MTB-WALES
Active member
His reviews are always skewed by his hate for avinox and any motor that is over the norm power wise. I wouldn’t rely on his opinion for how a bike handles either.
Forbidden Druid - Avinox Powered
- Thread starter jbrown15
- Start date
I didn't understand the review, it seemed like finding things to complain about that either were misleading or so subjective that I had to reject most of what was presented...
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
I get the reservations folk have with CS length and the geo on this but I'm feeling pretty confident in it and that it'll ride mint. Forbidden make cracking analogue bikes so it's not as if they are totally fresh to the bike market.
Just wish it would hurry up and arrive
Just wish it would hurry up and arrive
DirkWisely
Well-known member
This guy is either positioning himself as a contrarian or is just actually a hater. This is barely even a review of the bike itself because he can't shut up about how much he hates the motor. I'd consider it established fact at this point the Avinox system is incredible. Every complaint he has is self inflicted. If he wants less power he can tune it down. If he doesn't like auto shift he can turn it off.
He seemed to like the bike aside from the motor. How did he get ahold of one?
Forbidden needs to do a better job trickling out shipping dates.
Forbidden needs to do a better job trickling out shipping dates.
MTB-WALES
Active member
I had an update from bike trek ings in the uk expected delivery of my core 1 s3, early September.
Red Peekay
Active member
GodsTherapist
Member
THIS!
I’m really surprised how many bikes they have coming in that haven’t sold already. If you’re on the shorter side these guys have a few different options to choose from in both models.
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
Mint, Hopefully mine is around the same time, got a list of bits waiting to go on it as well
Should probably have just spent the extra on a Core 1 or 2 at this rate
MTB-WALES
Active member
Yes I was real split which build to go for. Not a massive fan of zebs but been a couple of years since I’ve tried them. If I had gone for the core 3 would probably try and get some podiums on the front but then you need a new wheel too or just pay for the damper upgrade and it’ll be the same as the ultimate… then ext on the rearMint, Hopefully mine is around the same time, got a list of bits waiting to go on it as well
Should probably have just spent the extra on a Core 1 or 2 at this rate
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
I'd of still changed the brakes regardless of what build and the mid spec one wasn't a massive upgrade really as still runs the same Select+ dampers, once I've ridden it I'll see what else I want to change but it'll be brakes, Reverb axs and some cockpit stuff to start with anyway
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
just got an email, they canceled my s4 test ride, looks like only s1-s3 are arriving now in europe
DToX
Active member
What is everyone's ETA for delivery? I was told Late Aug/ Early Sept from WWC
Mid September for my local shop (WA state USA). Core 1, S2.
For you people going to Crankworx Whistler, Forbidden will have a demo fleet there. Get on it.
bakedbun
Active member
I also preordered through WWC and they said it takes a week or two get a response from Forbidden. I'm not sure where I stand on the list but my guess is the bike will be at my door second week of Sept.
What an stupid review. Sets the most powerful motor currently available, to the highest power setting it can put out. Then constantly whines that he's getting too much assist. It would be like setting the suspension to the absolute highest settings, then complain the bike is too firm and bouncing him off.
No one rides that way. I only use Turbo in really technical climbs, or if I'm trying to get up a fire road as quick as possible. 90% of the time, I'm in Trail or Eco. Just a review with an agenda.
I deliberately avoid this guys reviews. They are completely useless in rating a EMTB and motor system.
I mean ...... What stupidity. Goes up a really steep hill, says he's put no effort in, yet is puffing as he tries to speak after stalling out.
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DToX
Active member
Yeah I've only seen a few of his videos but I intend to avoid him moving forward, he seems biased against the amflow motor from the start.What an stupid review. Sets the most powerful motor currently available, to the highest power setting it can put out. Then constantly whines that he's getting too much assist. It would be like setting the suspension to the absolute highest settings, then complain the bike is too firm and bouncing him off.
No one rides that way. I only use Turbo in really technical climbs, or if I'm trying to get up a fire road as quick as possible. 90% of the time, I'm in Trail or Eco. Just a review with an agenda.
I deliberately avoid this guys reviews. They are completely useless in rating a EMTB and motor system.
I mean ...... What stupidity. Goes up a really steep hill, says he's put no effort in, yet is puffing as he tries to speak after stalling out.
Not defending either position, but it was a curious review and for me, it was an important point where to others it might not be.
He did turn the power down and still was unhappy with the way it delivered power.
There were a lot of negative responses from others, but those responses are mostly from people lacking experience with most platforms.
Also, people are going to have different preferences. I don't get many quality test rides, so I have to rely on a lot of reviews, most being from fanbois, to try and determine what's best for me. I'm watching the space carefully as I'm eager to get a new e-bike and it's between the Sprectre and the CX-R regulator, once both are available for order. They both have their Pros & Cons.
I'd like to get Rob's point of view on this topic. But these guys are in a tough spot because Rob's wants to continue to receive and review all of the latest Avinox bikes, that's just reality.
He did turn the power down and still was unhappy with the way it delivered power.
There were a lot of negative responses from others, but those responses are mostly from people lacking experience with most platforms.
Also, people are going to have different preferences. I don't get many quality test rides, so I have to rely on a lot of reviews, most being from fanbois, to try and determine what's best for me. I'm watching the space carefully as I'm eager to get a new e-bike and it's between the Sprectre and the CX-R regulator, once both are available for order. They both have their Pros & Cons.
I'd like to get Rob's point of view on this topic. But these guys are in a tough spot because Rob's wants to continue to receive and review all of the latest Avinox bikes, that's just reality.
MTB-WALES
Active member
I’ve had an amflow for about 6 months if you stick in auto it operates completely differently and responds to your power in a more natural way. The other modes are more power driven than natural but after one or two rides all other motors I had ever ridden just weren’t as fun and it’s been bombproof which for me is a massive factor.
I’m definitely not a fanboi if it was shit I would have no hesitation and I’d also be cancelling my core preorder.
I’m definitely not a fanboi if it was shit I would have no hesitation and I’d also be cancelling my core preorder.
I actually liked the way the yamaha in my Giant (and probably most other drivetrains) works. Set it to the lowest 50% support in eco and you really do have to work to get up steep hills.. Feels like the support barely exceeds the added effort of the bike weight. On higher modes there are times where you put in so much power (300 to 400W e.g.) that the unit cannot deliver more to not exceed the max it can.
I hope that the avinox motor can get tuned in a similar way. I do want to put effort in or at least have the possibility to do so if I want to.
I hope that the avinox motor can get tuned in a similar way. I do want to put effort in or at least have the possibility to do so if I want to.
Honestly I dont care if I dont get any future avinox bikes, its not about saying the right thing. I try to find good things and things i dont like about the bikes I have on my channel.
I used ChatGPT 5 to analyse the video I made on the bike to give both my positive and negative takes on the bike:
Positives 
- “Completely remarkable” weight-to-power ratio — 19.2 kg with 1,000 W / 120 Nm
- “Outstanding” motor system — “smokes everything” in performance tests
- “Really remarkable” first-generation product from DJI
- Integrated high-resolution touchscreen with wireless controls
- High-density battery cells — among the highest available on the market
- Extremely fast acceleration & “addictive” climbing power
- Smooth, controllable motor delivery; instant startup after firmware updates
- DJI seen as “really meaning business” in e-bike market
Negatives 
- “Mismatch” between ultra-powerful motor and light-duty frame/spec
- Nervous front end due to flexy stock bar/stem
- Weak rear tyre with poor grip, unsuited to bike’s power
- Difficult restarts on steep, technical climbs (geometry issues: seat tube angle, chainstay length)
- Wishes for more “burly” components — e.g., 38 mm fork
- Battery swap requires motor removal, not user-friendly
Tone: Enthusiastic, mildly biased toward the motor’s performance, but includes clear and repeated critiques of bike spec & handling.
As for that video that Alex did - In my opinion the Avinox motor can be really detuned a lot to perform much like some of the less powerful motors. Assistance levels can be reduced, motor watts reduced (so easy to change it from 1000w to 750w to match the Bosch) and even Torque and start up speed.
I have a Tesla and if you floor it everywhere it is one of the fastest 0-60 cars on the road. But I dont have to drive it that way!
It was not well received in the comments. Inferring all positive reports of the motor were paid for, would have upset a lot of content creators, as it tarnished their credibility.
Just repeating over and over again, "It's a motorbike", really didn't sit well. Made it difficult to conclusively hear the other parts he was presenting. Not sure what he was thinking, making a video so skewed against Avinox.
The review did seem shoe horn the I don't like high power point, could have just turned it auto after saying turbo is ridiculous (which it is!)
As an avinox owner for better or worse you are forced to install the app so changing the power and assistance levels is a 1min job. I guess it's valid if someone just chucks you a bike to review and you're not inclined to mess with the app or turn it off turbo
As an avinox owner for better or worse you are forced to install the app so changing the power and assistance levels is a 1min job. I guess it's valid if someone just chucks you a bike to review and you're not inclined to mess with the app or turn it off turbo
Did you pay for your Amflow Rob?Honestly I dont care if I dont get any future avinox bikes, its not about saying the right thing. I try to find good things and things i dont like about the bikes I have on my channel.
I used ChatGPT 5 to analyse the video I made on the bike to give both my positive and negative takes on the bike:
Positives
- “Completely remarkable” weight-to-power ratio — 19.2 kg with 1,000 W / 120 Nm
- “Outstanding” motor system — “smokes everything” in performance tests
- “Really remarkable” first-generation product from DJI
- Integrated high-resolution touchscreen with wireless controls
- High-density battery cells — among the highest available on the market
- Extremely fast acceleration & “addictive” climbing power
- Smooth, controllable motor delivery; instant startup after firmware updates
- DJI seen as “really meaning business” in e-bike market
Negatives
- “Mismatch” between ultra-powerful motor and light-duty frame/spec
- Nervous front end due to flexy stock bar/stem
- Weak rear tyre with poor grip, unsuited to bike’s power
- Difficult restarts on steep, technical climbs (geometry issues: seat tube angle, chainstay length)
- Wishes for more “burly” components — e.g., 38 mm fork
- Battery swap requires motor removal, not user-friendly
Tone: Enthusiastic, mildly biased toward the motor’s performance, but includes clear and repeated critiques of bike spec & handling.
As for that video that Alex did - In my opinion the Avinox motor can be really detuned a lot to perform much like some of the less powerful motors. Assistance levels can be reduced, motor watts reduced (so easy to change it from 1000w to 750w to match the Bosch) and even Torque and start up speed.
I have a Tesla and if you floor it everywhere it is one of the fastest 0-60 cars on the road. But I dont have to drive it that way!
I've ordered mine from Tweed valley cycles and they have not answered one question that I have asked If i didn't really want one i would cancel and get elsewhere
MTB-WALES
Active member
That’s a bit odd bike trek ings have been v useful
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
They were helpful when I was first enquiring, ended up going to Cycle Highlands though as they were getting an S4 sooner
christucci
Member
My S2 Druid Core arrived Yesterday at my LBS. Going to have a look at it today and talk about the specs I want to change… seems they shipped it by airfreight to Germany. maybe was their way to react to the delivery delays
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