1st ride on my Crestline RS 181.1 DJI

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Plummet said:
I am also amused with ,multiple peoples enthusiasm for skinny down tubes. So much form over function.....
I my world of function over form. Skinny down tubes and big batteries mean increased forward and high C of G and worse handling characteristics. I prefer shorter fatter batteries which give a lower C of G an reduce forward weight bias......
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I don't know, all the fat tubed frames are pretty bad looking honestly. Sure, you can't see it while riding but dang, that Spectre is just so sexy looking.
 
Plummet said:
Is it motor inefficiency or just more power being outputted so the rider has used less energy at the end of the ride?
The additional battery usage seems to be inline with the additional power output.

Also a full power full turbo ride is fairly inefficient for battery usage. I could crank the same ride and improve the efficiency simply by flicking down modes when there is no more or minimal speed to be gain burning turbo.
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YTBD.

That said, I'm a strong pedaling SOB (this week anyways, as it seems to vary a lot) and I don't want the experience to be too easy.

George already hit his max speed on the old 750W Bosch, and the extra DJI power isn't making his ride any faster. So, then the question becomes, how easy do you want pedaling your e-bike to be?
 
Suns_PSD said:
I don't know, all the fat tubed frames are pretty bad looking honestly. Sure, you can't see it while riding but dang, that Spectre is just so sexy looking.
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I simply don't care. Asthetics a well down the list for me.

Performance is far far more important to me than looks. Looks comes into the equation at the end after all other metrics have been satisfied. If there are two bikes and both meet the spec and one looks better then ill take the better looking bike. But if the better looking bike fails to meet spec... its out. I don't care how good looking it is.

Orbea wild is one of those.... It looks sexy af. But has stupid headset cable routing and integrated battery.... it can fark right off....

In all truth as far as looks are concerned i dont mind the downtube fatness but cant stand my s180 pastel grey green color. What a freaken horrible color. But i get over it and move on because the bike is fantastic.
 
Suns_PSD said:
YTBD.

That said, I'm a strong pedaling SOB (this week anyways, as it seems to vary a lot) and I don't want the experience to be too easy.

George already hit his max speed on the old 750W Bosch, and the extra DJI power isn't making his ride any faster. So, then the question becomes, how easy do you want pedaling your e-bike to be?
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My point being it may not be motor inefficiency but simply rider using less effort to do the same session.
The accurate comparison is to set the dji up to the same outputs as the bosch then do the loop. So what comes back, I would bet that it would be similar battery wattage used to the bosch.

The different in full power mode between the two in this test that op used more legs and lungs on the Bosch and less on the DJI. That is an operator decision not a motor inefficiency issue.

The physics reality is there is X work to be done to move a human bicycle around X loop. With more or less motor power is used and less or more legs/lungs used.
 
Plummet said:
My point being it may not be motor inefficiency but simply rider using less effort to do the same session.
The accurate comparison is to set the dji up to the same outputs as the bosch then do the loop. So what comes back, I would bet that it would be similar battery wattage used to the bosch.

The different in full power mode between the two in this test that op used more legs and lungs on the Bosch and less on the DJI. That is an operator decision not a motor inefficiency issue.
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Plummet said:
The physics reality is there is X work to be done to move a human bicycle around X loop. With more or less motor power is used and less or more legs/lungs used.
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Maybe, for sure. But what if the nature of the Avinox motor can't be turned down to ever feel natural and use less battery?

Also, I keep posting this, and hey, maybe it's just German favoritism.

But once again, here in this very review, 30 eMTBs in Our Huge 2025 E-MOUNTAINBIKE Comparison Test: What’s the Best eMTB of the Year? in a section titled Vertical Range Test, using a smooth climb, power pedals and a fixed cadence, the PRE-updated Bosch had both faster climb times AND was more battery efficient than both DJI bikes. This was in spite of the Bosch bike being a pig and the DJI bikes both being lightweight. I think what happens is that at the higher cadence and input watts that they tested with the DJI derates and the Bosch is effectively more powerful. Interestingly enough the watts used per climb in that test (about .45/ m for the Bosch & about .50w/ m for the DJI) for the motors almost exactly matched what George has experienced with his 2 Crestlines.
 
Suns_PSD said:
Maybe, for sure. But what if the nature of the Avinox motor can't be turned down to ever feel natural and use less battery?

Also, I keep posting this, and hey, maybe it's just German favoritism.

But once again, here in this very review, 30 eMTBs in Our Huge 2025 E-MOUNTAINBIKE Comparison Test: What’s the Best eMTB of the Year? in a section titled Vertical Range Test, using a smooth climb, power pedals and a fixed cadence, the PRE-updated Bosch had both faster climb times AND was more battery efficient than both DJI bikes. This was in spite of the Bosch bike being a pig and the DJI bikes both being lightweight. I think what happens is that at the higher cadence and input watts that they tested with the DJI derates and the Bosch is effectively more powerful. Interestingly enough the watts used per climb in that test (about .45/ m for the Bosch & about .50w/ m for the DJI) for the motors almost exactly matched what George has experienced with his 2 Crestlines.
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Needless to say, i'm not loosing sleep over not having DJI Crestline. I was a bit annoyed for a little bit that i missed out by 3 months. But then as I dug into it, I've realized I still have the better set for what I want. When I couple my 400wh battery up I have the lightest best handling Crestline set up and the makes me grin...
 
If you did not currently own a cheat bike, and Troydon texted you and said, "I have a Bosch and an Avinox frame is your size, which one do you want?" you guys know you're gonna pick the Avinox variant.

I'm not buying all this efficiency and COG rationalizing talk.
 
At the end of the day all of the new current e-bikes are pretty awesome. The prefect bike for me will most likely not be the perfect bike for you. I highly recommend purchasing the bike that touches your heart and enjoy. For me it's my Crestline Avinox bike. Checks all of the boxes for me.
 
ShapeThings said:
If you did not currently own a cheat bike, and Troydon texted you and said, "I have a Bosch and an Avinox frame is your size, which one do you want?" you guys know you're gonna pick the Avinox variant.

I'm not buying all this efficiency and COG rationalizing talk.
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Right now with id go bosch, because dji dont have the local support or battery options that I want

But if the only option was dji id take that and run with it.

Its certain a glorious first world problem to have.
 
So much fun!

20250731_160950.jpg
 
Here is a quick update after 499 miles.

* Avinox display screen did not fit tightly into the frame. If you tap on the bottom of the screen it will make a knocking sound. I put a couple layers of electrical tape inside the frame so the screen fits tightly now and doesn't knock.

* The Avinox speed sensor cable was making noise inside the frame (rear triangle). I had it attached to the brake line which caused it to bind up. I now have the brake line and speed sensor independent and no more noise.

* I started to hear additional knocking from the motor. Found that the motor bolts (both) have come loose. Torqued the bolts and all good now. The suspension pivot bolts also had to be torqued back down.

* My Maxxis DHR2 DD Maxx Grip is completely done after 450 miles. Just switched to the Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft Radial/Albert Gravity Ultra Soft Radial and loving the combo so far! Actually surprised how nice these tires ride.

* My SRAM Maven organic pads are also done at 499 miles.

* The new Rockshox AXS dropper post is stupid. When not fully down or extended it knocks really bad. Had the older version AXS dropper laying around and swapped for that.

* Can ride 30 miles/5,000ft in Trail and 25 miles/4,000ft in Turbo. Range is good. Also done these rides on 95 degree days without any overheating issues.
 
GeorgesEBike said:
* My Maxxis DHR2 DD Maxx Grip is completely done after 450 miles. Just switched to the Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft Radial/Albert Gravity Ultra Soft Radial and loving the combo so far! Actually surprised how nice these tires ride.

* My SRAM Maven organic pads are also done at 499 miles.
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- Once you figure out the correct PSI (it takes a little trial) you'll never go away from Radials. That US in the rear might last less time than Maxxgrip, the soft will do you better and you won't sacrifice much grip.

- I always preferred SRAM organic pads until the Mavens. Metallic feel much better, less initial bite and more linear power.

Helpful update, I always gotta remember to recheck pivot bolts after a few rides!
 
GeorgesEBike said:
Here is a quick update after 499 miles.

* Avinox display screen did not fit tightly into the frame. If you tap on the bottom of the screen it will make a knocking sound. I put a couple layers of electrical tape inside the frame so the screen fits tightly now and doesn't knock.

* The Avinox speed sensor cable was making noise inside the frame (rear triangle). I had it attached to the brake line which caused it to bind up. I now have the brake line and speed sensor independent and no more noise.

* I started to hear additional knocking from the motor. Found that the motor bolts (both) have come loose. Torqued the bolts and all good now. The suspension pivot bolts also had to be torqued back down.

* My Maxxis DHR2 DD Maxx Grip is completely done after 450 miles. Just switched to the Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft Radial/Albert Gravity Ultra Soft Radial and loving the combo so far! Actually surprised how nice these tires ride.

* My SRAM Maven organic pads are also done at 499 miles.

* The new Rockshox AXS dropper post is stupid. When not fully down or extended it knocks really bad. Had the older version AXS dropper laying around and swapped for that.

* Can ride 30 miles/5,000ft in Trail and 25 miles/4,000ft in Turbo. Range is good. Also done these rides on 95 degree days without any overheating issues.
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Got anything positive to say other than range is good?

PS What a machine. 800km already? you pound some serious milage.
 
Plummet said:
Got anything positive to say other than range is good?

PS What a machine. 800km already? you pound some serious milage.
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Hands down the best bike I've ever ridden. I've never felt so comfortable/confident on a bike. The grip is so good. The suspension kinematics are perfect. It has exceeded my expectations. I'm going to cancel my Forbidden Druid order and get another Crestline Avinox bike when they release the next batch. Sounds like the motor rattle will be gone on all future bikes.
 
What have you heard about this rattle thing?

I know that you have some inside info for us.

Safe to assume that you like a LOT of power and have no issues with the power delivery of the Avinox motor in comparison to the Bosch?
 
Suns_PSD said:
What have you heard about this rattle thing?

I know that you have some inside info for us.

Safe to assume that you like a LOT of power and have no issues with the power delivery of the Avinox motor in comparison to the Bosch?
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I read that Avinox fixed the motor rattle issue in a MBR article recently. Sounds like some current bikes are being shipped with the new updated motor as users are saying the motors are silent.

If my Avinox motor was limited to 85nm/600 watts I would not like it. Just like I didn't like the Bosch Gen 5 before the power update. With 105nm/800watts the Avinox feels really good. Same with the Bosch Gen 5 after the power update. Race Mode on my Bosch Gen 4 Race is still more lively and more aggressive overrun which I love. I think the Bosch Gen 5 Race Motor will be king as far as performance tuning goes.

At this point I wouldn't hesitate purchasing a bike with a Bosch Gen 5, Bosch Gen 5 Race or Avinox motor.
 
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GeorgesEBike said:
Here is a quick update after 499 miles.

* Avinox display screen did not fit tightly into the frame. If you tap on the bottom of the screen it will make a knocking sound. I put a couple layers of electrical tape inside the frame so the screen fits tightly now and doesn't knock.

* The Avinox speed sensor cable was making noise inside the frame (rear triangle). I had it attached to the brake line which caused it to bind up. I now have the brake line and speed sensor independent and no more noise.

* I started to hear additional knocking from the motor. Found that the motor bolts (both) have come loose. Torqued the bolts and all good now. The suspension pivot bolts also had to be torqued back down.

* My Maxxis DHR2 DD Maxx Grip is completely done after 450 miles. Just switched to the Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft Radial/Albert Gravity Ultra Soft Radial and loving the combo so far! Actually surprised how nice these tires ride.

* My SRAM Maven organic pads are also done at 499 miles.

* The new Rockshox AXS dropper post is stupid. When not fully down or extended it knocks really bad. Had the older version AXS dropper laying around and swapped for that.

* Can ride 30 miles/5,000ft in Trail and 25 miles/4,000ft in Turbo. Range is good. Also done these rides on 95 degree days without any overheating issues.
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No issues with my new AXS Dropper, makes zero noises or knocks and it's a long boi 250mm
 
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Highland Wheels said:
Mon issues with my new AXS Dropper, makes zero noises or knocks and it's a long boi 250mm
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Hmm, I might send it in for warranty.

If you raise the post 1/2 way and press on the seat does the seat squish a little? Mine does squish but makes a top out sound hitting the bottom and top of the stroke.
 
The side by side video from last week (?) sure looked like two different Avinox motors with one that would definitely make a lot of noise on the trail. Question is, is that noise the rattle everyone is hearing and are there Spectre's with 2 different motors, if there are actually 2 different motors?

I feel like I'm a terrible judge because my ep801 is either quiet or doesn't bother me and people have been complaining about motor rattling on those for years. Damn, I need my shock back from tuning so I can get my Spectre out on the trail!
 
John_likes_bikes said:
The side by side video from last week (?) sure looked like two different Avinox motors with one that would definitely make a lot of noise on the trail. Question is, is that noise the rattle everyone is hearing and are there Spectre's with 2 different motors, if there are actually 2 different motors?

I feel like I'm a terrible judge because my ep801 is either quiet or doesn't bother me and people have been complaining about motor rattling on those for years. Damn, I need my shock back from tuning so I can get my Spectre out on the trail!
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My EP801 and Bosch Gen 4 Race motors all rattle a bunch. My Avinox motor rattles about 1/2 as loud as those. My brake pads rattle louder than the motor.
 
GeorgesEBike said:
* My Maxxis DHR2 DD Maxx Grip is completely done after 450 miles. Just switched to the Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft Radial/Albert Gravity Ultra Soft Radial and loving the combo so far! Actually surprised how nice these tires ride.
Click to expand...
Wish I could get that rang out of tires.
I’ve been replacing rear Schwalbe soft super gravity tires every 8-10 rides on my emtb’s! (Around every 250miles) This is when the nubs are all rounded over and tore up, not great for gripping lava rock shelves anymore.
I’m always watching for sales on new tires and keep plenty stashed away to keep me riding.
 
I’m sitting at 2,000 miles on my Crestline Avinox, and honestly, this thing still rips. Best bike I’ve ever thrown a leg over. The motor rattle hasn’t gotten worse with mileage — at this point I barely notice it. Zero issues with the motor or frame.

SRAM GX Transmission
No reason whatsoever to jump to XO or XX on an e-bike. I’m 2,000 miles in on the original chain, cassette, and chainring.

SRAM Maven Ultimate Brakes
Never again. Three different shops have bled them. They feel amazing for a week, then the pistons start sticking and the bite point wanders like a drunk dog. Great for the first few rides after a bleed… and then nope.

Reserve Alloy Wheels (DT350 hubs)
Shockingly good wheels for $700. Still true, spokes still tight. Zero complaints.

RockShox ZEB Ultimate
Mine knocked and creaked from day one. Got a new CSU and a fresh service — rides fine now.

RockShox Vivid Coil
Set it and forget it. Fantastic shock.

SRAM AXS Dropper V2
Knocked straight out of the box. SRAM finally warrantied it last week. Haven’t bothered installing it — I’ll toss it on the next bike.

OneUp 50mm Bars
Huge fan. Way more comfortable.

OneUp Composite Pedals
These things rule. After years on the alloy version, I’m way happier with composite. They stay looking clean and glide over rocks better. Price is right, too.

I’m pumped to see what Avinox drops for 2026. Really hoping Forbidden rolls out the E-Dreadnought. I’m holding off until Sea Otter before choosing my 2026 rig.
 
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