This bike is part of our huge group test, „The best e-mountainbike of 2026 with 30 of the most exciting eMTBs of the season“ – click here for the intro, our key take aways and all the bikes.
22,04 kg in size M | €10,999 | Manufacturer’s website
A debut appearance in our huge E-MOUNTAINBIKE’s group test: for the first time, Megamo are entering the race for the title of best e-mountain bike. With the € 10,999 REASON CRB 01, the Spanish brand is going straight in with its flagship model. Despite the big 800 Wh battery and robust spec, it tips the scales at just 22.04 kg, which makes it one of the lighter bikes in this test field. Megamo were already among the pioneers of Avinox-powered eMTBs with the previous generation, and for the 2027 model year the REASON receives another performance boost with the new Avinox M2S system. Testing in Tremp, Spain, almost feels like a home game for the brand. But can the REASON capitalise on that advantage and hold its own against 29 strong rivals?
The Megamo REASON CRB 01 in Detail
The full carbon frame of the Megamo REASON, featuring a four-bar rear suspension design, looks exceptionally clean and tidy at first glance while offering enough space inside the front triangle for even large water bottles. The slim downtube plays a key role here. With a circumference of just 24 cm, it’s one of the most elegant solutions in this group test and conceals the 800 Wh battery remarkably well. The same applies to the cables, which are routed neatly through the head tube into the frame, further enhancing the REASON CRB 01’s sleek appearance. The trade-off, however, is a little extra complexity when it comes to servicing.
Despite the minimalist design language and clean, uncluttered appearance, the Megamo REASON CRB 01 still knows how to stand out. The “Amber Orange” paint finish, complete with an integrated pattern structure, is a real eye-catcher and gives the bike a distinctive, premium look.
To help preserve that premium finish for as long as possible, Megamo have given careful thought to the REASON’s protective features. The chainstay protector, integrated fender on the main pivot and robust downtube guard all do an effective job of shielding the frame from damage during hard trail riding.
The sprung charging port cover provides reliable protection against dirt and debris, although it could feel a little more premium to the touch.
The spec of the Megamo REASON CRB 01
The Megamo REASON CRB 01 is powered by a new Avinox M2S motor, which ranks among the most powerful systems in this group test, delivering up to 150 Nm of torque and 1,300 W of peak power in Boost mode. The motor draws its power from a permanently integrated 800 Wh battery, providing ample range for long, demanding days on the trail. Unusually, the system is controlled solely via an Avinox handlebar remote, but in combination with the well-integrated and highly functional 2-inch touchscreen display, this proves perfectly sufficient for making quick adjustments directly on the bike. At the same time, it contributes to the REASON’s clean and uncluttered appearance, which complements the rest of the bike’s design perfectly.
For the suspension, Megamo rely on premium FOX Factory components with a clear focus on maximum trail performance. Up front, a FOX 38 Factory fork with the GRIP X2 damper delivers 160 mm of travel, while a FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock takes care of suspension duties at the rear. Both offer extensive adjustment options and combine to create a highly capable package for demanding trails.
The rest of the spec is equally well chosen. DT Swiss HXC 1501 carbon wheels are paired with a proven MAXXIS combo consisting of an ASSEGAI up front and a Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the robust DoubleDown casings. This combination provides excellent stability and support through corners on the one hand, while also delivering a high level of puncture protection on the other. It’s a setup that makes perfect sense.
Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain, which draws its power directly from the main battery and adds extra functionality through features such as automated shifting. Braking duties are taken care of by Shimano XT four-piston brakes paired with 203 mm rotors front and rear.
Compromises exist, but they are concentrated in the details. The dropper post offers 175 mm of travel in size M, which will feel short to taller riders, and the low cockpit demands an adjustment period that not everyone will warm to. The Race Face grips on the test bike did little to help, offering limited grip and minimal vibration damping.
All things considered, the Megamo REASON comes with a very well-judged spec that delivers excellent trail performance and impressive durability while keeping overall weight low.
Top-shelf components throughout, and chosen with purpose.
-A fitting description from one of our testers of the Megamo REASON CRB 01’s specification.
MEGAMO Reason CRB 01
€ 10,999
Specifications
Motor Avinox M2S 150 Nm
Battery AVINOX 800 Wh
Display Avinox
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 180 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 203/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission 1x12
Stem Race Face Era 35 mm
Handlebar Race Face Era 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HXC 1501 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, 3C MaxxGrip, Doubledown/MAXXIS Minion DHRII, 3C MaxxTerra, Doubledown 2,5“ /2,4“
Technical Data
Size S M L
Weight 22,04 kg
Specific Features
Fast charging
Tuning tip: Fit a longer dropper post.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 584 mm | 617 mm | 651 mm | 665 mm |
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 420 mm | 455 mm | 460 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 120 mm | 140 mm | 152 mm |
| Head angle | 63,5° | 63,5° | 63,5° | 63,5° |
| Seat angle | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Chainstay | 450 mm | 454 mm | 458 mm | 458 mm |
| BB Drop | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1.233 mm | 1.274 mm | 1.317 mm | 1.334 mm |
| Reach | 442 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm | 512 mm |
| Stack | 617 mm | 635 mm | 653 mm | 664 mm |
Megamo REASON CRB 01 on the Trail
The uphill-Performance of the Megamo REASON CRB 01
On the climbs, the REASON feels decidedly sporty even in the descent-oriented low flip-chip setting. The compact riding position, combined with the steep seat tube angle, generates plenty of pressure through the pedals and, together with the low front end, keeps sufficient weight over the front wheel. As a result, the REASON CRB 01 remains impressively composed on steep climbs, without requiring you to actively shift your weight forwards.
Traction is exceptional, though it’s almost secondary to the experience of the Avinox M2S motor, which brings a level of power that tends to bulldoze obstacles rather than pick through them. On short, steep climbs the REASON is among the fastest bikes in this test, matching the AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro and the Atherton S.170E for technical climbing performance. The peak power is impossible to ignore, yet the motor remains easy to modulate and impressively quiet under moderate loads. Push it to full output and an electric whine becomes audible, but it takes a deliberate effort to get there.
The downhill performance of the Megamo REASON CRB 01
Riding downhill, the REASON immediately reveals where its strengths lie. It feels compact, light and exceptionally intuitive to ride. The low system weight makes it easy to adjust your line, place the bike exactly where you want it, and encourages you to pop off trail features on a whim. That’s precisely what creates such a fun and engaging riding experience, delivering a direct and highly emotional connection to the trail.
Despite the relatively low front end, you feel well integrated into the bike. Handling is agile and playful without feeling nervous. Direction changes come easily, and active riding, bunny hops, small gaps, quick line adjustments, sits within the bike’s natural range. The character is reminiscent of the Propain Sresh SL and the Specialized S-Works Levo R, but the REASON pairs that agility with greater composure and more reserve on rough terrain. Stability at speed is a genuine strength, the bike remaining settled where lighter, more playful machines begin to feel stretched. Only on the steepest sections does the front end height occasionally feel limiting.
A real highlight is the suspension. The FOX 38 Factory fork with GRIP X2 damper is exceptionally sensitive, offers plenty of support and remains pleasantly fatigue-free even on long descents. Paired with the FLOAT X2 Factory shock, it creates a highly balanced setup with just the right amount of progression, allowing you to use the full travel without harsh bottom-outs. Overall, the bike is impressively quiet on the trail, with only the brake hoses occasionally making their presence known acoustically.
All things considered, the REASON strikes an exceptionally impressive balance between agility and composure. It feels more playful than many traditional e-mountain bikes, yet remains remarkably confident when the trail gets rough. On the descents, it clearly competes in the same league as bikes like the Levo R and the Atherton S.170E, although the latter still has slightly more reserves when it comes to all-out, flat-out high-speed shredding.
The Megamo REASON combines a playful character with genuine downhill performance, and absolutely nails the balance between the two.
Who is the Megamo REASON CRB 01 the right eMTB for?
The REASON CRB 01 is aimed at riders looking for an e-mountain bike that combines a low system weight with exceptional performance and rewards an active riding style. It will particularly appeal to those who value playful handling but don’t want to sacrifice composure and reserves when the terrain gets rough. Thanks to its excellent suspension, intuitive handling and broad range of capabilities, it feels just as at home on flowing trails as it does on technical descents.
The right bike for:
Cross-country riders with a love of descending
The REASON delivers a very sporty riding position thanks to its low front end and steep seat angle, pairing it with a motor system powerful enough to leave even Nino Schurter behind. At the same time, it offers plenty of reserves and an enormous amount of fun when the trail points downhill.
Master painters
Few bikes offer such a wide range of attractive paint finishes. There’s something here for everyone.
Not the right bike for:
Comfort-focused tour riders
If maximum comfort on long rides is your priority, there are better options available with a more upright riding position.
Fans of extravagant frame designs
The REASON’s frame has clean, purposeful lines but is not particularly radical in its shaping. That said, there is no denying that the rear suspension design works exceptionally well.
Conclusions about the Megamo REASON CRB 01
The Megamo REASON CRB 01 is one of the biggest surprises in this group test. It combines a low system weight, immense motor power and outstanding trail performance into a remarkably well-rounded package. On the climbs, it ranks among the very best thanks to its powerful yet controllable Avinox M2S motor, while on the descents it impresses with an exceptional balance of agility, composure and suspension performance. Aside from a few minor details, such as the short dropper post and the low cockpit, there is very little to criticise. Megamo’s debut in this group test is a resounding success.
Tops
- Agile and direct handling
- Excellent composure
- Outstanding suspension performance
- Clean, sleek frame design
- Low overall weight
Flops
- Dropper post travel is too short
For more information about the Megamo REASON CRB 01, head over to Megamo.com.
The test field
For an overview of this group test, click here:
The best e-mountainbike of 2026 – The 30 most exciting bikes in the big group test
All bikes in test: AMFLOW PX Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon, Centurion No Pogo R7000, Thömus Lightrider E-MAX, Aventon Current EXP, Atherton S.170E, Haibike AllMtn CF 11 TRN/IQ 2025, Abums Model One, MEGAMO Reason CRB 01, Santa Cruz Vala AL 70, Specialized Levo R, Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp Alloy, Yeti LTE T4.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker
About the Author
Lars Engmann
Lars Engmann is an editor at 41 Publishing. His work is strongly influenced by his background as an engineer and technical writer, with his experience of driving resistance determination giving him sharp analytical skills. He is responsible for operative individual and comparison tests for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and ENDURO, with a focus on range analysis and efficiency measurements. As a specialist in optimisation and system weight, he brings his passion for precision to product evaluation. He combines technical documentation with applied performance analysis in the E-Performance segment.
