Big Sur Ebike

First time e-bike owner here!

TL;DR: 70 miles in and I love it. See below for a more thorough review. I am not a bike/e-bike expert, just a satisfied first-time owner.

I must have watched/read hundreds of reviews in a span of about 10 days while doing research on my first ever e-bike. I thought I had narrowed it down to the Aventon Aventure 2… but not so fast. I walked into a local bike shop to test ride an Aventure, but they didn’t have any in stock, so the guy there says “why don’t you try the Big Sur?” I had no idea what Big Sur or who AIMA were, and I thought I was pretty dead set on an Aventure, so I was a bit hesitant. Then I test rode the Big Sur…

It just felt right from the moment I first rode it (my advice: test ride a bike before you buy it). The seat was comfy, the power was plenty, it felt sturdy, and even though it’s an 80+ pound bike it did not feel too heavy at all. I am a bigger guy at 6’1” 200lbs. and I really like the size. Once you get moving it’s pretty nimble for such a big bike. There’s another review here that said “the Cadillac of e-bikes,” I think that’s pretty accurate… although I drive a Ford Truck.

I ended up test riding an Aventure a few days later and it just didn't compare to the Big Sur. It just didn’t FEEL right.

I took it on a 25-mile trip a few days ago (mostly flat pavement) and it was such a great ride. I mostly rode in pedal assist 1, with the occasional throttle from a stop and pedal assist 5 for some fun (spoiler alert: it is fun!), and I still had about 33% of the battery left at the end of the ride. Honestly, I don’t think 60 miles is feasible unless you’re a really light rider, ride on flat terrain, and don’t have any wind/road resistance. But, in pedal assist 1, which has plenty of power for me, with favorable conditions I believe 40 is definitely attainable, which is plenty for my purposes. Pedal assist 5 is awesome and fun, but it will drain the battery faster. Tires are great and grippy, and they actually roll really well on pavement—I was pleasantly surprised. They feel really safe and sturdy. Riding position is upright and suits me well, shifting was smooth, rear rack is great (helped me pick up some groceries on the way home), brakes are great, handlebar grips are comfy and don’t fatigue your hands, kickstand is strong. Battery easily comes out for charging and storage. There’s just a lot of things to love about this bike.

If I had to nitpick at anything, I guess it would be the range. I would love if I could get 60 miles of range, but I just don’t think that’s gonna happen, maybe a different rider can. But for my commuting purposes and the occasional leisurely weekend ride, 40 miles is plenty, even 30 would be. Also, since it’s a step-through frame (which I love), it’s a little difficult to lock the bike up because it doesn’t have a top tube. The knobby tires and motor create some noise when riding, but I personally don’t mind it. It’s a powerful bike and that comes with some noise. I haven’t really ridden at night, so I can’t attest to the lights yet.

I almost forgot, this bike just looks cool! I got a comment on it shortly after purchase. I love the matte black and the gumwall tires, I think it’s a great combination.

All in all, I’m really pleased 70 miles in. I was looking for a fat-tire e-bike for commuting and leisurely rides that was powerful, comfortable, had good range, and was cool looking— the Big Sur ticks all those boxes for me.

I’m glad that bike shop dude recommended the Big Sur, I think you’ll be glad if you get one, too.

I bought an Aventon and enjoyed it immensely BUT I then bought a Big Sur and love it so much more. It feels stronger and sturdier than the Aventon and easier to get up to higher speeds.

I actually own a different brand of Heavy Duty e-bike which I felt was the best bike for bigger riders at the time I purchased it 3yrs ago,
Today for Thanksgiving several people in my family decided to Rent e-bikes and I went with them. At the high volume e-bike Rental Shop we went to I saw a BigSur and got to talking to the Mechanic who said they are the Cadillac of e-bikes. I hope one day I can do a thorough review of one. It takes a lot to impress me and the LOOK of this Bike was amazing.

I rode one of these 10/1/24 as a rental. Three times the e-support cut out in a slow turn going into an incline. The third time I could not get it to kick back in and this heavy bike fell on me. Severely sprained wrist that caught the weight of the bike, plus two fractures in landing foot. I had already ridden 15 miles and am an experienced bike rider.

We have the black one and the white one. These bikes are beasts. We love riding and enjoying life. I love how it is well built. It feels very sturdy. They are big bikes. We have the 26”. Love how it rides and handles. Very comfortable. Just wish it would go 28 mph with the throttle.