Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA Test: An Affordable Electric Mountain Bike

In the recent range of Intersport Nakamura electric bikes, we tested the most powerful E-Crossover XA, a well-mannered MTB.

Intersport has a certain expertise in the cycling world. Especially since 2013, when it took over the French Bicycle Manufacturing (MFC), becoming a made-in-France manufacturer. Capable of competing with Decathlon’s B’Twin branch, Nakamura’s in-house bicycle brand initially increased its production to 90,000 units annually, then over 300,000.

Bike Presentation

Following the E-City and E-Powerfit, Intersport unveiled in fall 2021 a new range called E-Crossover. It starts with the stripped-down S, offering an entry-level price of 999 euros excluding promotions (which are frequent). The intermediate A and V models, differing by their open or closed frames, are priced at €1,599. Then come the higher-performance models, the XV with an open frame and the XA with a traditional—slightly semi-open—frame, which we tested.

The Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA is a category of hybrid bikes. An evolution of the VTT E-Summit 950 with some civil features, this all-round bike targets customers commuting by bike who also want to do some escapes during their free time or weekends. Like its smaller E-Crossover siblings, it has a suspension fork, but with a more substantial travel of 130 mm (versus 65).

Quite imposing with its 27.5-inch wheels, it is not the most comfortable in tight urban spaces, such as weaving between cars or parking in a building’s storage room. It is more geared towards the countryside, with its fall-esque brown frame decorated with yellow patterns that can camouflage in the forest.

This is also the only color option, while this Intersport Nakamura comes solely in white with black inscriptions. While the battery is integrated into the frame, the rest is somewhat basic with no handlebar grips, non-integrated cables, simple front lighting with a LED tail light powered by a battery. The welds are also somewhat rough. On the plus side, the rear rack is rated for 40 kg, enough to carry large luggage.

At the handlebars: 4/5

The architecture is typical of “mountain bikers” with its slightly lightweight saddle for long rides. However, the 130 mm suspension designed for crossings—where it excels—absorbs any urban obstacle and smooths out all the cobblestones. The origins are also evident from the very good grip handles, but without wrist rests. It still shows its limits for long city trips.

Ideally, the motor is installed in the crankset. This has the advantage of lowering and centering the bike’s center of gravity, which is a plus for a sporty model like the E-Crossover XA. Made in-house by MFC, it is also highly optimized for this model. Intersport also presented it last fall in detail, noting its relatively light weight. And it’s quite lively. With its 100 Nm torque, it simply delivers the largest torque among e-bikes, even surpassing Serial 1 or iWeech at 90 Nm. With pedal input combined with a torque sensor, power is quickly transmitted to the rear wheel. This helps forget the significant weight of the bike.

To distribute this energy, the Nakamura Intersport offers four modes: three conventional modes—Eco, Sport, Boost—and a Smart mode. Eco is already quite sufficient on flat terrain and in the city. Sport and Boost are only necessary when tackling steep inclines or tougher terrain. Intersport has made their activation ergonomic, with large “-” and “+” buttons. There are smaller buttons for lighting and the turn/on switch for assistance. The Smart mode, positioned at the top in the fourth slot, adjusts the torque in real-time based on the pedaling force.

In summary, if you start on our daily route on flat terrain, the bike will behave similarly to Eco mode. When reaching a “wall”—exaggerating, but it does not exceed 15%—the mode recognizes your effort and switches to Boost or Sport depending on the need. Essentially, it compensates for the reluctance to change gears at times. It’s worth mentioning that, as a good VTC, the E-Crossover XA uses a 9-speed derailleur, operated by shifter on the handlebar, which works smoothly.

Battery, Range, and Charging: 4/5

The battery, discreetly integrated into the frame with its rounded shape, closely resembles other bikes produced in the same factory: ShiftBikes or the Vélo Mad. While the entry-level E-Crossover S is limited to 375 Wh, the A and V models already offered a capacity of 460 Wh, which is also used on the XA/XV. This provides a theoretical range of around 100 kilometers in the lightest mode.

We tested this ourselves. Using mainly Boost mode to evaluate multiple accelerations, with some inclines, resulted in about 60 kilometers. The only issue observed during the press presentation was slight disconnection of the battery from its slot. It did not fall off, just disconnected enough to cut assistance. Otherwise, no reliability issues. Charging takes about 5 hours to fully replenish the battery.

Screen and App of Nakamura E-Crossover XA: 3/5

The XV is the first – along with the XA – to benefit from Intersport’s new connectivity. The Naka E-Power app links to the bike since early 2022, offering several basic features. First, the synchronization with the bike is very simple, taking less than a minute. The app mainly allows locking and unlocking the electric assistance. It won’t prevent theft but will slow down the escape. Additionally, it provides the possibility of geolocating the bike, useful in such cases, or simply for memory if you are far from your bike.

Secondarily, you can browse your trip history with details. Each route shows on a map, distance, CO₂ saved, elevation, average motor power, and cyclist effort. Remember that this bike is an Intersport and emphasizes sportiness. You can easily track your muscular contribution day after day.

As an anecdote, it is possible to use your smartphone as a display, showing current speed and route. The app also manages pausing the route—so as not to skew statistics—and stopping entirely. To be honest, we used this feature only sparingly, preferring the bike’s own display, which provides all the sport stats (time, speeds, powers), including a modern, colorful speed display for modes.

Price of the Nakamura E-Crossover XA: 4/5

Sporty but very accessible, Intersport Nakamura meets its goal. Its new electric VTC, the E-Crossover XA—though based on an earlier model—is a versatile bike suitable for daily use and leisurely rides. Too bulky for urban riding and not agile enough for rough terrain, it appeals to those looking for a better-damped e-bike for weekend escapes.

And it’s quite affordable, since it costs less than 2,000 euros, despite its large battery and powerful motor torque. It positions itself comfortably against models like the Neomouv Raipon. The latter has a larger battery (522 Wh) but a milder motor (45 Nm) and city-oriented suspension with 50 mm travel. Another comparable model is the NCM Milano Plus at 1,799 euros, with lower power and travel. Overall, the E-Crossover XA occupies a niche that few have explored.

The manufacturing of the bike, as explained at the start, is French. At least the assembly at the Machecoul (44) site, near Nantes, where the frame is still imported from China.

Summary of the Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA Test

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