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The Cannondale Moterra SL is a true e-bike classic. How many variants of the American bike have already been produced! With short and long suspension travel, as a suspended version with semi-integrated battery and even as a Moterra SE with a double bridge. However, in our tests, the Moterra didn't really score highly, apart from the very first versions. Seat angle too slack, suspension too stiff, bike too heavy - somehow there was always something to complain about.
That could change now. Cannondale has completely modernised the Moterra for 2025 and significantly improved in many respects. The reason for this the new Performance Line CX motor from Bosch including a new 800cc battery. For this, Cannondale had to redesign the frame from the ground up and has learnt some of the lessons from the lightweight Moterra SL have been incorporated. The Moterra still comes with a classic four-link instead of a flex-pivot rear triangle. However, the new full carbon frame is said to have shed over a kilo compared to its predecessor with an aluminium rear end. In addition to the LT, the Moterra is also available in an All Mountain version - then also with a cheaper aluminium frame.
The facts about the Cannondale Moterra LT 1
- Price: 7399 Euro >> available here
- Motor: Bosch CX, 100 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170/165 millimetres
- Wheel size: Mullet (29/27.5 inch)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 25.2 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame
Bosch power: up to 100 Nm and plenty of range
The weight savings from the new Bosch motor also contribute to a lower overall mass. The new 800 watt-hour battery in particular is almost 400 grams lighter than its predecessor with 750 watt hours. The motor itself also saves a few grams. However, the riding characteristics of the new CX are much more decisive. It now offers up to 750 watts of peak power and 100 Newton metres of torque, which can be activated via the Bosch app. There's also the new EMTB+ mode. And perhaps most importantly for downhill fans of the Moterra SL: the motor no longer rattles downhill.
There's a little extra range on top with the 800 battery, which is of course installed in the classic removable way. In our standardised range test, the end is only reached after around 2000 metres of altitude in turbo mode. With a special charging port design, the Moterra LT is also prepared for the Bosch Range Extender. However, the downhill-orientated enduro model does not have a display. The minimalist combination of system controller and mini remote only shows the U-level and the current battery status in 10 per cent increments.
DHX steel spring: The equipment of the Moterra LT
All or nothing: While Cannondale relies on a differentiated product range with carbon and aluminium frames and various equipment variants for the "normal" Moterra, the Enduro Moterra LT only comes in the version we tested. The carbon frame is of high quality and is combined by Cannondale with functional mid-range parts from various manufacturers.
The suspension with downhill steel spring damper (climb switch and adjustable compression damping!) and thick 38 mm Performance fork comes from Fox, with shifting via the better mechanical 90 transmission. TRP DH-R Evo brakes bite on thick 2.3 millimetre discs for maximum heat resistance. The H1900 wheels from DT Swiss prioritise durability over lightweight construction. The Cannondale is the first production bike ever to come with Schwalbe's ultra-aggressive Shredda tyres up front. The tyres really look like Schwalbe took their inspiration directly from the Erzberg Rodeo.
- Fork / shock: Fox 38 Performance / DHX Performance Coil
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission
- Brakes: TRP DH-R Evo, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Shredda Gravity ultrasoft / Albert Gravity Soft, 29/27.5 x 2.5
- Special features: Downhill shock absorber with steel spring, Shredda front tyre
Stay playful
Despite the massive suspension travel and Bosch system, Cannondale strives for a geometry that is not too expansive in favour of playfulness. In addition to the reach, the chainstays also grow with the frame sizes and measure 445 millimetres (S, M) or 450 millimetres (from size L). The head angle is slack, but the reach remains rather compact. A high stack and large BB drop should ensure a low stance on the bike.
Practical test: How the Cannondale Moterra LT 1 rides on the trail
It's clear from the first few metres of the test: this new Moterra is a whole lot better than its predecessors because it's much rounder. On flat sections, the riding position is modern but not too front-heavy - the good-natured character on tours is therefore retained. On the other hand, the new riding position with a steeper seat angle also scores points on climbs. Unlike before, the kink in the seat tube does not have such a negative effect on the riding position on steep climbs.
Here, too, you remain centred on the bike and can steer the Moterra LT up steep climbs without fear of losing control. However, the rather high front end and slack steering angle take some getting used to. Once you get the hang of it, however, the Moterra LT inspires with its sensitive suspension and ultra-grippy radial tyres from Schwalbe. In combination with the new Bosch motor (EMTB+, 100 Nm), the Moterra LT is also fun to tinker with on almost unrideable uphill challenges.
Driving pleasure and driving qualities
Unsurprisingly, however, it's the downhill where the fat E-Enduro from Connecticut really shines. We already found the rear suspension of its little brother, the normal Moterra with aluminium frame, to be extremely traction-strong and easy to swallow. This applies even more to the large Moterra LT with steel spring shock. In combination with the high-traction radial tyres, the rear end is very responsive and sucks up every rock and every small root, yet always has enough progression for big hits. The rear never hardens drastically, but offers just the right amount of progression. The only thing we didn't find easy was the basic set-up of the coil-sprung rear end. A marking for the SAG on the shock or a drag indicator on the frame would be a huge help.
In spite of its tame qualities, the Moterra LT is not a boring bulldozer that only rides straight ahead. The rear suspension offers good pop. Thanks to the compact geometry for an E-Enduro, the Cannondale remains lively and manoeuvrable even on tight trails. Despite the significant weight savings on the frame, we would have liked the bike to be a little lighter. The Moterra always needs a bit of momentum downhill to avoid becoming too cumbersome. Successful: Thanks to the new Bosch motor, the bike doesn't rattle much downhill either. However, the short reach and slack head angle were not entirely intuitive for us. We found the ultra-soft Shredda tyre on the front wheel to be special.
In comparison: This is how we would categorise the Moterra LT
Within Cannondale's line-up, the pecking order is clear. If you are touring orientated, you should go for the normal Moterra. If you are primarily looking for downhill fun, the Moterra LT is the better choice. The super-light Moterra SL with Shimano motor The lower weight comes at the price of slightly less range and a significantly firmer chassis. Exciting, but certainly not for everyone.
We weren't able to ride the Moterra LT in direct comparison with other current E-Enduros, but recently we had Many bikes from this category in the test. The plush suspension of the Moterra LT is not dissimilar to the Focus Sam². However, the Cannondale remains much more manageable and, with its mix of playfulness and downhill qualities, is more reminiscent of the extremely successful Ekano 2 CF from Propain. However, the Moterra LT is significantly heavier, but also offers a better range and more motor power. If you are looking for an enduro bike with plenty of travel specifically for touring, you could also consider the on the new Hybe from Haibike (test here) take a look.
BIKE review of the Moterra LT
Strengths
- Extremely forgiving and sensitive chassis
- Handy for a powerful E-Enduro
- Mostly sensibly selected equipment
- Quiet
Weaknesses
- Front tyre takes some getting used to
- somewhat heavy
BIKE summary of the Moterra LT
The Cannondale Moterra LT* pours pure wine. The enduro bike shines with a super chassis and great handling qualities. The equipment with bombproof character also matches this. The overall weight is a little high, but the riding characteristics are impressive. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor
Adrian Kaether
Editor
