Are ‘eSUV’ e-bikes capable of transitioning from off-road trails to urban streets?

Have you ever wished for an electric bike that seamlessly shifts from the monotony of city streets to the thrill of off-road trails? Enter the “electric SUV” (eSUV) e-bikes, designed with robust all-terrain tires, front and rear suspension, and handy features like fenders and racks.

I recently put the TL Carbon e-bike from Amflow to the test, a brand that made waves in the mountain biking scene with its compact yet powerful Avinox motors. After a month of riding through Amsterdam, including a three-day bikepacking journey along scenic coastal routes and challenging forest trails, I can confirm that while there are trade-offs, the €3499 / $3,899 price tag delivers a versatile e-bike that’s perfect for grocery runs during the week and trail adventures on the weekend.

My first experience with a crossover e-bike was in 2024 when Cowboy introduced its aptly named Cross. Like many SUV cars, that e-bike felt more suited for pavement than dirt, but its rugged appearance attracted buyers looking for versatility. Today, eSUVs are gaining traction, with brands like Canyon, Specialized, Riese & Müller, and now Amflow joining the fray.

The Amflow TL Carbon is powered by the same Avinox drive system that revolutionized the electric mountain bike (eMTB) market two years ago. While it’s slightly less powerful and sporty than the impressive Amflow PX Carbon Pro I tested earlier, its eMTB heritage is clear.

I took the TL Carbon on a bikepacking trip from Amsterdam to Texel, a 170km journey consisting of about 70% asphalt, 20% gravel, and 10% rugged single-track trails. I was initially apprehensive about tackling the latter on a 19.2kg (42.3lbs) bike, loaded with an 87kg (190lbs) rider and around 20kg (44lbs) of gear. However, Amflow’s compact mid-drive Avinox M2 motor, boasting 125Nm of torque and a maximum output of 1100W, made climbing steep, technical hills a breeze—hills that other mountain bikers had to hike.

I was pleasantly surprised by the range I achieved with the 800Wh battery, even while bikepacking in windy conditions. Amflow offers an optional battery extender that adds 480Wh, but I found the standard capacity sufficient. I primarily rode in Eco mode to conserve battery, switching to Auto mode when facing strong headwinds and using Trail mode for challenging terrain. On my longest day, I arrived with 22% battery remaining after covering 82.3km (51.1 miles), which translates to an impressive 7.58Wh per km (or 12.2Wh per mile) while carrying a hefty load.

The TL Carbon’s removable battery is a significant advantage, allowing for easy charging at cafes or homes. I encountered no issues finding public chargers, thanks to the excellent cycling infrastructure in my country.

However, as an eMTB, the Amflow TL Carbon does have its compromises. The 27.5-inch front wheel is adequate for urban riding but struggles to roll over roots and rocks as effectively as the 29-inch wheels found on modern mountain bikes (though there’s room to swap in a larger wheel if desired). The geometry is more upright than many riders prefer for trail use, and the suspension travel is relatively short, better suited for potholes than significant drops—though it handled those well enough.

The features that make the TL Carbon great for city riding—like integrated lighting, a kickstand, a bell, mudguards, and racks—are not designed for quick removal, adding considerable weight to the otherwise lightweight (just 2.9kg) carbon frame. Switching to full eMTB mode could take 30 minutes or more, and the reverse process is just as time-consuming.

If the Amflow TL Carbon is your sole bike, it certainly performs well in urban settings. However, it’s akin to outfitting a WWII-era jeep with leather seats and a stereo and calling it a city car.

In urban environments, the TL Carbon stands out, and not always in a good way. Its premium look, gas shock, Fox branding, and wide knobby tires make it a target for theft, which is a concern in bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving it parked on the street overnight, although it does come equipped with Apple Find My for tracking.

The tires reveal the TL Carbon’s compromises. Amflow chose Maxxis Crossmark II tires, which excel on trails but add rolling resistance and noise during city commutes. They lack the advanced anti-puncture features found on commuting tires, making them susceptible to flats from urban debris. The knobby tread can also feel unstable during fast cornering on pavement until they wear down.

Additionally, the absence of a chain guard is fine for mountain biking but can be a hassle in the city, where exposed drivetrains can snag clothing or leave grease stains.

The dropper seat post is a handy feature for both trails and city riding, allowing for easy adjustments for different riders. However, it can’t be locked when parked, making it vulnerable to theft.

The front rack, paired with a bungee cord, simplifies running errands, while the rear rack can accommodate a compatible bike seat for transporting kids. The quick-release Amflow-branded panniers and top bag I used for bikepacking also work well for city trips—just detach the panniers when you reach the market, fill them with groceries, and reattach them for the ride home.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the versatile Amflow TL Carbon e-bike. It’s no slouch on the trails, feeling surprisingly agile and powerful even when fully loaded. Its capacity for hauling makes it suitable for daily city life, provided you’re okay with the quirks of riding a mountain bike in urban settings. The Amflow TL Carbon truly embodies the spirit of a “sport utility vehicle,” a feat that many gas-powered counterparts fail to achieve.

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Specifications:
* Avinox M2 mid-drive motor: Nominal 110Nm, Peak 125Nm
* Screen: Avinox DPC100, 2-inch OLED Control Display
* Battery: 800Wh Avinox RS800 Battery (removable and lockable)
* Controllers: Avinox Wireless Controller × 2 (one on each side of the handlebar)
* Charger: Avinox 4A Charger, 168W Output
* Rear shock: FOX FLOAT Rhythm, LSR adjustment, Amflow TL tuned, 190×45mm
* Front shock: FOX AWL Sport, 120mm, RAIL 2.0 damper, LSR adjustment, 15×110mm Kabolt, 44mm offset
* Cassette: CS-M5243, 10-Speed, 11-43T
* Brakes: Tektro TKD173 Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 4-Piston Caliper, Customized for Amflow
* Wheels: Amflow HTA-25 Front Wheel (27.5″)
* Tires: Maxxis 27.5×2.35 Crossmark II Wire Bead/Clincher/EXO/60TPI
* Dropper: Amflow TA, 31.6mm (Adjustable Travel: 0/-10/-20mm)