Choosing between the Aventon Soltera 3 ADV and Pace 5 REC starts with how you ride—and how you handle a bike when you are not riding it. The Soltera is a 37 lb step-over eBike with a single-speed Gates belt drive. The Pace is a 60.48 lb low step-through eBike with eight gears, a thumb throttle and an upright riding position. Those are complete-bike weights, not frame weights.
For a Tampa Bay showroom visit, focus on mounting, reach, starting effort and lifting. Prices checked October 3, 2026 were $1,499 for the Soltera 3 ADV and $1,799 for the Pace 5 REC—a $300 difference. Prices and availability can change.
Frame Design and Mounting: Step-Over vs. Low Step-Through
The Soltera has an aluminum step-over frame with a top tube to clear when mounting and stopping. The Pace has a low step-through frame. Try getting on and off both while wearing the clothing and shoes you normally ride in, and compare how securely you can stand over the bike.
The Pace uses swept-back handlebars, an adjustable stem and a 250 mm wide saddle for an upright position. The Soltera has a different cockpit and narrower road-style tires. Both have rigid forks, and the Pace has a regular seatpost—not a suspension seatpost. A short ride helps you assess reach and road feel; a wider saddle alone does not guarantee a better fit.
The Pace 5 REC features an open step-through frame, swept-back bars, and broad saddle. |
Sizing systems differ considerably across both bikes. The Soltera 3 ADV offers four frame sizes (Small 5’1″–5’5″, Medium 5’5″–5’9″, Large 5’9″–6’1″, Extra Large 6’1″–6’4″), while the Pace 5 REC comes in two options (Regular 5’0″–5’9″ and Large 5’9″–6’3″). These height ranges serve as manufacturer guidance only, making an in-person standover and reach evaluation essential.
Motor Power, Throttle, and Starting Effort
The Soltera uses a 250W nominal rear hub motor, with 540W peak power and 40 Nm of torque. Its torque sensor responds to pedaling effort. It is a Class 1 eBike with pedal assist up to 20 mph, no throttle and no throttle compatibility.
The Pace uses a 750W nominal rear hub motor, with 1,188W standard peak power and 80 Nm of torque. Boost mode provides up to 1,440W peak power and 96 Nm for up to 30 seconds. It includes a left-handlebar thumb throttle and Sensor Switch, which lets riders select torque- or cadence-sensing assistance. The bike carries a Class 2 label; Aventon lists a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph in an appropriate configuration. Ask staff to explain the current setup.
During a test ride, compare starting in the Soltera’s single gear with starting in a lower gear on the Pace. Ask staff to demonstrate the Pace throttle in a suitable clear area. Choose the controls and level of pedaling involvement that you prefer, rather than relying on peak motor numbers alone.
Drivetrain and Maintenance: Gates Belt vs. Shimano 8-Speed Chain
The Soltera uses a single-speed Gates Carbon Belt Drive without derailleur gears. The belt does not need chain lubrication, but the bicycle still needs routine care, including belt inspections, brake checks and correct tire pressure. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance.
The Pace has an 8-speed Shimano Altus chain drivetrain. Its gears give you more ways to adjust pedaling cadence as speed, wind or slopes change. The chain needs cleaning and lubrication, and the shifting system needs periodic attention.
The Soltera 3 ADV Gates belt drive avoids chain lube but requires periodic tension checks. |
Handling the 23.48 lb Weight Difference: Lifting and Storage
The Soltera weighs 37 lb and the Pace weighs 60.48 lb, a 23.48 lb difference. That matters if your routine includes stairs, lifting a bike into a vehicle or moving it through a narrow doorway. Neither model folds.
Before buying, check your vehicle rack’s per-bike weight limit and frame compatibility. Ask for help evaluating lifting and storage at the showroom; do not assume that any standard rack will suit either bike. Measure your storage space and bring those dimensions with you.
Aventon lists a 300 lb total rider-and-cargo limit for the Soltera and 330 lb for the Pace. These are total payload limits, not separate allowances for a rider and additional cargo. The Soltera uses 700x38C tires; the Pace uses 27.5×2.1 tires.
Range Estimates, Batteries, and Smart Technology
The Soltera has a 366.8Wh battery and an estimated 3–4 hour charge time. The Pace has a removable 733Wh battery and an estimated 5 hour charge time. Aventon lists range estimates of up to 70 miles for the Soltera and up to 75 miles for the Pace.
Both manufacturer range estimates use a 165 lb rider on flat paved roads, in Eco mode with default Ride Tune settings. They are not Tampa Bay eBikes test results or guaranteed distances. Load, assistance level, wind, terrain and tire pressure affect actual range. The Pace’s larger battery does not mean twice the range. Regenerative braking can recover energy while slowing down, but it does not replace charging or guarantee a fixed mileage increase.
The Pace 5 REC in Glacier Mint, shown from the front three-quarter angle. |
The Pace includes Aventon Control Unit connected features, including 4G and GPS tracking. The first year of 4G service is included from service registration, with paid renewal afterward. Connected functions depend on service availability and do not replace a physical bicycle lock.
Aventon Soltera 3 ADV vs Pace 5 REC Specification Comparison
These manufacturer specifications summarize the main tradeoffs. Both bikes have Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors and integrated lighting with turn signals.
| Item | Soltera | Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1,799 |
| Bike weight | 37 lb | 60.48 lb |
| Frame | Step-over | Step-through |
| Drive | Single-speed belt | 8-speed chain |
| Throttle | None | Thumb throttle |
| Motor* | 250W | 750W |
| Torque* | 40 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Battery | 366.8Wh | 733Wh |
| Range** | Up to 70 mi | Up to 75 mi |
| Tires | 700x38C | 27.5×2.1 |
| Payload*** | 300 lb | 330 lb |
*Nominal motor power and standard torque; Pace Boost figures are explained in the motor section. **Manufacturer estimates under the conditions described in this article. ***Total rider and cargo.
Practical Showroom Test-Ride Checklist
Visiting a showroom gives riders the opportunity to assess physical ergonomics before making a final purchasing decision. Reviewing these practical steps during your appointment helps determine which bike aligns with your everyday needs.
- Test standover clearance on the Soltera 3 ADV top tube to confirm proper frame sizing across Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large.
- Mount the Pace 5 REC step-through frame to assess reach with the swept-back handlebars and adjustable stem in an upright position.
- Practice lifting both bicycles off the floor to evaluate how the 23.48 lb weight difference affects vehicle loading or home storage.
- Compare starting and low-speed pedaling on the Soltera 3 ADV with the Pace in a lower gear.
- Engage the Pace 5 REC thumb throttle on a level surface to check acceleration and discuss the current assist setup with staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike is lighter?
The Soltera 3 ADV is significantly lighter, weighing 37 lbs compared to the 60.48 lb Pace 5 REC. This creates a 23.48 lb difference that affects vehicle rack loading, carrying up stairs, and maneuverability when pushing the bike.
Does either bike have a throttle?
Yes, the Pace 5 REC includes a left-handlebar-mounted thumb throttle that accelerates the bike without pedaling. The Soltera 3 ADV is a dedicated Class 1 e-bike with no throttle and is not throttle-compatible.
Which bike has the longer estimated range?
The Pace 5 REC carries a slightly higher manufacturer estimate of up to 75 miles from its 733Wh battery, compared to up to 70 miles for the Soltera 3 ADV with its 366.8Wh pack. Both estimates reflect ideal flat-road conditions with a 165 lb rider in Eco mode, and actual mileage varies with terrain, rider load, assist levels, and tire pressure.
What should I check before visiting the Tampa Bay eBikes showroom?
Call ahead at 727-228-1975 to verify exact model, frame size, and test-ride availability before traveling. You should also evaluate your home storage space and vehicle rack carrying capacity so you can test relevant physical dimensions in the store.
Evaluating Your Ride at Tampa Bay eBikes
If lifting and a belt drivetrain lead your checklist, start with the Soltera. If a low step-through frame, gears and a throttle matter more, start with the Pace. A showroom comparison lets you test those priorities against your own reach, balance and storage needs.
Verify Showroom Availability and Directions
Store inventory and test-ride availability change regularly. Contact Tampa Bay eBikes before your visit to confirm which sizes and models are currently on display.
Showroom Locations:
Tampa: 4004 S MacDill Ave Unit 6, Tampa, FL 33611
Dunedin: 376 Patricia Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
St. Petersburg: 4116 S 8th Ave Unit B, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Note: The service center is separate from retail showrooms.
Primary Sources: Aventon Soltera 3 ADV Details | Aventon Pace 5 REC Details