My first ebike is on the horizon this year, mostly for shuttly type riding round Huddersfield. I was considering the Nicolai MGU but in XXL it could be a bit too much of a tank for me. I've been checking out reviews of various things and keep coming back to the Amflow. Just seems like the right mix of geometry/weight/battery size/value.
Just wondering if anyone else is considering them and what's swaying you either way?
I looked at the amflow but ordered an Orbea wild to replace my damaged ebike.
Few reasons.
- Cost
- Unknown reliability of the motor especially oop north where we get 2 dry days a year. Usually takes a couple of generations to get a reliable motor.
- From the reviews, the geometry isn't as updated as other bikes.
Definitely one to watch though.
I would be if I had the budget for an ebike! It's the first full powered ebike I've seen that doesn't look like a complete mess. And the performance seems to be way ahead of everything else. I was almost tempted to put one on finance/credit card but can't really justify the expense for something I wouldn't use that often.
I would go for one if they were within my budget. While the geometry isn’t full on modern enduro bike it would suit everything I need it for and still be aggressive enough for trips to BPW and the Alps.
Definitely considering but struggling to figure out the £3k difference between the base and pro model.
My BIL has an Ibis Oso and a mate has whatever the full beans Scott eBike is, and I just question why I'm struggling along with bad knees and ruined back and what feels like it's probably sciatica. I've got no problem being an alpha tester for the DJI motor.
I'm superficial in that even if something ticks every single box I'll pass right over it if it doesn't "look right"*, and the Amflow is one of the first eBikes that does "look right".
*to my own fussy eyes
I'm superficial in that even if something ticks every single box I'll pass right over it if it doesn't "look right"*, and the Amflow is one of the first eBikes that does "look right".
*to my own fussy eyes
I agree with this, right up to the point where you say the Amflow looks "right". To me it looks like a generic ebike, but then I really like the Kenevo SL, so what do I know?
The motor/battery combo is very interesting but the bike is, to me, very meh. Hopefully the Forbidden will live up to the hype.
Nope, total one trick pony & it wasn’t even that great at that one thing (battery range is woeful on boost).
They also look a bit rubbish & the geometry isn’t anything I would be interested in. Maybe once it’s in a different frame package, I’d think about it, but one thing being an ebike owner has taught me is go with brands/shops that have good support & I’m not interested in being their guinea pig.
I don’t know why I would pick it over a Bosch powered bike, even less so when the rumoured software update comes out to increase the power, if that’s your thing.
They look great in real life and I think make everything look dated in comparison. Saw one side to side with a Vala and would struggle to choose between historic brand/ knowable motor and what looked like the obvious future.
I'd 100% consider the motor on a new bike down the line but not at the current price of the Amflow.
Saw one side to side with a Vala and would struggle to choose between historic brand/ knowable motor and what looked like the obvious future
Give me the Vala any day.
It's not that often in a ride I use full power so that's not a massive draw for me
The only big lure of the Amflow is that you can deristrict it by using a VPN and pretending you're in NZ
The guy i sit next to at work is picking up a base model next weekend
The shop expected him to pay for it when it was taken off the ship a few weeks back. Not sure what the delay was but they’ve offered him £200 worth of accessories as compensation.
But clearly the supplier are playing by different rules to the other bike distributors. The shop said they had asked for payment before delivery
But clearly the supplier are playing by different rules to the other bike distributors. The shop said they had asked for payment before delivery
Pretty standard if the shop hasn’t got a credit line with a distributor
I’m looking at a notional cap of £5k for my first foray into an e-bike, and while I’ve settled probably on a Whyte rsx with the Bosch SX system, i see that MBR have just given the amflow a very good review. The power and technology can’t be ignored, but long term it’s a bit of an unknown. The flipside is that certain dealers say stay clear of Shimano systems so time in the market has given them a stable reliability reputation.
So, far another grand, Amflow or not……..
I wonder if STW are going to review one anytime soon.
I've got one (base model), it's a top tier ebike. The Auto mode is excellent - 95% of my riding is in that mode. Power delivery is fantastic. No problems with range. The system and modes are extremely tunable. There's great security features. And the bike rides very well indeed. I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with one.
Apparently specialized are redefining mountain biking in a couple of weeks so I’d hang on with the amflow, and any other bike purchase by the sounds of it
I've seen some leaks of the new specialized ebike, and if the details in the leak are accurate it looks less like redefining mountain biking and more like a slight increase in battery capacity, a small increase in motor power, and a kilo more weight, ie certainly not redefining mtb.
The amflow looks decent, but if I were buying now I'd be concerned about it's longer term reliability and support. It's only been around for a few months so far, and we don't know whether it's going to be unreliable like a shamano ep8 or reliable (ish, OK, maybe not reliable, but more reliable) like a bosch CX gen 4.
So far though I don't think I've seen many tales of failed motors and it has been available through 1 UK winter, so maybe it's a goodun? I'd give it another 12 months to prove itself, and by then hopefully there will be some more established bike brands using the avinox system.
I had the same dilemma last year. Started out placing an order for a YT DecoySN because it was the first ebike I had ever liked the look of and I liked the fact it could take anything I could chuck at it down a hill. That purchase fell through due to a cock up at work with the cycle scheme and I ended up torn between the Whyte Elyte Evo Stag and the Amflow. After a few weeks of flip flopping I realised that the only thing I liked about the Amflow was the motor and that I wouldn't actually buy that bike if it had any other motor on it. The Whyte on the other hand I really liked the look of (granted, minus the fugly range extender) and I was finally convinced to make the purchase when there was a side by side between the Amflow and the Whyte and the Whyte pipped it................just!
Did I make the right choice? Well, I absolutely love the Whyte, I could only love it more if it had the more discreet Dji motor in it rather than the bulky Bosch but the Bosch does everything well when it needs to and you don't notice it when doing the fun stuff on the descents. As others have said, I would be waiting for the Dji to appear on a bike you like and don't be drawn into buying a bike just because of the motor. That said, people who own the Amflow love it, and it seems very, very capable. Just wasn't for me.
I've never owned an ebike and had very few rides on rented ones.
Seems to me that the "problem" with the amflow is that it's not a far-end enduro frame/geometry and rather it's fairly conservative in the geo and build. Not certain that's a drawback in most users' situations but, well, it's probably not good for your ego to have a tame/vanilla/marginally limited bike is it ?
Also, I think the back up aspect is, or could, prove to be quite important. I have a Whyte dealer less than 10 mins away. I think the nearest Amflow dealer is the best part of two hours away. I think it would get very tiresome, very quickly, having to take the bike back for any issues.
Its a high powered trail bike, whereas most ebikers end up setting on enduro style bikes. And, as on most of those, the power is sufficient to breach the speed limit regularly anyway, the additional power of the amflow seems like a waste of time.
the additional power of the amflow seems like a waste of time.
Certainly for the riding down here, but in place of an uplift bus, or if you're riding the Alps a lot? Worth the extra power then, maybe. Bosch has more than enough power for me though (but then I'm still in the "I wish I could ride a proper mountain bike" mode).
There were a few issues I saw on a video with the sealing around the display etc, I believe. So they need a bit more refinement.
I was considering one recently:
The main thing that stopped me was geometry. As fun as it will be on the climbs (thanks to the motor), if it doesn't put a smile on my face on the downs then it's no good for me. The trails I (and many others ride in the UK) do not seem to align with this bike's intended purpose.
The second thing that but me off was trusting the frame. I have confidence in carbon and I do believe it's possible to make a carbon frame which is light and strong. But, I have me reservations about how strong that frame really is.
I am optimistic the DJI motor and the battery will be fine. I believe DJI know what they're doing. But this is their first release, the other big names are a few iterations in by now.
I bought a 2025 Mondraker Crafty instead and so far I'm very happy with it.
An Amflow owner on the emtb forum had an issue with the motor but I think it got sorted.
Amflow replied directly on the forum to give support so that's a good sign.
My mate was at the lbs last week getting his non e bike serviced and the owner said he's currently selling one a day.
Might be one answer to the how do bike shops make enough to survive question on another post.
And possibly of interest to the telegraph!
Has anyone ridden this back to back with Mahle's new mid motor tha's due fairly soon? If it's better than that then I'd be impressed.
its not the full raw power that appeals for me (as i rarely use full boost) but its the range/battery life also with the low weight that appeals.
With our 15.5mph limit I think full power ebikes make most sense for winch and plummet style riding, and I doubt it's got the durability for that?
But then since it's not carrying a lot of weight it'd be fine even for xc/trail stuff so may suit some people. I still use a normal bike for that though.
Thing is the more powerful they are, the more annoying that 15.5mph limit is, as you'll hovering around the cut off, and the difference between powered/unpowered will be quite significant unless you dial it right down.
I considered it - the combination of low weight and big range is very appealing - but 3 things stopped me:
1) Geometry - the most important thing for me, and the sizing/geometry just didn't appeal or fit my preferences.
2) Unknown brand - who? Its a shitload of £££ to spend on an unknown (to me at least)
3) Unknown motor/battery reliability - yes DJI have a good reputation elsewhere, but wasn't keen to jump into first gen or their ebike stuff.
I bought a Heckler SL instead: slightly lighter, far less powerful, with less range, but most importantly for me geometry I know suits me and available in XXL which I bought. Happy so far.
Once the DJI motor/battery appears in other bikes I'll maybe look again, but I've only had my Heckler SL a few months so that's years away for me,
With our 15.5mph limit I think full power ebikes make most sense for winch and plummet style riding, and I doubt it's got the durability for that?
I thought much the same but DJI seem to be sending them out to Youtubers who ride some fairly big stuff so they must be reasonably confident in the bike.
It would definitely be on my short-list (but I'll probably wait until next year before looking at getting an eMTB and I'm still undecided if lack of removable battery is a deal-breaker for me or not).
It does seem a bit odd other manufacturers haven't started using the DJI motor yet though. I assume DJI have an investment in Amflow or there's an exclusivity deal for the time being? That said a new motor in a new bike brand doesn't seem to be impacting sales.
Other than the geometry, which has already been covered, the thing that would put me off one is the combination of a flexy frame, clevis mount shock with a trunnion at the other end. I'd be amazed if that doesn't eat shocks in fairly quick order
It does seem a bit odd other manufacturers haven't started using the DJI motor yet though. I assume DJI have an investment in Amflow or there's an exclusivity deal for the time being? That said a new motor in a new bike brand doesn't seem to be impacting sales.
I thought Amflow was DJI's own brand? It is a bit odd that nobody else has picked them up yet. Makes me think it's more to do with the business side than the technical
I thought Amflow was DJI's own brand?
You could be right, my research was limited to a quick ChatGPT query which indicated it wasn't
Google > ChatGPT on this occasion. Definitely part of DJI
I've had one on order for 3 weeks now (from C6 Bikes in Cambridge - who were very helpful in helping me make my decision)
This will be my 1st Eeb. I'm not a fan of the feel (or look) of the full fat/weight tanks. I had a quick go on an Amflow at a bikepark, but the owner had everything maxed out so it was absolutely totally bonkers on the climbs but felt nicely fun & poppy on the downs.
After months of saying I'd never want an Eeb, I'm now actually quite looking forward to it.
Watched the Tommy C Hype video here where he pops up Snowdon in 30mins - never given an ebike even the slightest thought but that would be pretty cool, took me hours on my fully rigid diamond back topanga years ago.
Another one put off by the geo. A 430mm seat tube (medium) with my short legs wouldn't work.
The emtb I'm currently not buying (cost) is the Vala. I also didn't buy one of the Transitions or Pivots either. Maybe this year...
I thought Amflow was DJI's own brand? It is a bit odd that nobody else has picked them up yet. Makes me think it's more to do with the business side than the technical
Apparently there's around a half dozen DJI-powered bikes from other brands in the pipeline. I guess it takes time to design and build a new bike around a new motor.
The Muldoon / MBR YouTube linked above is worth a watch. More 'owner' than bike reviewer. Interesting bit where he basically says the shock in the base model version is better than the top-end spec, which explains why reviews say it feels like a 'trail bike' when he views it more as 'enduro'.
Apparently there's around a half dozen DJI-powered bikes from other brands in the pipeline. I guess it takes time to design and build a new bike around a new motor.
Not as long as it takes to invent a new bike brand, design your first bike and get it into the hands of the public
Not as long as it takes to invent a new bike brand, design your first bike and get it into the hands of the public
Good point, but I'm not sure what it is?
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Still undecided between this, a Vala or a Rail+. Vala looks a good bet but i'm not convinced about the range for someone who weighs 97kG & would be looking to get 2000M of climbing in over 4 hours of riding time. The Trek does have a decent size battery but it seems a bit porkier than the other 2.
Thing is the more powerful they are, the more annoying that 15.5mph limit is, as you'll hovering around the cut off, and the difference between powered/unpowered will be quite significant unless you dial it right down.
this is the same with any ebike. on the flat/slight uphill you will go above the motor limit most of the time (unless you are REALLY unfit / cruising). if you are using boost on flat bits you are doing something wrong, heading home from work, or have the mightiest of headwinds! haha!
the megaboost of the amflow is more of a gimmik as all review says it uses loads of battery (no shit sherlock!) and doesnt stay on for long. otherwise its the same limit as all other bikes. all my settings on my (full fat but small bettery) shimano e8000 eeb are lowest they can go on stock settings. and its still bonkers in boost. it has to be really quite steep to need boost.
Apparently there's around a half dozen DJI-powered bikes from other brands in the pipeline. I guess it takes time to design and build a new bike around a new motor.
Not as long as it takes to invent a new bike brand, design your first bike and get it into the hands of the public
Yep but not everyone starts at the same time, Amflow is (apparently) a standalone company but was created by DJ1 to give the motor somewhere to go and to provide testbeds and protos etc, so they had access before the motor was even marketable, and the design process went in hand with the motor iterations and testing.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Still undecided between this, a Vala or a Rail+. Vala looks a good bet but i'm not convinced about the range for someone who weighs 97kG & would be looking to get 2000M of climbing in over 4 hours of riding time. The Trek does have a decent size battery but it seems a bit porkier than the other 2.
You would probably (just) do that in Eco on the Vala, Tour+ on Rail & Eco on the Amflow, as they chew through batteries because of the power.
I can get about 2200m out of a Bosch 750 battery in Tour+ but I’m 11kg lighter than you.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Still undecided between this, a Vala or a Rail+. Vala looks a good bet but i'm not convinced about the range for someone who weighs 97kG & would be looking to get 2000M of climbing in over 4 hours of riding time. The Trek does have a decent size battery but it seems a bit porkier than the other 2.
My Vala will do 5000ft in Tour (albeit with the peak torque turned down to 60Nm and the response turned down a couple of clicks).
I've not played with the settings much, but its a very consistent 5000ft, and another 2000ft with the range extender. Most I've managed was 7500, all in my tour setting. Same weight as you.
I bought one a month ago.
fitted my brakes and wheels, bars, stem, cranks, etc…
ridden pretty much everything up here in Pitfichie, Tarland, Aboyne and Ballater and it’s a ripper.
cant fault it.
more playful in mullet, steamrolller in full29
I'm also e-curious. I just don't think it's do-able unless I sell my Stumpy. Damn thing cost me over $7k as I bought peak Covid (insurance money from having 2 bikes nicked from my house). It's mint but local prices now I'd be lucky to get $2-2.5k and I think I'd be looking at around 8k for a 2025/6 e-bike. The TOTR 2025 Spesh Lev is $20,000!!! The same price my Landcruiser cost me *LOL*
Who actually need the S-Works? I thought it was purely a sales tactic for the people with more money that sense (which they are allowed to spend how they like). Considering Spesch did say they wouldn't allow their digital display to be fitted to their cheaper model and have know started selling them, I expect the s-work firmware will eventually be available for the std models too.
The Spesch Comp/expert is where the 'value' lay unless you have the parts already to hand, to update the base model.
I've bought the last two Levo's but really like the look of the dji motor (for the cost/reliability, not overall power) though I'd want it in a (larger) mainstream brand frame.. I am not rushing to buy the latest Levo just yet.
Amflow!? Small fry! You want a Nireeka ! 1000W? This baby has 6000! AND Half, yes HALF the weight of comparible ebikes ... er I think they mean motorbikes! at only 30KGs! You can even get one to EU restricted speeds. With a 67deg head angle and 120mm of coil rear travel, be ready to tackle any terrain. And what a beautiful piece of machinery.
(sorry, I found that page fascinating. No wonder 90 odd people have thrown their money at it)
I got the base model 2 months back.
Really like it but have probably only been out on it 5 times. I still use a "real" bike for most spins as most spins are group spins where everyone is on real bikes.
All I did to it was invisiframe it, set it up tubeless with a cushcore in the rear, and changed the pads in the front to the 'race' pads which haave a lot more stopping power (which it needed).
And I've just cut the bars down from 800mm to 760mm.
Seems more that well enough specced for me. Nothing else that need changing.
Plan to take it out on bigger spins but so far I've been using it for sneaky evening spins where I cycle from home, 2hrs, 25-30kms, 1k+ mts climbing\descending.
I got the base model late last year. Had it invisiframed, changed the bars to Raceface carbon, and will swap out the rear wheel to a 27.5 soon and change the tyres to Krypotals. Can't fault it, did a ride over the Berwyns on Sunday, 39 miles and 1696 metres of climing, mostly in auto but about 5 miles in eco at the end, got back with 3% battery left. Have never used to boost mode, never seen the need for it.
I've had the Base model for a few months now.
Had it wrapped from new as the paint job is shocking (on both versions). Swapped out the rear shock from Day 1, and will probably upgrade the forks when funds allow. Not a fan of the Magura brakes but they work well.
It's a fantastic bike. I only really use Eco and the (excellent) Auto mode and I've tuned it down so I get more range rather than power. Biggest ride so far was in the FoD off piste - 38miles and 5620ft of climbing and had 13% battery left. I ran out of steam before the bike.
Boost mode is a bit of a gimmick for LOLs in the carpark.
Hardly ride it when I'm home (Suffolk), but for trips away where I want to get the most out of an Up & Down weekend it's perfect. 
will swap out the rear wheel to a 27.5 soon
Is it designed for that? My Cannondale came as a mullet and I got a mad amount of pedal strikes. Changed to 29 and it's been fine since. Don't think I'll bother switching it back.
