First Look: MMR Kaizen Lightweight eMTB

Frame Details

The Kaizen's strut-like triangular front shock mount gives it a similar aesthetic to the Kenta XC bike, but that's where the similarities end. While the Kenta utilizes a linkage-driven single pivot with flexing seat stays, the Kaizen eBike goes the way of the full-powered X-Bolt with a Horst pivot.


A non-removable 400 Wh battery is housed inside the downtube. Capacity can be boosted to 650 Wh with a 250 Wh range extender with a 1.6 kg weight penalty. The horizontal mounting of the shock leaves impressive space inside the front triangle, allowing all frame sizes to carry a water bottle and a range extender simultaneously, which to my knowledge is reasonably rare.


The Kaizen gets a 180mm post mount, and a boost rear end with a UDH dropout for T-Type compatibility. Popular with few is the thru-headset cable routing. The geometry is such that there is scope for the fork crown to contact the downtube on full rotation of the bar. MMR has decided against use of a steering limiter here, instead adding some protection to the downtube.

Geometry

The MMR Kaizen is available in only three frame sizes, and it's the upper end of the range that loses out. The small, medium and large have reach figures of 420mm, 450mm and 491mm, respectively. The tallest of riders may need to look elsewhere, and I reckon a lot of riders may find themselves between the medium and large.

Seat tube lengths are a little on the long side, and a bend in the seat tube at the location of the upper pivot limits seat post insertion depth, likely limiting the bike to more conservative dropper lengths. In fact, all models come fitted with a 100mm travel dropper; Fox Transfer SL on the 00, and a Race Face Aeffect R on the 10 and 30 models. Such short drop lengths seem well out of place on a bike with this much travel. Those looking to upgrade should note the following maximum seat post insertion depths: S - 143mm; M - 200mm; L - 251mm.


All three sizes have the same rather generous 455mm chainstay length and a 66° head tube angle. A seat tube angle of 76° is quoted for all sizes, though the saddle height that pertains to has not been shared. Every bike gets 170mm cranks (longer than the standard 165mm normally found on eBikes) and a 50mm stem. The BB sits at a height of 340mm.

Kaizen Models

All models of the MMR Kaizen get a 12-speed drivetrain, 4-piston brakes, dropper seat posts and suspension from Fox. While the product images show Hutchinson tires, all Kaizen models actually ship with Vittoria Agarro 2.4" tires.



Fork: Fox Performance 34
Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance Elite
Drivetrain: Shimano XT/Deore 12 Speed
Brakes: Shimano XT 4-Piston
Wheels: XCR-9800 Hybrid

Price: €5,999

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Fork: Fox Performance 34
Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance Elite
Drivetrain: SRAM XO T-Type
Brakes: Shimano XT 4-Piston
Wheels: DT Swiss HX1700 Spline LS CL

Price: TBC

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Fork: Fox Factory 34
Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory
Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL T-Type
Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth
Wheels: DT Swiss HXC 1501 Spline CL

Price: TBC

The MMR Kaizen will be available from April 2024, and is sold with a lifetime warranty on the frame.