Amflow e-MTB Ridden & Reviewed

Range & The Ride

Humming along sweetly on the tarmac, the power setting was set to ‘Eco’ mode. With around 80 percent battery life in the tank, the estimated range was close to 70km – perfect for the trip to the Waratah Trail, a challenging favourite that includes a climb that will test any bike and rider.

While power assist helped lug the 20kg bike up the gentle climbs, we switched it off during the descents and flatter sections to get a true feel of the bike. You can certainly feel the extra weight, but once momentum is gained, the Amflow tends to hum along sweetly. The bottom line is this – if you were regularly riding this bike, perhaps commuting on it but also taking it away for adventurous weekends on the trails, if the battery did empty, you’d still be able to get the bike home via pedal power alone.

Ten or so kilometers along West Head Road, sitting on around 25 kp/h, the right turn to the Waratah Trail was just ahead.

Thumb tapping the handlebar power selector mode, it was flicked to Trail mode as we passed inside the gate and loose rocks replaced the smooth tarmac below.

Accelerating along the start of the 8km fairytale trail ahead, the excitement and anticipation was palpable.

“This is what it’s all about, and this is what the Amflow was made for,” I thought, while rolling at speed along the undulating trail and jumping the first of many berms ahead of watercourse crossings.

Eventually reaching the queen section of the trail, a challenging 100 metre climb consisting of a wall of loose and slippery stones, the Amflow came into its own. I’ll admit I didn’t make it to the top on the first attempt, an error purely due to the chosen line rather than the power of the pedal and assistance of the motor. Stopping, carefully turning, and gingerly riding back down, it was time for a second crack.

Using a lower gear, dodging some of the bigger obstacles, and trying to maintain steadier power and more concise steering, the Amflow took the tough climb in its stride. Reaching the top, it was a relatively easy run to the stunning lookout at the end of the trail.

Dismounting the bike on top of the smooth sandstone outcrop, I was not only mesmerised by the view over Cowan Creek and the magnificent Hawkesbury River but the black and gold bike as well.

With its versatile geometry, 160mm of front travel and 150mm at the rear, the frame is well thought out and offers a comfortable yet aggressive riding position. The head tube angle and reach are dialed in to provide confidence on descents while maintaining efficiency on climbs like the one recently conquered. The rear triangle design allows for excellent traction and stability, making technical sections more manageable.

The suspension uses top-quality Fox components and offers a well-tuned combination of front and rear cushioning. The bike effortlessly absorbs lumps and bumps and rock gardens, ensuring a smooth ride on the roughest trails. The adjustable damping settings allow the rider to lock out the back and fine-tune the ride based on terrain and personal preference.

Amflow-branded components and accessories abound, again surprising for a machine coming from a non-traditional manufacturer. The highlight here would have to be the brand’s carbon wheels – they were surprisingly light in hand and held up to some pretty harsh testing indeed.