Fresh Goods Friday 729: The DJI E-dition

by 30

It doesn’t happen very often in the modern era, but this year there has been a bike released that will probably go down in history as one of the key game-changing bikes in off-road cycling.

In case you hadn’t guessed, the bike in question is the Amflow PL ebike with the DJI Avinox motor. It felt like the existing bike industry was quite happy being on one timeline and then here enters Amflow/DJI with a system from the future.

We imagine there are loads of folks out there who were on the verge of getting an ebike from an established bike brand with a Bosch/Shimano/Brose/Yamaha etc motor. And now these folks have moved their finger from the ‘Order Now’ button. All because of this Amflow PL.

DJ aye?

Amflow PL Carbon Pro

AKA the DJI Disruptor. Amflow is basically dronemeister DJI’s new bike brand. This e-bike has really put the e-cat amongst the e-pigeons. Principally because of the headline power numbers. 105Nm of torque with peak power of 850 watts. Compared to other full-power e-MTBs that typically have 85Nm of torque and peak power of around 600 watts. Not only that but if you long-press a button on the bar remote it unleashes ‘Boost’ mode for 30 seconds which gives out 120Nm of torque and 1000 watts of peak power. Anyways, after a day riding this bike, the power wasn’t the most impressive thing. You’ll be able to read Benji’s first ride thoughts on this important bicycles next week. What a tease!

Fresh Goods Friday 729: D’Movie

The power of crisps compels you!

FSA KFX I28 Wheelset

Carbon wheels designed for XC (and the less extreme end of trail biking maybe?). Why no grrr riding in these? It doesn’t actually rule out any sort of riding but the direct-pull two-cross spoke design and 28mm internal width are probably not best suited to freeride. Asymmetric rim design (the spokes aren’t all running in the middle of the rim). Variable height rim design ie. the rim is a bit taller where the spokes meet it. The nipples are brass, which is very pleasing. As is the use of 6-bolt rotor mounts. Hookless bead. Two sealed cartridge bearings in the front hub, five sealed cartridge bearings in the rear hub. The freehub of which is FSA/Vision’s PRS design, so is a “helical clutch” (ratchet in other words) with 72 teeth equaling 5° engagement. In terms of weight, we weigh them in the video above. You’re welcome. Spoiler alert: not heavy.

FSA KFX Flat Bar

  • Price: £174.99
  • From: Windwave
  • SQUIRREL_TEXT_13147509

A flat handlebar with more holes in it than usual. As well as the single hole going all the way through, there are two small holes on the underside where the grips lay over (for Shimano Di2 cabling) and two larger holes adjacent to the stem clamping zone (for brake hose thru-headset routing). We can roll our collective eyes as much as we want but there’s no denying that a small percentage of folk will be cock-a-hoop with this handlebar. Reinforced brake lever and bar end(!) zones. Reinforced and textured stem clamp zone. 9° back sweep, 4° up sweep. 760mm width. Weight? Again, watch the video above for some hot weighing scales action!

FSA K-Wing AGX 440 Handlebars

  • Price: £339.99
  • From: Windwave
  • SQUIRREL_TEXT_13147511

Carbon drop handlebar designed for “Adventure, Gravel and Cyclocross”. Aerodynamic integrated Cable Routing (‘ACR’ doncha know). Sculpted contact points. Flared drops. This particular bar is 31.8mm x 440mm with 115mm drop, 76mm reach, 12° outward bend, 10° forward angle, 25mm offset drops and 5mm of rise.

Vision SC30 AGX Wheelset

Marketed as being “perfect for going fast on pavement, dirt or for CX racing” but we suspect something has been a little bit lost in translation. We’re pretty sure FSA mean ‘tarmac’ or ‘road’ instead of pavement! Stats: 30mm depth front rim,
35mm depth rear rim, Centerlock rotor mount, two sealed cartridge bearings in the front hub, four in the rear hub. “Artisan built, entirely by hand” apparently. Again, the weight is revealed in FGF vid above.

FSA KFX 2 Bolt Stem

A stem so far beyond our comprehension that we’ll just let FSA gush forth: “The centerpiece of this innovation is the new stem design featuring a 2-bolt clamp system, which significantly reduces weight, increases durability, and speeds up on-site bike maintenance. Quick adjustments to the setup are crucial for allowing athletes to test different configurations with minimal downtime—a true marginal gain. Additionally, the -20° angle has become a standard in competitive cycling, enabling a more aggressive riding position, ideal for high-intensity race situations. The specific lower profile design ensures that the stem can be mounted on any frame, even those with a pronounced head tube area that typically prevents the installation of negative angle stems.”

Maxxis Minion DHR II

  • Price: £79.99
  • From: Freewheel
  • SQUIRREL_TEXT_13147512

As we stated in our Maxxis Minion DHR II review from 2022, this is the tyre for pretty much everything. We usually encounter the DHR II in its 3C MaxxTerra compound so it’s nice to get hold of a stickier SC MaxxGrip version for some Autumn-Winter schralping.

Shimano EP801 & EP6 DIY Firmware Update

This is the ‘bike shop only’ firmware update that was announced a few weeks ago. The news here is that Joe Public can now update their Shimano EP8 and EP6 motors themselves via the usual Shimano E-Tube app that they probably already have. What does the firmware alter? There’s a higher assist level (400%) in Boost, control how the maximum speed cutoff comes in (slower or suddenly, essentially), more motor run-on when you stop pedaling.

Muc Off Big Bore Valves and Hey Dipstick!

  • Price: Valves £40, Dipstick £10
  • From: Muc Off
  • SQUIRREL_TEXT_13147514

As launched at this year’s Eurobike Show, the new Muc Off Big Bore valves take a massively different look at the ‘high volume’ valve design. Instead of a super thin, or thick valve core, Muc Off has simply done away with it. Instead, there’s a 90 degree ball-valve, like you might see in a plumbing stopcock. With the switch in line, there’s no air flow at all. With it at 90 degrees, the valve is completely hollow, potentially allowing massive amounts of air through. If that’s not enough, there are two, even bigger versions: one uses a presta drilled rim, but allows for a Schrader head for more airflow. The final version is a fully hollow Schrader core for Schrader-drilled rims and even more airflow…

And the pink-tipped metal stick? It’s a dipstick for your sealant. With the bike off the ground, open the valve (or remove the valve core if you have a different system) and pop the dipstick through to the bottom of the tyre. The graduated stainless rod will show you how much (if any, right?) tubeless fluid remains in your tyre.

Vittoria Terrano Dry Gravel Tyres

  • Price: £54.99
  • From: Freewheel
  • SQUIRREL_TEXT_13147515

Just in time for the winter, eh? These are off to the STW Southern Office for gravel testing. Featuring a ‘fish scale’ design in the centre, these Vittoria gravel tyres are meant to roll smoothly on tarmac, but then grip in the rough, as the scales flex and open up. There are aggressive side knobs for when you’re cranking it over, too. Available in something like ten sizes, from 650Bx47 and 700Cx31 up to 700Cx54.

STW Merch MY2025

Our merch is back! We know many of you have missed it and we’ve even got a brand new massive mug! Where we have been able we’ve made sure everything ticks as many environmental boxes as possible as that’s important to us. So you can browse through a atypically wide range of organic t-shirts, hoodies, hats and mugs. All profits go back into the Singletrack pot to keep us as sustainable as the gear we sell.

If you are not yet a subscriber we have a killer offer to tempt you over into the light. Just check out the story below.

What is Fresh Goods Friday?

It’s Singletrack’s long running, weekly roundup of all of the new products that have been sent in to the magazine.

Where do all of the goods come from?

They’re sent in by bike companies and marketing agencies

What happens to all of the products?

They’re featured and then some are reviewed down the line in either Singletrack Magazine or in online reviews and photoshoots.

What happens to them when you’ve finished with them?

They’re usually sent back after review, or kept on long-term test bikes. But no one ever asks for shorts and shoes back. Trust us on that. Once we were asked to return some brake pads.

I’m a company making the next big thing. How much does it cost to feature in FGF?

Nothing. Nil. Zero. Diddlysquat. Sod all. Just send all ‘next big things’ to us at – Fresh Goods Friday, Singletrack Magazine, Lockside Mill, Dale Street, Todmorden. OL14 5PX. Please note that if you require the products back after they have featured then you are responsible for arranging collection at your cost. While it is our policy to feature everything we receive in FGF if we decide your product is not suitable for publication we won’t do it. Publication is at our discretion. Whether a product goes on for publication as a review is at editorial discretion. Beer, coffee & spirits will ALWAYS be tested.

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

More posts from Ben

Home Forums Fresh Goods Friday 729: The DJI E-dition

Viewing 30 posts - 1 through 30 (of 30 total)
  • Fresh Goods Friday 729: The DJI E-dition
  • 1
    johncoventry
    Full Member

    Ok I will be first.
    £10 for a dip stick!

    4
    wheelsonfire1
    Full Member

    Plenty of dip sticks on here for nowt!

    alanclarke
    Full Member

    I’ve got an old bike with a one-bolt bar-clamp stem, so there, FSA

    PrinceJohn
    Full Member

    There are more than 2 bolts in that FSA stem.

    Nice to see the old handlebar scratching design back.

    7
    v7fmp
    Full Member

    i am always impressed with Muc-Off’s ability to make products that dont need to exist. Bravo.

    chrismac
    Full Member

    The valve design looks interesting and should mean fewer clogged valves. The dipstick is definitely a product looking for a need

    1
    clubby
    Full Member

    We imagine there are loads of folks out there who were on the verge of getting an ebike from an established bike brand with a Bosch/Shimano/Brose/Yamaha etc motor. And now these folks have moved their finger from the ‘Order Now’ button. All because of this Amflow PL.

    I’m assuming this is what the new mug slogan relates to?

    2
    jameso
    Full Member

    The same DJI whose drones are being used by Russia to kill civilians, right?

    Don’t see DJI doing much to prevent that.

    oldfart
    Full Member

    The one time I did a software update for my EP8 the Bluetooth connection dropped out . Instead of reverting back to existing mode it shuts down completely and I had to take the bike to my LBS because the motor said no ! As mechanic said in the future if it’s going ok best not to fiddle with it !

    oldfart
    Full Member

    Also stumping up over 8 grand to be an early adopters of an untried / unknown system seems a heck of a gamble .

    2
    tall_martin
    Full Member

    Finger hovering over order button….

    Looks a price- finger retracts in horror

    Looks for history of longevity of expensive system and history of warranty – finger wags back and forth in a no no no no gesture

    Looks for history of not effectively being and arms dealer.

    Maybe in a few years when the price has come down and they have worked out some bugs on early adopters. And not been a weapons delivery system

    Probably not going to go for one of those.

    2
    lister
    Full Member

    Right then: I’m aware that drones are being used in Ukraine to deliver weapons, often on civilians. Clearly some of those are DJI drones.

    But are DJI actively selling their drones to Russia, advertising their grenade carrying abilities or otherwise encouraging this type of use?

    Not trolling but I’m surprised by the strong reactions here; I genuinely only associate the brand with drones rather than warfare and potential war crimes.

    1
    johnnystorm
    Full Member

    But are DJI actively selling their drones to Russia, advertising their grenade carrying abilities or otherwise encouraging this type of use?

    A quick Google suggests they have come out publicly condemning the use of their drones for military purposes and have stopped sales in Russia and Ukraine.

    Ignoring that side of things it’s pretty impressive how they’ve come out of nowhere with a decent offering when car companies (with a similar lack of cycling background) have often made some criminally bad bikes. I’d live to try one out.*

    * Confession, I have also just bought a DJI Neo.

    5
    Bruce
    Full Member

    Does all this extra power mean that they rip the trails up even more than a less powerful ebike?

    2
    scottleehogan
    Full Member

    I don’t ride an e-bike so I’m prepared to be educated here, but is more torque really important and why? Is there any danger to trails from higher levels of torque?

    sharkattack
    Full Member

    I can’t get excited about the claims of a “game changing” e-bike which hasn’t been ridden in the wild yet by any paying customers.

    Let’s see what the reliability, repairability and warranty experience is like first.

    1
    kimbers
    Full Member

    Something about the DJI seat tube says maverick to me

    photo3

    sillyoldman
    Full Member

    @oldfart the app/Bluetooth connection used to be less stable than is ideal. Much improved now – shouldn’t give any problems.

    oldfart
    Full Member

    @sillyoldman interesting thanks for that.

    rockhopper70
    Full Member

    Has Guy Kesteven tested the DJI yet?  He’s already called the Cotic ebike a “disrupter” when it, quite clearly, isn’t.

    3
    roger_mellie
    Full Member

    I’d be grateful if you (Singletrack) didn’t keep key details of products (e.g. wheelset weights) out of the text of the article in preference to your YT channel.

    By all means create super-duper extra content in video form, but please can you keep the key points in the text?

    I much prefer reading info. That’s why I’ve subscribed to a magazine after all. 😉

     

    1
    jameso
    Full Member

    A quick Google suggests they have come out publicly condemning the use of their drones for military purposes and have stopped sales in Russia and Ukraine.

    I’m just a bit sceptical on all that tbh. A successful company in China making drones and cameras won’t be doing so without ties to or influence from the government and with Russia and China relationships the way they are, well call me sceptical but a public statement condemning the use could be just PR. They kinda have to say that don’t they?

    But are DJI actively selling their drones to Russia, advertising their grenade carrying abilities or otherwise encouraging this type of use?

    I expect the civilian markets in Russia and Ukraine is worth little compared to the military demand on both sides. Investigations have traced exports to Russia from production companies linked to DJI or it’s parent company which continued some time after DJI said they’d stop selling there. China is arranging supply of parts and aiding set up of the drone factories in Russia and their sanctions make it more difficult for US done makers to supply Ukraine. The majority of military tech used by Russia now is said to be coming from China, so with DJI being such a key maker of dual-use tech like this and so much of it ending up in Russia still, statements from DJI look a bit like plausible deniability.

    Dunno, I’m no expert in all this obviously. Not trolling either. I’m just not comfortable with the murky links between the CCP and industry there when it comes to companies making a mix of bike kit and useful military kit, not when there’s other options to buy from.

    neilupnorth
    Full Member

    Anyone got an idea of the replacement battery cost for the Amflow PL, as is says on the website, down to 80% capacity after 500 full charges. That’s possibly a couple of years for a busy rider, Shimano suggest 1000 and Giant 2000. But there’s no mention of battery replacement cost, a Shimano 8010 is £484 at current best price, so that every couple of years is a fair chunk of cash.

    kimbers
    Full Member

    so that every couple of years is a fair chunk of cash.

    Your assuming that there won’t be new standards making them obsolete & unsupported after a few years

    kjlmtber
    Full Member

    DJI AMFLOW – the biggest selling point for me is the weight (5kilos lighter than my own full fat alloy ebike), then the battery capacities then the tech (touchscreen and wireless controls). I share concerns over dealer network (limited) and after sales being unproven but of the many tests out there I haven’t heard about an issue yet. I’d be interested in the lower spec version. In terms of reliability my club mates and I ride through all conditions all year round day and night in testing Peak District conditions though and over stuff that challenge the bikes and nearly all the e-bikes have had at least one motor replacement whether Bosch, Specialized or Shimano, any manufacturer that betters this reliability will surely do well.

    b33k34
    Full Member

    The weight of the Amflow is intriguing – the motor is (based on quoted weights) only 100g lighter than the Shimano.  And the batteries aren’t any lighter than the latest versions of anyone else’s.  So just comparing it to, say, an Orbea Rise it should logically be heavier (as it has bigger batteries).  But the quoted weights I’ve seen look lower.  They’ve only got the same parts options as everyone else, and on the frame you’re balancing strong/stiff/light.

    The other question is range – unless they’ve really made the motor much more efficient you’d expect that power/torque to eat battery if you actually use it.

    Reviews (and longer term reports) will be really interesting).

    Personally I’m dubious about the desirability of ever more torque/power on e-bike – the 60nM the Rise was limited to has always felt plenty (very rarely even use boost) but I’m just a luddite on this stuff.  What would be good to see was – Reliability, repairability and light weight (ie use extra efficiency to enable smaller, lighter, batteries).

    BadlyWiredDog
    Full Member

    An e-mtb made by a drone manufacturer that doesn’t even fly? I’m out…

    IA
    Full Member

    DJI are on the US entity list, so they can’t sell in the US.

    Are Amflow a separate enough company they’ll be able to sell to the US market or are they blocked from it, which I’d imagine must be quite a major market?

    I know I can go check the entity list but maybe some journo would like to dig deeper? Worth a comment in the review at least?

    wheelsonfire1
    Full Member

    I’m not a huge fan of Muc-Off chemical products, mostly clever marketing but not very different from some other suppliers in the bicycle trade. However, those new valves  have intrigued me enough to order a pair! Other supposedly high flow valves have just tinkered around the edges with the original traditional valve design but this is a completely new approach, no fiddly little removable valves with the associated tiny springs and and inbuilt clogging facilities. I’ve ordered the hybrid design with the Presta base and Schraeder top which will enable direct connection to a compressor (if required) without having to use an adapter. I’ve not seen a test anywhere (apologies if I’ve missed it) so I’ll report back. Anyone else tried them?

    wheelsonfire1
    Full Member

    Valves arrived today so I’m fitting one tomorrow and will give my feedback… Initial thoughts are that they are a very nicely made product, they come complete with a fitting spanner, two sets of spare seals for the base of the valve and a plastic tube to help with adding sealant. The only downside was that Muc-Off sent me an email the day after my order was made – announcing 25% off everything, very annoying!

Viewing 30 posts - 1 through 30 (of 30 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.