In the course of 2020, Cannondale had completely revamped its Moterra model range. A newly designed carbon frame provided the basis for the three models Moterra Neo Carbon 1, 2 and 3. This was joined by the Moterra Neo 5, a variant of the enduro e-mountain bike with an aluminium frame. What stands out in the list? Exactly, somehow the 4 was left out of the whole story. More than a year later, the solution to this little riddle is now here. This week, the manufacturer presented the brand new Moterra Neo 4.
With the Moterra Neo 4, Cannondale closes the gap between the three top models of the range and the cheapest bike. In terms of price and technical features, there was still plenty of room for another model. On the one hand, there were Performance Line CX motors of the fourth generation from Bosch, enclosed in a frame made of carbon. On the other side you had the cheaper Steps E700 motor with a smaller battery from Shimano and an aluminium frame.
Cannondale Moterra Neo 4
Aluminium and Shimano as cornerstones
Right in the middle of this jumps the new number 4, which is more the big sister of number 5 than the little sibling of number 3. This simply means that Cannondale has combined its currently highest-quality aluminium, the SmartForm C2, with an EP8 unit from Shimano. At first glance, you will therefore have to answer two main questions: Which frame material is more suitable for you? Do you prefer Bosch or Shimano drive systems?
First use for an EP8 from Shimano on an E-MTB from Cannondale
A closer look reveals that there is a third question. And this is essential for an Enduro bike. How much suspension travel should there be? In contrast to the Moterra Neo 1 to 3, the number 4 offers a little less. The difference is ten millimetres – both for the suspension fork and the rear shock. Depending on the terrain you usually ride and your riding skills, the answer needs to be carefully considered.
Damper with 150 millimetres of travel
Ready for the wild ride
Just like the other models, the Moterra Neo 4 basically has a ton of potential for riding fun off-road. Cannondale has designed the frame geometry to be moderate. The steering angle of 65 degrees and the seat angle of 76 degrees are inconspicuously in line with what is currently considered state-of-the-art for this type of ebike, without explicitly standing out at any point. The 29-inch wheels front and rear, together with the 35 millimetre distance between the bottom bracket and the ground, ensure that you can confidently face even larger obstacles. Thanks to the four-bar rear triangle, you maintain direct contact with the ground for a long time, which is always an advantage uphill and downhill. Cannondale has been using thru axles on its pivot system for a long time. Even if ruts and impacts are hard on it, it holds up surprisingly well and keeps you safely on track.
Compared to the other models in the range, the remaining components such as suspension fork, shock, brakes, wheels and cassette are understandably of a higher quality or less expensive. Depending on what you take as a reference. In our view, the distance to the entry-level model is particularly noticeable. The battery with a capacity of 630 watt hours or the 12-speed cassette are upgrades to the Moterra Neo 4 that you will certainly appreciate in everyday use, especially in the long term. At the same time, the price difference of 1,000 euros cannot be ignored.
Cannondale Moterra Neo 4 at a glance
- Frame: SmartForm C2 aluminium
- Suspension fork: RockShox 35 Silver R, 150 mm
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select R, DebonAir, 150 mm
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: Shimano BT-E8036
- Display: Shimano SC-EM800
- Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Brakes: TRP Slate G4 4 Piston
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon, 29 x 2.6″
- Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 aluminium, 15 mm rise, 8 ° sweep, 4 ° rise, 780 mm
- Stem: Cannondale 3, 3D Forged 6061 Aluminium, 1-1/8″, 31.8, 7 °
- Saddle: Cannondale Ergo XC
- Seatpost: TranzX dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100 mm (S), 120 mm (M), 130 mm (L-XL)
- Connectivity: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
- Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg
- Price: 5,199 euros
Pictures: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
