Intersport Launches Its Urban Mountain Bike Nakamura XA

Civilized MTB, the Nakamura Crossover is benefiting from a huge discount of 500 euros from Intersport. An opportunity not to be missed?

In 2013, Intersport acquired the Manufacture Française du Cycle (MFC), thus becoming a made-in-France manufacturer. The brand now has significant expertise in the cycling world, with over 300,000 units produced each year, and can legitimately compete with the B’Twin branch of Decathlon.

Launched in 2022, the Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA is a bike in the hybrid category. An evolution of the E-Summit 950 MTB with some civilian attributes, this versatile bike targets commuters who also want to enjoy a few escapades in their free time or on weekends. Like its smaller siblings, the E-Crossover features a suspended fork, but with a more substantial travel of 130 mm (vs 65). Very robust with its 27.5-inch wheels, it is not exactly a city ballerina and is more suited for the countryside, with its autumn brown frame that can blend into the forest.

The architecture is very focused on “MTB enthusiasts” with its slightly lightweight saddle for long journeys. However, the 130 mm suspension designed for rough terrain absorbs any urban obstacles and smooths out all the cobblestones. The origins are also evident in the very good grip handlebars, though without wrist rests.

Nakamura plays the motor card

Ideally, the motor is integrated into the bottom bracket. This lowers and centers the bike’s center of gravity, which is a plus for the sporty nature of the E-Crossover XA. It’s powerful. With 100 Nm, it delivers one of the highest torque levels among e-bikes. To manage this energy, this Intersport Nakamura adopts four modes: three classic ones—Eco, Sport, Boost—and a Smart mode. The Eco mode is already quite sufficient on flat roads and in the city. The Sport and Boost modes are only necessary for off-road use and on inclines. Intersport has made their activation ergonomic, with large “-” and “+” buttons. This leaves small buttons for the lights and the on-off switch for assistance. The Smart mode, positioned at the highest fourth level, adjusts the torque in real time to the pedaling force.

While the entry-level E-Crossover S is limited to 375 Wh, the A/V models already provided a capacity of 460 Wh, which is now also available in the XA/XV models. This offers a theoretical range of around 100 kilometers in the lightest mode.

This E-Crossover XA is just as good for daily use as it is for leisurely rides. It is sure to appeal to those looking for a better-suspension e-bike and wanting to take it out for weekend adventures. Now widely below 2,000 euros with its discounted price of 1599.99 euros, it offers an excellent price/performance ratio with its large battery and monstrous motor torque. As a bonus, the bike’s manufacturing, as explained at the beginning of the article, is French. At least the assembly takes place at the site in Machecoul (44), not far from Nantes, while the frame is still imported from China.