New Megamo REASON CRB 01 on Test – The All-Rounder Among Avinox-driven eMTBs?

Sometimes choice really is a pain – especially when a bike stands out as much as the Megamo REASON. With its striking paint job and 160/160 mm of travel, it aims to be the all-round e-mountain bike for all scenarions. We took a closer look to see if it delivers on that promise.

Catalan bike manufacturer Megamo has so far made a name for itself primarily in the drop-bar segment. With the new REASON, they are now venturing into the eMTB segment – with a bike that relies on an DJI Avinox M1 motor. The REASON CRB generates 160 mm of travel front and rear, and rolls on 29” wheels.

The REASON model range is unusually big: a whopping 13 variants are available, with prices ranging from € 4,999 to € 11,999. On top of that, there are two distinct series – the REASON and the lighter REASON AIR – each available in both carbon and aluminum versions. The top-spec model we tested costs €11,499 and weighs in at 21.5 kg in size L. That’s a bold statement for a full-power e-mountain bike. Read the full review to find out how it fares on the trail and what you get for your money!

The New Megamo REASON CRB in Detail

Sick paint job, sleek silhouette! With the Megamo REASON CRB 01, other brands could literally take a slice off the downtube diameter. Even with a big 800 Wh battery hidden inside, the downtube isn’t much beefier than that of an analogue mountain bike. Overall, the carbon frame’s design language is coherent and rather slender.

The shimmering FOX Kashima suspension matches the bold orange paint job and white decals beautifully – even if the orange tones of the bike and Kashima coating aren’t perfectly aligned. The slim, tidy cockpit complements the downtube’s look, though the headset cable routing is bound to test your patience when it comes to servicing, like swapping brakes.

The Catalan “stallion” is powered by a Avinox M1 motor. Since the 2025 power update, it now pushes a hefty 1,000 watts of peak output and up to 120 Nm of torque in Boost mode. The motor draws its power from a fully-integrated 800 Wh battery. This can be charged via a charging port on the seat tube, which is protected by a plastic cover. Unlike Rotwild, however, Megamo forgo a removable battery to save weight.

One big advantage of the DJI ecosystem: the fast-charging feature, which allows you to charge the battery from 0 to 100% in just 145 minutes. Of course, that’s only possible if you have a power outlet in your bike shed or garage. Still, at 21.5 kg, the REASON can be lugged up to a second-floor apartment if necessary – not pleasant, but doable.

A clear overview of all your ride data is provided by the 2-inch OLED display neatly integrated into the top tube. The sensitive touchscreen works just like a smartphone and is intuitive to use – even when we gave it a soaking from our water bottle. Alongside the usual metrics like as speed, ride modes and battery charge status, it can also display a whole host of additional information. Add to that a wide range of connectivity features. Through the companion app, you can not only customise the look of the display, but also fine-tune the motor’s ride modes in detail. Connectivity? Sorted.

Control on the go is handled through a solid handlebar remote. Here you can activate walk mode or fire up the 30-second boost – unless you’ve already extended it to 60 seconds in the app.

The Specs of the New Megamo REASON CRB

For the suspension, Megamo rely on FOX Factory components. Up front, a 36 Factory with the GRIP X2 damper takes care of business – the very fork that came out on top in the big suspension fork comparison test of our sister magazine ENDURO. In one sentence, it delivers first-class performance out on the trail. A FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock controls 160 mm of travel at the rear, offering just as many adjustment options as the fork for a sensitive yet powerful ride feel.

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, delivering precise performance even under load. Shimano XT four-piston brakes with big 203 mm rotors do stopping duties, providing powerful, reliable deceleration and excellent modulation.

For the wheels, Megamo picked a DT Swiss HXC 1501 wheelset with 30 mm carbon rims, which strike a fine balance between strength and weight efficiency. The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with an 2.5” Assegai in at the front and a 2.4” Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the thin EXO casing. If you’re planning to take the REASON to the bike park, you’ll definitely want to upgrade to a tougher casing.

FOX also supply the dropper post: a 175 mm Transfer Factory model, which is clearly too short for a 160/160 mm bike and feels a bit outdated – an area where Megamo really need to step things up. On the smaller frame sizes, travel is reduced even further to 125 mm (S) and 150 mm (M).

The cockpit consists of 800 mm RaceFace ERA carbon handlebars and a 35mm Satory New Ursa stem.

Other Spec Variants of the New Megamo REASON

The Megamo REASON range includes 13 models, available in both carbon and alloy frames, and offered in two platforms: the REASON and REASON AIR, both of which use DJI’s motor and battery system but differ in suspension travel. The REASON runs 160/160 mm, while the lighter AIR comes with 140/140 mm

The most affordable carbon option is the REASON CRB 07, which retails at € 5,999. Here you’ll have to compromise on the spec: instead of high-end Factory parts, you get a FOX AWL HD fork and a FOX Rhythm shock – simple to set up but far from the performance of the pricier versions. Braking is handled by Shimano’s older MT520 brakes, while shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed Shimano XT M8100 drivetrain. Wheels and dropper post are both from Megamo’s own component brand.

Things get more interesting with the REASON AL 05, also priced at € 5,999. This model features a FOX 36 Performance fork and FOX Float X Performance shock – a much more capable combo. Shifting is managed by a mechanical SRAM GX Transmission without mech hanger, a proven and robust system. Stopping power comes from the new Shimano XT BR-M8220 brakes. In terms of value for money, the AL 05 is our pick of the bunch.

The model range is rounded off by another low-spec alloy REASON at € 4,999 – aimed at those wanting to step into the Megamo world without breaking the bank.

The Geometry of the New Megamo REASON CRB

The REASON is offered in just three frame sizes — S, M, and L — which limits its appeal to a narrower range of riders. For anyone over 1.90 m, the 500 mm reach on the size L is simply too short, while smaller riders will find the size S already too stretched. This leaves a noticeable gap between the extremes. We’d like to see more size options and finer gradations to properly cater to both very tall and very small riders.

One standout feature is the size-specific chainstay length across the range. On the size L, they measure a hefty 457 mm – which is noticeably longer than what many competitors offer.

A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to switch between a low and high setting to tweak the geometry slightly: in the latter position, the head and seat tube angles steepens up by 0.2°, while the already long reach grows by another 2 mm – and the stack height drops by 2 mm. We mainly rode the bike in the low setting, which is also how it comes delivered.

Size	S		M		L
Flip chip	HIGH	LOW	HIGH	LOW	HIGH	LOW
Horizontal Top Tube	583 mm	584 mm	616 mm	617 mm	650 mm	651 mm
Chainstay	449 mm	450 mm	453 mm	454 mm	457 mm	458 mm
Seat Tube	400 mm		420 mm		455 mm
Head Tube	100 mm		120 mm		140 mm
Reach	444 mm	442 mm	472 mm	470 mm	502 mm	500 mm
Stack	615 mm	617 mm	633 mm	635 mm	651 mm	653 mm
BB Drop	27 mm	30 mm	27 mm	30 mm	27 mm	30 mm
BB Height	351 mm	348 mm	351 mm	348 mm	351 mm	348 mm
Head Angle	63.7°	63.5°	63.7°	63.5°	63.7°	63.5°
Seat Angle	77.2°	77°	77.2°	77°	77.2°	77°
Wheelbase	1232 mm	1233 mm	1273 mm	1274 mm	1316 mm	1317 mm

The New Megamo REASON CRB 01 on the Trail

The riding position on the REASON CRB feels stretched and noticeably rear-heavy. While this ensures a nice, direct push into the pedals, it positions you further back on the bike. On forest roads and mellow uphill trails that’s no issue at all. Once things get steeper and more technical though, you really have to work the front end to keep it tracking – otherwise the front wheel has a mind of its own and won’t hold the clean line you need for a smooth climb.

On the flip side, the rear suspension delivers plenty of traction, helping you make steady progress despite the rear-heavy pedalling position. As expected, the Avinox motor performs at a very high level. When it drives you uphill, shifting your weight forward a little is easy, and the sheer speed at which you power up the climb gives you all the stability you need.

Once you’ve reached the top, there’s only one thing on your mind: heading down – fast, and possibly with a grin on your face! When gravity takes over, the REASON feels composed and stable. The riding position remains slightly rear-heavy, a sensation amplified by the long reach, but the combination of a tall front-end and long chainstays creates a reassuring sense of security. On flatter terrain, you’ll need to actively weight the front wheel to unlock both speed and grip. As the trail steepens and roughens up, the REASON ploughs through rock gardens and root carpets with ease. But it doesn’t bulldoze like a heavy tank – it skips through more like a surprisingly nimble grasshopper. The only real limitation is the dropper post, which restricts freedom of movement with its rather conservative 175 mm of travel.

The suspension performs reliably across the board, offering plenty of reserves and easily soaking up bigger hits. It also handles drops and jumps with confidence,delivering enough pop and providing solid support, even forgiving the occasional sketchy landing. In the air, the REASON feels more agile than many other eMTBs, yet never twitchy.

Tight switchbacks aren’t exactly the REASON’s strong suit. Despite its moderate 21.5 kg system weight, it feels a bit ungainly in really tight corners. You’ll need to put in some work to carry momentum out of turns. A big part of that comes down to the sizing: with a 500 mm reach in size L – numbers you’d usually expect from an XL – negotiating hairpins doesn’t come quite as naturally.

That said, the REASON is still a lot of fun to ride. However, if you want to charge push without compromising, you might be disappointed. The stock MAXXIS tires with lightweight EXO casing keep the weight down, but on an eMTB they’re far too puncture-prone – and not really suited to the kind of terrain this bike is built for.

Who Should Take a CLoser Look at the New Megamo REASON CRB?

The Megamo REASON CRB 01 is made for riders who’d rather shuttle to the top than grind their way up in the saddle. The powerful Avinox M1 motor system carries you uphill with ease, while on the descents the bike impresses with plenty of composure and reserves. On the other hand, if you’re after a razor-sharp, agile bike to negotiate tight switchbacks, or plan to hit the bike park straight away on the stock tires, you’ll run into limitations. And both very tall and very small riders should be aware of the restricted size range.

Conclusions About the New Megamo REASON CRB 01

The Megamo REASON CRB 01 is a well-rounded all-mountain bike that blends the DJI Avinox system seamlessly into its design, drawing more attention instead to its striking orange paint finish. That said, the unusual sizing and the short-travel dropper post are points worth keeping in mind when considering a purchase. Uphill, the REASON proves to be a capable climber as long as the trails don’t get too technical. Riding downhill, it delivers plenty of stability combined with a lively suspension that has more than enough reserves – especially with tougher tires – to handle jumps and drops with confidence.

For more information, visit Megamo’s website.

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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Benedikt Schmidt