1st ride on my Crestline RS 181.1 DJI

[John_likes_bikes]

@GeorgesEBike that's some good mileage. FWIW, I've used all three and XX is a significant step up in shifting speed and accuracy from XO/GX, but if GX works need to pay more. And it's unfortunate the Mavens don't work, they really seem hit or miss for people but when they work they're great. I've had three pair. Have you tried the DEG ratchet?

As a frame and drive system I can't imagine anything much better, even for the next few years outside of some small advancements. I was a little worried about going bigger travel to 180mm F/R but I never feel over biked or even ever under biked. The kinematics are really spot on for downhill and the Avinox helping going up... always puts a smile on my face. Boost and especially Turbo in cat 3, I just laugh flying along the trail. The integration and customization of the Avinox system is really mature and well thought out, too.

 

[GeorgesEBike]

@GeorgesEBike Have you tried the DEG ratchet?

I have not tried the DEG ratchet. I don't notice any pedal kick back on any of my bikes.

 

[Plummet]

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.

Nice review.

Im always amazed a what you guys in dry dusty climates can get on drive train Milage. I got 900km on my gx before it started skipping. But I swill in mud 6 months of the year.

Ive had zero issues with my mavens. But they are on the dh bike which only gets pulled out for random dh races. So not much Milage.

Ive also spent a bit of time on a dji bike, teewing not Crestline,to compare the motors.

Its fair to say i wouldn't be displeased if the my crestline was dji. That would be one mofo of a package. The fast charge option is cool. The motor is smooth and powerful. I find even when detuned dji assists more than I like. I prefer the Bosch algorithm and also the weight and balance of the lighter batteries in the bosch.

I wont be upgrading anytime soon. Still loving my gen 5 bosch crestline.
Great to see you are loving yours.

 

[Blownoutrides]

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.

In 3 sentences you managed the most accurate review of the Mavens I've seen yet. I'm fresh off a bleed and back in the honeymoon phase but I know I'm likely done with them as soon as they get soft again.

 

[GeorgesEBike]

Just hit 3,000+ miles on my Crestline Avinox 181.1. Still my most favorite bike to date. SRAM GX Transmission still going strong with original chain, chain ring and cassette. Reserve Alloy wheels still spinning true and DT350 Hubs are flawless. Starting to like the SRAM Maven Brakes. I think I had a stuck piston the entire time and finally got it freed up. Can't wait for my 181.2 Plaid Edition to arrive in April!

 

[JayJMac]

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.

I have the same problem with the new axs dropper. It’s nowhere near as good a product as the first gen. The new seat clamp design is a step backwards imo

 

[GeorgesEBike]

I have the same problem with the new axs dropper. It’s nowhere near as good a product as the first gen. The new seat clamp design is a step backwards imo

Rockshox sent me a new dropper. Will install it on my new Crestline and hopefully no issues.

 

[John_likes_bikes]

I have the same problem with the new axs dropper. It’s nowhere near as good a product as the first gen. The new seat clamp design is a step backwards imo

Totally agree. How you can adjust tilt is way better.