Crestline x DJI - RS 181 SPECTRE Edition

[AlumiPro]

Awesome. Thanks for the mini-review.

Everything else being equal, do you think you'd prefer the Avinox or the updated Gen5, or is it a wash?

Right now (based on reviews as I've never ridden either!) the Avinox has an advantage in terms of absolute power, compactness, battery/ frame aesthetics, auto-shift and ease of increasing max speed.

Where-as the Bosch holds the advantage in terms of bash ring protection, efficiency, traction and natural feeling, noise & local serviceability. The Bosch is getting autoshift and even ABS if that's your jam but maybe on only the CX-R version. The Bosch may also be functionally lighter in terms of how many battery watts one needs to carry to climb a certain amount.

I haven’t had the pleasure of riding the Bosch Gen5, which is good because I really don’t like the DJI rattle. I would basically take any full power motor with auto shift in the slim RS181 frame as long as it didn’t rattle! The power output sound of the DJI isn’t bad, sounds aggressive and doesn’t bother me. When I’m on my emtb I don’t care if people know I’m on an e-bike but I really just like the dainty look of the RS181.
I had great traction with the RS181 RH4 with 440 CS as well and felt balanced. I was able to easily conquer all the technical hill climbs with tight switchbacks and rock ledges in Trail mode, same I would do with the Bosch Gen4 emtb mode. Trail mode is very controllable and requires more rider input, which is what I want.
I’ll be playing with more settings and customizing modes on up coming rides.
I’m also ditching the new AXS 200mm dropper for a OneUp V3 180mm dropper. The RS181 RH4 seat tube is tall(too tall in my opinion) and the new AXS dropper battery adds too much seat tube stack height! When I need my saddle slammed I want that thing SLAMMED!

 

[Suns_PSD]

Bosch CX already does autoshift if you outfit your bike with TRP (or 3X3 NINE IGH for that matter, if you are willing to stick with chain instead of belt because of Crestlines VPP/URT rear). The new TRP CMD Switch shifter is sweet.

I see where TRP says 'coming soon'.

TRP cycling | E.A.S.I. A12 E Bike Shifting system with Bosch

The TRP E.A.S.I. A12 electronic drivetrain, crafted in collaboration with Bosch, brings the automatic e-bike shifting dream to life.

trpcycling.com

Still can hardly believe that they felt the need to build an e-bike specific cassette with a 52T Al gear, so dumb.

 

[Suns_PSD]

I haven’t had the pleasure of riding the Bosch Gen5, which is good because I really don’t like the DJI rattle. I would basically take any full power motor with auto shift in the slim RS181 frame as long as it didn’t rattle! The power output sound of the DJI isn’t bad, sounds aggressive and doesn’t bother me. When I’m on my emtb I don’t care if people know I’m on an e-bike but I really just like the dainty look of the RS181.
I had great traction with the RS181 RH4 with 440 CS as well and felt balanced. I was able to easily conquer all the technical hill climbs with tight switchbacks and rock ledges in Trail mode, same I would do with the Bosch Gen4 emtb mode. Trail mode is very controllable and requires more rider input, which is what I want.
I’ll be playing with more settings and customizing modes on up coming rides.
I’m also ditching the new AXS 200mm dropper for a OneUp V3 180mm dropper. The RS181 RH4 seat tube is tall(too tall in my opinion) and the new AXS dropper battery adds too much seat tube stack height! When I need my saddle slammed I want that thing SLAMMED!

I'd imagine that you could jump to a 210 though?

 

[AlumiPro]

I'd imagine that you could jump to a 210 though?

Almost.
But while the AXS 200 is not able to slam enough for my liking even though it is slammed against the top of the seat tube. It is also a bit too tall in the extended position for me.
Cable actuated droppers require more space at the bottom for the cable lever and cable room. I figured it all out though; the OneUp 210 reduced/shimmed to 190 would be perfect when extended except the bottom cable lever would be smashed at the shock tunnel when inserted all the way to get my max drop and wouldn’t function. So I’ll be good with the OneUp 180 and SwitchGrade on top, it’ll have max frame insertion while also being the correct extended height for me. And now the only battery I’ll need to charge is the main DJI battery.

 

[Plummet]

Finally got my first ride in this morning before it reached 104 deg!
As I stated earlier , there’s a technical hill climb (down hill for mtb) that I was not able to quite conquer with my previous Bosch Race Crestline. (Around ten previous attempts in 1st and 2nd gear)
My FIRST attempt this morning with the RS181 I nailed it in 3rd gear!!! All the way up without taking a foot off the pedals, in Turbo mode.
Unfortunately my technical hill climb conquer excitement didn’t last long, as most of my ride was listening to a rattling motor box! (With noise canceling Beats with music in my ears) The DJI is no quieter than the Gen4 Bosch. And if you think you’re going to get rid of the rattling with the SideKick hub(on my RS181) or an Ochain, forget get it. Pick up your DJI powered bike and shake it, you’ll hear the gear lash/rattle. The people that are claiming the DJI is quiet are pavement pounders or riding man made flow tracks. Rocks and rough terrain make this thing rattle just like the Bosch Gen4! So unfortunately I gained no noise improvement with this purchase. Luckily I didn’t trade up from a quiet Bosch Gen5 for this RS181, or I’d be pissed!
The advantage to this purchase is definitely the auto shift! What a game changer for bikes still utilizing the old school derailleur.
The other advantage is this frame looks so much better than the previous Crestlines.
The DJI power delivery is kinda stupid though, you rest your feet on the pedals and away you go! You look like a Mt biker but you’re not really using much leg muscles,…..at least in Turbo mode with the factory settings. This is not what I’m after. I kept it in Trail mode and really enjoyed it, felt similar to Bosch emtb mode and you actually get some leg fitness burn. Downhill jump lines I utilized Turbo mode to gain speed quickly between jumps. I also find the DJI has less resistance when pushing past the 28mph speed limit than the Bosch Gen4, which of course I like.
I was also surprised I finished my ride with only 13% battery and I ran it in Trail 90% of the time. I was expecting 25-30%, and was hopeful to try out a 600wh battery when they become available…..maybe not! I’m going to try Eco and Auto mode more next time.
Overall I guess my Anakin V2 mtb has ruined riding other bikes for me. Wish I could purchase a second one equipped with an integrated QUIET light weight motor and battery. Someone please create a high pivot/high output shaft gearbox no tensioner belt drive emtb that doesn’t rattle and has elec shift.
If you think the VPP platform is smooth (it is good), try out a high pivot/output shaft with no belt growth or cassette/derailleur weight on the hub…..it’s fantastic!
The RS181 is good, but not good enough to keep me from riding my mtb.

Nice review. For the record 100nm Bosch emtb+ feels like what describe on the dji. Slight pressure on the pedals and wheelieing off with not much leg inputs.

Not my style of riding either. But like you technical uphill climbing is next level compared to 85nm bosch.

I ride around mostly in 70nm an 85 nm modes, then if there is a super tech climb I punch it to 100nm mode. Then back off t. Back to the lower modes for a more natural feel.

Pss. I too am running oneup 180mm

 

[Astro66]

Any of the other Spectre owners experiencing this level of annoyance with the rattle ? After reading this review. I have shaken and bounced my Amflow Pl Carbon Pro, and I cannot seem to hear anything particularly loud coming from the motor. Yes there is some noise when I bounce it. But the loudest noise doesn't seem to be coming from the motor.

I'm not saying the rattle doesn't exist. I just cannot reproduce what is being described here, and my other EMTB has an EP801, and I definitely can hear the rattle from that motor. But once again. It's not something I'm worried about. The noise from the tyres, moving rocks and general tyre noise, seems more apparent.

 

[AlumiPro]

Nice review. For the record 100nm Bosch emtb+ feels like what describe on the dji. Slight pressure on the pedals and wheelieing off with not much leg inputs.

Not my style of riding either. But like you technical uphill climbing is next level compared to 85nm bosch.

I ride around mostly in 70nm an 85 nm modes, then if there is a super tech climb I punch it to 100nm mode. Then back off t. Back to the lower modes for a more natural feel.

Pss. I too am running oneup 180mm

180mm….Dang aren’t you on a RH2!? That’s a lot of drop on a small frame!
I’ve got the OneUp 210 on my Anakin but its seat tube is nice and low.

 

[GeorgesEBike]

Any of the other Spectre owners experiencing this level of annoyance with the rattle ? After reading this review. I have shaken and bounced my Amflow Pl Carbon Pro, and I cannot seem to hear anything particularly loud coming from the motor. Yes there is some noise when I bounce it. But the loudest noise doesn't seem to be coming from the motor.

I'm not saying the rattle doesn't exist. I just cannot reproduce what is being described here, and my other EMTB has an EP801, and I definitely can hear the rattle from that motor. But once again. It's not something I'm worried about. The noise from the tyres, moving rocks and general tyre noise, seems more apparent.

With my past bikes I could reproduce the rattle by shaking the cranks or shaking the bike. I'm unable to reproduce the rattle with my DJI this way. When I ride chunk it 100% does rattle. My Avinox display screen did rattle at first but I have since solved that. The rattle is a little less than my Bosch Gen 4 Race,

 

[Scford]

Any of the other Spectre owners experiencing this level of annoyance with the rattle ? After reading this review. I have shaken and bounced my Amflow Pl Carbon Pro, and I cannot seem to hear anything particularly loud coming from the motor. Yes there is some noise when I bounce it. But the loudest noise doesn't seem to be coming from the motor.

I'm not saying the rattle doesn't exist. I just cannot reproduce what is being described here, and my other EMTB has an EP801, and I definitely can hear the rattle from that motor. But once again. It's not something I'm worried about. The noise from the tyres, moving rocks and general tyre noise, seems more apparent.

I don’t notice much rattle, I’m coming off a shimano ep8. I hear more rattle in the bike than the motor. The noise coming from the motor while climbing is way louder and to me bothersome imo, but it is significantly more powerful than my ep8. None of it is a deal breaker to me.

 

[Plummet]

180mm….Dang aren’t you on a RH2!? That’s a lot of drop on a small frame!
I’ve got the OneUp 210 on my Anakin but its seat tube is nice and low.

I'm 5'11 and enjoy a 460 reach. So rh2 +5 reach adjust giving 455 gets me close enough.

So yeah, taller seat post for me im about 10mm of max Insertion.

In truth if I couldn't fit a 180 dropper in the frame it would be a deal breaker. 150 ain't enough.

I have a 210 on the claymore and that's nice. But the reality is 180 does all the incredible steep I do on the 210 so the extra 30mm is just a decadence.

 

[Astro66]

With my past bikes I could reproduce the rattle by shaking the cranks or shaking the bike. I'm unable to reproduce the rattle with my DJI this way. When I ride chunk it 100% does rattle. My Avinox display screen did rattle at first but I have since solved that. The rattle is a little less than my Bosch Gen 4 Race,

Interesting. Perhaps the motor noise is being amplified differently in the Crestline frame, or being a bigger hitting bike, it is being ridden in terrain with bigger hits more regularly. I'll try and listen out for it next time I'm on chunk. Thanks.

 

[Plummet]

Meh, bikes rattle and clunk. Some of you guys are like instagram models.. So high maintenance and impossible to keep happy.

Oh no the down tube is to thick on bosch bikes... terrible, terrible.
Oh there's a small clunk in dji motor, im offended
yikes i can only fit a 180 dropper what is the world coming too?

Take those fruity as fuck bikes and ride the bejesus out of them like you stole it!.
They are glorious bits of kit.

If the worst that happens in your life is that you have a slight noise while descending on ya e bike you have pretty privileged and soft life.

Also you guys are the first adopters of new tech. It's not going to be perfect being revision 1. Expect little niggles and weirdities as they refine the design. You Spectre owners signed up for this. What do you expect?

 

[Astro66]

Meh, bikes rattle and clunk. Some of you guys are like instagram models..

Bro please ........ Insta is so yesterday ....... Tik Tok is the new jiz .......

That said ...... You can't see a motor rattle in an Insta pic. But a fat downtube is so hideous, it will have your followers shooting up Ozempic like an Anaphylactic Reaction .......

 

[MTB_MIKE]

Went for my first ride today. Motor is silent when descending in both smooth flow and super chunky terrain. Also, my motor will not allow me to select 28mph (no matter what) despite a USA bike.

Spoke to James and his motor rattles but oddly he is easily able to select 28mph.

There must be multiple variants of these motors floating around.

Version 1: Silent motor, slightly higher pedaling resistance, max speed 20mph

Version 2: Rattling motor, lower pedalling resistance, allows option for 28mph

Do this test to determine which motor you have. Remove chain and turn the bike on and wiggle the pedal. Light thud our loud clank?
Mine is a light thud (version 1) and is similar in sound to my Bosch Gen 5 bike when descending and Mabe a hair quieter when climbing.

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[Suns_PSD]

I once read an interview with an engineer of one of the major e-bike engine manufacturers (pretty sure it was Shimano) and he was saying that the resistance versus noise thing is not rocket science. He said you could either have noise and have low pedaling resistance, or you could have silence and have high resistance by reducing gear lash/ play.
It seems as if later Avinox motors have more noise probably in an attempt to improve efficiency. Or there's variance in how these motors are built instead of a running change.
The catch is that Bosch, probably through superior engineering, has managed to get both silence and low resistance / high efficiency.

 

[BikingBad]

Went for my first ride today. Motor is silent when descending in both smooth flow and super chunky terrain. Also, my motor will not allow me to select 28mph (no matter what) despite a USA bike.

Spoke to James and his motor rattles but oddly he is easily able to select 28mph.

There must be multiple variants of these motors floating around.

Version 1: Silent motor, slightly higher pedaling resistance, max speed 20mph

Version 2: Rattling motor, lower pedalling resistance, allows option for 28mph

Do this test to determine which motor you have. Remove chain and turn the bike on and wiggle the pedal. Light thud our loud clank?
Mine is a light thud (version 1) and is similar in sound to my Bosch Gen 5 bike when descending and Mabe a hair quieter when climbing.

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Interesting….Thanks for this. Hope mine has version 1 motor. Haven’t even turned it ON yet, waiting on Ride Wrap and parts. I will test later and report back.
Couple riding buddies have Avinox equipped bikes, one Teewing and one Amflow PL Carbon. They both have not noticed motor rattle and both do not have the Speed Limit option.

 

[AlumiPro]

I corrected my review; just shaking the bike off the ground does NOT produce a rattle. Shaking while bumping the tires on the ground does……and I’m not talking violently either.
Making noise bombing downhill is one thing to be tolerable, but on flat rough ground traveling 10mph not so much in my opinion. Especially when you’re used to riding a non-rattling mtb, and clearly it’s possible for manufacturers to create a non-rattling EMTB motor at this point. My first emtb was a 2022 S-Works Levo that didn’t rattle and never gave me a single problem, I hardly touched an mtb while I owned the Levo.
But like I said; having an emtb that has an annoyance to me is ok I guess for now because it’ll keep me enjoying my mtb even more the rest of the time.

 

[Suns_PSD]

I corrected my review; just shaking the bike off the ground does NOT produce a rattle. Shaking while bumping the tires on the ground does……and I’m not talking violently either.
Making noise bombing downhill is one thing to be tolerable, but on flat rough ground traveling 10mph not so much in my opinion. Especially when you’re used to riding a non-rattling mtb, and clearly it’s possible for manufacturers to create a non-rattling EMTB motor at this point. My first emtb was a 2022 S-Works Levo that didn’t rattle and never gave me a single problem, I hardly touched an mtb while I owned the Levo.
But like I said; having an emtb that has an annoyance to me is ok I guess for now because it’ll keep me enjoying my mtb even more the rest of the time.

Well, if it's an RH3 and the noise is bothering you, I'm your frame buyer!

Sounds like you got a pretty loud one. I'm actually able to totally tune out bike noise, it just doesn't bother me a ton.

Like you, I enjoy riding my e-bike, but my bike is just more fun.

 

[arhamrasool]

Well, if it's an RH3 and the noise is bothering you, I'm your frame buyer!

Sounds like you got a pretty loud one. I'm actually able to totally tune out bike noise, it just doesn't bother me a ton.

Like you, I enjoy riding my e-bike, but my bike is just more fun.

+1 will buy anyone’s rh3

 

[AlumiPro]

+1 will buy anyone’s rh3

It’s an RH4. My previous Crestline was a RH3. I fall right between sizes, but with my long arms, I like the RH4 reach, and with the 440 drop outs it’s not a Limo on the tight stuff.
I’ll enjoy it for what it is, and look forward to more improvements in a few years when it’s time to trade up.

 

[arhamrasool]

Yeah, even though I’ve already got all of the parts except the frame, and was super bummed when I wasn’t able to snag a frame. Part of me is really curious if the next batch will have an changes/updates

It’s an RH4. My previous Crestline was a RH3. I fall right between sizes, but with my long arms, I like the RH4 reach, and with the 440 drop outs it’s not a Limo on the tight stuff.
I’ll enjoy it for what it is, and look forward to more improvements in a few years when it’s time to trade up

 

[jbrown15]

I'm not. Really I just presumed they would release one. I figured that they would throw all of the tricks at some obscenely priced version that would include: the CXR, the electric TRP drivetrain that links and autoshifts with the CX-R, the Bosch ABS & the Fox Podium fork. Ugh, it would probably be a $13K e-bike!

So you've already submitted orders, that's interesting.

I’m not guaranteeing it won’t happen, but I know I submitted our booking for 2026 and there’s zero mention of the Regulator coming with the race motor.

 

[MTB_MIKE]

I made a short showing how to quickly check which motor you have. Also the benefits of a E13 Sidekick hub.

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[John_likes_bikes]

To me that noise is the clutch engaging. I'd categorize that differently than a "motor rattle" from poor tolerances but that could be what people are hearing. The clutches of the 2 certainly seem different because if what is basically chain slap is moving the chain ring nothing will quiet it down.

 

[BikingBad]

Interesting….Thanks for this. Hope mine has version 1 motor. Haven’t even turned it ON yet, waiting on Ride Wrap and parts. I will test later and report back.
Couple riding buddies have Avinox equipped bikes, one Teewing and one Amflow PL Carbon. They both have not noticed motor rattle and both do not have the Speed Limit option.

Update: after further riding and testing, Teewing rider is experiencing the rattling motor on rough DHs and when doing the crank turn test. What is interesting is his bike does not have Speed Limit option to access Class 3.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

People without class 3 speed limit, you are running the most updated software, right?

 

[BikingBad]

People without class 3 speed limit, you are running the most updated software, right?

Yes.

Devices Version	00.12.0507
App Version	v1.3.22

 

[AlumiPro]

It doesn’t make sense to me why a 99 count frame batch from the same manufacturer would have two different versions of motors. If this is even the case.
I would expect the next batch of Crestlines to have a different version.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

I think it's very speculative to say there are different versions of the motor. Manufacturing variances are more likely and the video of the two motors isn't exactly conclusive. It would be interesting to hear what Avinox has to say.... the Amflow customer support thread might give an answer since it's all the same motor????

 

[mrtrinh]

It doesn’t make sense to me why a 99 count frame batch from the same manufacturer would have two different versions of motors. If this is even the case.
I would expect the next batch of Crestlines to have a different version.

View attachment 166139 View attachment 166140

Don't forget motors came independent from the frame and then they were installed. If there are indeed two versions of the motor out it's roulette which motor you received.

I've been on vacation the past couple weeks so i have yet to have my first ride.