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For 2022 Cannondale the Moterra Neo completely relaunched. The most important change is in the down tube of the e-bike: Bosch's Smart System now powers the Moterra Neo. To ensure that the long Powertube with 750 watt hours also fits into small frames, the developers have slightly rotated the motor. This means that size S frames are also possible with the long battery.
Further articles on the Cannondale, Haibike and Rocky Mountain tests can be found here:
- Overview article with our ratings in comparison
- To the test report: Haibike All Mtn CF SE
- To the test report: Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
The Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 at a glance:
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart System, max. 85 Nm torque
- Battery: Bosch, 750 Wh, 4306 grams, removable
- Suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch
- Carbon frame with aluminium rear triangle
- Weight: 24.79 kg (size L, EMTB measurement)
- Range: 2022 vertical metres at 14.7 km/h (EMTB measured value)
- Price: 8499 Euro
- max. permissible system weight: 138 kg
- EMTB rating: 8.3 points - very good
The chassis and frame geometry have also been completely revised for 2023 and aim to leave the weaknesses of the predecessor behind: Thanks to a steeper seat angle, you pedal less from behind. A longer wheelbase and slacker steering angle provide more downhill confidence. Particularly positive: Cannondale has shortened the long chainstays by a few millimetres. This makes the Moterra Neo more interesting for trail fans - the shorter rear end can only be good for the handling.
Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1: Enduring touring ace
Practical-minded customers will be pleased with the mount for a side stand and the luggage rack threads on the rear triangle. The top model Moterra Neo 1 even comes with a high-quality headlight from Lezyne ex works - high beam included. This also suits the character of the Cannondale Moterra, which strikes a balance between touring and trail riding. The classic interpretation of the all-mountain bike as a downhill-orientated e-tourer.
So it's hardly surprising that despite the modern geometry with its supposedly extremely steep seat angle, it sits most comfortably on the flats. The Cannondale Moterra places the rider very balanced and not too front-heavy, with little pressure on the knees and wrists. The saddle is thickly padded and comfortable, and the proprietary grips provide good damping. Only the suspension could respond a little more sensitively on poor surfaces for more suspension comfort.
On the other hand, the reach is perfect for long tours. We were able to squeeze a whopping 2022 metres of altitude out of the Moterra Neo's Powertube 750 on our test climb. And that, mind you, in our standard test procedure: 90 kilograms of rider weight, turbo mode and 150 watts of pedalling power. If you use the support more sparingly on long tours, or are significantly lighter, you should be able to coax significantly more metres in altitude out of the Cannondale. Provided, of course, that no long flat sections drain the battery.
Smooth-running but a little bulky: The Cannondale Moterra Neo on the trail
The E-MTB remains stable for a long time when you turn into more technical trails. Unfortunately, the Cannondale Moterra Neo sometimes feels a little bulky, and the rear end could also respond more sensitively. The rear tyre often lacks traction on difficult terrain - together with the long wheelbase and the somewhat bulky handling, this is not ideal despite the good riding position. Not a bad performance, of course, but expectations are also high for a top model costing €8500.
The Moterra Neo's length and chassis are also a burden on the downhill. Although the e-bike can be controlled very well even with a passive riding style, the long wheelbase and generous reach alone are likely to overwhelm some less experienced riders in tight bends. And if you leave the brakes open on rough terrain? Then the Cannondale may score points for smoothness, but the rear suspension is still not ideal. Where there is a lack of sensitivity at low speeds, the suspension tends to release the travel too readily. As a result, there is a lack of support when riding sportily downhill - the competitors from Haibike and Rocky Mountain are stronger here.
Not that the Moterra Neo is lacking anything in the end: of course it masters every downhill perfectly, and the riding position and stability in particular stand out positively. But there is no real euphoria. Unfortunately, the Bosch motor in our test bike buzzed a little louder than usual, and an audible, muffled rattling from the down tube accompanied our ride downhill. The classic spoke magnet is also no longer up to date and the threads at the rear could be better integrated. It doesn't look very high-quality.
Conclusion on the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 by Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB
The Moterra Neo shines as a powerful tourer with a great riding position and smart everyday features. However, the suspension could be more sensitive, and the stand and pannier rack mounts could be better integrated into the rear triangle. With its long wheelbase, the Cannondale is also a little bulky, but smooth-running and confident on any terrain.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
