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Amflow PL Carbon with DJI AvinoxIs the DJI e-bike the new high-flyer?

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 16.09.2024

Amflow PL Carbon Pro // DJI Avinox // 600 or 800 Wh // 160/150 mm // 29 or 29/27.5 inches // 19.2 kg
Photo: Adrian Kaether

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In addition to its new Avinox e-drive, DJI, the technology giant, has quickly founded its own e-MTB brand. The Amflow PL impresses with its high performance and very low weight. We weighed and tested the lightweight trail e-bike with a carbon frame. Now the prices are also known.
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UPDATE: The prices and availability of the two Amflow PL Carbon models have now been finalised. We have updated the article updated with all information (KLICK!). The original article was first published on 14 July.

Light e-bikes are the absolute trend in the bike market. But in the slipstream of lightweight e-mountainbikes with discreet motor power, another category is developing into the new high-flyer: lightweight e-MTBs that still deliver a full turbo boost. And this is exactly where the Amflow PL wants to shine. It is the first e-bike with the brand new DJI Avinox mid-engine - and the power unit is understandably also at the centre of the bike. With, according to the manufacturer, 120 Newton metres and up to 1000 watts at its peak, the Amflow PL Carbon with the DJI drive clearly outperforms classic e-bike motors à la Bosch and Shimano. And yet the top model of the Amflow PL with 600 Wh battery remains well under 20 kilos. Wow!

The Amflow PL Carbon is the only e-bike to date with the new DJI Avinox motor. It is compact, weighs 2.52 kilos and delivers 105 Newton metres of thrust.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe Amflow PL Carbon is the only e-bike to date with the new DJI Avinox motor. It is compact, weighs 2.52 kilos and delivers 105 Newton metres of thrust.Amflow PL Carbon Pro // DJI Avinox // 600 or 800 Wh // 160/150 mm // 29 or 29/27.5 inches // 19.2 kgPhoto: Adrian KaetherAmflow PL Carbon Pro // DJI Avinox // 600 or 800 Wh // 160/150 mm // 29 or 29/27.5 inches // 19.2 kg

The new bike is a classic trail speedster. With 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, it is also equipped for difficult terrain and trails - without becoming an unwieldy downhill monster. The chassis is made of carbon on the main frame and rear triangle. A 29er wheel rolls at the front, while there is a choice of 29er or 27.5er wheels at the rear. The geometry can be adjusted accordingly using a flipchip.

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The electric drive of the Amflow PL Carbon

The data sheet for the new motor reads impressively: the DJI Avinox promises a maximum torque of 105 Newton metres and a peak power of 850 watts. This significantly exceeds the values of classic mid-drive motors such as the Bosch Performance CX and the Shimano EP801, which are specified with 85 Newton metres and 600 watts. In boost mode, which can be activated for 30 seconds at the touch of a button, the motor is even said to offer 120 Newton metres of torque and 1000 watts of power.

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Surprisingly, the DJI Avinox is even more compact than the renowned competition and fits neatly into the carbon frame of the Amflow PL. At 2.52 kilograms (manufacturer's specification), it is also significantly lighter.

For comparison: Here are eight current E-MTB motors in laboratory and practical tests!

On first contact, the entire system appears very sophisticated, impresses with intuitive operation and, on top of that, a smooth driving experience.

The Chinese have taken the DJI touch display from a tried-and-tested drone. It is easy to read and intuitive to operate.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe Chinese have taken the DJI touch display from a tried-and-tested drone. It is easy to read and intuitive to operate.
The remote is slim, gives good feedback at the touch of a button and connects wirelessly to the system.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe remote is slim, gives good feedback at the touch of a button and connects wirelessly to the system.A special feature is the additional remote on the right handle. The display can be operated here. The additional push button is not necessary.Photo: Adrian KaetherA special feature is the additional remote on the right handle. The display can be operated here. The additional push button is not necessary.

On the battery side, DJI offers two battery packs: 800 or 600 watt hours. Both options fit into the frame of the Amflow PL Carbon - and are permanently installed in the down tube. This means that they cannot be removed for charging or changing the battery on tour. However, this is not a problem in the event of damage, as the DJI battery can of course be removed from the bike with a little work. DJI does not provide a range extender. But it does provide another tool: The Amflow comes with a quick charger that charges around three times as fast as an average e-bike charger with 12 amps of charging current. This effectively extends the range when travelling.

The DJI battery is permanently installed in the slim down tube of the PL Carbon. Both the 600 and 800 batteries fit.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe DJI battery is permanently installed in the slim down tube of the PL Carbon. Both the 600 and 800 batteries fit.The charging port is located under a flap that closes automatically.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe charging port is located under a flap that closes automatically.

How light is the Amflow PL really?

Amflow specifies 19.2 kilos for the top model PL Carbon Pro with 600 battery. That sounds almost too good to be true. But only almost. Because we put the bike in size M on the scales. With pedals and tubes, the newcomer, which according to DJI is already fully up to standard, landed at 19.7 kilos. Just under 400 grams deducted for the Raceface pedals and another 200 grams for the tubes compared to the tubeless setup are by no means exaggerated. The manufacturer's specification of 19.2 kilos seems to be just as low! And that puts the bike right up there with the lightweight powerhouses. Fishing in similar waters are bikes like the Orbea Rise with a weaker EP801-RS motor and 630 battery, the Cannondale Moterra SL with powerful EP801 and 600 watt hoursor the BH iLynx+ SL, also with Shimano's EP801 and 630 watt hours.

At the Eurobike in Frankfurt, we were able to put an Amflow PL Carbon Pro on the scales. 19.7 kilos in size M with pedals and tubes. Bike weight specifications are usually without pedals and often in tubeless setup. The figure of 19.2 kilos communicated by Amflow is therefore absolutely realistic.Photo: Adrian KaetherAt the Eurobike in Frankfurt, we were able to put an Amflow PL Carbon Pro on the scales. 19.7 kilos in size M with pedals and tubes. Bike weight specifications are usually without pedals and often in tubeless setup. The figure of 19.2 kilos communicated by Amflow is therefore absolutely realistic.

The building blocks for the low weight are the slim carbon frame, which according to Amflow should weigh 2.27 kilos. In addition, the lightweight Avinox drive unit, which at 2.52 kg is lighter than a Bosch Perf. CX (2.9 kg) or a Shimano EP801 (2.65 kg). The DJI batteries are also quite light. The 600 battery is said to weigh 2.87 kilos - which is also a strong figure. With a Fox 36, a Float-X shock with a reservoir and at least reasonably robust tyres (Maxxis Dissector EXO+/ Assegai EXO), Amflow don't use any cheat parts to reduce the weight. With the optional, smaller 27.5 mm rear wheel, you could save even more weight.

The geometry of the Amflow PL

Amflow does not dare to experiment with the geometry. The values are in line with classic trail bike data. The reach is moderately long and the head angle of 64.5 degrees is also within the usual range. The chainstay length of 445 millimetres is also pretty much in line with the average length of current light trail eMTBs. The only special feature: size M is the smallest size with a reach of 452 mm. Riders under 170 cm are unlikely to find what they are looking for in the Amflow portfolio. This is probably due to the long 800 mm batteries that the bikes are designed for. This would make it difficult to realise even smaller frames.

The Amflow's reach is hidden behind the "top tube length" specification. The PL Carbon is available in four sizes: M, L, XL and XXL. Small riders are left out in the cold.Photo: AmflowThe Amflow's reach is hidden behind the "top tube length" specification. The PL Carbon is available in four sizes: M, L, XL and XXL. Small riders are left out in the cold.There is a flip chip between the rocker and yoke, which can be used to adjust the geometry for a 29er or 27.5er rear wheel.Photo: Adrian KaetherThere is a flip chip between the rocker and yoke, which can be used to adjust the geometry for a 29er or 27.5er rear wheel.

The facts about the E-MTB Amflow PL

  • Motor: DJI Avinox M1, 105 Nm
  • Battery: Choice of 600 or 800 Wh, permanently installed
  • Wheel size: 29 inch, optional 27.5 rear wheel
  • Suspension travel: 160/150 millimetres
  • Frame: Full carbon, 2.27 kg frame weight according to the manufacturer
  • Two equipment variants
  • Available from October 2024, online and in specialist bike shops
  • Weight: from approx. 19.2 kilos (size M, top model)
  • Prices: 6499, 9799 and 9999 euros
  • Max. permissible total weight: 125 kg
The cables of the Amflow PL Carbon run classically behind the head tube into the frame.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe cables of the Amflow PL Carbon run classically behind the head tube into the frame.The Amflow PL is approved for enduro use in accordance with ASTM category 4.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe Amflow PL is approved for enduro use in accordance with ASTM category 4.We don't know exactly what this logo is supposed to tell us. But we look forward to seeing it more often in the future. Because the first appearance of the Amflow brand is very promising.Photo: Adrian KaetherWe don't know exactly what this logo is supposed to tell us. But we look forward to seeing it more often in the future. Because the first appearance of the Amflow brand is very promising.

UPDATE: Models, prices and availability of the Amflow PL Carbon

Amflow is launching two equipment variants of the PL Carbon, both of which are to be delivered in Germany from October 2024. The brand will rely on direct sales via its own website as well as a dealer network of bike shops. There is now a list of over 35 shops in Germany on the manufacturer's website, including large chain stores.

The prices have now also been finalised. Starting at 6499 euros for the Amflow PL Carbon with 800 battery. The top model costs 9799 or 9999 euros, depending on the battery size. All models are equipped with Fox suspension, Magura brakes and Sram gears. In terms of equipment, the prices are by no means exorbitant in a market comparison, but rather fair.

Amflow PL Carbon Pro

  • Price: 9799 Euro with 600 Wh, 9999 with 800 Wh >> e.g. available here
  • Motor: DJI Avinox M1
  • Battery: DJI permanently installed, either 600 or 800 watt hours
  • Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip X2 / Float X Factory
  • Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission, 34 / 10 - 52 teeth
  • Brakes: Magura MT7 Pro, 203/203 mm
  • Wheels: Amflow HMC-30 with carbon rims
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo / Dissector Exo+ tyres
  • Special features: Carbon handlebars, quick charger with 12 A charging current
The top-of-the-range PL Carbon Pro model is available with either a 600 or 800 battery and exclusively in black.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe top-of-the-range PL Carbon Pro model is available with either a 600 or 800 battery and exclusively in black.The wheels are from Amflow's own brand. This also applies to the handlebars and stem.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe wheels are from Amflow's own brand. This also applies to the handlebars and stem.The power for the AXS rear derailleur comes via cable from the bike's main battery.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe power for the AXS rear derailleur comes via cable from the bike's main battery.

Amflow PL Carbon

  • Price: 6499 Euro
  • Motor: DJI Avinox M1
  • Battery: DJI permanently installed, 800 watt hours
  • Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float Performance
  • Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 34 / 11 - 50 teeth
  • Brakes: Magura MT5, 203/203 mm
  • Wheels: Amflow HMA-30 with aluminium rims
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo / Dissector Exo+ tyres
  • Special features: Fast charger with 12 A charging current
The entry-level model Amflow PL Carbon comes in silver and costs 6499 euros.Photo: Amflow BikesThe entry-level model Amflow PL Carbon comes in silver and costs 6499 euros.

CONCLUSION on the Amflow PL Carbon

Admittedly: We were sceptical at first when we heard that DJI was building an E-MTB. But our first impression of the Amflow PL Carbon is excellent. Looks, weight, handling and features: Everything is just right. Of course, the bike still has to prove its strength on the trail. We look forward to it and will keep you up to date. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine and is responsible for the test and technology department.Photo: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine and is responsible for the test and technology department.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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