The Cannondale Moterra is an e-mountainbike with tradition. As an all-rounder, it has always had its strengths in versatile off-road use. This year, the Moterra enters a new round - naturally with a stylish carbon frame and new Bosch motor. Now the Americans are launching affordable models with aluminium frames, a powerful Bosch drive and a generous battery capacity. The prices are between 4999 and 5899 euros, which makes the Moterra-Heritage much more affordable. With 150 mm rear suspension travel, the aluminium model is also aimed at mountain bikers looking for a versatile e-MTB for demanding trails.
Robust aluminium frame with well thought-out details
At the heart of the new models is a frame made from SmartForm C1 aluminium, which stands out with its organic and curved shapes. As with the carbon model, the battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube quickly and easily. An integrated motor guard is designed to protect the drive and battery from damage caused by roots or stones. Practical for everyday use: the frame has mounts for a kickstand as well as attachment points for mudguards and a special Moterra pannier rack.
The geometry is similar to that of the carbon models, but differs in a few details. The four sizes deliver modern reach values of between 434 and 519 millimetres, while the chainstays are on the longer side at 455 millimetres. This promises riding stability. The steering angle is a moderate 64.8 degrees, while the seat angle is very steep on paper at around 78 degrees.
Powerful drive with large battery
Cannondale relies on proven Bosch technology for the drive. The Performance Line CX motor is installed, which delivers up to 100 Newton metres following the latest Bosch update. Power is supplied by a PowerTube battery with a capacity of 800 watt hours. For particularly long tours, the PowerMore 250 Range Extender can be retrofitted as an option. This provides an additional 250 watt hours and fits on the down tube like a water bottle.
The facts about the Cannondale Moterra Alu
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Powertube 800, classic removable
- Aluminium frame
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Three models for 4999, 5299 and 5899 euros
- Option for full SUV equipment: Moterra EQ for 5899 euros
Equipment and prices
Cannondale has knitted a total of four equipment variants around the new aluminium frame of the Moterra. At the centre of these four options are two basic setups. For 5899 euros, the Moterra 3 is the sporty top model for touring and off-road use. The Moterra 4 relies on more affordable suspension elements, tyres, display and brakes. This package is available with a 600 battery (Moterra 4, 4999 euros) or with an 800 battery (Moterra 4+, 5299 euros). The Moterra EQ for 5899 euros with full SUV equipment such as lights, mudguards and pannier rack lands between the Moterra 3 and Moterra 4.
Cannondale Moterra 3 - 5899 Euro
At the front is a Rockshox Psylo Silver RC suspension fork with 160 millimetres of travel. A Rockshox Deluxe Select air shock is used at the rear. Power transmission is provided by a Shimano CUES U6000 gear system with 11 gears. It utilises the durable LinkGlide technology which, according to Shimano, is three times more durable than conventional gears. Hydraulic Shimano MT520 disc brakes with 4-piston callipers and 203 millimetre brake discs are installed for controlled deceleration even on demanding terrain.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube, 800 Wh
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Fork/shock: Rockshox Psylo Silver RC / Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Shimano CUES U6000, 11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT520 4-piston
- Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS, 30 mm rim width, tubeless compatible
- Hubs: Shimano TC500
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal, 29x2.4 inch
Cannondale Moterra 4/+ - 4999 or 5299 euros
The Moterra 4 also relies on Shimano's Linkglide shifting system with 11 gears, which is focussed on durability. The Zeron 36 fork comes from SR Suntour and Gemini SL stoppers from Tektro provide deceleration. The Purion200 is also replaced by the simpler LED remote from Bosch.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube, 600 or 800 Wh
- Display: Bosch LED Remote
- Fork/shock: SR Suntour Zeron 36-X / Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Shimano CUES U6000, 11-speed
- Brakes: Tektro Gemini SL 4-piston
- Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS, 30 mm rim width, tubeless compatible
- Hubs: Shimano TC500
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Performance, 29x2.4 inch
Cannondale Moterra EQ - 5899 Euro
Equipped with a pannier rack, mudguards and lights, this e-MTB is designed to excel in everyday use during the week and inspire you on a mountain tour at the weekend. In addition to the comprehensive equipment package, the bike has been customised even lower. The suspension travel is only 150/130 millimetres and the tyres are also much more tame. However, the Bosch CX motor with the long range 800 Wh battery should also impress on the Moterra EQ.
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube, 800 Wh
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Fork/shock: SR Suntour Zeron 36-X, 150 mm / SR Suntour Edge Evo R
- Gear system: Shimano CUES U6000, 11-speed
- Brakes: Tektro Gemini SL 4-piston
- Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS, 30 mm rim width, tubeless compatible
- Hubs: Shimano TC500
- Tyres: Continental eRuban Plus, 29x2.3 inch
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
