Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 in review – An eMTB for (almost) everyone and (nearly) every eventualities

With the Moterra Neo Carbon 1, Cannondale want to offer the ultimate all-rounder and appeal to everyone from beginners to seasoned trail veterans. Can it deliver consistent performance in all situations, from long tours to everyday rides, all the way to challenging trail sessions? Or do you have to accept some compromises on the trail?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

**Cannondale** Moterra Neo Carbon 1 | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 160/160 mm (f/r)
24.06 kg in size L | € 8,799 | Manufacturer’s website

While the frame platform of the Moterra Neo Carbon 1 remains unchanged from last year, the 2021 version of Cannondale’s flagship model features brand new suspension and an elegant silver-black finish. For the drive unit, the American brand relies on the proven Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 625 Wh PowerTube, both neatly integrated into the downtube. Cannondale round off the harmonious package with a revised charger port cover, a speed sensor neatly integrated into the dropout and a huge skid plate that protects the motor from impacts. While the Kiox display, unfortunately, remains in the same exposed position on the stem, right below the display there’s now a headlight, which is an awesome and very practical feature for night rides and late commutes.

The spec of the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1: A compromise.

Das 8.499 € teure Topmodell Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 setzt für 2021 auf ein RockShox-Fahrwerk mit 160 mm, der steifen ZEB Ultimate-Federgabel und dem Deluxe Select+ Dämpfer ohne Ausgleichsbehälter. Es bietet ein einfaches Setup und einen guten Kompromiss für Anfänger und sportive E-Mountainbiker. Gestoppt wird das 24,06 kg schwere Bike von einer standfesten MAGURA MT7 mit 220-mm-Scheiben vorne und 200 mm hinten. Bei ihr hat Cannondale bewusst auf die Shiftmix-Klemmen verzichtet, um eine bessere Ergonomie im Cockpit zu gewährleisten.

The 2021 Moterra Neo Carbon 1 top-of-the-range model retails at € 8,499 and features RockShox suspension with a super-stiff ZEB Ultimate fork and a Deluxe Select+ shock without a piggyback reservoir – both control 160 mm travel. Thanks to functional and user-friendly components, the bike is easy to set up and offers a great compromise catering to both beginners and sporty eMTBers. Our test bike weighs in at 24.06 kg and is stopped by powerful MAGURA MT7 brakes with 220/200 mm rotors. In order to ensure better cockpit ergonomics, Cannondale have avoided the Shiftmix clamps we’ve had problems with on other bikes. Nonetheless, there’s still room for improvement.

**Suspension tuning**
While the RockShox ZEB is an awesome upgrade compared to last year’s model, the non-piggyback shock tends to heat up too easily on long descents.

**Much better**
Cannondale have replaced the flimsy charger port cover of the previous Moterra with a new, more robust and flexible rubber item.

**Upgrade recommended**
Cannondale’s in-house DownLow dropper post comes with either 125 mm (M) or 150 mm (L & XL) travel, which isn’t enough for trail riding. On top of that, the dropper remote is a wobbly ergonomics disaster. We recommend upgrading to a more robust remote.

Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1

€ 8,799

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox
Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate 160 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select+ 160 mm
Seatpost Cannondale DownLow Dropper 100–150 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX/X01 Eagle 1x12
Stem Cannondale 1 50 mm
Handlebar Cannondale 3 Riser 780 mm
Wheelset WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI EXO/Minion DHRII EXO+ 2.6"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 24.06 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 125 kg
Trailer approval No
Kickstand mount No

Specific Features

Supernova MINI 2 PRO light with high beam

**Not suitable for trails**
The Moterra comes with an excellent Supernova Mini Pro 2 light as standard – the best light in the test. Unfortunately, as soon as the trail gets rough, the magnetic high beam switch flies out of its holder.

**Exemplary**
/Despite the Bosch motor, the speed sensor is safely integrated into the dropout and the magnet attached directly to the rotor, where it can’t get lost or damaged. Great!

Unfortunately, the remote of the dropper post is small, fiddly and very hard to position within easy reach. If that wasn’t enough, the dropper has only a meagre 150 mm travel. While the Supernova Mini 2 Pro light with its built-in high beam offers unrivalled performance in this group test, the additional cables and fiddly magnetic thumb switch, which is unsuited to rough terrain, clutter the cockpit. A mixed 12-speed SRAM drivetrain with GX and X01 Eagle components and the massive 10–52 t cassette provide a huge 520% gear range, while a 2.6” MAXXIS ASSEGAI EXO tire at the front and Minion DHRII EXO+ at the rear ensure sufficient traction but offer only moderate puncture protection for aggressive riders.

Site	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400 mm	430 mm	460 mm	510 mm
Top tube	587 mm	614 mm	638 mm	666 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm
Head angle	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°
Seat angle	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	10 mm	18 mm	18 mm	18 mm
Wheelbase	1,184 mm	1,221 mm	1,247 mm	1,276 mm
Reach	430 mm	448 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Stack	585 mm	619 mm	629 mm	638 mm

**Helmet** KED PECTOR ME-1 | **Glasses** Adidas Evil Eye Halfrim | **Backpack** Ergon BA 3 Protect
**Jersey** Fasthouse Fastline Slash | **Shorts** Fox Ranger Shorts
**Shoes** Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro | **Gloves** Roeckl MALIX

A unique feature of the Cannondale Moterra is its different wheel sizes. In size S, the Moterra rolls on 27.5″ wheels to give smaller riders (from 1.57 m tall) more freedom of movement. All other sizes are specced with big 29” wheels. On top of that, the suspension kinematics are adjusted to suit the various frame and respective rider sizes. Compared to the rest of the test field, the geometry of the new Moterra is rather conservative, except for the seat angle, which at 75° is noticeably slacker both on paper and the trail, and slackening out further as you extend the dropper post. However, this plays into the Moterra’s favour on long rides, where the pedalling position is pleasantly comfortable and gentle on the wrists. In combination with the sensitive suspension and relatively chunky tires, the Moterra offers a high level of comfort even on long rides.

When the route planning goes wrong or the cappuccino break takes a bit longer than expected, the Supernova high beam comes in handy. The light is a great bonus for safety to winter commutes.

For everything and everyone: The Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 on the trail

Uphill, the pedalling position of the Moterra is rear-heavy, especially for tall riders. Nonetheless, the bike is good-natured and delivers solid climbing performance. On technical climbs, the high bottom bracket prevents pedal strikes and lets you focus on more important tasks, like getting your weight over the front wheel to prevent it from lifting. Thankfully, you’ll get some help from the rear end of the Moterra, which sits high in its travel yet still maintains lots of traction, efficiently transferring the power of the 85 Nm motor onto the trail, even in the powerful Turbo mode. Uphill, the Moterra Neo Carbon 1 only reaches its limits on very steep climbs and through tight corners.

The Moterra Neo 1 is a great choice for everyone who wants to combine everyday riding, trail adventures, long-distance comfort and good-natured handling. However, on the trail, the bike can’t keep up with the sportiest models in our group test.

Tuning tip: dropper post with better ergonomics and more travel

Downhill, the Cannondale is a great compromise for all types of riders. The entire test team agrees: whether you’re a leisure rider or ambitious trail surfer, hardly any other bike in the test field inspires this much confidence from the get-go. The handling is smooth, good-natured and predictable, not least thanks to the balanced weight distribution. In combination with the plush suspension, this ensures excellent traction even in loose corners and during hard braking on steep terrain. Faced with nasty impacts and fast (or heavy) riders, the suspension struggles to provide enough reserves and support, preventing you from stepping on the gas on long stretches and playing with the trail features. Even on winding trails, the relatively heavy Moterra requires a good dose of physical effort but, in return, offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride even for newbies and hobby riders with poor technique.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

With its intuitive and good-natured handling, the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 appeals to a wide range of riders – everyone from touring freaks to ambitious trail surfers. While it struggles to keep up with the sportiest bikes on the trail, the comfortable riding position and everyday features like the Supernova lamp make it an excellent all-rounder and a great option for long rides.

Tops

very versatile
easy, good-natured handling
high level of comfort

Flops

technical climbs
sluggish in tight corners
untidy cable management

You can find out more about at cannondale.com

The test field