Amflow PL Carbon Pro test: How good is the DJI bike from China?
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In order to offer the Avinox motor a platform, DJI has created its own bike brand without further ado: Amflow! And hardly any other bike is currently being hyped as much as the DJI brand's PL Carbon.
Perhaps not without good reason, as a look at the data shows. At a real 19.75 kg on the BIKE scales, the Amflow with the smaller 600 battery is lighter than many minimalist light eMTBs. 20.63 kilograms (BIKE measurement) with the 800 battery, which is also available, is also a dream value. The price, measured against the top equipment, is absolutely fine. That in itself is remarkable. In addition, the built-in DJI Avinox (test here) by far the most powerful engine on the market. Any weaknesses worth mentioning? Not a single one.
For over three months, we intensively tested the more expensive of the two available Amflow models with five different testers and on many different routes as well as in the laboratory. From Eberbach to Finale Ligure, from rough trails to long tours, the high-flyer bike had to prove itself in every conceivable scenario and with both available battery sizes. Could the bike ultimately convince us? Here is the detailed test.
The facts about the Amflow PL Carbon Pro
- Motor: DJI Avinox M1, 120 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 600 / 800 Wh (permanently installed)
- Battery weight: 2887 / 3784 g (BIKE measurement)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Spring travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (optional 27.5 inch rear)
- Frame sizes: M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 19.75/20.63 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. system weight: 145 kg
- Guarantee: 5 years
- Price: 9799/9999 Euro >> available here
Jack of all trades: The DJI Avinox motor
120 Newton metres of torque, 1000 watts of power at just 2.6 kilograms. When the first figures for the new DJI Avinox reached us before Eurobike 2024, we could hardly believe our ears. It is now clear that the Avinox is not just a paper tiger and can also deliver these enormous values in practice. And even more impressive: the DJI motor is super direct, very sensitive and also very, very quiet.
Not an uncouth bully, but a real game changer. Plus: great display, good app and good range. DJI just misses out on the top values of the new Bosch batteries, but can score points with optional fast charging.
Please note: The values below are from our standardised range test. We have throttled the speed of the DJI to the level of classic 85 Nm motors. If the Avinox is running at full throttle, the batteries are drained somewhat faster.
Surprisingly conservative: the geometry of the Amflow
The chassis relies on 29er wheels, but a 27.5er wheel can also be fitted at the rear as an option. 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel should position the bike as a downhill all-rounder. The sizing is striking. The four sizes are rather compact.
If you want to reach for the next size up for a smoother ride, you'll have to consider the rather long seat tubes. Despite the compact reach and wheelbase, the riding position is sporty and stretched. This is due to the low front and the (too) slack seat angle. This should also be taken into account when choosing a size.
Full cabin: features of the Amflow PL Carbon Pro
With the top model Amflow PL Carbon Pro, DJI naturally also pays attention to weight when it comes to the equipment, but hardly uses any lightweight cheat parts. The Fox Factory shock comes with a reservoir and the Exo+ rear tyre is well suited to the application. Highlights are the XO Transmission drivetrain from Sram and the numerous in-house carbon parts (wheels, handlebars). At the front is the Fox 36 Factory with GripX2 enduro damping. That's as good as it gets. Measured against this, the price of 10,000 euros is even quite fair.
- Fork / damper: Fox 36 Factory GripX2 / Float X Factory
- Circuit: X0 Transmission
- Brakes: Magura MT7
- Impellers: Amflow HMC-30 Carbon
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo / Dissector Exo+
- Special features: Quick charger
Practical test: How the Amflow PL Carbon Pro rides
Our practical test shows: The Amflow PL Carbon is a really good first step and achieves an unprecedented compromise between high engine performance and a light-footed ride. But despite all the praise, there is also room for improvement. The riding position is sporty with the low handlebars and the seat angle of the bike is quite slack. This means you sit slightly stretched out on the Amflow. It's great for picking up the pace on long flat stretches.
Uphill: In a league of its own thanks to superior engine power
However, the rear-heavy riding position is not ideal on demanding climbs. On climbs, the rear suspension is high in its travel. This favours uphill control, but sacrifices some traction and comfort. So it's a good thing that the enormously powerful and yet very easy to control motor easily compensates for this weakness in the B grade. Because one thing is clear: the motor alone puts the Amflow in a league of its own on the climbs.
The sporty character of the Amflow is also reflected in its downhill characteristics. The bike is very lively and precise on flatter trails and inspires with its light-footed riding style. It almost feels like a light eMTB. The bike doesn't seem to be the ultimate in manoeuvrability. However, the PL Carbon Pro leaves classic E-All-Mountains far behind thanks to its lively handling. The low weight of the bike and wheels is clearly noticeable. On every edge, with every fast corner change, in every acceleration.
Downhill: Easy but not very comfortable
The other side of the coin: when the terrain gets rougher, the Amflow tends to skip. An experienced hand is required here to hold the line in rocky passages or on root carpets. The low front end also doesn't give you much confidence and the seat tube is relatively long compared to the short reach. Especially on steep sections, you feel pushed forwards more than would actually be comfortable. With a low front end and rather long rear end, the Amflow is also reluctant to be pulled onto the rear wheel - a necessary evil to keep the front end at least halfway in check on climbs.
As expected, the high-quality Fox 36 Factory fork with X2 damping works excellently and fits in well with the sporty character. Compared to the top fork, however, the rear suspension falls slightly short. The testers only awarded mediocre marks for sensitivity in particular.
Nevertheless, thanks to the firm suspension set-up, the bike is easy to pull into the air and still has good reserves even at high speeds, but it is exhausting to ride in rough terrain.
The DJI motor does not rattle downhill, but the cables of the Amflow clearly rattle in the frame. Foam covers would provide a remedy. The black piano lacquer looks classy in combination with the golden decals, but shows clear signs of scratching after a few muddy winter rides.
BIKE review of the Amflow PL Carbon Pro
Strengths
- Lightweight, with a massive range
- balanced trail handling
- superior motor
- Quick charger
Weaknesses
- Permanently installed battery
- flat seat angle, compact geo
- Control on extreme uphills
- Rattling noises
- Scratch-sensitive
The BIKE conclusion
The Amflow PL Carbon wants to be a light bike and a powerhouse in one. And it manages the balancing act surprisingly well! It doesn't come close to the handling qualities of the best all-mountain bikes or the light-footedness of a light specialist. But the all-rounder does everything in between really well. The unprecedented ratio of weight to range is outstanding. The motor power combined with such a sensitive set-up is phenomenal, while the firm suspension and geometry are only average. Nevertheless: Next level! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
