailleur at least. Also, it is important to make sure the upgraded shifter and/ or derailleur are for the correct speed to match the rest of the drivetrain.
Upgrading the Cassette/ Freewheel
The benefits of upgrading the cassette or freewheel on the rear wheel can extend the range of your current gearing by providing larger cogs, (lower gears) that can allow you to climb much easier. If you only change the rear gears, you will need to keep the same amount of speeds that your current shifter and derailleur are compatible with. If the new freewheel or cassette has much larger lower gears, in some cases you may need a new chain and derailleur. You may need a chain with more links as well as a derailleur with a longer cage that is compatible with your upgraded gearing. Online derailleurs will commonly state their compatible gear range (example "42t max rear cog") Note: Aventon 7 speed bikes use a "freewheel" on the rear wheel and Aventon 8 speed and 12-speed bikes use a "cassette".
Upgrading the Chainring/ Cranks
Upgrading your cranks and chainring can be a great way to enhance your pedaling experience. Upgraded cranks can allow for different crank lengths, materials, and finishes. Many ebike users prefer a shorter crank which will also provide more ground clearance. When changing cranksets, you may be able to install a larger or smaller front chainring. A larger chainring will create a higher gear ratio, allowing you to pedal easier at high speed, while a smaller chainring will allow you to climb hills easier creating a lower gear ratio.
Compatibility may vary when pairing aftermarket components with Aventon bottom brackets and rear hub drive motors. If you wish to upgrade components of your drivetrain, we recommend consulting with your local Aventon dealer shop in order to confirm the compatibility of the desired parts for your bike.