Aventon Current EXP vs Ramblas ADV: Which eMTB?
Aventon Current EXP vs Ramblas ADV: full suspension vs hardtail, motors, brakes and trail fit compared to help you choose the right electric mountain bike.
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The short answer
Choose the Aventon Current EXP if you ride technical, rocky or rooty singletrack and want full suspension with premium RockShox and SRAM parts. Choose the Ramblas ADV if you ride smoother trails, fire roads and climbs, and want a capable mid-drive hardtail for noticeably less money. Both use strong Aventon mid-drives and 29-inch wheels.
Our top picks
- Pick the Current EXP if you want full suspension (150mm front, 140mm rear) for rough, technical trails. Check price on Amazon
- Pick the Ramblas ADV if you want a lighter, simpler hardtail with a 100Nm mid-drive and a 130mm fork. Check price on Amazon
| Spec | Current EXP | Ramblas ADV |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full suspension | Hardtail |
| Motor | Ultro X mid-drive, 250W nominal | Mid-drive, 250W nominal / 750W peak |
| Torque | 110Nm (120Nm in Boost) | 100Nm |
| Battery | 800Wh integrated | 708Wh (LG cells) |
| Front suspension | 150mm RockShox Lyrik Select | 130mm RockShox Psylo |
| Rear suspension | 140mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ | None |
| Brakes | SRAM Maven Base 4-piston, 200mm rotors | SRAM DB6 4-piston |
| Frame | Carbon front triangle, aluminum rear | Aluminum |
| Extras | SRAM S1000 wireless 12-speed | 150mm dropper post, IP67 motor rating |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
How we built this guide
We compared Aventon’s published specs with figures reported by established outlets such as Electric Bike Review, plus owner feedback from trail riders. We did not ride these bikes for this comparison.
Do you actually need full suspension?
You need full suspension if your trails are rough: roots, rock gardens, drops and steep, loose descents. For smooth singletrack, gravel and fire roads, a good hardtail is enough and is simpler to own.
Rear suspension keeps the back wheel in contact with the ground, which helps traction on climbs and control on descents. It also saves your back on long, bumpy days. The trade-off is more weight, more parts to service and a higher price.
A simple test: if your local trails are rated mostly green and blue and you rarely feel beaten up, the Ramblas ADV covers you. If you ride blue and black trails with chunky rock or want to progress to harder lines, the Current EXP is built for that.
What do you get for the Current EXP’s higher price?
You get parts you would normally see on premium mountain bike brands. That matters on hard trails, where brakes and suspension quality decide how confident you feel.
The Current EXP uses a carbon front triangle with an aluminum rear, a 150mm RockShox Lyrik Select fork, a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock with 140mm of rear travel, SRAM Maven Base four-piston brakes with 200mm rotors and a SRAM S1000 wireless 12-speed drivetrain. Aventon’s Ultro X mid-drive is rated at 110Nm of torque, and 120Nm in Boost, fed by an 800Wh battery.
Powerful brakes are the underrated part here. A heavy eMTB going downhill needs far more stopping power than a regular mountain bike, and four-piston brakes with large rotors make a real difference on long descents.
Check the Aventon Current EXP on Amazon →
Is the Ramblas ADV a real trail bike or a trail-look bike?
It is a genuine trail hardtail. The component list is a big step above budget “mountain-style” e-bikes.
The Ramblas ADV uses a mid-drive rated at 250W nominal, 750W peak and 100Nm of torque, with a torque sensor and an IP67 water rating. It runs a 708Wh battery with LG cells, a 130mm RockShox Psylo fork, 29-inch tubeless-ready Maxxis tires, SRAM DB6 four-piston brakes and a 150mm dropper post. Electric Bike Review lists it at about 54 lb, and it ships as Class 1, which is the class most often allowed on trails that permit e-bikes.
The dropper post is a big deal for new trail riders. It lets you lower the saddle on descents with a lever, which makes steep sections feel much less scary.
Check the Aventon Ramblas ADV on Amazon →
Which is better for climbing?
Both climb very well. The Current EXP has more torque and rear suspension for traction on loose, rocky climbs, while the Ramblas ADV is lighter and still has 100Nm.
On smooth fire-road climbs, you will notice little difference. On a loose, ledgy climb, the full-suspension bike keeps its rear tire biting, which is where it earns its price.
What actually matters when buying an eMTB
- Trail access and class: many trails allow only Class 1 e-bikes, and some ban e-bikes entirely. Rules vary by land manager, state and locality, so check before you ride. This is not legal advice.
- Brakes: four-piston brakes and large rotors matter more on a heavy eMTB than on a normal bike.
- Torque and battery: 100Nm or more and 700Wh or more is a strong trail setup.
- Fit: check the frame size chart against your height and inseam.
- Dropper post: a big confidence boost on descents.
Marketing noise: peak watt numbers and “all-terrain” labels on budget bikes. Suspension brand, brake type and tire quality tell you far more.
Who should pick each, and who should skip them?
The Current EXP is for
- Experienced riders on technical trails
- Riders who want long, comfortable days on rough terrain
- Anyone who wants premium components without building a custom bike
The Ramblas ADV is for
- New and intermediate trail riders
- Fire roads, flowy singletrack and climbing-focused rides
- Riders who want lower maintenance and a lower price tier
Skip both if
- You mostly ride paved paths and gravel; a commuter or hybrid e-bike is cheaper and more comfortable
- Your local trails ban e-bikes
Watch-outs
- Weight and transport: eMTBs are heavy. Check your rack’s per-bike weight rating; many hitch racks are fine, but roof racks often are not.
- Suspension service: forks and shocks need periodic service. Budget for it on the Current EXP in particular.
- Drivetrain wear: strong mid-drives wear chains fast on steep climbs. Ease off pedal pressure when shifting.
- Battery care: do not charge a hot battery right after a long ride; let it cool first, and charge on a non-flammable surface away from exits.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Current EXP if you ride rough, technical trails often and want full suspension and top-tier brakes.
- Choose the Ramblas ADV if you ride smoother trails or are newer to mountain biking and want strong value.
- Choose neither if your riding is mostly on pavement or gravel; see our commuter and long-range guides instead.
Common questions
Is the Ramblas ADV good for beginners?
Yes. It ships as Class 1, has a dropper post and strong four-piston brakes, and its hardtail design is simpler to maintain. That is a friendly combination for newer trail riders.
How much does the Ramblas ADV weigh?
Electric Bike Review lists it at about 54 lb. That is typical for a mid-drive eMTB with a large battery.
Can I ride an eMTB on the road?
Yes, though knobby tires are slower and noisier on pavement. Many owners run slightly higher tire pressure for road sections.
Are e-bikes allowed on mountain bike trails?
It depends on the land manager. Many trails allow Class 1 e-bikes, some allow none. Check local rules before each new trail system.
