Electric Bike Review / Comparison: Denago Commute Model 1, Euphree City Robin, Aventon Level 2

Choosing an E-bike can be overwhelming.   

Here are 3 popular models that compete in the market.  We carry two of the three - the Euphree and Denago.  They are priced in the same range, look similar, and have similar features.  How is one to choose the right bike!?!?  The Denago Commute Model 1 at $1,799, Euphree City Robin at $1,999 and Aventon Level.2 at $1,799.  We'd say these bikes are all very similar because they're based on the last few years of assessing customer demand and responding accordingly.  Euphree does still have some of it's City Robin 2022 models left, and it's an amazing deal at $1,699.  

For us, we've also had dozens of brands available to us, but for various reasons have declined to carry most of them.  Some were due to quality, others price, others we just couldn't find enough information on them.  Some just didn't fit the needs we had. Not that there aren't some other really good brands out there.  For us the companies we work with, and how they back their product, is just as critical as the quality of the bikes.   

One note on frame design.  The "step through" design has always been thought of as a "women's" bike.  The reason is because women wore dresses in the 1800's when bikes came out and the frame tradition has never changed.  However, with E-bikes, over half of our E-bikes sold are step through designs, for both men and women.  This is an important factor not only for getting onto the bike, but as we start adding racks, bags, etc. on the back of a bike, the step over models become a bigger challenge to get on and off.  

For the comparison.  First is Styling.  First off, if you're looking for a step over bike, only the Aventon and Denago offer that.  Euphree has one model and it's a step through.    All weigh in the same range, with the Euphree being the heavier of the bikes.  This is primarily due to upgraded front and rear suspension and rear rack.    The Euphree comes in one frame size, while the other two offer two frame sizes.   So both Aventon and Denago will be better for those in the 4'11" to 5'2" range, while the larger Denago sizes will fit riders up to 6'5', with the other brands being rated at 6'3 and 6'4", respectively.   As to colors, Denago has one choice, Aventon 2 and Euphree 4 color choices.  One cool feature of the Euphree - it has the front cables integrated into the frame, giving it a cleaner look up front.  They're the first we've seen do that.  You'll see that when you look at the pictures.   

With respect to mechanical and electronic equipment and performance, these bikes all use Shimano brand gears and similar brakes, though Euphree has upgraded brakes compared to the other two.   All are rear hub driven bikes (see our article detailing the differences between mid drive and rear hub dive bikes).  The Euphree has 7 mechanical gears and the other two bikes have 8 gears.  Euphree has a name brand Bafang motor, while Denago and Aventon have good quality generic motors (these two brands appear to use the identical generic motor with their own brand printed on it).    So Euphree wins here with a better known motor that also comes with a 2 year warranty (the Denago and Aventon have 1 year).  The Euphree offering a bit more climbing power than the other two. 

With respect to batteries, Euphree has a name brand (Samsung) battery, Denago has a generic battery built with LG cells and Aventon has a generic battery.    Euphree and Aventon rate their bikes at up to 60 miles per charge and Denago at 50 miles per charge.  This is probably partly due to the Denago having 2.6" wide tires, while the other brands have 2.1" wide tires. So Euphree wins here with a name brand battery and a 2 year warranty, compared to the other two that have one year warranties.   

Denago does have wider tires than the others, by about a half inch.  This gives you a more cushioned ride, though Euphree does that with the rear shock.  While it has 1 less mechanic gear, the Euphree wins in a couple areas:  It has a rack capable of supporting 100 lbs (the other two are 55 lbs) and a much brighter headlight.   So if you're wanting to put a kid on the back, the Euphree wins here.  They've also integrated the rack into the frame / painted it the same color, which gives it a nice look.   One area where Denago has an advantage - the pedal assist can be programmed to only work when the rider inputs their code.   So would be thieves cannot operate the bike in pedal assist mode without that code.   

Shocks / Ride / Comfort:  The Euphree has a bigger front shock, however, if we're talking about paved or gravel riding, all the front shocks on these bikes are ample for the use.  The Euphree does have a premium Suntour Fork that retails on it's own for $120.   Denago has a spring shock in the seatpost, while Aventon does not have a shock.  Euphree and Denago both have adjustable front stems, which allow for a variety of riding positions for the rider whether you want to lean forward more or sit up straighter.  Aventon has a fixed front stem. 

All have 5 levels of pedal assist, and a degree of customization as to how the pedal assist operates.   There are differences here, but not substantial.  Essentially, the Euphree and Denago allow you to do more or less power when taking off, while the Aventon is more just one setting on how quickly it takes off.  The Aventon has the highest rated weight capacity at 300 lbs, though we'd say these bikes are all basically identical as to that.  

Warranty/Companies.  Euphree has a 2 year warranty on everything including the mechanical and electrical components.  They're one of two companies we have, along with Gazelle, to do 2 years on all the components.  Denago and Aventon do lifetime warranties on the frames and 1 year on all mechanical and electronic components.   With respect to frames, we rarely see frames go bad for many years, if at all.    Denago and Euphree are both based in Texas and Aventon in California.  All these companies are based in the U.S., while there are definitely a number of E-bike companies based outside the country and importing them here.  Euphree and Denago both obtained U.S. based financing for their companies, while Aventon was heavily financed in 2022 by Venture Capital firms based in China.  

OVERALL VERDICT:   There are some price differences, with Euphree coming in $200 above the others.  Though again, it's 2022 model is priced below the other two:

- Warranty - The Euphree wins here with a 2 year warranty on all parts and components, compared to the other two;

- Motor / Battery - The Euphree wins here with a name brand motor and battery;  Denago is second with the same generic motor as Aventon, but a battery built with L.G cells.  

- Comfort / Ride - The Euphree wins here with the comfortable rear shock and a better front suspension fork, plus the adjustable front stem.   Denago is second having a spring suspension seat post and adjustable front stem.  Aventon is third as it does not have a suspension seat post, nor an adjustable front stem.   The rear seatpost featured on the Euphree can be added to the others for $120. 

- Performance.   Probably a tie between Euphree and Denago.  Euphree wins in one area with more climbing power.   Denago also has the ability to more customize the pedal assist settings and also the ability to activate pedal assist riding only with a code.   Denago has two sensors, to better match your pedaling, while the others have one sensor.   Both Denago and Euphree give you the ability to adjust the pedal assist settings to give you more or less power on the different levels.  

- Headlights/Tail lights.  Euphree wins here with the brightest headlight/tail light combo.    The tail light also doubles as a brake light.   Denago and Aventon are comparable here.  

Carrying Capacity.  If you're looking to carry a child / kids seat on the back, the Euphree is the clear winner here with the ability to load up 100 lbs on the rear rack.  

 Denago

Aventon

Eufree

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