One thing is obvious: this bike has a clear edge! With the Moterra SL, Cannondale has deliberately decided against a classic light eMTB with reduced motor power. Instead, the Americans have opted for a super-lightweight full carbon frame with exciting details such as flexing chainstays and Shimano's lightweight EP801 motor with a compact 600 battery. The bike thus weighs only as much as the mid-range light eMTBs from our last test. With a greater range and significantly higher engine power.
As a kind of racing version of the all-mountain classic Moterra, the Moterra SL is intended to appeal to a particularly sporty and committed target group. The Moterra SL is therefore something like the GT3 RS among Cannondale bikes: not really suitable for shopping and the price tag is also steep. Nevertheless, Cannondale has just adjusted the actual retail price of 9999 euros for the Moterra SL 1 to a somewhat more attractive 8999 euros.
The facts about the Cannondale Moterra SL 1
- Motor: Shimano Ep801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 600 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 8999 Euro
- Weight: 20.2 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 130 kg (wheels, otherwise 150 kg)
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Angled headset, compatible with 29-inch rear wheel, flexing chainstays instead of Horst link bearings, classic cable routing or through headset possible
Shimano EP801: More trail power thanks to new firmware
Cannondale relies on Shimano's top-of-the-range EP801 motor for the Moterra SL. It weighs just 2.65 kilograms, but delivers top performance and torque on a par with Bosch's CX. We were able to measure up to 545 watts and a real 79 Newton metres at the peak in the laboratory. In terms of power-to-weight ratio, the Shimano is therefore only beaten by extremos such as the DJI Avinox and is therefore ideal for use in a lightweight power bike such as the Cannondale.
New: Shimano has made significant improvements to the software. Thanks to the race update the motor now offers coasting and further improved adjustability. A clear plus on difficult uphill trails. The sporty EM800 display shows all the motor data, but you will look in vain for navigation or infotainment. The range with the 600 battery is at a good level. The Cannondale manages around 1350 metres in altitude plus 200 metres of emergency running in our standardised altitude test. It clearly outperforms classic light bikes, but of course does not offer the endurance of touring E-MTBs with 750 watt hours and more.
Cannondale Moterra SL 1: The geometry
Long and slack: Although the reach is compact, the geometry of the bike is quite aggressive. We measured a super slack 63-degree head angle in the steep (!) setting in our test lab, with the option of an even slacker headset. With long chainstays and a long wheelbase, Cannondale prioritises smoothness and uphill characteristics over maximum playfulness.
BIKE measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 436 mm
- Wheelbase: 1280 mm
- Reach: 456 mm
- Stack: 656 mm
- Steering angle: 63 degrees
- Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 453 mm
The finest goods: The equipment of the Cannondale
Lightweight construction in all honour, but if you have to make too many compromises on the trail, you won't have any fun. That's why Cannondale opted for the somewhat puncture-resistant Exo+ tyres from Maxxis and a shock with a reservoir on the lightweight Moterra SL 1. We think: This is the minimum level of robustness a bike should have. Unusual: The lightweight XM 1700 Spline wheels, which are fitted instead of the special HX 1700 e-bike version. However, there were no problems with them in the test.
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Float X Factory
- Gear system: Sram X0 Transmission
- Brakes: Magura MT7 / 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF / DHR II, 29 x 2.5 / 27.5 x 2.4
For professionals: How to ride the Moterra SL 1
Is the high investment worth it? The new Cannondale at least impresses when stationary. The workmanship is very well done, details such as cable routing, charging port and top tube controller look valuable and well thought out. The slightly front-wheel orientated riding position gives the bike a modern look, while the short reach and high handlebars make the bike compact.
That's a good thing, because the Cannondale requires a very active riding style on steep climbs. The super slack head angle, even in the steep setting, makes the handling wobbly. Despite the modern geometry, you pedal a little from behind. We found it rather difficult to keep our balance uphill, even in slow and technical sections. On the other hand, the Cannondale scores with excellent traction at the rear, even with the small rear wheel. With the option of 29-inch wheels, this effect can certainly be enhanced and the handling can be calmed down on the climbs. However, the bike always comes from the factory as a mullet build.
The small rear wheel and low weight pay off in terms of downhill performance. The Moterra SL is very reactive and poppy. However, if you are simply looking for a particularly playful power bike with a view to the attractive weight, the Cannondale is not necessarily the right bike for you. With its long wheelbase and stiff suspension, the Moterra SL is not very comfortable at touring speed.
Preferably the fast line
It's better to pluck up your courage and give the bike the spurs. Then the extreme concept really makes sense! The rear suspension sensitively feels the ground and brings a lot of composure to the bike, even in fast rock gardens. The suspension always stays on the defined side - racers will like the direct feedback. The high front end and the slack steering angle provide confidence, especially at really high speeds, and we found the handling to be extremely precise and direct.
The mullet configuration suits the active character of the bike well on the jump and in fast turns. However, the speed-hungry Moterra SL is quite tiring to ride in the long run. Even the good cockpit ergonomics with comfortable grips and comfortable handlebars can't change that. If you hit the right line at high speed, you'll hardly be able to stop raving about it. Too bad: The Shimano motor rattles downhill.
BIKE review of the Cannondale Moterra SL 1
Strengths
- Strong downhill properties
- High-quality finish
- Really light
Weaknesses
- Demanding driving therefore tends to make racers happy
- Permanently installed battery
The BIKE conclusion
The Cannondale Moterra SL is a super light character bike. In full throttle mode, we had a lot of fun on the demanding test tracks in Finale Ligure. However, the geometry, which is too extreme in places, and the limited comfort might not be to the liking of moderate riders. If you know that you like to ride the fast line with a lot of traction anyway, you're in the right place. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Adrian Kaether
Editor
