Cannondale Moterra 3 on test: E-MTB all-rounder - silver arrow for fast tours

The Cannondale Moterra is a classic among e-mountainbikes with a Bosch motor. The latest version of the bike is available in with carbon frame and optionally as All Mountain (here in the test) or powerful Enduro (here in the test). Cannondale offers the Moterra with an aluminium frame for less than 6000 euros. The key data of the bike: 150 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels. This makes the Silver Arrow a classic all-rounder for touring, trail and everyday use. Thanks to the aluminium chassis, the Americans save on budget. Even in the under 6000 euro price range, this leaves money for the large 750 Bosch battery, which pushes the Moterra 3 to an outstanding range. The Moterra thus secures the best value in our comparison test, long tours can come. Some other manufacturers only use the smaller Powertube 625 in this price range.

But the aluminium chassis and huge battery weigh it down. At 25.5 kilos, the Cannondale Moterra is heavier than the competition in this price range. And that despite moderate equipment. RockShox's Yari fork, a tame profiled Rekon tyre with a thin carcass and moderate puncture protection - the signs here are more for touring on easy terrain. Unfortunately, the quality of the components is also below average compared to the price.

However, the somewhat more moderate design of the Moterra 3 makes perfect sense. Because for sporty trail use, Cannondale has the super-light Moterra SL with Shimano EP801, which specialises in trails and descents. At under 20 kilos, this bike is one of the lightest full-power e-bikes on the market. The classic Moterra, on the other hand, tends to serve the more affordable segment and is well suited to touring-oriented use.

Well thought-out details such as the charging port and the high-quality battery cover, which sits neatly and without rattling on the down tube, make a positive impression. There are also plenty of mounting points for accessories, including a kickstand, pannier rack and mudguards, as well as a second bottle cage. The external speed sensor with spoke magnet, on the other hand, looks outdated.

The facts about the Cannondale Moterra 3

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 5599 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 25.5 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 138 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-bike drive

The dynamic Bosch Performance Line CX sits slightly rotated in the Moterra so that the long battery also fits in front of it in the smaller sizes. The 750 power tube is secured with a lock and can be easily folded out to the front for removal. There is also a Kiox display and the LED remote for operation.

The combination of Bosch motor and Powertube 750 regularly achieves top results in our standardised range tests. Only bikes with huge 900-series batteries such as Canyon's Spectral:On can clearly top the values of the large Bosch combination.

The geometry

The geometry of the Moterra is trimmed for a good-natured ride. The reach is modern and long, while the 454 mm chainstays are rather slack. This results in a long wheelbase - despite the rather steep steering angle. The riding position is balanced and works just as well on flat terrain as it does on steep climbs.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 455 mm
• Wheelbase: 1265 mm
• Reach: 475 mm
• Stack: 642 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
• Chainstay length: 454 mm
• Bottom bracket height 340 mm

The equipment of the Cannondale Moterra 3

• Fork / Shock: Rockshox Yari RC / Deluxe Select
• Gears: Shimano Deore 12-speed, 34; 10-51 teeth
• Brakes: Shimano BR-M420, 203/203 mm
• Wheels: WTB STI i30
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo+ / Rekon Exo, 29 x 2.6''
• Special features: Mounting points for mudguard, pannier rack, side stand and accessories

Practical test: How the Cannondale Moterra 3 rides

Long tours are more the Cannondale's métier than difficult trail laps. The tyres alone make this clear. The shallow-tread Maxxis Rekon on the rear wheel impresses with good rolling characteristics, but only has moderate grip and puncture protection. The riding position is ideal for long rides. The load is evenly distributed across the contact points, so your hands don't fall asleep even on long flat sections. In combination with the large Bosch battery, the bike and rider won't run out of breath too quickly.

On steep climbs, you can remain comfortably seated in the saddle as the front wheel keeps contact with the ground without any problems. Only for very technical climbs would you want to sit more centrally. The Moterra shows similar characteristics downhill. With a moderate riding style, it offers a good amount of confidence to tackle even difficult trails with ease. And the rather firm and defined suspension also copes well with a harder pace and has reserves for rough bumps. However, you don't want to push the Moterra too hard. This is partly due to the tyres and brakes, but also because the riding position is not very integrated into the bike.

EMTB review of the Cannondale Moterra 3

Strengths

• All-round capabilities and suitability for everyday use
• Good running smoothness and driving safety
• Powerful range
• Defined rear suspension with good reserves

Weaknesses

• Weak brakes
• Rear tyre undersized off-road
• Engine rattles
• High weight

The EMTB conclusion

With a massive range, good-natured handling and a comfortable riding position, the Moterra 3 is a competent touring partner. Attachment options for mudguards, kickstand and pannier rack also score points for everyday use. The equipment is moderate and there are more powerful e-mountainbikes for tough terrain. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine