Ride1Up Portola vs Aventon Sinch.2: A Side-by-Side Comparison
April 26, 2024
Deciding to ride the Ride1Up Portola folding ebike not only benefits the environment but also impacts your wallet and your lifestyle for the better. Whether it’s saving money on gas, reducing emissions, or just getting outside more, the benefits are too obvious to ignore. Not one folding ebike stands up to the Portola when measured by its unique blend of looks, quality, and affordability. It is an excellent option for value and portability, whether you’re storing it in an RV, boat, or condo or using it as a commuting solution that fits seamlessly into your daily life.
Ride1Up established the cornerstone best-value folding bike currently available to you with the Portola. We thought it was important to compare the Ride1Up Portola to show how it fared against one of its main rivals – the Aventon Sinch.2.
Portola vs Sinch.2
Despite the recent recall of approximately 2300 units of the Sinch.2 due to safety concerns, hats come off to the Sinch for aiding in our mission – increasing awareness of the various benefits that folding ebikes offer. However, as you continue to read on, you will see these two competing models are not cut from the same cloth. A side-by-side comparison between the Portola and the Sinch.2 is laid out ahead, starting with general specs to the finer details as we dive into this article together. Note that the Portola’s starting price bottoms out at an unbeatable $995, but this comparison will be made to our larger battery option of $1295.
- Lower Price – $1295 vs $1499
- Higher Top Speed – 28mph vs 20mph
- Lower Frame Weight – 59lbs vs 68lbs
- Similar Battery – 13.4Ah vs 14Ah
- Equal Carrying Capacity – 300lbs vs 300lbs
- Higher Quality Mechanical Components (see below for breakdown)
- Higher Quality Electrical Components (see below for breakdown)
- Higher Build Quality and Frame Design (see below for breakdown)
As we compare the Portola and the Sinch.2, the main features are broken down into four categories. You can see the general specifications directly below. We’ll follow by dissecting each bike’s individual parts before concluding the key differences from a broader perspective as a whole.
General Specifications
These are similar to the key specs typically advertised in a bike shop.
| Portola | Sinch.2 | |
| Motor | 750W | 500W |
| Battery | Integrated 13.4Ah (48V System) | Integrated 14Ah (48V System) |
| Range | 25-45 miles | “Up to 55 miles” |
| Class | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| Pedal Assist (PAS) | 1-5 Levels (Cadence) R1CBC system allows for customization at each pedal assist level. | 1-4 Levels (Torque) Requires more effort to maintain higher speeds. |
| Throttle | Yes (Thumb Throttle) | Yes (Thumb Throttle) |
| Top Speed | 28 mph | 20 mph |
| Models | Step-through | Step-through |
| Weight | 59 lbs | 68 lbs |
| Carrying Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Gears | 8-Speed | 8-Speed |
| Rack | Welded 130lb Capacity | 55lb Capacity |
| Lights | Front and Rear Braking | Front and Rear w/Turn Signals |
| Display | Backlit, 2-Tone Display | Backlit, Color Display |
| Colors | 3 | 2 |
| Price | $1295 | $1499 |
As you can see, the Portola and the Sinch.2 are quite different despite sharing similar aesthetics. Notably, the Sinch.2 has a torque sensor, turn signals, and a higher advertised range. This is where the “advantages” come to a screeching halt. Considering it prices out at over $200 more expensive, weighs nearly 10lbs heavier, has a less powerful motor, cheaper brakes, lower capacity rear rack, and only tops out at 20mph as a class 2 ebike, you may wonder whether the Sinch.2 has any ground to stand on when squared up to the Portola. In comparison to the Sinch.2, the Portola is the superior option for riders looking for more affordability and motor power, more stopping power, class 3 speeds, a manageable, lighter-weight design with dual passenger or serious cargo capabilities, all tied into a sleek bundle that ensures you get the absolute best deal for your hard-earned cash.
Electrical
Let’s explore how the electrical components match up for these two models.
| Portola | Sinch.2 | Comments | |
| Battery | Integrated 13.4Ah 48V system | Integrated 14Ah 48V System | The Sinch.2 has LG cells and reaches a max speed of 20mph. Therefore, quoting 55 miles in range is not out of the realm of possibility. However, at nearly 10 lbs heavier, this range may not be the case in real-world applications. Ride1Up has a lower scale weight with a similar size battery using Yiwei cells, well-recognized and ubiquitous for quality overseas, but lesser known in North America. Another way that Ride1Up ensures you get quality while keeping the price tag affordable for the masses. Skeptical about Yiwei? BMW gave them a contract for their e-drive systems – learn more. |
| Motor | 750W, 65nm Torque Rear Hub | 500W Rear Hub | The Portola brings more power, higher speeds, and an advertised 65nm of torque meeting the tarmac. Aventon does not declare the Sinch.2’s torque values and has a sustained 500W motor only capable of a max peak of 750 watts. When you need to boost off the line or to keep up with traffic at higher speeds, you’ll appreciate what the Portola provides for hundreds of dollars less. |
| Sensor | R1CBC Cadence System | Torque Sensor | This is one of the few components stocked on the Sinch.2 that could justify a higher price tag. Torque sensors are more expensive components that assist based on the amount of pressure placed on the cranks while pedaling. With torque sensors, more effort is required to maintain top speeds. To many, which component is superior is a personal preference. The R1CBC system on the Portola is smooth, and responsive and allows for programmable customization, giving a serious edge over other brand’s PAS sensors. Learn more about the Ride1Up R1CBC. |
| Display | Backlit, Square Programmable 2-Tone Display | Backlit, Square Color Display | A color display on the Sinch.2 is notably one of the few components that rings up at a higher price than the Portola’s display. That said, with only 4 PAS levels unable to match the Portola’s current-based, 5 programmable assist levels, it appears that Aventon is making you spend more for a flashier component that doesn’t actually walk the walk. |
| Front Light | Round LED (40 Lux) | Round LED (Unknown Lux) | To see and be seen is one of the highest value factors while on the road. The Sinch.2 does not advertise the brightness, however, both will give you the visibility you need while getting from A to B. |
| Rear Light | Rear Braking Light | Rear Light w/Turn Signals | The Portola has a rear brake light to keep you visible and others on the road aware, but no turn signals. The Sinch.2 has turn signals which is a helpful tool on the road as well, but no brake light. The choice is yours as to which feature is a more capable tool to communicate while on the road. |
Mechanical
Let’s see how these ebike’s mechanical component quality stacks up.
| Portola | Sinch.2 | Comments | |
| Brakes | 180mm, 2-piston Hydraulic Disc with Motor Cut-Off Sensor | 180mm Mechanical Disc Brakes | Major differences here with much higher quality brakes on the Portola. Hydraulic brakes have become nearly ubiquitous in the industry because they are easier to adjust, easier to maintain, provide greater stopping power, and paired with motor-cutoff, you’ll be asking yourself how you can justify paying more for the cheaper mechanical brakes on the Sinch.2. |
| Shifters | 8-speed Shimano | 8-speed Shimano | Both the Portola and the Sinch.2 are rocking rapid-fire trigger shifters and 8-speed cassettes. So where is that extra $200 going you may wonder? Likely on the expensive operation of dealer networks Aventon spills money into and makes you the consumer pay for. |
| Suspension Fork | 80mm Travel Suspension w/ Lockout | 45mm Travel Suspension w/ Lockout | The fork on the Aventon Sinch.2 has nearly half the travel of the Portola. Increased travel reduces fatigue, dampens the terrain in front of you, and provides an overall more comfort-oriented experience while riding. Both suspensions feature fork lockout. |
Physical
Now let’s dive into the features that tie everything together.
| Portola | Sinch.2 | Comments | |
| Frame Style | Folding Step-Through | Folding Step-Through | Both folders are in step-through style frames allowing for a wider range of applicable riders. Note that a large complaint by Sinch.2 riders on Reddit is that there is no locking feature to keep the bike folded as the Portola design implements. The Sinch.2 “flops like a fish” once folded and is reportedly cumbersome to transport as described by riders in the community. |
| Top Speed | 28mph, 65nm of torque | 20mph | The most prevalent complaint from Sinch.2 owners on Reddit however is that they wish they could get up to 28mph. The difference between 20 to the 28 mph attainable on the Portola is critical when attempting to keep up with traffic. |
| Colors | 3 | 2 | We know the world isn’t two-tone and neither should be your choice in ebikes. The Portola comes in 3 vivid colors so you can express yourself. |
| Fenders | Hardened Metal Alloy | Hardened Metal Alloy | Both Portola and Sinch.2 come stock with metal alloy fenders to ensure you don’t show up to work or play dirty. |
| Tires | 20 x 3″ | 20 x 4″ | Both stock 20” wheels but the 4” fat tires on the Sinch.2 add a lot of weight and drag on your ride. This is also one of the major complaints from Sinch.2 owners on Reddit that the fat tires are not adding much versatility to where they can ride, but adding weight, reducing efficiency, draining the battery faster, and making it much harder to fold and store. |
| Rear Rack | 130lb Rated, Welded Rack | 55lb Rated Rack | One of the major drawbacks of the Sinch.2 is the lack of utility and low carrying capacity when compared to the heavy-duty, dual-passenger-capable, cargo-grade rear rack that is seamlessly welded to the Portola’s frame. |
| Range | 25-45 Miles | “Up to 55 Miles” | Range and battery power are a point of constant controversy. At the end of the day, it is quite simple. Heavier payloads will spend more energy. Larger tires have more surface area and create more drag. However, a lower max speed will stretch the battery life longer, but at the cost of excitement and getting left in the dust both by auto traffic and class 3 ebikes like the Portola. |
| Throttle Operation | Thumb-Throttle | Thumb-Throttle | Up to preference, at Ride1Up, we have found the grip twist can be activated by accident more often in unwanted circumstances, creating a sometimes treacherous situation if you’re in traffic or trying to maneuver your bike in tight spaces. It helps to have a full grip on your handlebars when you need to maneuver your bike. Like the Sinch.2, we opted for the thumb throttle with the Portola. |
In Summary
In conclusion, the Ride1Up Portola folding ebike emerges as the undisputed champion when the Aventon Sinch.2 steps into the ring, offering unparalleled value and performance for hundreds of dollars less. Its impact extends beyond the environmental and health benefits to revolutionize both your budget and lifestyle positively. The Portola’s exceptional cost-value ratio, combined with its superior blend of aesthetics, quality, and affordability, sets a new standard in the folding bike sector and the entire ebike industry.
Compared to its competitor, the Aventon Sinch.2, the Portola outperforms for its superior motor power, stopping ability, class 3 speeds, and profoundly lower scale weight, all at a significantly lower price point. With its more portable design, dual passenger capability, and unique features like the R1CBC system, rear brake lights, and harness to keep the bike neatly tucked in a folded position, the Portola redefines the concept of value and portability, making it an ideal choice for commuters and recreational riders alike. In the battle between the Portola and the Sinch.2, the Portola is the clear winner, offering riders the best possible deal for their hard-earned money while delivering unparalleled performance and reliability. You’ve read the verdict. It’s time to find out for yourself and ride the Portola, backed by fast shipping, our 30-day money-back guarantee, and low-cost monthly financing payment plans.
