Get Smart – For 2022 Cannondale equip the new Moterra Neo Carbon models with Bosch Smart System motors and 750 Wh batteries

For the 2022 season, Cannondale present the completely revised Moterra Neo eMTB featuring the Bosch Smart System motor and 750 Wh battery. In addition to the new carbon models, the new arrivals include one aluminium and two exciting long-travel LT versions. We’ve summarised everything you need to know.

We’re starting to see a pattern with Cannondale. The last time the Moterra Neo platform was revised, Bosch introduced the fourth generation of the Performance Line CX motor. Now, as Bosch introduce their latest generation Smart System, Cannondale present updated 2022 Moterra Neo models. For the current season, Cannondale present two versions of the completely revised Moterra Neo Carbon, an entry-level aluminium version and two special LT models, which are aimed at big-hitters and fans of demanding descents.

The new 2022 Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 in detail

If you ask us, the Moterra Neo didn’t need an update, remaining in our memory as a great all-rounder, versatile enough to excel on everything from relaxed tours to ambitious trail adventures. But Cannondale and Bosch probably see things differently. The new and longer 750 Wh battery, which is an integral part of the Bosch Smart System, requires a new frame. As before, the integrated battery can be removed via a large opening in the bottom of the carbon down tube. With this design, Cannondale can encase the bottom of the Bosch Smart System motor with aluminium skid plates, which should keep it well protected in rugged terrain. Like its predecessor, the Horst-Link rear end is also made of aluminium. From frame size M, the Moterra Neo rolls on 29″ wheels, whereas frame size S comes with a 27.5″ rear wheel. This allows Cannondale to shorten the chainstays and adapt the kinematics to suit smaller riders, in order to offer balanced handling for riders of all sizes. The horizontally positioned shock is now attached to the top tube instead of the down tube. It controls 150 mm travel at the rear and is paired with a 150 mm travel fork. Compared to its predecessor, the Moterra Neo has 10 mm less travel front and rear. To make up for it, Cannondale have reintroduced the Moterra Neo LT with 170/165 mm travel, which we’ll take a closer look at in a moment.

In addition to the major changes to the platform, a lot of improvements have been made to the details of the new Moterra Neo Carbon. The cables around the cockpit are now routed into the frame via the stem, allowing Cannondale to get rid of the cable ports behind the head tube and cleaning up the look of the frame. The Kiox 300 display is placed above the stem using an angled handlebar bracket. There’s a small plastic cover keeping the charging port on the seat tube dry and clean. The mounting points for a luggage rack, stand and rear mudguard give the bike everyday versatility. We’re happy to see that Cannondale are speccing the flagship model with a permanently installed headlight, as they did with the predecessor, featuring a remote-controlled high beam function. To top it off, the new Moterra Neo frame is covered against manufacturing defects by the same lifetime warranty offered with many other Cannondale frames.

The Cannondale Moterra Neo components and variants in detail

The Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 is available for € 8,499 and the Carbon 2 can be yours for € 7,499, both featuring a carbon frame, as the name suggests. Below that, you’ll find the € 5,999 Moterra Neo 3. All variants are supplied with RockShox suspension and rely on Shimano for the drivetrain and brakes. The Lezyne Super HB E1000 headlight is exclusive to the flagship Moterra Neo Carbon 1, though all other models have the wiring for a headlight pre-installed, at least. For all friends of connectivity, Cannondale include a wheel sensor on all models. It automatically records your speed, travel time and distance and can store the data of up to 30 rides. You can synchronise this with your smartphone via the Cannondale app, which offers a few extra features that you won’t find in the Bosch eBike Flow app.

The geometry of the new Cannondale Moterra Neo in detail

The new Cannondale models are available in four sizes from S to XL, where the smallest size comes with a 27.5″ rear wheel and features slightly shorter chainstays. This way shall ensure that all riders get equally balanced handling. Cannondale have succeeded in accommodating the long 750 Wh battery in the down tube of the size S frame without having to resort to extreme differences in the geometry. Compared to the predecessor, the geometry has only been adjusted slightly, making the head angle a little slacker at 65° and steepening the seat tube angle by 2°, bringing it to 77°.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	577 mm	600 mm	632 mm	669 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	430 mm	460 mm	490 mm
Head tube	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	65°	65°	65°	65°
Seat angle	77°	77°	77°	77°
Chainstay	452 mm	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Drop	18 mm	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1,209 mm	1,235 mm	1,270 mm	1,309 mm
Reach	435 mm	455 mm	485 mm	520 mm
Stack	617 mm	626 mm	635 mm	644 mm

The new Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT in detail

If you like the new Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon but would like to have a little “more bike” so that you’re not restricted to your usual local trails, able to blast down the roughest terrain, the Moterra Neo Carbon LT (Long Travel) could be the eMTB you’re looking for. You get the same Bosch Smart System motor and 750 Wh battery, but the LT versions are equipped with more gravity-focused components such as a RockShox Zeb fork and a coil shock, providing 170 mm travel up front and 165 mm at the rear. The new Moterra Neo Carbon LT comes with mixed wheel sizes in all four frame sizes, i.e. a 29″ wheel up front and 27.5″ at the rear. Initially, the LT model will only be available in two carbon models, based on the front triangle of the Moterra Neo Carbon, giving it the same features as its short-travel sibling. However, all sizes of the LT frame come with a modified aluminium rear triangle with shorter Kiochainstays, as on the Moterra Neo Carbon in size S. Due to the increased travel, the head and seat angles are somewhat slacker than the short-travel models, coming in at 64° and 76.5° respectively. The flagship Moterra Neo Carbon LT build also features a factory-fitted headlight.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	580 mm	602 mm	634 mm	671 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	430 mm	460 mm	490 mm
Head tube	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°
Chainstay	452 mm	452 mm	452 mm	452 mm
BB Drop	11 mm	11 mm	11 mm	11 mm
Wheelbase	1,217 mm	1,242 mm	1,276 mm	1,315 mm
Reach	426 mm	446 mm	476 mm	511 mm
Stack	623 mm	633 mm	642 mm	651 mm

Our conclusion on the new 2022 Cannondale Moterra Neo models

With the new Moterra Neo models, the team at Cannondale haven’t reinvented the wheel. Instead, they focused on perfecting the integration of the Bosch Smart System and refining the details. You’ll have to wait until we get our hands on one of the new eMTBs to find out whether the devil is in the details of the 2022 Moterra Neo and how the new frame and large battery affects the handling. As soon as we’ve had the chance to put the bike through its paces, you’ll be the first to know.

For more information visit cannondale.com.

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Cannondale