Megamo Ryal 08: Review of Avinox’s bargain-price model

Megamo has racing in its blood. The Catalan company has been building mountain bikes ever since it was founded in 1987, but for a long time it was virtually unknown in Germany. That has long since changed. More than almost any other brand, Megamo has used the Avinox hype as the perfect springboard to make a name for itself in German-speaking countries too.

Just good marketing at the right time? No. Because since Megamo has also been making its mark on the international stage, the bikes have evolved significantly. As recently as last year Here at BIKE, we put the affordable Flame e-MTB with a Bosch motor through its paces. With its low-profile tyres, long stem and stretched geometry and riding position, it was still very reminiscent of an older cross-country bike.

The first Avinox e-MTB, the Reason (reviewed here), with its almost overly progressive design, was in a league of its own. Modern, long and low, it made short work of enduro terrain. Other manufacturers have taken years – not just a single model generation – to achieve this paradigm shift from old-school to progressive. And the new Ryal also demonstrates that the developers have long since understood what a good e-MTB should look like – with only a few exceptions.

From 3,999 euros: Avinox with a replaceable battery

Regardless of how the bike actually rides in the end: anyone currently looking for a good-value Avinox bike – especially one with a removable battery – will find it hard to look past the Megamo. The new Ryal, coincidence or not, is named after a Scottish gold and silver coin. Fittingly, this competitively priced bike is available from as little as 3,999 euros. Only a few Avinox hardtails and the incredibly affordable Amflow TL SUV full-suspension bike cost less. Raymon, Kellys and BH have similar prices.

Geometry made easier

For this test, Megamo sent us one of the first bikes available to our editorial team. So you’ll have to be patient for a little while longer until the bikes are available in shops. But it’ll be worth the wait, because with the Ryal, Megamo has really understood what helps e-mountain bikers make the most of the trail. Firstly, the radical geometry of the Reason performance model has been toned down slightly for the Ryal. A higher front end, a shorter reach and a steeper head angle ensure straightforward handling, even on moderate trail rides. But don’t worry: 160 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear provide plenty of reserves for tough terrain.

Ryal 08: The best value for money with Maven and 70 Transmission

We chose our Ryal 08 test bike because of its excellent value for money. The bike costs 500 euros more than the entry-level Ryal 10 model. For that, you get a decent RockShox suspension fork instead of the mediocre Psylo Silver found on the cheaper bike. What’s more: SRAM Maven brakes with thick HS2 rotors. A mechanical SRAM 70 groupset, specially optimised for e-bikes, handles the twelve gears. This is a good choice, particularly given the Avinox’s power output.

These are all features that, just a few years ago, would not have been standard even on significantly more expensive bikes. The only area where savings were made was with the already powerful M2 engine instead of the even sturdier M2S, as well as the standard Maxxis tyres with a dual compound. Given the exemplary short seat tubes, the Vario seat post could do with offering a little more travel.

On the trail: ‘Just’ the M2 engine?

From a purely functional point of view, Megamo has really hit the mark with the Ryal. When riding uphill, you sit securely integrated into the bike. The steep seat angle and long chainstays keep the front wheel reliably in check, even with 125 Nm of torque on the chain. The suspension is well tuned. Whilst the Ryal isn’t particularly focused on comfort when climbing, it does offer solid support. This means you can tackle even super-steep and difficult climbs with the Megamo in complete confidence. Especially as, with the enormous Avinox power – even with the M2 – you can overcome many an obstacle on narrow, steep trails simply through momentum alone.

Just to recap: with up to 125 Nm and 1,100 watts, even the ‘small’ M2 has more power than the already super-powerful Avinox M1 – and definitely more than you’ll ever really need on the trail. On challenging climbs, we also made good use of Trail Mode, which only activates the high motor power when you’re pedalling very hard. You can adjust exactly how this works in detail via the Avinox app.

Fluffy, but not very practical

On the descents, the Ryal really makes the most of its long suspension travel. With 160 millimetres of travel and a distinctly soft set-up, the bike handles even long stretches of roots and rough terrain with ease, and doesn’t wait until you’re riding at breakneck speed to reach its effective working range. So the suspension comfort is top-notch, even if you take it a bit easier on the descents.

You feel well integrated with the bike. Long chainstays and powerful brakes further enhance the sense of safety on descents. It’s only with the handlebars (too flat!) and seatpost (too short!) that the Megamo fails to live up to its potential. Exciting: despite its comfort-oriented set-up, you can really let the Ryal rip on challenging trails. The supple ride feel actually encourages you to push on, whilst the suspension generates plenty of traction. However, the rear suspension’s reserves are only moderate, as the travel is used up quite quickly. Nevertheless, there were no issues with hard bottoming-out during full-throttle runs, drops or jumps. All in all, for a bike in the 4,500-euro class, this is a really strong performance with very little to complain about.

The flip side of the coin: if you’re looking for a bike that’s as playful and agile as possible, Megamo isn’t the right choice for you. Although the Ryal is slightly more manoeuvrable than the longer Reason, its 25-kilo weight, long rear end and generous wheelbase mean that small jumps or even wheelies require a fair bit of physical effort. The motor and battery lock rattled slightly on downhill sections.

The Megamo Ryal at a glance

Strengths

• ​comfortable suspension
• modern, simple geometry
• Replaceable battery

Weaknesses

• ​Handling is not particularly playful