Weighing, measuring, and assessing the real-world suspension travel of the new DJI-equipped Teewing's Turbo Force, attempting to determine its potential as Amflow's successor.
In-Depth Analysis: Teewing Turbo Force Electric Mountain Bike vs Amflow PL Carbon
The recently unboxed Teewing Turbo Force, one of six DJI-powered e-bikes on the market, shares similarities with the Amflow PL Carbon, raising questions about its superiority in the competitive electric mountain bike sector.
A comprehensive examination of the Teewing Turbo Force reveals design similarities with the GT Force, as well as the same four-bar suspension layout and vertical shock position. Despite no collaboration between the two brands, the Teewing shares a substantial resemblance to the Amflow PL Carbon, arguably the best electric mountain bike featuring a DJI Avinox motor to date.
Frame and Suspension Design
Although the Teewing Turbo Force adopts an ill-suited moniker for a mountain bike, its design shares numerous elements with the Amflow PL Carbon, including the same four-bar suspension setup, a vertical rather than horizontally mounted shock, and identical travel measurements (150mm rear travel and a 160mm fork).
Shock and Fork
While the Teewing Turbo Force incorporates a RockShox Lyrik base model fork, it opts for a more advanced RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock compared to the Fox components used by Amflow. Test rides have reported underwhelming performance from the basic Rush RC damper in the fork, with potential benefits from upgrading to the RockShox Charger 3.1 damper for improved control, grip, and comfort.
Pricing
The Teewing Turbo Force carries a price tag of €6,699 in Europe and is expected to retail for £6,699 in the United Kingdom later this summer. Despite this, the bike offers a less expensive Turbo Force model, estimated to cost around £5,500 in the UK, undercutting the Amflow by £500. The primary differences between the two Turbo Force models exist in the drivetrain and braking components, with the pricier model boasting a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Motive brakes.
Wheels and Tyres
The Turbo Force utilizes Breo-X1701E wheels and Maxxis Assegais with EXO+ and MaxxTerra tires on the front and rear, respectively. Both components are deemed heavy compared to high-end alternatives and could potentially be replaced for enhanced grip and support.
Avinox Motor
The Teewing Turbo Force boasts the largest, 800Wh battery pack compared to the Amflow's 600Wh. However, it lacks the magnetic self-closing door found aboard the Amflow, instead relying on a rubber bung.
Geometry Measurements
The size Large Turbo Force offers a real-world reach measurement of 477mm, closely matching the claimed Teewing data sheets and exceeding the Amflow by 7mm. The bike also features a longer head tube and a moreospacious ride due to the longer head tube, providing additional room for the rider.
Weight
The Teewing Turbo Force weighs around 21.9 kg, 400g heavier than the Amflow. This variance can be attributed to differences in suspension linkage and spec components like the shock and fork.
Suspension Travel
When measuring the vertical distance between the wheel at full extension and full compression, the Turbo Force is found to have 5mm less travel (145mm) than advertised.
In summary, the Teewing Turbo Force shares design similarities with the Amflow PL Carbon, utilizes quality components, and offers an upgrade to the DJI Avinox motor and battery. While it is slightly pricier than the Amflow, it provides a less expensive model and presents a competitive option for electric mountain bike enthusiasts.
- The Teewing Turbo Force, in its attempt to rival the Amflow PL Carbon, showcases a shared design focus with the four-bar suspension setup, vertical shock position, and similar travel measurements.
- In search of more advanced shock performance, the Teewing Turbo Force has opted for a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, surpassing the Fox components currently used by Amflow.
