Cannondale couldn't tell us what the SE in the name of the new motorbike means. After the practical test, we would award the "Fun Edition" label. But first the facts: The Moterra SE is based on the normal Moterra (130 millimetres of travel) and closes the gap to the Long Travel version with 160 millimetres of travel. It has been given a 140 millimetre fork and more downhill-heavy components. This is noticeable on the trail. Thanks to the low centre of gravity, the bike is very agile and a real fun ride. The sensitive suspension provides a lot of comfort, and the powerful Guide RE brakes provide safety and control.
Only when the terrain gets rough does the Moterra SE reach its limits. A longer main frame and more robust tyres would be desirable here. Another sticking point: The ground clearance is a little tight, which means that you hit the ground earlier on high steps than with some other e-MTBs. Good: A metal cover ensures that the motor does not suffer from this shortcoming. On the climbs, the comfortable rear suspension proves to be too soft. The shock sags a little and tends to bob, the front wheel becomes light and loses contact with the ground quite quickly. The lever for hardening the shock provides a remedy.
The wide tyres provide top grip on hard surfaces, but the tame tread reaches its limits in the wet or on rough terrain. Sram's high-quality EX1 drivetrain is responsible for the gear changes, offering a coarser gradation with only eight gears. Advantage: The right gear is available more quickly on counter-climbs. Downside: It is not always possible to pedal at the desired cadence.
Test summary of the Cannondale Moterra SE
The E-MTB from Cannondale is a comfortable tourer with agile trail handling, good equipment and a portion of extravagance. Perfect for easy to moderately difficult terrain, only when things get really rough do it lack reserves.
PLUS Sophisticated equipment, top trail handling
MINUS Rear suspension bobs without a platform, low ground clearance
Reach height 1442 hm
Time / 500 hm 24.4 min.
Cannondale Moterra SE 27.5"
Price 5699 Euro
Drive
Engine Bosch Performance CX
Maximum torque 175 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² Bosch Powerpack 500 Wh / 2586 grams
Circuit Sram EX1 (8-speed)
Gear ratio (v/h) 15; 11-48
Display / Size Bosch Purion / 1.75 inch
Equipment
Fork / damper Fox 34 Float Performance / Fox Float DPS Evol
Spring travel¹ (f. / h.) 140 mm / 130 mm
Telescopic support TransX Dropper 120 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Sram Guide RE / 200 / 180 mm
Impellers Formula hubs; WTB i29 rims
Wheel size 27,5+''
Tyres Onza Canis FRC, 27.5 x 2.85 inch
Measured values²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 23.34 kg
Centre of gravity height 490 mm
Handlebar width 780 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 170 mm / 186 mm
Reach / Stack 414 mm / 620 mm
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the range height measurement and the laboratory tests.
The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
