There is probably no other product in the bike industry that has attracted as much attention in recent years as the new DJI Avinox M1 motor. And it's not just attention: forums, test reports and the industry are full of praise for the innovative drive from China.
The new drive was also absolutely convincing in our large laboratory test (HERE in the link!). It is therefore not surprising that many manufacturers have pounced on the Avinox and designed new frames and bikes around the motor at lightning speed.
One of these early starters is Megamo. The Reason CRB should already be available in stores. Time for a detailed test. Can the Spaniards bring the power of the Avinox motor to the trail? And is the Reason CRB as good as the reputation of the DJI Avinox suggests?
One of the strengths of the motor system is also evident on the Reason: with its slim down tube and discreet drive section, the bike looks more like a light e-MTB than a super-strong powerhouse. And the weight is also impressive: our test bike in size L weighs 21.4 kilos.
That's not much for a powerful E-All-Mountain with an 800 Wh battery and a powerful motor. But Megamo also has to reach into the lightweight construction box. With high-end equipment, lots of carbon parts and a (too) thin tyre carcass. Cost point for this top model: 11,499 euros.
That shows: Yes, DJI bikes can clearly be lighter than Bosch e-MTBs. The battery and motor save a total of around 450 grams compared to the Schwaben system. However, an Avinox e-MTB with sensible equipment and design is unlikely to reach the spheres of light bikes, i.e. under 20 kilos.
Even if the manufacturers and opinions in forums may say otherwise. However, this does not detract from the extremely good ratio of weight to motor power and range of the Megamo Reason.
The facts about the Megamo Reason CRB 01
- Motor: DJI Avinox M1
- Battery: 800 Wh, permanently installed
- Frame: Full carbon
- Spring travel: 160 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 21.4 kg (BIKE measured value in size L, without pedals)
- Max. system weight: 135 kg
- Guarantee: For life
If you want it even lighter, the Spanish company's portfolio also includes the Air models with just 140 millimetres of travel and a further slimmed-down spec with fast tyres and a Fox 36 SL fork and shock without a reservoir. According to the Spaniards, this should save around 700 grams.
For touring bikers who don't want to turn off onto wild trails, the Air model is an even lighter bike with strong propulsion. On the battery side, however, Megamo does not pull the absolute lightweight trump card here either. All Reason models come with the 800 battery, which is permanently installed in the down tube. The lighter 600 battery is not available ex works in any of the bikes.
The DJI Avinox: the new benchmark?
With 1000 watts of peak power at just 2.6 kilos, the DJI motor sets a new benchmark in terms of weight/performance ratio. The motor from China is not yet available in many bikes. In our test, the system impressed us with its extremely high performance and considerable weight.
The sensors and modulation of the drive are also at the highest level. However, the power delivery is quite striking and not quite as smooth as the Bosch Performance CX. The DJI environment is also pleasing: top display, functional app and a fast charger that has earned its name.
Weak point: rattling noises
However, the DJI Avinox also revealed a clear weakness in our test: the motor clearly rattled out of gear when rolling on the trail. A well-known phenomenon of many e-bike motors, which we at the first contact with the Avinox at Eurobike 2024 (for the first impression of the DJI Avinox click HERE!) had already been noticed.
However, on the last test bike we had with a DJI motor, there was hardly any rattling to be heard off-road. It is quite common for the background noise of a motor to vary from model to model due to the installation in the bike and a certain amount of serial production. We are curious to see how the Avinox settles down and will report back. For many bikers, a clear rattling noise would be a definite damper.
Is DJI also cheap?
Megamo has put together an extremely wide range of DJI bikes. The Reason is available in a total of 13 variants. In addition to the more expensive carbon frames, there are also aluminium models. The aluminium frame is said to add 1.2 kilos to the weight. On the other hand, the entry-level price is even more favourable. It starts at 4999 euros. The cheapest carbon model is priced at 5999 euros.
Watch out! Size selection and geometry
The full carbon frame of the Reason has a bold design. In addition to the 160 millimetres of suspension travel, the geometry is also very downhill-orientated. A slack head angle, very long reach and wheelbase - these are the dimensions of a powerful, speed-hungry enduro bike.
It's worth taking a look at the frame sizes. There are only S, M and L - the selection is small, but the gaps between the sizes are large. Our test bike in Large would be considered XL by some manufacturers, while M will be rather small for classic L riders.
Equipment Megamo Reason CRB 01
- Fork / damper: Fox 36 Factory / Fox Float X2 Factory
- Circuit: Sram XX Eagle Transm.
- Brakes: Shimano XT, 203/203 mm
- Impellers: DT Swiss 1501 HXC 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo / DHR II Exo, 29 x 2.50
- Seatpost / Stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 180 mm
- Special features: Bottle holder offers space for a very large 1 litre drinking bottle
Practical test: Off-road with a bang
The geometry may also be a concession to the extreme power of the DJI Avinox. After all, such a powerful motor needs a certain length to make the thrust controllable. So you start the tour well equipped and dignified.
The riding position has a sporty, elongated feel. However, the rider sits well integrated and neither too rear-heavy nor extremely front-wheel orientated in the bike. The suspension works sensitively and generates a lot of traction and comfort. Long days in the saddle can come.
If you click on the highest support level on steep climbs, the enormous thrust of the DJI Avinox surprises you every time. The power and torque are truly extreme and striking. Despite the really long chainstays, you have to fight against a rising front wheel on very steep climbs.
The engine power therefore needs to be finely dosed. Nevertheless, the Megamo Reason pushes the limits of what is rideable. The extra power alone makes nasty uphills easier than with most other e-mountainbikes.
Character question - the Megamo Reason on the trail
Is the Reason a real E-Enduro downhill bike? The suspension travel and geometry certainly suggest so. One thing is clear: the bike is more purposeful and direct instead of cruising down the trail with hooks, hops and gimmicks. The Reason is rather difficult to pull onto the rear wheel and is not a proven easy-to-handle trail bike.
Nevertheless, its handling remains very lively. The low weight of the bike and wheels is fun. Despite its length, it feels lighter on its feet than most classic E-MTBs in the power league.
This is also due to the fact that the rear suspension doesn't mercilessly cling to the ground, but willingly releases the bike for a bunny hop over a root field. The Reason CRB is therefore not a real big bike for the speed rush in rough rock gardens.
It feels more comfortable on classic trails and varied descents than in the staccato of a downhill piste. The underpowered tyres also rob the bike of a good deal of its handling qualities. Speaking of rock gardens: when rolling on such bumpy surfaces, the Avinox motor in our test bike reacted with a particularly noticeable Rattling from the gearbox.
The BIKE review of the Megamo Reason CRB 01
Strengths
- Lightweight with plenty of power and range
- Balanced all-round character
- Quick charger
Weaknesses
- Permanently installed battery
- Engine rattles in the test bike
- weak tyres
- only three sizes available
The BIKE conclusion
Despite its extreme geometry and generous suspension travel, the Megamo Reason CRB is more of a powerful all-rounder than an extreme E-Enduro. On the other hand, the bike is versatile - and that's a good thing. The low weight and slim silhouette are harbingers of a new generation of e-MTBs - the DJI Avinox sends its regards. The enormous power of the motor lifts the bike effortlessly up even the steepest climbs. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
