Crestline x DJI - RS 181 SPECTRE Edition

Rob Rides EMTB said:
AXS smoothshift installed

www.instagram.com

Rob Hancill on Instagram: "DJI Autoshift is cool! The motor detects the shift from the AXS battery cable that is hard wired into the motor. When you shift, the motor automatically rotates the chainring, so gear selection is done without needing to mo

6,522 likes, 103 comments - robridesemtb on July 8, 2025: "DJI Autoshift is cool! The motor detects the shift from the AXS battery cable that is hard wired into the motor. When you shift, the motor automatically rotates the chainring, so gear selection is done without needing to move the cranks...
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
Click to expand...
Hey Rob , does installing the sram power cable require dropping the motor to access the cable ports or can it be done with just the motor cover off?
 
⚡ EMTB Pro Go Pro — exclusive discounts & ad-free Peaty's 25% off & more · Ad-free browsing · Pro badge See the deals →
Astro66 said:
BTW. I also asked Amflow support about the Bosch Tool. And they said to use the Amflow Tool, as any damage from using the Bosch Tool, may void my warranty.
Click to expand...

Well, of course they’d say that, same as they’d refuse warranty if you damaged the lockring using the Amflow tool as well.

We are guilty of overthinking this stuff sometimes, but if Parktool say the LRT-1 fits, then based on my experience with them over the decades I’d trust it, in case folks can’t buy the Amflow one locally.
 
Shipping to the USA was going to be more than the tool…..so I ordered the Park Tool LRT-1 off Amazon 👌🏻

IMG_2465.png
 
EmtbFanatic said:
Hey Rob , does installing the sram power cable require dropping the motor to access the cable ports or can it be done with just the motor cover off?
Click to expand...
I had to drop the motor to do it. 2 bolts, quite easy, just make sure to support the motor as the other cables are attached.
 
Rob,
I was watching EuroBike vids and noticed some different styles of DJI charger port doors/flaps on different bike brands.
Some being hinged doors, others being rubber push in flaps.
What are your thoughts on the Crestline DJI port flap? Will it keep water out? (Splashing, not submerged)
 
AlumiPro said:
Anyone going this route?
Click to expand...
It will make many of your Avinox Ride stats inaccurate. It will also make the gear indicator wrong, as it uses the chainring to wheel speed ratio, to calculate which gear you are in.

There is currently a better way, if that is something you want.
 
Oh yeah it would mess up the smooth/auto shift!
VPN it is then.
What’s the top speed with the VPN route?
 
AlumiPro said:
Oh yeah it would mess up the smooth/auto shift!
Click to expand...
I think smoothshift/chain protection uses current draw on that cable to detect a gear change. As I unplugged, then plugged in my cable the other day and the chainwheel spooled, even though no new gear had been selected. So probably won't affect that. But I must say I do check the gear display, more than anything, when I'm confronted by technical uphill terrain ahead. Which I seem to be doing far more of, with a DJI powered EMTB.

The DJI motor will change your riding. The motor is no longer just an uphill shuttle replacement. It really does create another sport.
AlumiPro said:
What’s the top speed with the VPN route?
Click to expand...
We shouldn't discuss outside the de-restricted threads, but NZ is currently unlimited.
 
AlumiPro said:
I wondered if my post was going to get booted. 😬
Click to expand...
A mention without detail is fine. (y)
AlumiPro said:
I know a lot on the subject for Bosch GEN4, but not as much for the DJI.
Click to expand...
I'm the same with the Shimano EP801. I know the motor and electronic auto-shifting inside out. I have the compatibility chart as a short cut, because I refer to it so much. I love Shimano.

But the DJI really doesn't have as much information freely available, because both the company and their motors, are so new to the EMTB world.
 
Last edited:
John_likes_bikes said:
If the motor cut off isn't noticeable I don't know I need to go faster uphill. But the possibilities are interesting.
Click to expand...
Sections of technical uphill I could not clear on my Shimano EP801, so I walked or took the B-Line around it. I am now clearing with the DJI motor. Part of the reason, is you can take different lines over and through obstacles, due to both the reduced weight allowing you to lift the bike quicker, and the additional momentum carried when the bike accelerates so quickly, and maintains that momentum with overrun, when you perform those quarter pedal stokes, because you cannot do a full 360 degree cycle, due to rock strike.

I am learning a whole new technique to riding with the DJI motor. I think all these downhill chargers, will be surprised just how rewarding uphill is, when you are also charging uphill.

This is the thing. The reason you can charge downhill, is not because you are some super athlete. It's because gravity is pulling you downhill at 9.8m/s/s. The DJI motor just evens the balance sheet on uphill.
 
Astro66 said:
Sections of technical uphill I could not clear on my Shimano EP801, so I walked or took the B-Line around it. I am now clearing with the DJI motor. Part of the reason, is you can take different lines over and through obstacles, due to both the reduced weight allowing you to lift the bike quicker, and the additional momentum carried when the bike accelerates so quickly, and maintains that momentum with overrun, when you perform those quarter pedal stokes, because you cannot do a full 360 degree cycle, due to rock strike.

I am learning a whole new technique to riding with the DJI motor. I think all these downhill chargers, will be surprised just how rewarding uphill is, when you are also charging uphill.

This is the thing. The reason you can charge downhill, is not because you are some super athlete. It's because gravity is pulling you downhill at 9.8m/s/s. The DJI motor just evens the balance sheet on uphill.
Click to expand...
Preach brotha, you're talking to a convert. There's a video from Wade Simmons talking about this very thing. I have respect for him back to the early 2000's when I started, it's what got me to see emtb in a whole new light. This guy made mtb-ing what it is today, everyone should watch this,
 
John_likes_bikes said:
Preach brotha, you're talking to a convert.
Click to expand...
Great to see. This Crestline should be quite a game changer, with so much potential for up and downhill.

Great video too. And when they took on that really difficult climb, where they kept stalling, and having to put put a foot down. That is where the DJI will make the difference, between stalling and continuing. And the other area where the lighter bike helps, is all those lifts they were doing with both the front and rear wheel. Every kg matters in these situations.
 
Last edited:
Astro66 said:
Great to see. This Crestline should be quite a game changer, with so much potential for up and downhill.

Great video too. And when they took on that really difficult climb, where they kept stalling, and having to put put a foot down. That is where the DJI will make the difference, between stalling and continuing. And the other area where the lighter bike helps, is all those lifts they were doing with both the front and rear wheel. Every kg matters in these situations.
Click to expand...
isn’t wade on the rockymountain? that bike had high torque way before everyone else
 
Now I know this is a total long shot, but would anyone be willing to sell their RS181 Spectre frame, Size rh3?
I’m a motivated buyer and happy to provide a deposit up front to show I’m committed until the frame arrives. Just really want to build my dream bike around this frame.
Appreciate any leads
 
sethimus said:
isn’t wade on the rockymountain? that bike had high torque way before everyone else
Click to expand...
Looks like he's riding the Altitude Powerplay , which is only 700watts peak power, and 23.5 to 24.5kgs.

More peak power is what you need when you are stalling. EMBN just did a video on this.
 
Astro66 said:
Looks like he's riding the Altitude Powerplay , which is only 700watts peak power, and 23.5 to 24.5kgs.

More peak power is what you need when you are stalling. EMBN just did a video on this.
Click to expand...
Up until about a month ago he was riding the full power RM, has been riding the SL lately.

One of his regular groups has big lungs and likes to go uphill super fast.
 
John_likes_bikes said:
Preach brotha, you're talking to a convert. There's a video from Wade Simmons talking about this very thing. I have respect for him back to the early 2000's when I started, it's what got me to see emtb in a whole new light. This guy made mtb-ing what it is today, everyone should watch this,
Click to expand...
That is an awesome video. That's how I like to ride ebikes. Freaken awesome.
 
Jazzii said:
No! Discussion above shows difference between people with real experience with avinox, smart shift function, sram parts needed and people without. And you sound like second category.
Click to expand...
That plonket eyes greener than grass...
 
Got an email today that it is still on for mine by end of July or first week of August

parts are starting to arrive
 
Larsey said:
I sent him an email about 2-weeks ago. He got back to me at Midnight today
Click to expand...
Which day after receiving his pre-order email did you order yours? The Email went out Friday the 30th. I believe they sold out by Monday or Tuesday!
Troydon told me 45 had already sold mid Saturday……after hearing that and almost shitting my pants I ordered mine Sunday, so I’m guessing I’m at the back of the list.
 
🤞 for 69/99

They were sold out on 6/3. I had to have been one of the last to purchase, which is why I had to by 29" dropouts bc only mullet RH2's were available.
 
Last edited:
Hmm, I’ll have to ask him what # my frame is. Or is it a # within my order #? 🤔 If so I may be 55!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Keep reading
    Browse all

    Similar Threads

    Community Stats

    Since 2018
    669K
    Messages
    41,014
    Members
    Join 30,000+ Riders, it's free!
    Back
    Top