Cannondale is starting the coming season with two completely newly developed bikes. Both the newly launched Moterra as well as the Habit Neo presented for the first time rely on the power of the new Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor. Both models roll on 29-inch wheels and have a carbon fibre main frame.
Cannondale Moterra: the e-bike for rough terrain
The data at a glance:
- 160 millimetres front and rear suspension travel
- 29 inch wheels with 2.6 inch tyres
- Size S in 27.5 x 2.6 inches
- Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor
- 625 or 500 watt hours capacity
- Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
- 4 models from 4999 euros, top model 7999 euros
- Weights from 23.5 kilos
The new Moterra is the right choice if you want to tackle rougher terrain. Equipped with robust components and a sturdy suspension fork with 160 millimetres of travel, the 23.5-kilo bike (top model) can already be classed as an enduro bike. 29-inch wheels with 2.6-inch wide tyres guarantee grip and good rollover characteristics off-road. Due to the better fit, the smallest frame size rolls on 27.5 inch wheels. This should make the Moterra suitable for particularly small riders who would otherwise opt for a bike with less suspension travel.
Carbon frame with lifetime warranty
Cannondale has opted for carbon for the main frame of the new Moterra, not only to create a particularly rigid chassis, but also to keep the weight within limits. The Americans are convinced of the robustness of the new frame and offer customers a lifetime guarantee.
Cannondale's Si Motor Mount places Bosch's new Gen4 motor low in the frame, which should ensure an optimal and low centre of gravity. The 625 Powertube battery is housed in the down tube and is easily accessible via a cover. The motor unit is protected from stone chips and impacts by solid aluminium plates. Gills at the front and rear should help the drive unit to ventilate better and prevent it from overheating too quickly.
Proportional response suspension technology
In order to provide the ideal response behaviour for riders of all sizes, Cannondale relies on so-called Proportional Response Technology. Here, the suspension kinematics are adjusted depending on the frame size. By adjusting the kinematics, Cannondale aims to optimise traction on climbs and improve responsiveness.
Geometry: long, deep, flat
In terms of geometry, Cannondale has moved with the times and given the Moterra in size M a 448 mm reach and a stack of 619 millimetres. The head and seat angles are not too extreme at 66 and 75 degrees respectively. The 450 millimetre chainstays should help the bike to run more smoothly. Despite the low top tube for a low standover height, a bottle cage with a standard bottle still fits into the frame triangle. According to the developers, this was one of the most difficult tasks in the design.
To ensure that the 23.5-kilo Moterra comes to a reliable stop, a special 220-millimetre brake disc was developed for the front brake in collaboration with Magura.
The top model of the Moterra is equipped with Fox Factory suspension, Sram 12-speed drivetrain and telescopic seatpost. Supernova lighting and the Kiox display are reserved for the 7999 euro top version. In total, there are three versions of the new Moterra with prices starting at 4999 euros.
Cannondale Moterra: Models and equipment
Moterra 1: 7999 euros (e.g. available from Liqid-Life)
Moterra 2: 5999 euros (e.g. available from Liquid-Life)
Moterra 3: 4999 euros (e.g. available from Liquid-Life)
Moterra SE: Downhiller with integrated shuttle
Cannondale has the Moterra SE in its programme for bikers who love downhill and want to get to the start of the trail without lift assistance. It offers the same trail characteristics as the Moterra, but in a more downhill-oriented package: 180 mm RockShox Boxxer suspension fork, Super Deluxe Select piggyback shock and high-traction Maxxis Assegai tyres. The rear suspension travel remains at 160 millimetres.
Habit Neo: agile trail bike
The Habit Neo was developed for fast and flowing trails. Like its big brother, it uses carbon fibre for the main frame. Like the Moterra, the rear triangle is made of aluminium. All frame sizes of the Habit Neo roll over the trails on 29-inch wheels. With 130 millimetres of suspension travel at the rear and 140 millimetres at the fork, it should, like its analogue counterpart, be agile and manoeuvrable on single trails.
The data at a glance:
- 140 millimetres front suspension travel / 130 millimetres rear
- 29 inch wheels with 2.6 inch tyres
- Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor
- 625 or 500 watt hours capacity
- Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
- 4 models from 4499 euros, top model 7999 euros
- Weights from 22.5 kilos
Like the Moterra, the new Habit Neo is also powered by Bosch's new Performance CX motor. The 625 watt-hour battery is reserved for the two expensive versions. The two cheaper Habits only have a battery with 500 watt hours.
With a steering angle of 66.5 degrees and a 445 mm reach, the Habit is only slightly more reserved than the Moterra. What is striking, however, are the slightly longer chainstays of 455 millimetres. The Habit is available in four equipment variants, with prices ranging from 4499 euros to 7999 euros.
Cannondale Habit Neo: Models and equipment
Habit Neo 1: 7999 Euro
Habit Neo 2: 5999 euros
(e.g. available from Liquid-Life)
Habit Neo 3: 4999 euros
(e.g. available from Liquid-Life)
Habit Neo 4: 4499 Euro
(e.g. available from Liquid-Life)
Cannondale team rider Jerome Clementz also relies on the Habit Neo for his work and had his very own interpretation of the bike at the launch in Alpbach, Tyrol.
Stefan Frey
Editor
