Amflow TL Carbon review: The ultimate crossover between an eMTB and a touring bike
An eSUV bike that makes every ride feel a lot less effort
The Amflow TL Carbon is a superbly versatile electric bike that delivers exceptional ride quality, impressive power and everyday practicality. Its lightweight carbon frame, dual FOX suspension and intelligent automatic assistance make riding a genuine pleasure. It's expensive, and the display placement isn't ideal, but there's very little else to dislike.
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Automatic assist balances power output and battery life nicely
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Dual FOX suspension makes for a comfortable ride
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Mid-drive motor
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Excellent build quality
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Top tube-mounted display takes your attention away from the road
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Box is way overpacked with non-recyclable materials
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I was lucky enough to ride the first Amflow bike in Frankfurt a few years ago, and it certainly left an impression on me. So when Amflow asked if I wanted to check out the Amflow TL Carbon ‘eSUV’ bike, I said without hesitation. To my delight, this touring/eMTB hybrid rides like a dream, and the automatic assist is just as good, if not better, than I remember.
Amflow TL Carbon review
Price and availability
The Amflow TL Carbon is available now in S/M and L/XL frame options at Amflow US, Amflow UK, Amflow EU and Amflow AU for $3,899 / £3,199 / €3,499 / AU$5,599. It comes in one (cream-esqua) colour only. I tested the larger L/XL version (I’m 6’1” / 185cm).
Setup
The Amflow TL Carbon arrives in a large box, largely assembled. It includes plenty of accessories and all the tools you need to assemble the bike.
Lifting the bike out of the box was easy enough, though I’d recommend having a second person help if possible. You don’t want to drop your new £3k+ before it’s even complete!
It took me aroud half an hour to fit the wheel and sort the handlebar. The display is integrated into the top tube, so it doesn’t need installation. The same goes for the lights. You pop on the front wheel and pedals, mount the handlebar, and you’re pretty much done.
I probably say this in all my e-bike reviews, but I wish there was less non-recyclable packaging in the box. Everything is wrapped in foil and fastened with zip ties, and it all ends up in the bin. Such a waste. I suspect cardboard dividers could keep the bike intact on arrival. Why not use them?
Specs and build quality
The Amflow TL Carbon sits between a full-suspension electric bike and a touring bike. It pairs a lightweight carbon frame with a comprehensive set of components.
The carbon frame weighs just 2.9kg, while the L/XL model I tested has a claimed weight of 22.9kg. That figure excludes accessories such as the mudguards, lights, pedals and rear rack, which push the fully equipped weight to 25.95kg.
You won’t be able to just throw the Amflow TL Carbon around, but it's still reasonably light for a full-suspension electric bike and much lighter than the otherwise excellent Himiway A7 Pro, which comes in at 35kg.
FOX handles suspension duties, with an AWL Sport fork offering 120mm of travel up front and a FLOAT Rhythm rear shock providing 105mm. More than enough cushioning for gravel paths, forest trails and rougher urban surfaces.
The Carbon TL comes fitted with 27.5-inch wheels and Maxxis Crossmark II tyres, although the frame also supports up to 29-inch wheels. It also features a dropper seatpost, electronic TRP E.A.S.I. 10-speed shifting, and four-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
The Avinox M2 mid-drive motor delivers up to 125Nm of torque and 1,100W of peak power. It pairs an 800Wh battery with an optional 480Wh range extender (I didn’t have this), increasing total capacity to 1,280Wh.
Amflow includes a ton of accessories with the bike, including full-length mudguards, integrated lighting, a kickstand, and an MIK HD-compatible rear rack that carries up to 27kg.
The bike has a maximum permitted system weight of 200kg, including the rider, bike, and luggage, making the TL Carbon a proper touring alternative.
Performance
For me, the standout feature of the Amflow TL Carbon, beyond its incredibly lightweight dual-suspension design, is its automatic assist function. There is something magical about leaving the assist alone and just enjoying the benefits of a premium electric bike without constantly worrying about maximising range.
Better still, Amflow’s system is clever enough to recognise what you’re about to do, even in somewhat niche circumstances. For example, if you start speeding uphill, it’ll give you an extra boost so you can make (small) jumps. Once you’re back on solid ground and ease up on pedalling, the assist calms down, too.
The Amflow TL Carbon not only keeps tabs on your pedalling and speed, but also on the bike’s angle. This probably helps determine what level of assistance the bike should provide at any given point. I find this system very clever.
Another highlight for me was the control layout – well, most of it. The handlebar controls are big enough to press with gloves and split across both sides, so you don’t have to keep looking at them to adjust settings.
On the downside, the main display sits on the top tube, pulling your attention off the road every time you check it. Appreciate no one should check their stats continuously, but it’s a habit to glance at the display now and again when you ride an electric bike, and on the Amflow TL Carbon, that means looking between your legs.
The bike’s build quality is as premium as you’d expect for the price, with neat welds and an ergonomic layout. Getting a rear rack, plus bits like a kickstand and lights, is a real boon. That said, I appreciate that accessories like these are expected on a £3k+ e-bike, but you’d be surprised by some of the stuff I've tested in the past.
Ride quality is great, thanks to the mid-drive Avinox motor and dual FOX suspension setup. The L/XL frame fits my 6’1” height well, and the MTB-like seat adjustment system also helps in finding the best riding position. The wide tyres supplied with the Amflow TL Carbon grip into the earth just right and provide enough stability on leaf cover, too.
Amflow claims up to 172km (107 miles) of range from the 800Wh battery, although my real-world figures are considerably more modest. 80–100km (50–62 miles) is achievable with automatic assistance. Riding uphill continuously on Turbo will understandably reduce battery life further. (Not to mention heavier riders, but that’s just the way.)
Verdict
The Amflow TL Carbon is another great example of the power of Avinox’s drive system. The lightweight carbon frame, mid-drive motor and dual FOX suspension deliver a sublime, lively riding experience on and off-road.
Of course, you'll pay a premium for the above-average riding experience, but in my humble opinion, it’s well worth it. People who mainly ride their e-bikes around town, especially those who commute on the train or tube, might want a lighter (and foldable) option.
However, if you don’t mind getting your trousers dirty and have some off-road fun sometimes, the Amflow TL Carbon won’t disappoint.
Also consider
The Himiway A7 Pro offers some of the Amflow TL Carbon's versatility for considerably less money. It has full suspension, a powerful mid-drive motor and a large 720Wh battery for longer rides. However, its 35kg weight makes it substantially heavier and less agile than the carbon-framed Amflow, especially on hills and demanding trails.
The Boardman MTX-E 8.9 is a more road-focused alternative to the Amflow TL Carbon, with a Shimano EP6 mid-drive motor, 504Wh battery and front suspension. It lacks the Amflow's rear suspension and outright power, but its hybrid design and narrower tyres make it an appealing option for commuting, cycle paths and occasional gravel adventures.
