Amflow PL Carbon Review

It makes sense that DJI can transfer its electronics expertise from drones to an EMTB motor. But can the Chinese also build bikes? We really put the Amflow PL Carbon with DJI’s Avinox motor through its paces in our test.

We were so convinced by the motor that we even awarded it our Editors Choice Award. So far, only the Orbea Rise LT had this honor, with an unprecedented combination of weight, battery capacity, and motor performance.

To properly introduce the new motor to the market, DJI decided to simply build a bike around it. The big question for us bikers, of course, is whether the Amflow PL Carbon is the misery you have to endure to get the new motor, or if DJI has also hit a home run with the bike?

The 4-link rear triangle, the positioning and operation of the shock, and the geometry are strongly reminiscent of the Turbo Levo models from Specialized. We’ve created a comparison for you so you can see for yourself.

The strategy of simply aligning oneself with the technology leader in the industry as a newcomer in the bike business is certainly not the worst. In our test, the Specialized Levo SL clearly established that it is currently one of the EMTBs with the best handling on the market. But the Amflow Bike is not a complete copy. While Specialized’s Levo models almost always roll on a small 27.5-inch rear wheel from the factory, DJI and Amflow rely on pure 29er tires. However, there is also the option to fit a small rear wheel on the Amflow.

During our motor test, we noticed that DJI doesn’t advertise fake weights. The promised weights for batteries and motors have been confirmed within a few grams during our Avinox motor test. However, DJI fails to provide weight specifications for the complete bikes on its website.

We had the opportunity to weigh all Amflow models and were surprised at how light these bikes are. With up to 1000 watts of power, an 800 Wh battery, and tubes in Maxxis Exo tires, the entry-level model for €6499 weighed 21.2 kg (size L, without pedals). The top models with a 600 Wh battery are deliberately designed to achieve a low weight, and the Chinese succeed with 19.4 kg. The table clearly shows just how outstanding these weights really are.

For comparison: Cubes Stereo One55 falls into the same travel category, has a 750 battery, but features a Double Down rear tire and weighs almost 1.5 kilograms more than the Amflow PL at a price of €6999. The top model competes as a full-power EMTB in weight and travel terms with the Cannondale Moterra SL and Orbea Rise. Two full-power bikes that have so far held a monopoly in the sub-20 kilogram class.

It’s astonishing that Amflow undercuts even the most renowned brands from the start at lower prices while also offering competitive weights. A significant contribution to this comes from the low weight of the motor and battery, which saves almost half a kilo compared to the Bosch CX Gen 4.

The motor impressed us with its performance and connectivity. You can read the detailed report on the motor in our separate DJI Avinox test. Here, it’s all about the bike, its geometry, rear suspension, and components.

When it comes to geometry, DJI is not experimenting, and that’s a good thing. They rely on established measurements for head angle, reach, and chainstay length. The result: you can simply hop on the bike and intuitively start riding. The bike made a good impression right from the start during our test on the trails at the Großer Feldberg.

The riding position is pleasantly balanced, thanks in part to the handlebar with significant rise. The handling remains smooth and stable. The bike loves high-speed sections and bermed corners. Tight, technical trails that you navigate at low speeds require a bit more effort when maneuvering the AMflow PL. Overall, this characteristic doesn’t reflect a flaw, but instead gives the bike a distinct personality.

The 36 Performance fork on the entry-level model is sensitive, but it releases the travel a bit quickly for aggressive riders. In contrast, the rear suspension offers a bit more progression at the end of the stroke, holding more reserve. We would recommend outfitting the fork with a few volume spacers in the air chamber (usually included with purchase) to match its performance with the rear suspension. In principle, however, the suspension performs at a very high level. Fans of long descents might be bothered by the lack of a reservoir on the shock. The top models already include this feature.

With the Magura MT5, Amflow has equipped the bike with brakes often referred to in the scene as anchors. And that’s exactly what they are. The brakes, with their large 203 millimeter rotors, provide enough stopping power even for heavy riders.

From the factory, the bike comes equipped with Maxxis tires with EXO+ casing at the rear. The choice of tires fits the overall concept of the bike, which doesn’t present itself as an absolute slayer. Instead, we get the impression that the Amflow PL Carbon is a really good all-rounder. Weight and ride characteristics are very well balanced. The mechanical Sram GX Eagle drivetrain performs reliably, and the in-house Amflow rims gave no cause for complaint during our test.

What bothered us a bit was that the internally routed cables of our test bike rattled loudly on the descent. Additionally, the headset made loud cracking noises during the descent. We couldn’t figure out if this was due to the integrated steering limiter.

The cables can be silenced with small foam housings. The headset should also operate quietly with some TLC in the workshop. It’s worth noting that the test bike had already covered quite a few test kilometers before we got our hands on it.

Find more information about the DJI Avinox motor with all its riding characteristics and details in our separate, detailed review.

Even though Amflow is a newcomer, the bike and especially its frame exude high-quality craftsmanship. It’s no secret that China knows how to build high-end carbon bikes. Even the most renowned manufacturers like Specialized and Pivot have their frames made here. Amflow is planting its seed in production structures that others have long since established.

Neither frame stiffness nor workmanship give reason for criticism. The exception being the rattling cables and the headset (see above). Even the components such as the rims and the stem appear valuable and performed their job perfectly during our test. Small laser-engraved mountain silhouettes on the headset cap show that China knows what look and feel is in vogue here in Europe. And details like the seamlessly integrated charging port make it clear that they are well-acquainted with the practical aspects of EMTB life. Who hasn’t faced the problem of a broken charging port?

It’s a pity that they decided to install the battery permanently in the down tube. A quick-swap system would have provided even more flexibility. For more details about the motor, we have a special test that only goes over the DJI Avinox system.

At €6,499, our test bike is less pricey than many full-power EMTBs. However, there is also a high-end version available for just under €10,000 and another option for weight weenies with a 600Wh battery. With the arrow symbol , you can compare these models with any other bike from our comprehensive market overview. What’s particularly interesting is the comparison with the lightweight full-power options on the market, such as the Cannondale Moterra SL and the Orbea Rise LT.

In this review, the primary focus is on the Amflow bike. However, we also have an extensive review dedicated solely to the DJI Avinox motor. In that review, we took an in-depth look at the range, derating, and uphill riding characteristics. Anyone seriously considering buying this bike must read the review of the DJI Avinox motor.

You can find more information about the DJI Avinox motor with all its riding characteristics and details in our separate, detailed test report.