First look: Amflow bikes powered by DJI Avinox available now at Outset

Amflow has officially arrived in New Zealand at Outset Bike. Unveiled at Eurobike in 2024, the Amflow was the first e-mountain bike to integrate the revolutionary DJI Avinox motor, a game-changer for Kiwi riders seeking top-tier performance.

This new generation of e-bikes combines the sheer power of the Avinox motor with a large battery capacity and a low overall weight. For New Zealand’s diverse and challenging trails, the Amflow offers a significant leap forward, providing the full-power performance of an e-MTB with the agile, responsive handling of a lighter bike.

Amflow bikes are now available for stock and custom builds at Outset at 12 Carr Road, Three Kings, Auckland, New Zealand. You can also buy online at outset.bike.

Explore the range at Outset.

Amflow details
  • Carbon frame
  • DJI Avinox 120Nm, 1000W motor
  • 800Wh or 600Wh battery
  • 29-inch or mixed wheels
  • Horst-link suspension design
  • 150 mm rear and 160 mm front travel
  • 64.5º head angle
  • 77º seat tube angle
  • 445mm chainstay all sizes
  • M, L, XL
  • 20.42kg (L)
  • PL Carbon NZ$10990 (Pro NZ$15990)
DJI Avinox drive system

At the core of the Amflow PL Carbon is the Avinox drive system. Initially released with 105Nm of torque and 850W of peak power, a recent firmware update has boosted its performance to an incredible 120Nm and 1000W in Turbo mode. This puts the Avinox motor far ahead of its competition in terms of raw power. Despite its immense output, the motor remains impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at just 2.52kg, about 300g lighter than other leading systems.

Battery

To fuel this power, Amflow offers two battery options: a 600Wh and a larger 800Wh version. The 800Wh battery weighs 3.74kg, and the 600Wh weighs 2.87kg. Both are powered by a 12A, 508Wh charger. Avinox claims this charger can replenish a depleted 800Wh battery to 75 per cent in 90 minutes, so you’ll spend less time waiting and more time riding.

Controls

 The motor is controlled using two wireless remotes on either side of the handlebar, one for selecting power mode and the other for toggling between display screens.

Information is displayed via a 2-inch OLED touch screen mounted on the top tube which shows customisable windows conveying real-time information including speed, cadence, distance, motor power, elevation, gear selection, estimated range, G-forces and battery levels. You can adjust the power delivery for each mode via the top tube touch screen.

The Avinox app allows even more customisation and control over all aspects of the ride feel so you can easily tailor the power delivery to terrain and riding style. The system can also integrate with third-party apps, such as Garmin and Strava and has an anti-theft function and USB-C port.

Firmware Updates

The recent power-boosting firmware update also introduced several new features to the Avinox drive system, including:

  • Smoothshift: This feature allows for shifting without pedaling. The motor intelligently spins the chainring to change gears when you’re stopped, mid-corner, or braking, ensuring you’re always in the right gear.

  • Quick Start: This provides instant power delivery, which is essential for navigating technical climbs where predictable power is paramount.

  • Real-time Assistance Tuning: Instead of switching modes, you can use the right controller to make small, on-the-fly power adjustments. This is perfect for when you need a little extra boost on a tricky section of trail.

Amflow frame

 The Amflow PL is pitched as a versatile all mountain bike that can take on a wide range of terrain. Weighing in at around the 20kg mark, the Amflow’s heft is close to lightweight eMTBs such as the Trek Fuel EXE and Specialized Turbo Levo SL but with more than twice the power on tap.

The Amflow’s full carbon frame uses a horst-link suspension layout, driving the shock through a rocker and yoke. Horst-link designs tend to deliver a balance of pedalling efficiency, supple suspension and low pedal kickback while remaining active under braking. It’s a design that’s now widely used across every discipline of mountain biking from downhill to cross country for its versatility and predictability and has gained popularity for eMTB designs in particular because it allows designers to easily package the linkage around motors and batteries.

The Amflow PL frame delivers 150mm of rear-wheel travel from a 185mm long, 55mm stroke shock and is designed for 160mm forks. The rear suspension is moderately progressive, so should work with both air or coil shocks, particularly those with hydraulic bottom out. (Fox coil shocks are not recommended because of side loads from the yoke). 

Geometry

 There are no outliers in the Amflow’s geometry. The modern reach figures and head angle should make for balanced handling that will perform well across a range of terrain. You could ride this bike pretty much anywhere and have a good time, up to the point where the trail  features overwhelm the travel. The Amflow uses 445mm chainstays across the range of sizes. The sizing will feel balanced in the M and L frames, and will suit taller riders who prefer very agile bikes. Amflow does not currently offer a size small. 

The Amflow is full 29-inch and mixed wheel compatible. A seat-stay flip chip is used to switch wheel sizes while maintaining the geometry. 

Models

There are two models of Amflow available, the PL Carbon and PL Carbon Pro.

The PL Carbon comes with Fox 36 and Float Performance suspension, Sram GX Eagle drivetrain, Magura MT5 brakes and retails at NZ$10990.

The PL Carbon Pro model is equipped with Fox Float Factory and Factory X suspension, Sram XO Eagle Transmission, Magura MT7 Pro brakes and retails at NZ$15990.

FAQ

What is the Amflow PL Carbon? 

The Amflow PL Carbon is a high-end, all-mountain carbon fiber e-bike known for its lightweight design and powerful Avinox motor. Originally incubated by Avinox, Amflow is now an independent company that continues to use Avinox’s industry-leading motor technology.

Where can I buy the Amflow in New Zealand? 

Amflow bikes are available in New Zealand through Avinox experts Outset Bike at 12 Carr Road, Three Kings, Auckland. You can also buy Amflow bikes online at outset.bike.

Can Outset custom build an Amflow for me? 

Yes! Outset specialises in custom mountain bike builds and will work with you to create a tailored bike to your exact specifications.

Is Amflow a Chinese company? 

Amflow is based in Shenzhen, China, and sells its bikes worldwide.

How does the Amflow PL Carbon compare to the Santa Cruz Vala? 

The key difference is the motor: the Amflow uses an Avinox system (120Nm torque, 1000W peak power, 800Wh battery) while the Vala uses a Bosch Performance CX Line motor (80Nm torque, 600W peak power, 600Wh battery). The Amflow is lighter, at 20.2-21kg compared to the Vala’s 21.3kg to 22.24kg. The Amflow is also cheaper, with prices ranging from $10,990 to $15,990, versus $16,625 to $22,050 for the Vala.

Is the Amflow battery removable? 

The battery should only be removed by a professional mechanic.

How long does it take to charge the Amflow battery? 

The powerful Gan3x charger can charge the battery to 75% in about 1.5 hours.

What is the range of the Amflow? 

Range varies based on factors like rider weight, terrain, temperature, and power mode. However, independent tests show that the Amflow has significantly more range than e-bikes with non-Avinox motors.

What does the Amflow cost in New Zealand?

The Amflow PL Carbon retails at $10990. The PL Carbon Pro retails at $15990.