With its Moterra series, Cannondale focussed more on the enduro faction. The new Cujo Neo is aimed at trail bikers. In order to give the bike the most playful riding behaviour possible, the product managers had written less suspension travel and shorter chainstays into the developers' specifications. As a result, the Americans opted for the compact Shimano drivetrain. The 2.8 plus tyres provide ground contact.
On the trail, the Cujo Neo turns out to be a fun machine with a pronounced penchant for single trails. You sit in the centre of the bike, which can be steered with little physical effort. Thanks to the short chainstays, no corner is too tight for the Cujo. It can be pushed off the ground with ease, allowing you to fly over roots and potholes with ease. The rather low-profile Maxxis Rekon tyres in Plus format have good traction in dry conditions and - filled with 1.5 bar air pressure - ensure buttery smooth rolling. The suspension takes care of the rest.
With 130 millimetres of travel, you can't expect a sedan chair, but we found the feedback from the ground to be appropriate for this type of bike anyway. You can't expect top performance on the climbs due to the short stays. Nevertheless, the scores in this discipline are above average. In keeping with the times, Cannondale have fitted the Cujo with short 165 mm cranks. They shouldn't be any longer, as the low bottom bracket still caused us to bounce a few times. The large, integrated Shimano battery requires a massive down tube - whether stylish or not is in the eye of the beholder. You feel the hefty 23.8kg total weight less on the trail than when carrying it.
Conclusion on the Cannondale Cujo Neo
The Cujo Neo is a playful trail bike that feels at home on any type of terrain thanks to its balanced geometry. The equipment is not top of the range for the price, but is sensibly put together.
PLUS Manoeuvrable on single trails, good all-round characteristics
MINUS Quite heavy
Reach height 1335 hm
Time/500 hm4
25:36 min.
Price 5699 Euro
DRIVE
Engine Shimano Steps E8000
Maximum torque¹ 75 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Shimano 504 Wh, 3048 grams / 799 euros
Circuit Sram XO1 (12-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 34; 10-50
Display / Size Shimano / 21 x 38 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork / damper Rockshox Pike RC / Rockshox Debon Air Del. RT
Spring travel¹ (f. / h.) 140 mm / 130 mm
Telescopic support Down Low, 150 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) SRAM Guide RE 200 mm / 180 mm
Impellers Cannondale / SLX hubs; DT HX 531 hybrid rims
Wheel size 27,5''
Tyres Maxxis Rekon + 3C /Maxxterra, 27.5 x 2.8 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 23.8 kg
Centre of gravity height 522 mm
Handlebar width 780 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 185 mm
Reach / Stack 418 mm / 607 mm
EMTB JUDGEMENT VERY GOOD³
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 reach measurement and laboratory tests. The assessment is always to be understood in relation to the respective category (hardtail, tour/trail, enduro).
4 Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB test laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts pedalling power of the rider. The time / 500 altitude metres refers to the first 500 altitude metres.
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. 4Average value from the range height test over the entire distance.
