Cannondale Moterra Neo LT Carbon 1 on test: Superior power eMTB with Bosch CX

E-bike? Yes, please! The Moterra Neo LT Carbon 1 from Cannondale does not want to deny its roots. And these are clearly in the power e-mountainbike segment. With its beefy look, this E-Enduro is a clear counterpoint to a slender light enduro bike with a slim silhouette, subtle motor thrust and moderate range. Cannondale traditionally relies on the power of Bosch motors. The Bosch Performance Line CX provides thrust in the long-stroke Moterra Neo LT. The large Powertube battery from Bosch's Smartsystem sits deep in the frame of the bike, so the 750 watt hours even fit into small S-frames. In addition to the massive motor area, the standard fenders, the wide 2.6 mm rollers and the steel spring shock ensure the massive appearance of the E-Enduro. This is also reflected in the weight: at 25.9 kilos, it is heavier than average for a bike in this price range. On the other hand, it boasts a high weight allowance of up to 150 kilos system weight - something that only a few e-MTBs can offer.

The facts about the Cannondale Moterra Neo LT Carbon 1

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Bosch Powertube, 750 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
• Suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm
• Wheel size: Mullet (29 / 27.5 inch)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 8499 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 25.9 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Max. permissible total weight: 150 kg

In addition to the LT version tested here, the new Moterra is also available with slightly less suspension travel. The 150 mm version (without LT in the name) uses 29er wheels at the front and rear - but otherwise has the same features. Click here to test the little all-mountain brother Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1.

The e-bike drive: Bosch Performance Line CX

Just like the very first Moterra, the latest version of Cannondale's E-MTB also relies on a Bosch drive. The Performance CX is one of the most powerful motors on the market. Its lively and dynamic power delivery and the super E-MTB mode make the motor a real uphill king. It keeps you relaxed and in control on difficult climbs.

The long (and unfortunately heavy) Powertube 750 sits in the down tube of the Cannondale Moterra, a combination that propels the Moterra to a particularly long range. In our standardised reach tests, this system performs above average and climbs under the standardised ideal conditions Around 2000 metres in altitude in one go. The Cannondale battery can be folded out to the front in the classic way. This is quick and relatively convenient. Anyone who removes the battery frequently will benefit from this.

Cannondale takes the lavish route with the controls. A Kiox 300 is emblazoned above the stem, which provides a lot of view pages and information including a navigation view. There is also an LED remote on the handlebars, which displays the battery status and support level via small lights. Minimalists can also use the remote on its own, without a display. The option of a system controller in the top tube is not available on the Moterra.

The geometry

With a wheelbase of 1280 mm in size L, the Moterra LT is definitely one of the roomier E-MTBs. This is due to a moderately long reach of 470 mm and above-average chainstays of 455 mm. The values measured in our in-house eMTB laboratory underline our impression from the practical tests: smoothness is more important here than manoeuvrability. The head angle is slack at 64 degrees, but not extreme by enduro standards. The seat tube is quite long, which limits the choice of frame size as well as the possible length of the dropper post. Our test bike in size L only has 150 mm adjustment travel.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 454 mm
• Wheelbase: 1280 mm
• Reach: 470 mm
• Stack: 643 mm
• Steering angle: 64°
• Seat angle: 76.5°
• Chainstay length: 455 mm

The equipment of the Cannondale Moterra Neo LT Carbon 1

The integrated front headlight from Lezyne is striking. If the tour takes longer or the bike is also used in everyday life, you don't need to worry about light and battery status. Both are always on the bike, as the light draws its power from the large main battery, which has a reserve for the light. Shimano's XT drivetrain and Sram's Code RSC brakes are solid. The Rockshox suspension with ZEB fork and steel spring damper works well - considering the price of € 8500, however, we would have preferred the top-of-the-range "Ultimate" series from Rockshox. Minor weaknesses in the spec: the 150 mm dropper post offers little travel and therefore not the ultimate in freedom of movement, the Maxxis tyres with the moderately robust Exo+ casing offer a little less puncture protection for the bike's speed. Top: high weight clearance, easy battery change.

Practical test: How the Cannondale Moterra LT rides

Uphill

The riding position is central and pleasantly balanced. But even on flat terrain, you can feel that you have a lot of bike underneath you. This gives you security and confidence and conveys a big-bike feeling. However, the lively Performance CX doesn't let you get bored on the climbs. Steep climbs don't scare the bike because the Cannondale Moterra climbs very easily thanks to its long chainstays, stable yet high-traction rear suspension and good position. Only in tight passages and bends does the long bike feel a little bulky and unwieldy.

Downhill

The bomb-proof character continues downhill. Even when the going gets rough, the Moterra LT remains composed and the smooth ride is enormous. The rear with steel spring damper is also in control in every situation. However, it is rather defined and not overly plush. If you want to play around with the setup of your rear suspension, you should bear in mind that this is not as easy to do with the coil shock as with an air setup.

The direct character particularly appeals to sporty full-throttle riders. However, it is precisely this clientele that the Moterra LT lacks manoeuvrability and cornering ability. On slower trails, in tight bends and technical passages, the long bike feels sluggish and cumbersome. In addition to the long rear triangle, the slightly higher bottom bracket and weight are also noticeable here. The Moterra LT is also reluctant to be pulled onto the rear wheel. On jumps and edges, however, the defined rear end lifts the bike into the air excellently and sails stably even over large drops. The experienced EMTB test riders would have preferred slightly narrower tyres, as the 2.6 Maxxis tyres convey a less defined ride feel and make the handling somewhat imprecise. If you ride the bike's full throttle potential on rough trails, even the thin carcasses (Maxxis EXO+) can't keep up. An enduro bike of this calibre needs more stable tyres, at least at the rear.

The EMTB conclusion

The Moterra LT is the right choice for anyone looking for confidence on rough terrain. The bike gives you a lot of confidence both uphill and downhill and doesn't shy away from any off-road challenges. Unfortunately, it is a little heavy and sluggish overall. On the other hand, the bike's strong reach and top climbing geo mean that it can also cope with nasty and long uphill missions as well as extended enduro tours. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine.

Pro

• Smooth and stable ride
• Defined rear suspension with plenty of reserves
• Convenient battery change
• High weight release
• Powerful light as standard

Contra

• Heavy
• Cumbersome and not very handy
• (Too) thin tyre carcass
• 2.6 Maxxis tyres provide an undefined ride feel

Technical data and notes on the Cannondale Moterra Neo LT Carbon 1

Manufacturer information

• Price: 8499 Euro
• Sizes / seat tube / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 45.5 cm), XL / Carbon

Measured values¹

• Weight¹: 25.9 kg
• Centre of gravity height: 520 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 160 mm / 184 mm
• Ground clearance³: 488 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Max. Torque²: 85 Nm
• Battery² / weight¹ / price Replacement battery: Bosch Powertube 750 / 4328 g / 999 Euro
• Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
• Display: Bosch Kiox 300
• Permissible total weight²: 150 kg
• Fork / shock: Rockshox ZEB Select+ / Super Deluxe Coil Select+
• Front / rear suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm
• Telescopic support: Down Low, 150 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RSC / 220 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss 310 / Formula hubs; WTB Kom i30 rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ 29 x 2.6" / Minion DHRII Exo+ 27.5 x 2.6"

¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

²Manufacturer information

Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel

⁴The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.