For the latest version of the Cannondale Moterra the engineers had to pull out all the stops. Only with the motor turned upwards could the long 750 battery from Bosch's Smarten System fit into the bike, even in small sizes. On the new model with the new Bosch CX and 800 battery, on the other hand, the developers had a much freer hand.
And this has a whole range of advantages. Especially in the bottom bracket area, the Moterra has become much slimmer again. In addition, the Bosch Moterra borrows from the Moterra SL sports bike with Shimano motor. For the first time, the classic Moterra now also comes with a carbon rear triangle. The developers claim to have saved almost one kilogramme on the frame of the bike alone.
The Cannondale Moterra at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX (85 Nm)
- Battery: Bosch, 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame: Full carbon fibre
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Suspension travel: 160/150 or 170/165 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch or Mullet (29/27.5 inch)
- Two models: Moterra (AM) or Moterra LT (EN)
- Price: 6999 to 8799 euros
- Weight: from 24.1 kg
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
New Bosch CX and full carbon frame
Versatility is still at the top of the specification for the Moterra with Bosch motor. The bike now comes with a carbon rear triangle. The system with flexing seat stays from the lightweight Moterra SL Cannondale does not, however, in favour of a stand mount.
The new bikes feature the new Bosch CX Performance Line CX motor. It provides further improved response behaviour and reduced riding noise, and the new motor no longer rattles out of the gearbox. The new 800 watt-hour battery is more compact than the old 750 battery. If you want, you can also replace the 800 with a lighter 600, which fits into the same down tube. The Enduro Moterra LT comes without a display and only with Bosch's minimalist system controller, while Cannondale has integrated a Kiox display on the stem of the All Mountain Moterra. Both bikes are prepared ex works for Bosch's Powermore 250 range extender.
One bike, two characters: Moterra and Moterra LT
As with the previous Moterra, Cannondale is sticking to the Moterra and Moterra LT differentiation. While the Moterra is a classic all-mountain bike with climbing-orientated geometry, 29-inch wheels and 160/150 millimetres of travel, the Moterra LT comes with more travel and adapted geometry for uncompromising downhill use. The key data here: Mullet wheels, 170/165 millimetres of travel and shorter chainstays compared to the Moterra.
Sizes that grow with you and new geometry
Cannondale has slightly revised the geometry of the bikes for the 2025 Moterra. The main changes are slightly steeper seat angles and a slightly lower bottom bracket. The Enduro Moterra LT also has slightly shorter chainstays for more agile downhill behaviour. As we know from Cannondale, the US manufacturer is sticking to the concept of a rear triangle that grows with the rider. In other words, in addition to the main frame, the chainstays also grow with the frame size. This means that the bikes should ride as similarly as possible across the different sizes.
Cannondale Moterra geometry
- Steering angle: 64.4°
- Seat angle: 77.7°
- Reach: 430 - 515 mm (480 in L)
- Stack: 644 - 661 mm (653 in L)
- Chainstay length: 455 mm (S/M), 460 mm (L/XL)
Cannondale Moterra LT geometry
- Steering angle: 64°
- Seat angle: 77.5°
- Reach: 425 - 510 mm (475 in L)
- Stack: 647 - 665 mm (656 in L)
- Chainstay length: 445 mm (S/M), 450 (L/XL)
Initially only in carbon fibre: three models from 6999 euros
For the time being, there will only be three models with a full carbon frame. The all-mountain Moterra 2 is the most affordable model at € 6999 with long-lasting XT Linkglide gears from Shimano and Rockshox Select suspension. The top model, the Moterra 1, uses Fox Factory suspension elements and a GX/XO transmission shift mix and costs 8799 euros. Striking: Even with 160 mm travel at the front, both models rely on heavy 38 mm forks and solid enduro tyres from Continental. According to Cannondale, the top model weighs 24.1 kg.
The Moterra LT 1 is the only model in the Enduro range to come with Fox Performance suspension and mechanical transmission for 7399 euros. At 25.2 kg (BIKE measurement), the bike is not a proven lightweight, but the equipment with Schwalbe Gravity Radial tyres and steel spring shock absorber is bombproof ex works. It seems likely that Cannondale will also introduce more affordable Moterra models with an aluminium frame. For the time being, however, the new Moterra is only available with a carbon frame.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
