DJI’s Amflow PL Carbon longterm review – But it’s not a perfect...

After six long months on the entry-level Amflow PL Carbon, as MBR’s Bike Test Editor, I'd say: “It’s currently the only e-bike on the market that I'd buy with my own money.

High praise indeed from an impossible to please self-confessed bike geek.

But I'm picky enough to point out that Amflow’s very first e-bike is far from perfect. And in this review I highlights all of the things I love and hate about the bike.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Geometry and sizing
2:36 Suspension
5:04 E-bike system
9:57 Components
13:56 Performance
16:50 Verdict

Spoiler alert, I'm absolutely addicted to the 850 watts peak power output of the DJI Avinox motor, which is between 200-250 watts higher than most other e-bikes in this category.

The Amflow is also considerably more powerful than most of the SL e-bikes that I tested in our 2024 SL E-bike of the Year test, even though it’s not actually that much heavier.

As you can imagine, there’s a boat-load of information to get through in this review, so I've split it into five distinct sections, just to make it easier to digest.

The review starts with a closer look at the Amflow's frame and geometry, but if you really want an in-depth look at all of the measurements, check out my Amflow Unboxing video where I weigh and measure the stock bike in full 29in, and with an MX wheel configuration.

And just to be 100% clear, when I'm referring to the modified geometry in the video with the 27.5in rear wheel, it's with the geometry flip chip still in the 29in setting.

Then the discussion moves rapidly onto my favourite topic: suspension. Here I reveal how I set up the bike to get the most from the 150mm rear suspension. I also explain why the “basic” Performance level Fox Float in-line shock totally outperforms the Factory level Fox Float X on the more expensive Amflow PL Carbon Pro.

The focus then switches to the beating heart of the Amflow, which is obviously the compact and powerful DJI Avinox motor and all of the sophisticated electronic e-bike tech surrounding it. From the self-closing charging port to the bright, easy-to-read, touch-screen display, the Amflow has class-leading integration to match its best-in-class power output. But it’s actually the Amflow’s ability to meter that power output so precisely that impressed me the most.

I then run through all of the key components, and the modifications I made to the specification while trying to squeeze every drop of performance out of the Amflow. This section should be really insightful for anyone who already has an Amflow and wants to get the most out of their bike.

To wrap up the review I puts all of the pieces of the puzzle together and talk openly about my impressions of the Amflow, both up and down hill. This bike has been tested on everything from high-speed rocky trails in Italy, to the dank, dark forests of South Wales. Day trips to the Forest of Dean, beatings at Bikepark Wales, Surrey dusty shredder laps, and range tested on some amazing trails around Monmouth. All because I needed to know if the Amflow PL Carbon really was the one.

Yes, this review has been a long time coming, but with a brand new bike design like the Amflow, that’s packed with so much tech, in-depth reviews really do take lots of time. And while it’s always nice to be first, I feel it’s even more important to be thorough, at least when it comes to testing.

Also this video is not sponsored content and I'm able to talk candidly about my experience with what has to be the hottest mountain bike of 2025.

So please support the channel, as it helps keep us, and everyone else, honest.

Alan Muldoon - MBR Bike Test Editor

Test Bike: Amflow PL Carbon £6,000

Specification:
Frame Amflow PL carbon
Frame travel 150mm (148mm measured)
Shock Fox Float Performance trunnion (185x55mm)
Fork Fox 36 Float Performance Grip damper
Fork travel 160mm (44mm offset)
Motor Avinox M1 Drive Unit 850W/105Nm
Battery Avinox 800Wh integrated
Control unit Avinox OLED 2in touch screen
Hubs Amflow 110/148mm
Rims Amflow HMA-30 alloy
Front tyre Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxTerra EXO 29x2.5in
Rear tyre Maxxis Dissector 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 29.2.4in
Chainset Avinox alloy 155mm
Chainring SRAM E-Bike 104BCD, 34t
Shifter SRAM GX 12-speed
Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
Cassette SRAM PG-1230, 11/50t
Chain SRAM NX Eagle
Brakes Magura MT5 w/HC levers
Rotor sizes 203/203mm
Handlebar Amflow Enduro Alloy 35mm rise/800mm width
Stem Amflow Enduro 35mm
Seat post KS Rage-i 170mm
Saddle Selle Royal SRX Plus
Weight 21.52kg (47.44lb)
Sizes M, L, XL, XXL

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#mountainbiking #MTB #mountainbikes

[KarinePecheur]

I got the bike yesterday, I cannot be happier. This is another world. I had pretty much all the motors available in the last 5 years. It’s my only hobby and I change bike regularly. However after this one, it will take years before I look for another bike. I love your reviews. You are always honest, delivering genuine and insightful reviews. Thank you for your amazing work 🙏😊

[CpTnlAw]

Best review i've seen as it covers pretty much everything I wanted to know. Waiting on the bank to show me collaborative numbers to order one!

[remakeit]

I can honestly say I have seen around 1000 YouTube reviews or Shorts since this bike was launched last year, before picking up mine yesterday, as a belated 70th birthday present for myself. This 6-month summary confirmed everything I needed to know.
That said, it wasn't the spectacular rides from the pros that convinced me on the Amflow. It was the down to earth riders from Germany, England, Spain, China, Wales, and other countries who wanted an occasional buzz from the motor's power, while also being able to comfortably climb steeper terrain without literally having a heart attack. And its comparative lightness also means I won't have to struggle as much carting this around to get to distant trails.
The Amflow's app integration and touch screen were also better than anything else that I had seen and, for we folk who are not so tech savvy, this was a big plus.
Unfortunately it's been bucketing down since I picked up my bike so I will need to wait another day or two before heading out safely.

[streetpigeonmtb]

I've put about 300km and 11, 000m of descending on my Amflow and I am absolutely loving it. Literally one of the most fun handling bikes I've owned 👌

[mchmtbbcn]

Best review on the bike ! Thanks a lot for the time and honesty. Love my bike, it’s always super fun going up or down

[michaelpetersen]

That is a great in-depth review...I watched this with no volume, just subtitles to try to absorb and get my head around all the information that we need to understand to fully comprehend what an emtb is.

[ray-kg]

I enjoyed your review that much that I went out and purchased one .

[NaZ-rsdd]

Excellent work and fantastic presentation

[darrenthompson]

Very balanced & honest review, imho, from somebody that owns the same bike.
I’ve had it for around 2 months now & made very similar changes, albeit still in full 29er mode. I have a smaller back wheel ready to fit, just to see if it suits better.
From the 2nd ride, this bike felt immediately more capable than my enduro ready Ripmo, which runs Fox 38 & X2 factory suspension. The travel is smoother & more supple, it’s far better balanced & it jumps amazingly well.
As a first e-bike for someone who never wanted one, this bike suits me absolutely perfectly & I’m blown away by its performance.
Off to Finale next weekend to see what it’s really capable of!!

[TonyLund-ex]

Really useful review. Never thought I would need an ebike but long covid means it might be my only option now to get back on the hills. So great to see a good balanced review

[barfo]

I don't even like e-bikes, but I watched this entire video, because Alan does the most thorough and thoughtful reviews.

[UrbanSelfSufficiency]

Been waiting patiently for this review. Thank you.
I'm getting that nervous feeling in my gut that I'm about to spend a bit of money :)

[mountainmanmcclory]

Alan that was a solid honest review, thank you. Really thorough points made regarding so meany important aspects. Bar height, power delivery and BB height. 10/10

[link]

Largely based on your reviews Al I purchased one (pro model). You were right on all counts !, it's not just about the power, the geo, the build and how it actually deploys the power is totally different to anything else. Total game changer.

[johnackerlind]

Alan Will with Flow Mountain Bike is at the top as one of the best reviewers there is. Watching this video it’s pretty obvious, you are The Professor. Wow the depth of knowledge and information given is incredible. Thank you Alan!

[trevski]

Fab review, can’t wait to hear what you recommend to make the suspension even better 🤟

[MeMateBigDave]

Great review and completely agree with everything you say. I've only had mine a few weeks but been blown away at how capable it is. I went straight for mullet setup with diff tyres and put on a 170mm Fox38s performance elite so it's as Enduro as it can go. I thought the rear shock was going to be terrible but actually not found it too bad so far and fairly plush even at recommended pressure, it can deffo handle some burly rough stuff. The other cool thing I like is the alarm and tracker feature, quite easy to do and a great extra thing on top of a great bike already.

[sandycarmichael]

Thank Alan, great review 👏. Looks like you ran a Crankbrothers 27.5" rear wheel, can you provide details on the model and hub used?

[bikespike]

Amflow tech (battery/motor/app) is way ahead of its competition (Brose / Bosch), I have owned all three.

Frame is great and you can tune the components all you want! Really happy with my PL carbon.

[mikeate]

Good to see an excellent review on the non-pro version