Forbidden Druid - Avinox Powered

[Flo7]

Even though it is way overpriced, what would you swap out? The wheels are not fancy but will work, run them till they break. Suspension is good. Brakes are good (though, not a fan of Mavens myself). Dropper is fine. Cheap cassette doesn't bother me, it's a heavy wear item.

My only two changes: SQLab saddle, of course. Carbon OneUp bars (or if We Are One ever releases their updated carbon bar) are also a mandatory for me. Maybe grips.

Hi,
I would swap the shifting, Wheels, Cockpit and brakes.
Wheel are to stiff with 2.0-2.3mm Spokes, then you have a XS1270 cassette heavy and with HG fit. Alloy Cockpit, Maven Base with old centerline disc.

i have much parts at home so I would build these parts:
Sram XX Transmission
Maven Ultimate or Lewis LH4
Deity Stem with Roval Carbon bar
Roval Traverse HD Carbon Wheels
Schwalbe Radial tyres
maybe Ultimate suspension

The best way are if forbidden offer a Frameset option!

I can get the Vala XO RSV for the same Price as the core 3. So I think the Vala would be the better choice.

 

[Highland Wheels]

I am going with the core 3. Tbh I am pretty happy with that build. If I can't get the forks set up how I want I will just put another damper in mabe a fast. Otherwise I think she will be good to go although I am sure I will run it at 170 not 160. I always seem to like the Xtra bit of security I currently run mt7 brakes so if I am unhappy with the mavens I will swap out.kinda like the thought of a lewis lt4s also. I will give the mavens a fair old test first though.

The build is probably more than capable enough for a huge amount of folk that will buy one anyway


I went for the cheapest build as I know over time I'll change stuff out. Will be replacing forks and brakes to start with though to something else I personally like, Didn't make any sense picking one of the more pricey build kits when I'd likely change the same stuff regardless

 

[Red Peekay]

So after all the discussion on here around size (I am right on the border between an S3 and S4), I took myself off back to the LBS to query whether I had oversized myself. I'm 6'2" and ordered the S4. They were adamant that the S4 is good for me. I rode an analogue S3 Druid in the shop and tried the XL SC Vala for comparisons.

I'm staying with the S4, however they have a S3 also coming in so provided someone doesn't jump on that I can swap out if it is way too big. So the waiting continues.

I also queried the charger, they will follow up with Forbidden, however it appears they will have to order the super fast charger through DJI.

 

[Lightme]

So after all the discussion on here around size (I am right on the border between an S3 and S4), I took myself off back to the LBS to query whether I had oversized myself. I'm 6'2" and ordered the S4. They were adamant that the S4 is good for me. I rode an analogue S3 Druid in the shop and tried the XL SC Vala for comparisons.

I'm staying with the S4, however they have a S3 also coming in so provided someone doesn't jump on that I can swap out if it is way too big. So the waiting continues.

I also queried the charger, they will follow up with Forbidden, however it appears they will have to order the suer fast charger through DJI.

I’m the same height and the bike shop was in no doubt S4 was the right size for me. Said he knew someone who was 6’1” who rode an S3 and felt it a little small.

 

[Redders473]

Anyone got a S4 on order from UK know the time frame for arrival ??

 

[Red Peekay]

I’m the same height and the bike shop was in no doubt S4 was the right size for me. Said he knew someone who was 6’1” who rode an S3 and felt it a little small.

Thanks for the reasurrance. It's always hard when you buy sight unseen or ridden. That being said, the current analogue Druid is not the same size as the new Core, however I can't see it being majorly different. I rode an S3 analogue at the LBS (albeit around the carpark, which isn't really going to give me a great idea on sizing) and it felt okay then. Interestingly, I'm on a large Santa Cruz Nomad (09) which suits me. The LBS could'nt believe I'd been sold that size but it works. However on my Norco VLT Bigfoot I run the XL which also suits. So I reckon in the end, I'll make it work.

 

[Red Peekay]

So this is annoying, just perusing the local LBS's selling the Amflow mtb and note that for both the base and pro models, they ship with the fast charger as "stock", whereas all models of the Core ship with the normal charger... and one of the only sites I could find that actually sell the charger (without a cord mind you) it's going for a hefty 249.00€ (which is nearly $450 Aud)....Fark!!!

 

[MTB-WALES]

So this is annoying, just perusing the local LBS's selling the Amflow mtb and note that for both the base and pro models, they ship with the fast charger as "stock", whereas all models of the Core ship with the normal charger... and one of the only sites I could find that actually sell the charger (without a cord mind you) it's going for a hefty 249.00€ (which is nearly $450 Aud)....Fark!!!

Yes I found this tough to roll with as Im paying £10k for a bike.Unno, Amflow and all other brands are just going with the fast charger as standard. Can’t really get my head round that decision. If you have a preorder maybe contact forbidden and ask them? They might be able to supply one cheaper, would be good if they could supply them at cost maybe?

 

[Red Peekay]

Yes I found this tough to roll with as Im paying £10k for a bike.Unno, Amflow and all other brands are just going with the fast charger as standard. Can’t really get my head round that decision. If you have a preorder maybe contact forbidden and ask them? They might be able to supply one cheaper, would be good if they could supply them at cost maybe?

I've enquired through the LBS to see if I can swap it out for a price. Seems like that is what comes and they will have to deal with DJI to get the fast charger...

 

[DirkWisely]

I agree that at the price point these bikes are coming in at, it seems a bit cheap not to include the charger the Amflow comes with.

That said, I wasn't planning to rapid charge mine regardless, so it doesn't bother me from a practical standpoint.

 

[Highland Wheels]

Anyone got a S4 on order from UK know the time frame for arrival ??

Late August/September

 

[Redders473]

Late August/September

Which shop

 

[Highland Wheels]

Cycle Highlands in Ballater.


Was told there is a tiny chance it could be July as I'm at the front of the que but not to get my hopes up.

 

[bakedbun]

is it august yet? anyway new review from fanatik.

 

[ShapeThings]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

 

[Suns_PSD]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

The 600 handles better, but you live in NorCal and you need the 800 for your terrain you lucky bastard.

Back to back, you'd notice. But after riding your E-Core you wouldn't even notice the extra 2#s.

Also, he said he did 3800' on 25-30% left of the 800 watt battery. So use that as your guide.

 

[DirkWisely]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

You can always put a lighter/smaller fork/shock on. You can't ever add back 200wh.

 

[bakedbun]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

Same here i think a 200wh RE would be great. I follow the official fb amflow group and there's atleast one or two post per month begging for a range extender. I think it there's a chance it will happen even tho amflow's responses are vague like "it's being evaluated". they have responded to every request.

 

[Chairman]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

Just buy a 600 bat and replace as needed

 

[DirkWisely]

Same here i think a 200wh RE would be great. I follow the official fb amflow group and there's atleast one or two post per month begging for a range extender. I think it there's a chance it will happen even tho amflow's responses are vague like "it's being evaluated". they have responded to every request.

Will they be able to add it to existing bikes? I'm not sure how.

 

[ShapeThings]

Also, he said he did 3800' on 25-30% left of the 800 watt battery. So use that as your guide.

Let the incorrect and boring calculating commence, I am far from being a mathematician (sorry, rest of the world, about using Freedumb units)

I have a Fazua with 400w battery. The last ride I have on it was a quick weekend ride I do often, usually meat powered.

10.8 miles distance with 2501' of elevation gain riding in middle power on average resulted in 61% battery usage. If calculated correctly, 100% battery would yield 17.7 miles/4100' (1250m) climbing if everything was constant.

Yes, impossible to compare not knowing his distance, weight, terrain, average speed etc — sounds like he was in the equivalent of "middle" auto mode (2x more power than fazua?) — but 100% battery usage would net 5066' (1544m) of elevation gain — using 25% remaining as the baseline from his 3800' ride.

 

[OZ-E]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

The Fanatik guy had never ridden an E-Bike before.

 

[jordan@local]

Both Brian Cahal and Fanatik seemed to prefer the way the 600w version rode. Makes me pause a little on my 800w decision. I want the big ole battery for self shuttle days in the higher elevations (less range anxiety), but for most of my use cases, 600w would be enough.

Both of those reviews are serious reasons I'm considering keeping the Druid LitE S3 Tier 3 for a second personal (plus shop and coaching demo bike) that I have on order. I'm already gonna do silly mini DH things with the CorE S3 Tier 1, now I am envisioning the build that takes the other bike in the opposite direction. I want one for full-face and flats and one for the trail lid and clips!

 

[sethimus]

So this is annoying, just perusing the local LBS's selling the Amflow mtb and note that for both the base and pro models, they ship with the fast charger as "stock", whereas all models of the Core ship with the normal charger... and one of the only sites I could find that actually sell the charger (without a cord mind you) it's going for a hefty 249.00€ (which is nearly $450 Aud)....Fark!!!

have you seen the price of the fast specialized charger? 499 chf in switzerland, THAT is expensive

 

[Suns_PSD]

Let the incorrect and boring calculating commence, I am far from being a mathematician (sorry, rest of the world, about using Freedumb units)

I have a Fazua with 400w battery. The last ride I have on it was a quick weekend ride I do often, usually meat powered.

10.8 miles distance with 2501' of elevation gain riding in middle power on average resulted in 61% battery usage. If calculated correctly, 100% battery would yield 17.7 miles/4100' (1250m) climbing if everything was constant.

Yes, impossible to compare not knowing his distance, weight, terrain, average speed etc — sounds like he was in the equivalent of "middle" auto mode (2x more power than fazua?) — but 100% battery usage would net 5066' (1544m) of elevation gain — using 25% remaining as the baseline from his 3800' ride.

I approve of the bro math!

I too have a Fazua with a 430 watt battery.
The Fazua is a particularly efficient unit but It's also a lot slower.
I'm convinced that the DJI is a bit less efficient than say a Bosch and the HP is going to hurt that a bit further.

 

[ShapeThings]

The Fanatik guy had never ridden an E-Bike before.

Was pretty funny a dude who works at one of the biggest shops in the US had never ridden an e-bike before.

Pretty good introduction!

 

[bakedbun]

Just buy a 600 bat and replace as needed

I don't believe the batteries are available to be purchased separately. Hopefully this will change when Amflow officially comes to the US.

Will they be able to add it to existing bikes? I'm not sure how.

I'm not sure I understand your question? I figure update teh software, R&D some mount to hold the battery in place of water bottle, offer a few different length RE cables and it's done. I've seen a few pictures of the bosch RE on the new vala. it's ugly and the cable kinda flops around but so far it looks like it works.

 

[DirkWisely]

I don't believe the batteries are available to be purchased separately. Hopefully this will change when Amflow officially comes to the US.

I'm not sure I understand your question? I figure update teh software, R&D some mount to hold the battery in place of water bottle, offer a few different length RE cables and it's done. I've seen a few pictures of the bosch RE on the new vala. it's ugly and the cable kinda flops around but so far it looks like it works.

I mean I'm not sure how it'd be added to an existing bike. You'd need someplace to plug it in. At least on the Amflow, and I think this is true of any Avinox bike, it has a little spring loaded hatch cover on the charge port, and having that open with a range extender plugged in seems like a recipe for disaster while riding.

 

[sprousaTM]

For the size discussion, i am 6'4" and chose the s4 core3 model. Even If they state some of their riders like s3, i doubt that that will work out for me. On the druidv2 s4 fits perfectly! Would not want a smaller size. With long legs (inseam of 93cm or 36.5 Inches) s3 would be too cramped.
I preordered the s4 in electric core3. The lbs called back some days later. Hardly any s4 Bikes at release available here in Germany.
I am in now for s4 core3 or lite3.
With my reign e+ and its 27,5kg weight (60lbs), 625wh battery and my 210 lbs , i am getting around 4300 feet vertical on 20 to 25 Miles out of it running above eco. Thats with an inefficient yamaha Motor .

So i guess both versions will do IT for me in the end.

 

[Flo7]

So, I have canceled my order because of the very low price performance.