Crestline RS 181.2 thread – builds, reviews, technical info

[BikeBert]

Now that the DJI Avinox embargo has lifted and the first bikes / frames are finally shipping, it feels like the right time to start a proper dedicated thread for the Crestline RS 181.2.

The previous thread was mainly focused on pre-order timing, early leaks, and speculation.

This one can be for actual owner and builder info:

• complete bike and frameset deliveries
• real weights
• geometry / sizing impressions
• suspension setup
• motor / battery performance
• reliability and issues
• aftermarket build options
• long-term ride feedback

​

Quick RS 181.2 summary​

The RS 181.2 (“Dot 2”) is Crestline’s latest long-travel eMTB built around the DJI Avinox M2S drive system. Crestline says the frame has been refined around the BB / motor area to reduce bulk and weight while keeping their CAT 5 DH strength rating. Cable routing is cleaner than the previous RS generation, and the bike remains dual-crown compatible.

​

Key platform details​

• high modulus carbon frame
• adjustable rear travel: 161 mm or 181 mm
• shock: 205 x 65 mm
• compatible with 160–180 mm single crown or 180–200 mm dual crown forks
• mixed wheel or full 29er options on all sizes
• modular dropout system:
  • 27.5 rear: 435–460 mm chainstay (5 mm steps)
  • 29 rear: 450–465 mm chainstay depending on size / dropout
• removable bolt-in battery without removing motor
• 56mm head tube (reach adjust headset compatible)

​

DJI Avinox M2S system​

• M2S motor: up to 150 Nm torque and 1,500 W peak power
• motor weight: approx. 2.6 kg
• quieter updated gear design vs previous generation
• 600 Wh, 700 Wh or 800 Wh removable battery options
• fast charging (800 Wh to full in about 2h 25m claimed)
• 2” OLED display with navigation / telemetry
• wireless bar remote and app integration
• built-in GPS / IMU / barometer / security features

Geometry (RH2 / RH3 / RH4)​

• reach: 450 / 480 / 505 mm
• HTA: 63.5°
• STA: 78.2 / 78.5 / 78.8°
• BB height: 351 mm
• seat tube: 420 / 450 / 480 mm

​

Plaid Edition frameset​

• limited production (150 per color)
• Alpine Chalk or Raw Carbon
• includes frame, Avinox system, charger, display / remote, speed sensor, chain guide, axle, headset, AXS power cord and shock depending on spec
• Pricing around $6.7k

​

Forged Series One frameset​

• Limited production (50 units)
• Forged Carbon finish
• EXT Arma V4 / EXT Aria
• Pricing around $7.9

​

​

Team Edition complete bike​

• Official information
• limited production run 150 units
• Raw Carbon finish
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate 180mm
• Shox: RockShox Vivid 205 x 65mm
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate
• T-Type wireless drivetrain
• Wheels: Reserve 30 carbon
• Handlebar: Up 800mm 35mm
• Stem: One Up 42mm
• Dropper: One Up V3 RH2 (150mm), RH3 (180mm), RH4 (210mm)
• Saddle: Fizik Terra Ridon
• Drivetrain: Wireless T-type 12 speed
• Cranks: SRAM X0 ISIS 155mm
• Chain: SRAM X0
• Cassette: CS XS 1299 T-TYPE 10-52 BLK
• Deraileur: GX Eagle AXS T-TYPE
• Pricing: $11,999 – $12,269

Would be great to hear from anyone who:

• already received a frame / bike
• weighed frame / complete build
• tested both 161 and 181 settings
• has info on real motor noise, battery range, and durability

Looking forward to seeing actual builds and ride reports rather than guesswork.

--== PHOTO GALLERY ==--​

Plaid Edition frameset ​

Alpine Chalk

Raw Carbon

Forged Series frameset ​

Team Edition complete bike​

 

[Mr Tonka]

Waiting patiently.

 

[Wah]

Surprised you didn't put the assembly video in the original post ... In the video he mentions that if you plan to hot swap batteries then to reach out. Well I did just that and here is his reply. Sounds like it will be a tight fit, so be extra careful routing those hoses and tape them together.

I just recommend spending a bit more time on the cable routing if you plan to swap batteries a lot. i tape the cables nicely out of the way so they don’t snag when taking a battery in and out. The crazy thing is i just don’t seem to be swapping batts as much anymore due to how fast the batteries charge. I think this is the case for a huge number of folks now so instead of getting a second battery we get a big battery pack that can fast charge and just plug in for 30-60 mins while eating something and you can replenish a huge amount of power. DJI sells a good 2000watt power pack that i use.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

With the amount of ride time you get with a detuned system I just don't see hot swapping the much for most people as well, unless your style is Turbo all day.

 

[E-NUB]

How about folks chime in with what frame # number they have, color, and size too!

It would be neat to know how the numbering is working based on what we see.

eg Raw carbon is 1-150 and alpine chalk is 150-300, or are they appearing as ordered maybe?

 

[E-NUB]

Sadly this one is not mine, but forum member @sanosan34 shared this yesterday.

Raw carbon, RH2, 600wh, Fox air, #147 (23.2 pounds as delivered: frame, battery, drive system, shock):

Spreadsheet math puts my build at 48.5 pounds if it all adds up right!!

 

[GeorgesEBike]

Super stoked on the RS 181.2. I’m order #22—so far just a shipping label, no bike yet. I did spec it with the Fox 38. Ordered a RAW Carbon, RH-3, 29er, Fox Factory Float X2 Air Shock (wanted coil).


This will be my 6th (5 29ers/1 MX) Crestline. I’m basically cloning my current RS 181.1, just switching from RockShox to Fox this time. I’ve got about 4,000 miles on the 181.1 with almost zero issues. Only thing I’ve had to replace was the rear shock mounting hardware due to some play. Otherwise, it just needs the usual—suspension service and a brake bleed.


I ride around 5,000 miles and ~1,000,000 ft of elevation a year, so reliability matters way more to me than chasing trends.


Build plan:


Suspension: Fox Factory 38 + DHX2 coil
I’ve run Fox, RockShox, Öhlins, and EXT—all solid. I rotate between them. That said, I’ve blown every air shock I’ve owned. Since switching to coil, zero issues. Plus, coil just feels right on Crestlines.


Drivetrain: SRAM GX Transmission
I’ve used GX, X0, and XX—GX wins for e-bikes. I’m at 4,000 miles on my current chain, cassette, and chainring and they’re still going strong. I’ve destroyed a few derailleurs thanks to sticks, though. Honestly can’t wait until derailleurs are a thing of the past.


Wheels: Reserve HD30 alloy w/ DT 350 hubs
These have been bulletproof—4,000 miles, no problems. I’ve ridden carbon from NOBL, Reserve, and Traverse, but I keep coming back to alloy Reserves.


Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate
Had a sticking piston early on, fixed it, and they’ve been flawless since. Still on the original bleed at 4,000 miles. Tons of power.


Cockpit: OneUp
Simple, solid, no issues.


Dropper: RockShox AXS
First one developed a click—warranty replacement. I’ll run it again on the 181.2 and see how it holds up.


Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft (29x2.5 F/R)
Love the grip. Yeah, they don’t roll the fastest, but traction > everything. Tried an Albert on the rear—didn’t like it. I prefer this setup over the Maxxis Assegai DD / DHR2 DD combo I ran for years.

 

[Wah]

They can't really appear in the order placed because of different sizes. I'm guessing the frame number that is sent out is random.

 

[polymathic]

My first Crestline! First custom build in a decade! Can't wait to get this together--all parts waiting. Hoping it will be reasonably light at about 50lbs. Can't wait to get that frame. Label so far, no ETA.

FRAME: RS 181.2 Plaid Edition - RAW CARBON - RH-3 MX 800wh (445mm CS)

SUSPENSION: FOX 38 Factory - DHX2 Coil (SL coil upgrade)

DRIVETRAIN: SRAM AXS Transmission XX RD, XO Cassette, XO Chain

CRANK: e*thirteen Helix Race e*spec 155mm Crank (silver)

WHEELS: Frysauce Reserve Carbon 350 hubs + 60T Deg Freedom upgrade

BRAKES: Hope GR4 EVO (Black Orange) w 200mm Hope Orange Floating Rotors

COCKPIT: OneUp Carbon Cockpit

DROPPER: OneUp 180 dropper w Wolftooth Lever for Hope Brakes

SADDLE: Specialized Mirror Saddle Pro

TIRES: Fat Albert Gravity Radial Ultra Soft 2.6 (dry summer conditions)

 

[Mr Tonka]

Just got a call verifying that I chose the Zeb even though I have the Black, 800wh fox shock frame. It's expected to ship out tomorrow.

Order #6450

 

[polymathic]

Love to see they are working weekends. What was your order#?

 

[Mr Tonka]

Love to see they are working weekends. What was your order#?

Edited the post above.

 

[polymathic]

Edited the post above.

If things ship in order, looks like mine will also ship Monday! Sweet!

 

[Nick W]

I’m order 6376, rh2, raw carbon, 600wh, fox coil, 440 dropouts. I added a fox 38. Tracking says label created. I really wanted the 800 battery and asked if it was possible to change but haven’t heard back. I ordered a -5 works headset.

 

[TTEngineer]

With the amount of ride time you get with a detuned system I just don't see hot swapping the much for most people as well, unless your style is Turbo all day.

It really comes down to how much the rider weighs.

As a Clyde I require at minimum an 800wh battery. And if I plan on self shuttles the I really need an additional battery.

I have a 36” waste, 6’1”, FTP of 368, and weigh 245lbs. So for me if I want to ride with my buddy who weighs 160lbs and has 500wh then I have to swap at some point.

The swappable battery was the biggest reason I went with crestline.

I’m certainly going to detune, b/c no one needs 130Nm and 1300w. I’ll probably max it at 700w and 60Nm.

I asked the same question in the other thread as to what they meant by “contact us”. The explanation is weak in my option though. I’d love to see some detail photos of how they tape the cables and if they used the foam or not.

I wish the frame had tubes though. For the price, it really should have.


Either way, I’m stoked. I’m order 6404 so I’m like #200 ish down the line. Hoping to see traction on the FedEx app this week.

 

[Wah]

It really comes down to how much the rider weighs.

As a Clyde I require at minimum an 800wh battery. And if I plan on self shuttles the I really need an additional battery.

I have a 36” waste, 6’1”, FTP of 368, and weigh 245lbs. So for me if I want to ride with my buddy who weighs 160lbs and has 500wh then I have to swap at some point.

The swappable battery was the biggest reason I went with crestline.

I’m certainly going to detune, b/c no one needs 130Nm and 1300w. I’ll probably max it at 700w and 60Nm.

I asked the same question in the other thread as to what they meant by “contact us”. The explanation is weak in my option though. I’d love to see some detail photos of how they tape the cables and if they used the foam or not.

I wish the frame had tubes though. For the price, it really should have.


Either way, I’m stoked. I’m order 6404 so I’m like #200 ish down the line. Hoping to see traction on the FedEx app this week.

In the video he says on “size RH2 you can utilize 2 internal guide tubes found in the downtube”

Is he saying RH2 has routing tubes but other sizes don’t? This is very odd. Anyone get their RH2 yet and able to confirm?

 

[John_likes_bikes]

In the video he says on “size RH2 you can utilize 2 internal guide tubes found in the downtube”

Is he saying RH2 has routing tubes but other sizes don’t? This is very odd. Anyone get their RH2 yet and able to confirm?

For all sizes when the battery is installed channels are created to run cables. When it's removed these channels go away. I have to guess adding tubes would increase downturn size, it's tight in there.

 

[Wah]

For all sizes when the battery is installed channels are created to run cables. When it's removed these channels go away. I have to guess adding tubes would increase downturn size, it's tight in there.

But isn’t it strange that at 3:20 he specifically says if you’re on an RH2 you can still use 2 internal guide tubes? What does that size frame have to do with anything?

 

[John_likes_bikes]

But isn’t it strange that at 3:20 he specifically says if you’re on an RH2 you can still use 2 internal guide tubes? What does that size frame have to do with anything?

It may have something to do with these new battery sizes? The one in the video looks like the round 700, maybe that's why? I wouldn't over thinking it.

 

[Wah]

It may have something to do with these new battery sizes? The one in the video looks like the round 700, maybe that's why? I wouldn't over thinking it.

Ah yeah that makes sense. The 700 doesn’t have guide tubes because of the round shape of the battery. And as we know you can’t fit a round 700 in the RH2. That said, if you’re running a RH3 or 4 and have both a 700 and a 600 or 800 then it sounds like hot swapping might be difficult because the hoses will be routed differently.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

This will be my 6th (5 29ers/1 MX) Crestline. I’m basically cloning my current RS 181.1, just switching from RockShox to Fox this time. I’ve got about 4,000 miles on the 181.1 with almost zero issues. Only thing I’ve had to replace was the rear shock mounting hardware due to some play. Otherwise, it just needs the usual—suspension service and a brake bleed.

Tell me more about this play... I feel like I have the same on my Spectre or it's the coil topping out. All sign point to the latter.

 

[JJ503]

Someone had posted coil spring weight recommendations from Troyden a while back. I’m struggling to find it- is someone able to share? It showed a variety of recs based on travel setting and desired sag.

 

[Brawwp]

Someone had posted coil spring weight recommendations from Troyden a while back. I’m struggling to find it- is someone able to share? It showed a variety of recs based on travel setting and desired sag.

 

[JJ503]

View attachment 181766

Thank you!

 

[Nick W]

Ah yeah that makes sense. The 700 doesn’t have guide tubes because of the round shape of the battery. And as we know you can’t fit a round 700 in the RH2. That said, if you’re running a RH3 or 4 and have both a 700 and a 600 or 800 then it sounds like hot swapping might be difficult because the hoses will be routed differently.

A 700 won’t fit in an rh2? Why is this?

 

[Nick W]

Super stoked on the RS 181.2. I’m order #22—so far just a shipping label, no bike yet. I did spec it with the Fox 38. Ordered a RAW Carbon, RH-3, 29er, Fox Factory Float X2 Air Shock (wanted coil).


This will be my 6th (5 29ers/1 MX) Crestline. I’m basically cloning my current RS 181.1, just switching from RockShox to Fox this time. I’ve got about 4,000 miles on the 181.1 with almost zero issues. Only thing I’ve had to replace was the rear shock mounting hardware due to some play. Otherwise, it just needs the usual—suspension service and a brake bleed.


I ride around 5,000 miles and ~1,000,000 ft of elevation a year, so reliability matters way more to me than chasing trends.


Build plan:


Suspension: Fox Factory 38 + DHX2 coil
I’ve run Fox, RockShox, Öhlins, and EXT—all solid. I rotate between them. That said, I’ve blown every air shock I’ve owned. Since switching to coil, zero issues. Plus, coil just feels right on Crestlines.


Drivetrain: SRAM GX Transmission
I’ve used GX, X0, and XX—GX wins for e-bikes. I’m at 4,000 miles on my current chain, cassette, and chainring and they’re still going strong. I’ve destroyed a few derailleurs thanks to sticks, though. Honestly can’t wait until derailleurs are a thing of the past.


Wheels: Reserve HD30 alloy w/ DT 350 hubs
These have been bulletproof—4,000 miles, no problems. I’ve ridden carbon from NOBL, Reserve, and Traverse, but I keep coming back to alloy Reserves.


Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate
Had a sticking piston early on, fixed it, and they’ve been flawless since. Still on the original bleed at 4,000 miles. Tons of power.


Cockpit: OneUp
Simple, solid, no issues.


Dropper: RockShox AXS
First one developed a click—warranty replacement. I’ll run it again on the 181.2 and see how it holds up.


Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Ultra Soft (29x2.5 F/R)
Love the grip. Yeah, they don’t roll the fastest, but traction > everything. Tried an Albert on the rear—didn’t like it. I prefer this setup over the Maxxis Assegai DD / DHR2 DD combo I ran for years.

Have you run the carbon 30hd as well as the alloy? What do you like about the alloy?

 

[Mr Tonka]

A 700 won’t fit in an rh2? Why is this?

Based on the available information, the down tube is not long enough for the 700w form factor.

 

[Nick W]

Based on the available information, the down tube is not long enough for the 700w form factor.

But an 800 will fit?

 

[Mr Tonka]

I’m order 6376, rh2, raw carbon, 600wh, fox coil, 440 dropouts. I added a fox 38. Tracking says label created. I really wanted the 800 battery and asked if it was possible to change but haven’t heard back. I ordered a -5 works headset.

Im guessing a lot of shipping notifications will go live by 7pm PST tomorrow.

He only contacted me because I chose the rockshox fork with a fox shock frame.

 

[Wah]

But an 800 will fit?

the 700 is longer… it uses different cells and is cylindrical in shape.