Amflow PL Carbon Pro Dream Build. The Liberace Edition.

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Congratulations on your new title, and as a fellow poser, I couldn't agree more with your build! I am wondering about your choice of rear hub. I know that its gold(ish) but do you think its going to be durable enough for an AMFLOW motor on an emtb?

View attachment 156020
I've used Koozer hubs before in Black, after reading some positive reviews about 10 years ago. They are or were out of Taiwan I believe. I have never had an issue with them. They have 4 sealed bearings. 2 on the axle, and 2 in the freehub. They now are a 6 pawl 72 POE freehub rather than ratchet. They were originally 3 pawl. I'm not a fan of the ratchet. I find the sound is not consistent through the 360 degrees of rotation. And have had comments of, "Is something wrong with your wheel?"

I do add an extra light silicone grease to the pawls, which makes them much quieter. It must be a light grease or it can cause engagement issues. I am extremely strict with my maintenance.

The only criticism I've seen is that the machining on the pawl contact gear, is not as smooth. But it doesn't seem to impact operation or longevity. After running them for a while, the pawls bed in and make more points of contact. I will be inspecting the pawl engagement points after using it on the Amflow. I do see this as the only possible point of failure.

The best thing about them, is they are cost effective enough, that I keep a spare rear hub, that I can steal parts from if needed. I have never changed bearings. Just the freehub, or the whole hub, as I'm pretty proficient at lacing up my own wheels. They also disassemble and assemble really easily. So checking them is not a faff, so you do it more often.

Funny enough, the only hubs I've had issues with, have been the Shimano Cage bearing type hubs. You get wheel sideways movement fairly quickly. And striking a balance when tightening, is a PITA.

1741749636879.png
 
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Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
The other thing I would say about the hubs, is I'm unsure how high end the original Amflow rear hub is. It looks like a very decent 6 pawl hub. But there have been some issues reported. One of the most concerning, is Amflow have used quite a unique spoke, and cannot supply spares. And have recommended new wheels to people who have broken spokes.

I'll take a slightly lower end hub, where spares are readily available. Over a high end hub, where if something does go wrong, you really struggle to find spare bits.

Anyway. Here's some breakdown photo's of the Amflow rear hub.

1741753648528.png


1741753704643.png
 

KnollyBro

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Dec 3, 2020
1,040
2,413
Vancouver
Some of the rear wheel parts have turned up. As previously described. This is a 27.5 rim, so I can mullet the Amflow. I think the Gold on the Black is so elegant.

I have the black spokes. Just need the Hub and gold nipples to turn up, so I can start building the wheel.

View attachment 154496
Did you find the alloy rims on Aliexpress along with the Kooser hubs? If not, have you ever bought any alloy rims from Aliexpress?
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Did you find the alloy rims on Aliexpress along with the Kooser hubs? If not, have you ever bought any alloy rims from Aliexpress?
No. I bought DT Swiss rims from another online store. I removed the labels, and fitted gold labels.

I have bought 27.5 rims from Aliexpress. Same 30mm inside width. But they really weren't that much cheaper. About AUD$60. Aliexpress isn't a lot cheaper on single large items, due to shipping individual items isn't cost effective.

1742125678066.png
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Never been so mucked around by a bike brand. Amflow now telling me that the PL Carbon Pro delivery won't be till May. :rolleyes:

So with bike trips planned around the supposed 6-8 week delivery, which is now seeming more than 12 weeks. I have pivoted and bought a spare EMTB. A lower spec, brand new Merida E160. It has the new Shimano EP801, which was missing from my previous Merida E160. I have also loaded the racing firmware, which is awesome. It also has slacker geometry and the newer 4 bar suspension.

I have also got the license from EMax and changed the region to USA Class 1. Giving me a 45kph limit.

I went for for first ride yesterday afternoon on the new bike, after downloading the new racing firmware, for the EP801. And boy oh boy what a difference to the old Merida with the EP6. Maybe I didn't really need to get the Amflow. 🤣

I rode the headland training course, and whaddya know. I'm going to have to find a better training course. I completed all the climbing parts first go without even a single dab. Ran it about 6 times. No dabs. Amazing performance.

The extra 100 watts plus the extra over-run, means you can approach any obstacle. Give one almighty pedal stroke, which lifts the front wheel, and the overrun keeps the wheel in the air, so you can fully clear the obstacle, without needing another pedal stroke, as you would just pedal strike on the obstacle. It's just so easy.

Very impressed with this bike. The Amflow will need to step up, or it will become the spare bike. 😉

I got it in Red with Gold accents, so will also get the Liberace Upgrade. Current state of Liberace-ification. More to come with Gold fork Decals, and Gold with Black shadow Merida decals.

1742863595128.png


1742863668526.png


More upgrades will be adding the spare 12 speed Di2 transmission I have, from when I converted my old Merida to Di2 11 speed Linkglide to get autoshift (Autoshift turned out to be pretty ordinary) . Then adding the cleaner Bluetooth Display (which has been ordered), with much smaller Assist Select buttons (similar to the Amflow switches), and the power button on the downtube.

1742863324586.png
 
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Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
You need two bikes anyway, for when one is out of action.
100%.

I thought the Marin with the Bafang upgrade would be a good spare. But 2 crashes because the bike isn't near as capable as the old Merida, has relegated it to hanging up in the attic. I have just outgrown it. Trail use only for it. No technical up or downhill.

The Marin can also be the bike I loan to friends when they ask to borrow an EMTB. Which is fairly often when we do hilly rides.
 

HandsomeDanNZ

Well-known member
Subscriber
Jun 16, 2024
283
542
Auckland NZ
Never been so mucked around by a bike brand. Amflow now telling me that the PL Carbon Pro delivery won't be till May. :rolleyes:

So with bike trips planned around the supposed 6-8 week delivery, which is now seeming more than 12 weeks. I have pivoted and bought a spare EMTB. A lower spec, brand new Merida E160. It has the new Shimano EP801, which was missing from my previous Merida E160. I have also loaded the racing firmware, which is awesome. It also has slacker geometry and the newer 4 bar suspension.

I have also got the license from EMax and changed the region to USA Class 1. Giving me a 45kph limit.

I went for for first ride yesterday afternoon on the new bike, after downloading the new racing firmware, for the EP801. And boy oh boy what a difference to the old Merida with the EP6. Maybe I didn't really need to get the Amflow. 🤣

I rode the headland training course, and whaddya know. I'm going to have to find a better training course. I completed all the climbing parts first go without even a single dab. Ran it about 6 times. No dabs. Amazing performance.

The extra 100 watts plus the extra over-run, means you can approach any obstacle. Give one almighty pedal stroke, which lifts the front wheel, and the overrun keeps the wheel in the air, so you can fully clear the obstacle, without needing another pedal stroke, as you would just pedal strike on the obstacle. It's just so easy.

Very impressed with this bike. The Amflow will need to step up, or it will become the spare bike. 😉

I got it in Red with Gold accents, so will also get the Liberace Upgrade. Current state of Liberace-ification. More to come with Gold fork Decals, and Gold with Black shadow Merida decals.

View attachment 156675

View attachment 156676

More upgrades will be adding the spare 12 speed Di2 transmission I have, from when I converted my old Merida to Di2 11 speed Linkglide to get autoshift (Autoshift turned out to be pretty ordinary) . Then adding the cleaner Bluetooth Display (which has been ordered), with much smaller Assist Select buttons (similar to the Amflow switches), and the power button on the downtube.

View attachment 156674
Curious to know if you looked at the cost of the upgrades that you've put into this and whether you could have gone with the next model up, but for around the same cost, but with slightly better suspension/wheels etc.
Not a criticism at all - genuinely curious.
Also - why that specific remote/display combo, as opposed to this one (Which I prefer)?
1742867296168.png
1742867312772.png
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Curious to know if you looked at the cost of the upgrades that you've put into this and whether you could have gone with the next model up, but for around the same cost, but with slightly better suspension/wheels etc.
Not a criticism at all - genuinely curious.
Also - why that specific remote/display combo, as opposed to this one (Which I prefer)?
View attachment 156677 View attachment 156678
So ....... last weekend the E160 675 was on special for AUD$5900. The E160 400 was on special for AUD$4700. I have bought over AUD$20K in bikes from this sales rep in the last 18 months, so he did the display, switches, and power button for cost price. So less than $400. That brought the E160 400 to AUD$5100. So a AUD$800 saving.

Now regarding the switches. I think the EM800L that I got, is much cleaner than the EN600L which we both had before. It also lends itself to being mounted vertically, so your thumb doesn't have to lift up as much to press the buttons. So between the ergonomics and the cleaner look. I chose the EM800L. So to choose this switch. I needed to get EM800 display to get the bluetooth in the display. That was the process to chose the switches and display.

Other things that influenced my decision.

The E160 675 had the Trendpower Battery, whilst the E160 400, had the Shimano 630Wh battery. There have been issues with the Trendpower batteries, whilst the Shimano batteries have been rock solid.

And the other thing was the E160 400 had the Rock Shox Psylo 35mm coil fork. About 700 grams heavier than the airfork in the E160 675. But much less maintenance. As a spare bike. I wanted maintenance to be minimal. Same with the Rock Shox Deluxe Air Can shock on the E160 400. Maintenance is very simple.

So the E160 400 Rock Shox Fork and Shock, I could maintain them myself. Whilst the E160 675 Marzocchi Fork and shock, just had too many inner components for me to pull apart. And with the Amflow also having very expensive to service suspension. I didn't want more Operating Expenses. That said. In downhill running yesterday. The E160 400, didn't feel as plush as the E160 700 you and I had. And that I put down to the dampers in the E160 700 suspension. But the Rock Shox is just as capable.

I did spend a lot of time going over the specs. And concluded, that as a spare bike. The E160 400 was the better option. That said. If it was my only bike. The E160 675 would have been a slam dunk.

Oh BTW. It's very sad to also add. The Red with Gold labelling of the E160 400 had a significant influence on my choice too ........ Sorry ...... Fashion matters ........ :ROFLMAO:
 
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HandsomeDanNZ

Well-known member
Subscriber
Jun 16, 2024
283
542
Auckland NZ
So ....... last weekend the E160 675 was on special for AUD$5900. The E160 400 was on special for AUD$4700. I have bought over AUD$20K in bikes from this sales rep in the last 18 months, so he did the display, switches, and power button for cost price. So less than $400. That brought the E160 400 to AUD$5100. So a AUD$800 saving.

Now regarding the switches. I think the EM800L that I got, is much cleaner than the EN600L which we both had before. It also lends itself to being mounted vertically, so your thumb doesn't have to lift up as much to press the buttons. So between the ergonomics and the cleaner look. I chose the EM800L. So to choose this switch. I needed to get EM800 display to get the bluetooth in the display. That is the process to chose the switches and display.

Other things that influenced my decision.

The E160 675 had the Trendpower Battery, whilst the E160 400, had the Shimano 630Wh battery. There have been issues with the Trendpower batteries, whilst the Shimano batteries have been rock solid.

And the other thing was the E160 400 had the Rock Shox Psylo 35mm coil fork. About 700 grams heavier than the airfork in the E160 675. But much less maintenance. As a spare bike. I wanted maintenance to be minimal. Same with the Rock Shox Deluxe Air Can shock on the E160 400. Maintenance is very simple.

So the E160 400 Rock Shox Fork and Shock, I could maintain them myself. Whilst the E160 675 Marzocchi Fork and shock, just had too many inner components for me to pull apart. And with the Amflow also having very expensive to service suspension. I didn't want more Operating Expenses. That said. In downhill running yesterday. The E160 400, didn't feel as plush as the E160 700 you and I had. And that I put down to the dampers in the E160 700 suspension. But the Rock Shox is just as capable.

I did spend a lot of time going over the specs. And concluded, that as a spare bike. The E160 400 was the better option. That said. If it was my only bike. The E160 675 would have been a slam dunk.

Oh BTW. It's very sad to also add. The Red with Gold labelling of the E160 400 had a significant influence on my choice too ........ Sorry ...... Fashion matters ........ :ROFLMAO:
Cool.
Thanks for the detailed response. You could have said, "Because it's none of your business, fatty".
I actually thought it may have been 90% colour and 10% everything else ;)
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
You could have said, "Because it's none of your business, fatty".
No way. I'm glad you asked. Because I spent hours going over every Shimano motored EMTB, I could get my hands on quickly. I just know Shimano so well, and have so many spare parts. I also knew it was very simple to make the region USA Class 1.

Great question. (y)
 

ckkone

Active member
May 21, 2021
177
250
UTAH USA
Never been so mucked around by a bike brand. Amflow now telling me that the PL Carbon Pro delivery won't be till May. :rolleyes:

Should have just ordered it right off Alibaba and had it shipped to your door.

 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Should have just ordered it right off Alibaba and had it shipped to your door.

The warranty implications of buying it from Alibaba are unclear. The dealers certainly won't help you if you don't buy from them or Amflow. So where do you take a bike bought from Alibaba, if there is an issue or you break something ?

It's not a good idea on a very premium EMTB.
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
Got a delivery date on the Amflow today. Arrives in Melbourne on 11th April. My bike will be the 9th bike processed in this shipment.

So should be at my dealer in Sydney a week later.

Fingers crossed.
 

Astro66

Golden Boy
May 24, 2024
567
1,022
Sydney Australia
With a date on the Amflow confirmed. I thought I better finish off the Merida before it arrives or the Merida will get parked and mods not finished. Like a discarded favourite toy, when the new toy turns up .... 🤣

One of the mods, was adding the Shimano Di2 XT 12S Hyperglide Electronic Shifting, as I had a spare system in the draws at home. The E160 400 comes with a 9 speed Cues derailleur and 11-46T Linkglide Cassette. I must say that for a very cheap transmission. It worked really well. Infact I'm away for the weekend, and have left the 9 speed on as it's proven very robust. And will fit the Electronic 12s system when I get home. But there was some preparation required.

First thing was to build a Microspline Boost wheel. So I ordered a Shimano FH-MT510B hub for AUD$57 on Aliexpress. And when the hub turned up. It was a genuine Shimano hub out of the box. But I was unhappy with the sound coming from the freehub. So I stripped the hub and packed the hub cage bearings with bearing grease. Then applied a very light silicone grease to where the freehub pawls make contact with the hub.

When I reassembled the hub. OMG ..... what a difference in the hub performance and sound. And I'm sure this is where Shimano Hubs get a bad name. They are definitely not greased properly from the factory. And I now will always strip my new Shimano Hubs and grease them properly, before using them. I had to do this with the Koozer Hub for the Amflow as well. But only the pawls as it had all sealed bearings, which were rolling perfectly.

1743640084723.png

I also ordered a DT Swiss rim, and fitted the Gold Decals. I then also ordered more Gold Nipples.

The wheel came together really nicely, with the Deore 10-51T cassettte I had spare, added.

Very happy with the outcome, and I will fit everything next week, when I'm back from the Oaks Trail ride in the Blue Mountains.

1743639961959.png
 
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HandsomeDanNZ

Well-known member
Subscriber
Jun 16, 2024
283
542
Auckland NZ
With a date on the Amflow confirmed. I thought I better finish off the Merida before it arrives or the Merida will get parked and mods not finished. Like a discarded favourite toy, when the new toy turns up .... 🤣

One of the mods, was adding the Shimano Di2 XT 12S Hyperglide Electronic Shifting, as I had a spare system in the draws at home. The E160 400 comes with a 9 speed Cues derailleur and 11-46T Linkglide Cassette. I must say that for a very cheap transmission. It worked really well. Infact I'm away for the weekend, and have left the 9 speed on as it's proven very robust. And will fit the Electronic 12s system when I get home. But there was some preparation required.

First thing was to build a Microspline Boost wheel. So I ordered a Shimano FH-MT510B hub for AUD$57 on Aliexpress. And when the hub turned up. It was a genuine Shimano hub out of the box. But I was unhappy with the sound coming from the freehub. So I stripped the hub and packed the hub cage bearings with bearing grease. Then applied a very light silicone grease to where the freehub pawls make contact with the hub.

When I reassembled the hub. OMG ..... what a difference in the hub performance and sound. And I'm sure this is where Shimano Hubs get a bad name. They are definitely not greased properly from the factory. And I now will always strip my new Shimano Hubs and grease them properly, before using them. I had to do this with the Koozer Hub for the Amflow as well. But only the pawls as it had all sealed bearings, which were rolling perfectly.

View attachment 157336
I also ordered a DT Swiss rim, and fitted the Gold Decals. I then also ordered more Gold Nipples.

The wheel came together really nicely, with the Deore 10-51T cassettte I had spare, added.

Very happy with the outcome, and I will fit everything next week, when I'm back from the Oaks Trail ride in the Blue Mountains.

View attachment 157335
Is that a VCR in your cabinet behind the wheel???
 

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