On July 30th, the new Amflow e-bike took the mountain biking world by storm. Or, to be more precise, it took North America by storm. The bike had in fact launched a year prior at Eurobike 2024.
Savannah’s POV
The consumer response? Mixed. Plenty of commentary along the lines of “sigh, I unfollowed every European a year ago, and now I will do the same to all your North Americaneans… admittedly without listening to a single thing anyone says.”
Now, this reflects two different ways. The most obvious reflection is on the consumer – admitting ignorance and proudly gatekeeping a closed mind at what different people have to say about a bike that everyone already knows is steeped in controversy.
The second reflection is on the bike industry. With such a polarizing product, it invites a question: is the best strategy with any new product launch, to build an army of influencers who share all of their videos at exactly the same time, disclosing the same received benefits? (In this case, a free bike for everyone. You get a bike, you get a bike! Thanks, Oprah).
Does it create trust with consumers or break down authenticity? And how does it feel from the creators POV? Perhaps they would prefer some transparent communication from brands about the volume of others involved, and what launch day might look like on the internet. In the case of the Amflow, the public seemed a little unimpressed. From the consumer perspective, everyone who mattered suddenly was regurgitating a seemingly similar narrative at 12:01am. At least, that’s what it looks like on the surface when you are on the receiving end of an onslaught of reviews of the exact same bike at the exact same time. “Buy this bike! Because I got it for free.”
But beyond surface level, there is a different story. If you can get past the fact that everyone had to share at the same time for the launch… Well, everyone is sharing a different riding experience. And from the company standpoint? I don’t think there is a better way to unveil a product, besides how it unfolded. You have a product launch date. Everyone promoting the product needs to be on board at the same time. It’s fairly easy math. 1+1=2.
Does it lose a feeling of authenticity? Yes. Inevitably. But, again – if you can get past the inevitability of capitalism, you can begin to unravel different stories, highlights, criticisms, and experiences. Launches like these even go so far as to show the transparency of the creators. Who disclosed compensation for a free bike? Who disclosed payment beyond that free bike?
Behind the Scenes of the Influencer’s Ethical Dilemma
Back when Jeff was first approached by Amflow to promote their bike for the North America launch, I witnessed his trepidation first-hand. He hemmed and hawed about the ethical responsibilities he holds as a creator, and whether promoting a bike that was technically illegal on normal mountain bike trails was going to align with his values or tarnish his reputation.
We chatted about a few different points:
Long term consequences: What if you promote the bike without disclosing the illegality of it, and this is the bike launch that erases progress on allowing the average e-bike on everyday mountain biking trails?
Opportunity to be an educator: What if this is your opportunity to educate the public about why it’s illegal, and where you can use it in a way that is both ethical and legal? If this bike is going to get in front of people who are not already versed in mountain bike etiquette, are you able to provide an educational POV that is unique based on your motorized wheels expertise?
In the end, the choice was to accept the contract with the terms that he had full freedom to be transparent about the illegality. Terms were accepted by Amflow, and thus began the business relationship that Jeff expected to be one of disappointment.
As you saw from watching the video, he ended up liking the bike a lot more than he expected, and I can say from behind the scenes that I witnessed the expectation from disappointment genuinely grow into one of being impressed.
But, without further ado… onto the actual bike. That’s why we’re here!
Despite the loud opinions online, the ride experience itself tells a different story.
Editor’s Note: These articles are adapted by Savannah from Jeff Kendall-Weed’s YouTube videos for riders who prefer reading over watching. They’re written in Jeff’s first-person voice to stay true to the style and storytelling of the original content.
Every now and then, from the typewriter to the iPhone, a new piece of technology shows up and absolutely changes the game. If the eMTB was the iPhone of the mountain bike world, the Amflow is generative AI — rewriting the rules of a sport we thought we already knew (that being said, while generative AI is a crime against humanity, the Avinox motor is innocently pushing innovation).
As many of you have reminded me in the comments on nearly every eMTB video I’ve posted this year, the new Avinox drive system has created a buzz. Despite some controversy, I’m here to say the buzz is legit.
Unboxing the PL Carbon Pro Amflow
In July 2024, the announcement of the Amflow bike, powered by the Avinox drive system, created a storm. This motor unit, designed by one of the world’s leading tech giants, combines class-leading power, battery life, and an insanely smooth delivery.
Consider the eMTB market: officially disrupted.
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro is an all-around trail eMTB. It runs 150mm of rear travel, paired with a 160mm Fox 36 with the Grip X2 damper. Geometry is modern and decently aggressive, and the bike is mullet compatible — I rode it both as a dual 29 and as a mullet.
150/160 travel, Fox 36 Grip X2, Float X, carbon rims, XO Transmission, and the Avinox motor that’s rewriting the eMTB conversation.
Highlights:
- Float X rear shock, 150mm rear travel
- Fox 36 GripX2 fork, 160mm front travel
- Amflow carbon rims + branded carbon bars and cockpit
- SRAM XO Eagle Transmission (hardwired to the main battery — no derailleur charging!)
- Magura MT7 brakes
- Fox Transfer dropper
- Ergon saddle
Sizing and Setup
At 5’8”, I usually ride a medium. Amflow didn’t have a medium available in time for this review, so I tested a large that you see throughout all four videos. With its 472mm reach, it’s basically the same as the Norco Fluid VLT I rode last summer. Slightly big for me, but rideable. Taller-rise bars helped bring my position back in line.
For setup, I ditched the stock lightweight tires and ultra-thin tubes, replacing them with dual-ply tubeless. With Deity T-Mac pedals installed, the bike weighed in at 46 lbs — lighter than some “SL” eMTBs, but with more power and range than full-power bikes that often weigh 5 lbs more.
PL Carbon Pro Amflow Ride Impressions
Handling and Geometry
The Amflow handles great. It’s not a freeride or DH rig, but it corners nicely, jumps decently, and stays intuitive in rooty, rocky puzzles. Geometry and suspension felt better to me than the recent Yeti MTe.
The chainstays are 12mm longer than the Pivot Shuttle SL I loved so much. On eMTBs, I’d prefer a slightly shorter back end, as it makes sending a heavy battery-laden bike airborne easier.
Bottom-outs happened but weren’t terrible. Plush overall, as a trail bike should be.
At the end of my test time, I was absolutely digging how the Amflow rides. On single black and blue trails, it is PLENTY of bike for me! I even hit some double black “pro line” jump features, and the bike felt better than some others from well-known legacy brands.
Mullet vs. 29
I tested the mullet setup. To my surprise, it didn’t feel that different. Unlike the Yeti MTe, which I strongly preferred mulleted, the Amflow feels better with matching 29” wheels.
Comparisons to Other eMTBs
Orbea Rise LT (Shimano EP8 RS): Amflow feels torsionally stiffer, with more suspension support. Shimano’s system is good, but Avinox is in another league.
The Rise LT has great maneuverability, but the Amflow feels noticeably stiffer, with more suspension support and a motor system (Avinox) that’s in another league for consistency and tuneability.
Yeti MTe (TQ HPR60): TQ is my second-favorite motor. Smooth, plenty of power, but Avinox is more consistent and adjustable.
Handling is solid on the Yeti, especially as a mullet, but overall refinement tips toward the Amflow.
Pivot Shuttle SL (Fazua Ride 60): Best handling eMTB I’ve ridden, but Fazua reliability is mixed. Avinox feels more refined.
Norco Fluid VLT (Bosch Performance SX): Bosch is popular but not as refined, quiet, or strong as Avinox. Handling and stiffness were solid on the Norco, but overall feel goes to Amflow.
The Norco handled well and felt predictable, but overall feel — stiffness, support, and motor performance — tips in favor of the Amflow. That said, for Whistler Bike Park, I would certainly prefer the Norco.
Avinox Drive System and Smart Features
What really sets this bike apart is the motor. The Amflow ships as a 750-watt Class I eMTB, but users can tune it via the Avinox app. Parameters include:
- Assistance levels
- Max torque / power
- Motor overrun
- Assisted start
- Max speed- option for 28mph Class III mode
Yes, it can hit 1000 watts in “boost” — technically beyond legal Class I or III limits in the U.S. (750w max, 20 mph for Class I). Thankfully, it ships in the U.S. capped at 750w. I’ve kept mine at that for legality and for the ride feel I prefer. I also prefer it at 85nm. With 750/85, I found range to be right where I want it- on a warm day, at my 175lbs, I can usually get close to 5000′ vert out of this bike. If I go down to a lower power setting, range improves even more.
Revelstoke’s mosquitoes didn’t help. Even with a motor under our seat, we couldn’t outrace them. Snack time?
For us AND them.
Other unique features:
- Ride tracking (distance, elevation, etc.)
- Theft mode with GPS-style location
- Phone key lock/unlock
- Walk mode (still button-hold only)
The Amflow handles jumps and chunky terrain better than expected for a full-power eMTB.
The Downsides
No bike is perfect. My biggest complaints:
- Trail advocacy: Amflow has done nothing to support U.S. mountain bike access groups. Worse, marketing a 1000w “option” is short-sighted for our already fragile eMTB access.
- Overpowered feel: Turbo/auto modes with high overrun are more dangerous than useful. I’ve since tuned overrun off, and it rides better. I also set the max power level to 750 watts, 85nm for a more realistic range. I do the same on the Bosch CX5 system.
- Frame flex: not as bad as rumors claimed. In the end, I think this frame is sufficiently stiff for my 175 lbs.
- Suspension match: Fox’s Float X is fine and retains that fun, poppy feel.
Final Thoughts: Is the PL Carbon Pro Amflow Worth It?
Despite the gripes, the PL Carbon Pro Amflow is one of the most impressive eMTBs I’ve ever ridden. It’s polished, powerful, and fun — a huge statement for Amflow’s first entry into bikes.
I prefer lighter, more playful eMTBs that don’t ride like oil tankers. The Amflow finally nails the balance of range, power, and handling that makes me want to reach for an eMTB not just as a utility, but for pure trail fun. The bike jumps REALLY well, and it responds awesome to an active riding style. This means the bike pumps really well, despite the long back end.
Yes, the politics of power limits are frustrating. Yes, I’d like Amflow to support trail advocacy. But on the dirt, this bike delivers.
If this is the future of eMTBs, it’s a future worth paying attention to.
As always, a huge shoutout to the folks who help keep these rides rolling.
Gear + Kits
Big thanks to Jenson USA for the ongoing support. Any purchases through these links help keep my channel alive and kicking, and support my incredible media team.
I’m riding in a full Endura kit, which you can check out here.
A massive thank-you to Amflow for sponsoring this video. Their full line of lightweight, full-power eMTBs is worth a look!
And if you want to keep your electrolytes dialed, grab a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase! (The sample pack includes 2 samples of 4 of their top flavors, for a set of eight packets.)
Local Trail Advocacy
Support your trail builders — seriously, they’re the backbone of every good ride. I’m a member of all three, and you should be too:
- The Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association, based in Chilliwack, BC: https://fvmba.com/
- The Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, based in Squamish, BC: https://www.sorca.ca/
- The Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, based in Bellingham, WA: https://www.wmbcmtb.org/
If you’re on an eMTB, PLEASE do everyone a favor and brush up on proper etiquette:
Your Custom Build Amflow Shopping List
If you’re curious about the setup — and want to toss a little support my way — here’s everything I bolted onto the Amflow.
- Maxxis Double Down, MaxxGrip tires
- ENVE M70 40mm rise bars
- ENVE M7 35mm clamp / 35mm stem
- ODI Elite grips
- Pedals: I swapped between PNW and Deity TMAC
Your Amflow Movie Night Playlist
Did we make Revelstoke’s best backcountry ride?
Peace & Wheelies!
Jeff
1 comment
[…] I put the Waveforms on the Amflow, which has a more intuitive suspension feel, and the issues persisted. I noticed a lot of slipped […]