Exploring new areas, experiencing bike adventures. Perfect tasks for the E-MTB, which can also iron out the odd mishap with motor assistance. But if you miscalculate and run the battery completely flat, you're in a bad position. Without motor support, e-biking becomes a feat of strength. Cannondale wants to counteract this problem with the new Moterra Neo and the Moterra Neo LT. With the Bosch Smart System the Americans have increased the range and thus offer the rider more safety and more time on the bike. The battery now holds 750 watt hoursthat the 85 Newton metres powerful Performance-Line CX motor from Bosch.
The facts about Moterra Neo and Moterra Neo LT at a glance
- Wheel size: 29er and Mullet (front 29 inch, rear 27.5 inch)
- Spring travel: 150 millimetres (LT: 170/165 millimetres)
- Battery: 750 watt hours
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX (85 Newton metres)
- Frame size: S until XL
- Prices: 5499 Euro until 8999 Euro
In order to be able to integrate the battery into the frame at all, the chassis had to be redesigned from the ground up. An opportunity that the developers took for a Completely new development have utilised. Although new and old Moterra very similar, but the shock is now fixed under the top tube instead of on the down tube, gets a fresh linkage for a Improved kinematics and a Geometry update is also available on top.
Modern, but not extreme: the geometry of the new Moterra Neo
However, Cannondale avoids extremes. The 65 degree flat steering angle The All Mountain Moterra Neo is designed to provide more downhill performance, while the steep Seat angle of 77 Degree should bring the rider further forwards on steep climbs. The reach is now a sporty 485 millimetres in size L for more downhill confidence. In combination with the 1270 millimetre long wheelbase, this makes the Moterra Neo an unagitated and well-balanced touring eMTB. However, handling fans might want the 455 millimetre chainstays to be a little shorter.
Moterra Neo: Battery integration
The battery can be removed from the front of the down tube in the classic way. Alternatively, it can also be charged via the built-in port when installed. As always with the Smart System, support, battery status and riding modes can be read via the LED remote. Most models also come with the Kiox display on the stem, which offers additional functions. The top models of Cannondale's e-mountainbike roll with a 1000 lumen powerful Lezyne headlight from charging, which is supplied with energy directly from the battery. Practical.
All Mountain and Enduro: Moterra Neo and Moterra Neo LT
The Moterra Neo features 150 millimetres spring travel at the front and rear and is designed for all-mountain use. The LT version conjures up another 15 millimetres from the steel spring damped rear and 20 millimetres more from the fork and is therefore also equipped for tough enduro use. The geometry of the LT model is also slightly flatter and longer for a smoother ride.
The steering angle here is 64 degrees, while the wheelbase of 1276 millimetres in size L is slightly longer than the Moterra Neo. A smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel should nevertheless give the Moterra Neo LT lively handling. The All Mountain Moterra Neo is available in with aluminium frame from 5499 Eurowhich Carbon models of the Moterra Neo and the Moterra Neo LT (exclusively in carbon fibre) cost between 7499 and 8999 euros.
