If you’ve seen the bright orange Megamo Reason flashing across YouTube or the trails lately, you’re not imagining it – this Spanish-built e-MTB is making a serious entrance.
It’s a full-power, full-carbon 160 mm bike built around DJI’s Avinox M1 motor system – delivering 120 Nm of torque, a big 800 Wh battery, and handling that feels more like a lightweight trail bike than a 21 kg e-machine.
But it’s also a bike that splits opinion. The sleek frame hides a non-removable battery and headset cable routing, which some riders love for the clean look – and others instantly rule out.
At Ribble Valley E-Bikes, we stock everything from the affordable Reason AL models through to the top-end Reason CRB 01, so we’ve pulled together:
Rob Rides EMTB’s full video review
Independent press tests
Rider feedback from Reddit and forums
Real-world owner impressions
Our own experience of how the Reason rides on UK trails
This guide breaks down what the bike does well, where it divides opinion, and which version best fits your riding.
The Megamo Reason – slim, modern and very much not your average full-power e-MTB.
Clean frame lines hide the Avinox M1 motor and 800 Wh battery inside the slim downtube.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Lightweight full-power e-MTB: Around 21 kg with an 800 Wh battery and 120 Nm torque.
Trail / light-enduro focused: Superb suspension and geometry for modern UK riding.
Trade-offs to accept: Fixed battery and headset cable routing are the main compromises.
Plenty of choice: Available in both alloy and carbon builds at multiple price points.
🧭 Jump to:
Quick Verdict
Key Specs
Design & Frame
Motor & Battery
Suspension & Handling
Climbing & Descending
Sizing & Fit
Real Rider Feedback
Alloy vs Carbon
Who It Suits
Reason Range
Conclusion
FAQs
Quick Verdict – Should You Buy a Megamo Reason?
If you want the “tell me straight” version before the deep dive:
The Megamo Reason is a lightweight, full-power e-MTB with a huge 800 Wh battery, a seriously smooth Avinox motor and geometry that feels ready for proper trail and light-enduro riding.
It rewards confident, active riders who want a fast, stable bike for big days out – and who aren’t scared off by headset cable routing or a fixed battery.
What it does really well
Looks and frame design – slim downtube, tidy silhouette, nothing like the chunky e-MTBs we were seeing a few years ago.
Motor system – Avinox M1 is powerful, quiet and highly tunable via app and on-bike touchscreen.
Battery & weight – 800 Wh with claimed ~21–21.5 kg weight on the carbon models is a very strong combo.
Suspension – four-bar Horst link layout with FOX suspension gives loads of grip and support.
Value – the alloy Reason AL builds bring Avinox performance and the same core frame/platform down to more reachable budgets.
What you need to be OK with
Headset cable routing – looks tidy; lots of riders hate working on it.
Fixed internal battery – lighter and stiffer frame, but you can’t lift the pack out for charging or winter storage.
Spec choices – EXO casing tyres and short stock dropper on some builds are under-gunned for heavier, harder riders.
Sizing – bikes run big; many riders are sizing down.
If that mix still sounds promising, the Reason is absolutely worth shortlisting – especially if you want something that doesn’t look like every Bosch-powered trail bike in the car park.
Watch Rob Rides EMTB’s full Megamo Reason review on YouTube.
Key Specs at a Glance (Reason CRB 01)
To keep things simple, we’ll use the top-end Reason CRB 01 as the reference build:
Frame: Full carbon, 160 mm rear travel, four-bar Horst link
Fork: FOX 36 Factory, 160 mm (can run 170 mm / 38 if you really want to push it)
Shock: FOX Float X2 Factory, 160 mm
Wheel size: 29" front and rear (with flip-chip for small geo tweaks)
Motor: DJI Avinox M1, up to 120 Nm torque, ~1,000 W peak
Battery: 800 Wh fixed internal pack
Display: 2" OLED top-tube touchscreen with app connectivity
Weight: ~21–21.5 kg in size L (full-power, big-battery build)
Travel class: 160/160 mm – all-mountain / light-enduro platform
Side-profile of the Megamo Reason CRB 01 – the 160/160 mm reference build used for these key specs.
Other Reason and Reason Air builds keep the same design language and motor system, but drop spec and/or travel for better value and lighter weight.
👉 Browse the Megamo Reason Range
Design & Frame – Slim, Modern and Very “New Wave e-MTB”
Most riders who see the Reason in person have the same reaction: “That’s an e-bike?”
The down tube is noticeably slimmer than most full-power bikes, even with an 800 Wh pack hidden inside. Pair that with clean lines through the main triangle, colour-matched FOX suspension on the higher builds, and you get a bike that looks closer to an aggressive analogue enduro rig than a typical e-MTB.
A few details worth calling out:
Four-bar Horst link suspension:
Simple, proven layout with good small-bump sensitivity, predictable braking behaviour and room for long droppers.
160 mm front and rear travel:
Enough to handle steeper UK trail centre blacks and natural enduro tracks, without turning into a blunt park bike.
Flip chip:
Allows a small geo tweak between “low” and “high” settings. In practice it changes things only slightly, but it’s handy if you want a fraction more BB height or a touch steeper front end.
Headset cable routing:
Internally, the lines drop through the stem/headset rather than entering the head tube in the traditional way. Looks very tidy. Mechanics and home tinkerers are far less impressed – expect more faff for bar swaps, brake bleeding and headset bearing jobs.
Paint and finishes
The orange “factory” colourway in the video pops hard in the sun, but Megamo also offer deeper blue and raw/silver options – the alloy frames do a good job of mimicking carbon with smoothed welds and hydroformed tubing. If you prefer something more understated for muddy UK winters, the darker tones work well.
Motor & Battery – Avinox M1: Smooth, Powerful and Very Tunable
Megamo’s big swing is building the Reason around DJI’s Avinox M1 system instead of the usual Bosch/Shimano suspects. That choice is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
On paper:
DJI’s Avinox M1 motor delivers 120 Nm of torque with seamless, app-tunable assistance.
⚙️ Avinox M1 Motor Highlights
Torque: 120 Nm
Peak Power: ~1,000 W
Battery: 800 Wh internal (non-removable)
Charging: ~1% per minute with 12A charger
Display: 2” OLED touchscreen + mobile app
On the trail:
Reviewers and early riders consistently say the Avinox feels extremely smooth and predictable. Power ramps with your own torque, rather than surging in blocks, so the bike feels like a stronger version of your legs rather than a motor dragging you up the hill.
One particularly useful detail from Rob’s testing: you can run lower assistance with full peak power. That means:
In Trail mode, you can set the motor so you need to put in meaningful watts (say, ~450 W) to unlock the full 1,000 W from the system.
In Turbo, you can let the motor do the heavy lifting, cruise fire roads and wipe out the boring parts of a ride.
Fast charging vs removable packs
The fixed battery is the main dividing line in rider comments:
Some love the cleaner frame, lower weight and fewer rattles, and just top the bike up during lunch stops or in the van using a power pack.
Others absolutely want a removable pack for hotel/B&B storage, flat access, or long-term serviceability.
If you live in a flat where the bike stays in a ground-floor store or garage and the charger can reach, the fixed pack is much less of a concern. If you rely on carrying batteries into warm indoor storage across winter, it’s something to think about before you buy.
Suspension & Handling – Stable, Fast and Lively Out of the Box
With 160 mm travel front and rear, a 63.5° head angle and a long wheelbase, you’d expect the Reason to be a straight-line plough. In reality, it’s more nuanced than that.
Suspension behaviour
Riders and reviewers both praise the four-bar layout:
Very supple off the top, happy to track wet roots and small chatter.
Enough support and progression to handle drops around the 5–6 ft mark without harsh bottom-outs, especially once you add another volume spacer.
FOX 36 Factory / Float X2 pairing on the CRB models gives you a huge tuning window and a feel that’s closer to a “mini-DH” bike than a tame trail rig, without feeling dead.
Handling and tyres
Two stock choices flavour the ride feel:
Short 35 mm stem = sharp steering out of the box.
Fast-rolling EXO casing tyres = low weight and speed, at the cost of a slightly pingy, nervous feel in rougher terrain and higher puncture risk for heavier riders.
Most testers who pushed the bike hard said the same thing:
“Give me slightly heavier-casing tyres and a 50 mm stem and this becomes the sweet-spot setup.”
That’s good news for UK buyers, because a casing upgrade and small cockpit tweak are relatively cheap and easy changes – and you get to keep the light, playful feel while gaining more grip and damping on rockier trails.
Climbing & Descending – What to Expect on UK Trails
Every great e-MTB can climb and descend – but how it feels on real UK terrain is what separates the good from the great. Here’s what to expect from the Reason once you leave the car park and hit proper trails.
Climbing
On fire roads and mellow singletrack, the Reason climbs efficiently and comfortably.
On steeper, more technical climbs, some riders have described the bike as a little rear-biased – you’ll need to consciously weight the front wheel to hold tight lines.
The steep seat tube angle and long chainstays do help, but long reach on the size L amplifies that “rear-heavy” sensation for some.
The flip side is that the Avinox motor has the traction and control to crawl up silly gradients when you get your balance right. With assistance tuned properly, it makes trials-style tech climbs feel achievable rather than something to dread.
Descending
Pointed downhill, the Reason shines:
Composed and stable at speed, without feeling like a dead weight.
Happy to plough through choppy rock gardens and root carpets, but still willing to pop and change lines rather than locking into a single track.
Taller front end and long chainstays combo gives a reassuring “in” rather than “on” the bike feeling – great for first-time big-travel e-MTB owners.
The only real limitation stock is the shorter dropper on some builds. Taller riders in particular will appreciate upgrading to a 210–240 mm post to really make the most of the low seat tube and straight insertion.
Sizing & Fit – Important Before You Hit “Buy”
One clear message from comments and forum threads: Megamo’s sizing runs big.
The size L has a 500 mm reach and long wheelbase figures you’d usually see on an XL from mainstream brands.
Several riders around 5'10" (178 cm) reported that they’d pick a size S or M, not an L, to get the handling they want.
At the very tall end (190 cm+), some testers feel the current 3-size spread (S/M/L) doesn’t give quite enough adjustability.
If you’re between sizes or used to “modern long and slack” geometry already, there’s a good chance you’ll want to size down on the Reason compared to, say, Cube or Haibike.
This is where a proper test ride makes all the difference – especially if you’re buying a bike at Reason CRB price levels. We’d always recommend swinging a leg over at least one size before committing.
Real Rider Feedback – The Main Themes
Once you strip out the YouTube hype and forum noise, a few themes keep popping up from real riders:
Positive
“Looks absolutely superb; doesn’t scream e-bike at a distance.”
“Motor feels incredibly smooth and natural; no surging or awkward pickup.”
“Climbs better than expected once you get your weight forward.”
“Suspension feels nicely balanced – sensitive but still supportive when it gets rough.”
“Cheaper alloy models share the same geometry and motor, so the entry ticket into Avinox/Megamo is strong.”
Critical / watch-outs
“Headset cable routing means I won’t buy one, regardless of how well it rides.”
“Fixed battery is a big concern for B&B stays and winter storage.”
“Tyres and dropper are under-specced for a 160 mm e-MTB.”
“Limited sizes and big reach numbers make sizing tricky for short and very tall riders.”
Our take: the ride quality, weight and motor system are strong enough that many riders are happy to accept the compromises. But if you’re already firmly against headset routing or non-removable batteries, this probably isn’t the electric mountain bike that will change your mind.
Real-World Ride Impressions – UK Trails, Real Conditions
The Megamo Reason tackling mixed UK terrain – fast hardpack, roots and wet grit.
🏔️ How it feels on the trail
Most testers describe the Reason as sitting halfway between a full-power enduro bike and a lightweight “SL” e-MTB.
Power delivery: linear, grippy and confidence-boosting on wet climbs.
Handling: agile through switchbacks yet planted at speed.
Ride feel: the Avinox motor disappears once you’re moving — it feels like a fitter version of you.
Battery life: 800 Wh easily covers 40–50 km trail loops with mixed elevation.
“It’s the first full-power bike that rides like an analogue enduro rig.” – Rob Rides EMTB
Alloy vs Carbon – Which Megamo Reason Build Makes Sense?
From a performance and value perspective, the sweet spots in the range tend to be:
Reason AL 05 – alloy frame with FOX 36 Performance / Float X, Avinox motor, solid mid-tier components. Great for riders who want the platform and motor without spending top-end money.
Example product: Megamo Reason AL 05
Reason CRB 01 – full-carbon flagship with Factory suspension, electronic drivetrain and premium wheelset. Ideal if you want the lightest, sharpest version of the bike out of the box.
Example product: Megamo Reason CRB 01
The important thing is that geometry and motor system stay consistent across the family, so you can choose based on budget and component preference rather than worrying about “second-class” frames.
If you’re not sure which build fits your riding, budget and local terrain, the easiest way is to:
Shortlist 2–3 builds from our Megamo Reason range.
Compare suspension, brakes and drivetrain first – those shape ride feel more than flashy finishing kit.
Think about your likely upgrade path (tyres, dropper, stem) and budget accordingly.
Who the Megamo Reason Suits Best
The Reason is a great match if:
You want a full-power, long-travel e-MTB that still feels relatively light and agile.
You like the idea of a modern motor system with lots of configurability rather than sticking to the usual suspects.
You mostly ride trail, all-mountain and light-enduro terrain rather than pure bike-park laps.
You’re willing to tweak tyres, dropper and cockpit to get the bike feeling exactly how you like.
It’s not the ideal bike if:
You need a removable battery for charging or storage logistics.
You refuse to deal with headset cable routing on principle.
You ride constant steep, tight switchbacks and prefer ultra-short wheelbases and razor-sharp flickability above all else.
How it compares to rivals
If you’re cross-shopping the Reason against Bosch or Shimano-powered bikes like the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160, Haibike AllMtn or Orbea Wild, expect a very different character. The Megamo feels lighter and more agile, with the Avinox motor delivering smoother torque and less mechanical “kick”. You give up the widespread service network of Bosch, but gain a frame that looks and rides closer to a high-end analogue enduro bike. For riders who care as much about handling and aesthetics as outright support coverage, it’s a compelling trade-off.
If that still sounds like your kind of riding, the Reason is absolutely worth a proper demo.
Megamo Reason Range at a Glance – Which Build Fits You Best?
The Megamo Reason family splits into two clear camps - the lighter Reason Air models for fast, flowy trails, and the full-power Reason builds for bigger terrain and all-mountain riding. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose.
Model
Why choose it
Reason Air AL 04
Entry-level Air with the same Avinox motor and 800Wh battery – perfect for new riders.
Reason Air AL 09
Upgraded drivetrain and suspension for trail-centre days and all-round use.
Reason Air AL 15
FOX suspension and stronger brakes – great value for confident trail riders.
Reason Air CRB 00
Full carbon frame, lightest Air model – ideal for riders chasing weight savings.
Reason Air CRB 08
Factory suspension and high-end spec – premium feel in a mid-travel platform.
Reason Air CRB 10
Top of the Air range – cutting-edge build for XC and trail speed fiends.
Reason AL 03
Entry-level full-power e-MTB – great start for those new to 160mm travel bikes.
Reason AL 05
Sweet-spot all-rounder with FOX Performance suspension and strong value.
Reason AL 07
Tougher spec and brakes – suits heavier or more aggressive riders.
Reason CRB 01
Flagship carbon build – Factory suspension, premium drivetrain, ultimate refinement.
Reason CRB 03
Lighter carbon platform with a more attainable mid-range spec.
Reason CRB 05
Balanced spec for trail and enduro use – strong mid-tier choice.
Reason CRB 07
High-end performer just below the flagship – blends value with top-spec components.
💡 Quick tip: The Reason AL 05 hits the best balance of value and performance for most UK trail riders, while the CRB 01 is the top pick for those chasing the lightest, sharpest build available.
Conclusion – Is the Megamo Reason the Right e-MTB for You?
The Megamo Reason isn’t trying to be the safest, most middle-of-the-road choice. It’s a bold, modern e-MTB that combines a slim, almost analogue-looking frame with a seriously powerful Avinox motor, big 800 Wh battery and sorted 160/160 mm suspension platform.
If you’re happy to live with a fixed battery and headset cable routing, you’re rewarded with a bike that climbs better than its travel suggests, feels stable and composed when the trails get rough, and still comes in lighter than many full-power rivals. The alloy builds offer an especially strong way into the platform without giving up the geometry or motor that make the Reason interesting in the first place.
If you’re unsure on size, spec or whether the Reason fits your local riding, the best next step is simple:
👉 Shortlist a couple of builds from our Megamo Reason range, then book a test ride from our Ribble Valley showroom.
We’ll help you get the right size, talk through tyres/dropper/stem tweaks and let you feel how the Avinox motor and suspension behave on real UK trails – so you can decide with your legs, not just a spec sheet.
Pick Your Megamo Reason - Our Top Recommendations
Not sure where to start? These four builds cover most UK riders - from best-value alloy to full-carbon flagship.
Reason AL 05
Best-value all-rounder with FOX Performance suspension and the full-power Avinox system.
Ideal for: UK trail centres, big weekend rides, riders upgrading from analogue enduro bikes.
View build
Reason CRB 01
Full-carbon flagship with FOX Factory suspension, premium drivetrain and 800 Wh battery.
Ideal for: riders chasing the sharpest handling and lowest weight out of the box.
View build
Reason Air AL 15
Mid-travel “Air” build with FOX suspension and stronger brakes – lighter, livelier feel.
Ideal for: fast flow trails, all-day rides and riders who don’t need full 160 mm travel.
View build
Reason Air CRB 08
Carbon-frame Air model with Factory-level kit – fast, efficient and seriously refined.
Ideal for: riders who want a lighter, premium-feel e-MTB for mixed XC / trail use.
View build
FAQs – Megamo & the Reason, Answered
Before you buy (or even demo) the Reason, there are a few recurring questions every rider seems to ask – from battery practicality to long-term ownership quirks. Here’s what you’ll actually want to know:
Is the Megamo Reason reliable long-term?
The Reason’s Avinox M1 motor is still relatively new, but early testing and real-world use show it’s impressively smooth and quiet with none of the overheating or rattle issues some early Avinox bikes had. The frame, suspension and general build quality are all solid – most rider criticism centres on maintenance access (headset routing) rather than durability.
Can I remove the battery for charging or travel?
No – the 800 Wh battery is fixed inside the frame. That’s a deal-breaker for some, but it also means the frame stays slimmer, stiffer and lighter. Most owners just charge via the 12 A fast charger (around 1% per minute) and top up from a van or power bank during rides.
How big a deal is the headset cable routing really?
It depends on how hands-on you are. If you like swapping bars, brakes or stems, it’s an extra layer of faff – but it’s not a reason to dismiss the bike outright. Most owners find it fine once set up, and it undeniably gives the Reason its clean front-end look.
What size should I get?
The Reason runs large – a size L feels closer to most brands’ XL. Riders around 5'10" (178 cm) have found a Medium or even Small gives a better handling balance. Always demo before buying if possible, especially if you’re between sizes.
How does the Avinox motor compare to Bosch or Shimano systems?
Power-wise, it’s a monster – up to 120 Nm and 1,000 W peak, with very natural torque response. The Bosch CX still wins for service network and proven mileage, but Avinox feels smoother and more tuneable through the app. Think of it as the performance motor for riders who like to customise.
Is the Megamo Reason worth the money?
If you’re paying for the CRB models, you’re in top-tier e-MTB territory – but the alloy Reason AL range offers exceptional value, with the same motor, geometry and suspension layout at nearly half the cost. If you’re comparing spec-for-spec against Cube, Trek or Orbea, Megamo’s pricing looks very strong.
What are the first upgrades most owners make?
Heavier-casing tyres (EXO+ or DoubleDown) and a longer dropper post. Both upgrades improve stability and confidence on technical UK trails without breaking the budget.
Who is the Reason best suited to?
Trail and all-mountain riders who want full power and range in a bike that still feels lively. It’s ideal for riders who enjoy big days out, natural descents and light enduro terrain – not necessarily park laps or constant tight switchbacks.