My time on the Aventon Current earlier this year left me wanting. While I was ultimately impressed by the brand seemingly coming out of nowhere and putting together a solid e-bike at a very compelling price, some component choices were a miss (for me, at least). The latest build of the Aventon Current, however, might just have me singing a different tune.
Aventon Current LTD key specs
- Aventon Ultro X motor (850W, 120Nm torque, 800Wh battery)
- 150mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
- 140mm RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
- Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels
- SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes
- Price: $7,999
- Buy from Aventon
Targeting a different market
I spent the beginning of 2026 on the Aventon Current — the “EXP” build, that is. At the time, this was the brand’s top offering, and priced at $6,000, it seemed like a pretty solid e-bike. While $6,000 isn’t chump change, it is on the more affordable side of the eMTB market.
To be clear, I said “more affordable,” not “most affordable.” Aventon went even further on the affordability scale with the “ADV” build, which featured a fully aluminum frame (the EXP has a carbon front triangle) and more cost-effective components for roughly $1,500 less. And both bikes were meant to target a different audience.
At the media camp for the Current release, Aventon said neither the EXP nor the ADV was intended for “core” mountain bikers. Instead, they intentionally positioned the builds as more affordable and aimed at a completely different customer base. Aventon was targeting the “rider getting back into the sport after 15 years,” and similar riders. They also mentioned targeting their own consumers, loyal to the brand, interested in more capable off-road e-bikes.
Regardless, a $6,000 eMTB is compelling, and “core” mountain bikers also love a good deal. But after my time on the Current EXP, I felt certain issues needed to be addressed for the bike to appeal to more advanced riders. One of the biggest issues was the EXP’s suspension.
The Current LTD gets RockShox Ultimate suspension
For the Current LTD, Aventon made changes that addressed essentially all the gripes I had with the EXP. It keeps the same carbon-front and alloy-rear triangles and still offers 150mm and 140mm of travel (F/R), but a suspension upgrade (and potentially a better tune) made the Current LTD ride better in every way.
The Current EXP I reviewed featured a RockShox Lyrik and Super Deluxe, but only at the “Select” level. This meant less adjustment, which likely suits Aventon’s target audience better. It also had an incredibly soft suspension tune that I, and many other reviewers at the press camp, struggled with. While, again, this is likely a good move for someone new to mountain biking, I couldn’t seem to stuff enough volume reducers in to keep the front and rear from clanking down hard.
In the end, something like this would’ve been a deal breaker if I were considering buying this bike, since I’d likely have needed to upgrade the suspension.
Aventon remedied this issue on the LTD with a RockShox Lyrik fork and Super Deluxe shock, both at the brand’s top, “Ultimate” level. While both are more linear than previous RockShox offerings, the new suspension provides surprising support in the mid- and end-stroke.
To be clear, I only spent a few hours riding the new Current LTD, but I did so without adding volume spacers and was very impressed with the suspension performance.
As with some of Aventon’s other component upgrades, the Current LTD also features Crankbrothers Enduro Synthesis alloy wheels, offering solid lateral stiffness while retaining some vertical compliance. The tires were also upgraded to a Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR combo (previously a DHF/DHR), which I am very familiar with and prefer on most e-bikes. More significant than the front tire swap was the upgrade from EXO to EXO+ sidewall protection. While I would prefer even more sidewall protection and stiffness, I believe any 50+ pound e-bike needs at least EXO+ protection.
Still a solid price, but now there is a bit more competition
These changes, and more, bump the Aventon Current’s price to $7,999, easily making it the most expensive bike in the Aventon lineup. That said, $8,000 is a competitive price for the Current LTD — which features a solid drive unit, carbon frame, good geometry, and quality components.
When Aventon released the Current EXP and ADV in March, the price was certainly a major point of conversation. With 5-figure price tags regularly coming on e-bikes, seeing something thousands below was refreshing. But fast-forward a few months, and we’re seeing that Aventon has some competition.
Ari introduced the Wire Peak 3.0 with the Avinox M2S motor and very competitive build options, with a comparable $8,000 top-spec build. The Wire Peak, however, is a fully aluminum bike compared to the Current LTD’s carbon front triangle. That said, many people simply don’t care about alloy or carbon frames, especially on an e-bike — myself included.
If carbon is important, I have to mention the Specialized Turbo Levo sale we covered yesterday. Two 2026 Turbo Levo R builds are less expensive than the Current LTD, and the S-Works Levo R is only $1,000 more.
Maybe Aventon could have kept the price even lower?
While I was pleased with the upgraded build spec, a few component choices likely aren’t needed and, in my opinion, contribute to the higher price tag.
The Current LTD sees both a wireless SRAM X0 Transmission drivetrain and a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. Both are great, work impeccably, and are premium products — with a premium price tag. I believe cable-actuated offerings do just fine and would save some money here.
Regardless, if you are interested, order fast. “LTD” stands for “limited,” which is a good way to describe this bike, with only “99 units available.” Hopefully, if they catch on, Aventon will make more.
Share your Aventon Current LTD review
Pros and cons of Aventon Current LTD
Pros
- Much more supportive suspension and tune
- Better wheels and tires
- No need to upgrade
- Still a compelling price
Cons
- Growing competition at this price
- Some upgrades aren’t needed
- Only 99 made
Bottom line
Aventon made a splash in the bike industry with the release of the Current. Both the EXP and ADV are solid options for those looking to get into e-mountain biking, and I recommend them, especially at this price. Now, Aventon completes the lineup with a bike that won’t hold you back.
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