Connect with us

CONTACT US (editorial board)

365mountain bikes

Test

CANNONDALE Moterra NEO Carbon 3 test: the best e-bike 2020?

We tried the Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 powered by Bosch with a 625Wh battery.

cannondale moterra neo 3

Cannondale is a historic brand in the world of MTB that often stands out for its counter-current and unconventional choices: see the Lefty leg fork and the lifetime warranty on the frames even in unsuspecting times.

Test featured in episode # 14 of PULITI dentro BIKER fuori: https://365mountainbike.it/puliti-dentro-biker-fuori/14-cannondale-moterra-neo-la-miglior-e-bike-del-2020/

Steering angle (°)Vertical tube (mm)Rear carriage (mm) Center distance (mm) BB height (mm)Reach (mm)Front / rear excursion (mm)
Inline440 mm 450 mm1221 mm362 mm 448 mm 160 mm

The first version of the Moterra was for a long time criticized for its aesthetic factor (although I could see that the motorcyclists, more accustomed to "heavy" lines, did not mind). Cannondale ran for cover by presenting 2 years ago presenting the Moterra NEO: definitely improved look but a geometry that is not too extreme and a modest travel of 130mm at the rear.

Now we finally have an updated enduro bike in the Cannondale catalog. Let's get to know her.

FEATURES

29 ″ wheels, 160mm travel and excellent tires. We are talking about the Moterra Neo 3. The frame is made up of a BallisTec carbon main triangle and an aluminum rear stay. On an aesthetic level we are there and a significant step forward has been made compared to previous versions. The mighty down tube that houses the new 652Wh battery inside. The passage of cables is very accurate: a rubber gasket prevents dirt from entering the frame and the cables are easily accessible by removing the battery. Finally the magnets are finding the right place (in this case firmly anchored to the rear disc). The new Bosch Performance CX is well protected by an aluminum engine guard which, however, lets it breathe well on the sides. Recall that this is one of the first bikes to mount the new 4 generation Bosch motor. The battery is protected by a plastic cover (also present on the previous Moterra) that can be easily removed by hand. 625wh battery.

cannondale moterra neo 3 (2)

Cannondale components with stem, handlebar and dropper post. The latter much appreciated: flawless in operation and very ergonomic handlebar control.

VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS

The bike being tested is the Moterra Neo 3 and is offered at € 5.299 (the complete assembly can be found at the bottom of the page).
The Moterra is available in 5 versions and in four sizes: the S sizes are fitted with a 27,5 "wheel size while the others are in 29". We find a special version, Moterra SE, which mounts a double plate fork with 180mm of travel.

ENGINE AND BATTERY

The new Bosch Performance CX has become much more compact and lighter with many renovations, starting from an internal system that now creates less friction and allows it to be pedaled easily with the engine off or the battery flat: thanks to the new freewheel that produces the classic clicking sound when you stop pedaling (only for a few moments). It no longer feels like pedaling a Ciao from the 80s. The small crown has also been abandoned in favor of a classic-sized crown. The powers remain the same declared in 75Nm of torque and 250W power. In addition to these mechanical improvements, Bosch has also improved the delivery, now much smoother and more regular. In short, a significant improvement from all points of view. Too bad only for the noise that has not dropped compared to the old model (indeed) always remaining well audible.

The modes remain 4: ECO, TOUR, EMTB (adaptive based on the push we give on the pedals) and TURBO. TOAnother nice news is the Powertube battery with a capacity of 625Wh: now the autonomy is really excellent that allows you to make substantial laps (always if our weight is not too substantial). The battery is removable thanks to the classic Bosch key on the down tube (after removing the plastic cover that does not require tools). Otherwise it remains the classic attack on the tube without having to remove the battery.

Bosch maintains backward compatibility of the motor with all batteries and displays in production.

GEOMETRY AND CUSHIONING

Slightly modified shock absorbing scheme but a quadrilateral with horst joint was kept as in the previous Moterra Neo. In this case we find a Rockshox Deluxe Select R shock absorber in size 230 × 65 mm. The shock is equipped with a register to control rebound and nothing else.

Slightly modified shock absorbing scheme but a quadrilateral with horst joint was kept as in the previous Moterra Neo. In this case we find a Rockshox Deluxe Select R shock absorber in size 230 × 65 mm. The shock is equipped with a register to control rebound and nothing else.

This type of kinematics, as in the previous Moterra and also in the Jekyll, tends to give the best of itself with a not too abundant SAG: around 30% the bike tends to suffer obstacles and get lazy. Better to stay on 25%: a more reactive but much more performing hair. The kinematics have a classic curve that becomes gradually more progressive but not in a very marked way therefore easily manageable even for the most relaxed bikers. With a 25% sag I hardly made violent bottoms, even in the most extreme situations.

The geometries are from classic Enduro: not too extreme but fully usable for the descent. The 66 ° steering angle is open but not too much, rear stays contained in 450mm: not a record value but certainly among the lowest. The bottom bracket is very high (362mm) which certainly helps not to touch the ground but loses some aggression. The dimensions of reach (448mm) and top tube reflecting the standard values ​​of the category.

THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST

The Moterra, like many Cannondales, is immediately very friendly thanks to not exaggerated geometries, even if to fully find the feeling it always requires some ad hoc settings. In this case it took a few descents to understand that too much SAG does not make the Moterrà more performing.

moterra action2
Images taken from the Test video

You pedal well uphill: the seat is not extreme so the back remains fairly relaxed (logical that then you can play with the stem to change your disposition). The 29 ”format and the excellent motor unit provided by Bosch (the delivery has nothing to do with the previous generation), make the Moterrà a very versatile eMTB, which allows you to overcome obstacles and slippery situations well. The high bottom bracket allows you to dare to overcome any steps / rocks uphill, which for an e-bike is a not insignificant value.

If the response is positive uphill, downhill the sensations are of a stable and fairly fast enduro. If compared to the previous versions (which we know well since in our summer office on the Island of Elba we have always had the Moterra in the hands), it is certainly the most appropriate: ok, the first version was certainly more agile but it would be defeated. at a chronometric level with the enormous stability that the new Moterra NEO uses: certainly the Moterra LT was more playful and, for some types of riders, more fun, but now it has matured and has become an ebike of greater substance.

moterra action1

Images taken from the Test video

Such geometries require a more decisive ride, like all modern enduro bikes, but not in an exasperated way and therefore tiring the right one in driving and is well enjoyable even by not very expert bikers. In the steep it is well planted and before going out of the saddle exaggerated, the shock absorbing pattern is excellent, very rigid and "compliant": when cornering it is an arrow and keeps the line with extreme ease. The only drawback, due to the 29 "wheel size and the weight (it is an e-bike), we found it in the slower and more tortuous descents where it must be pushed in to keep the speed high and it is not easy to turn it. well and fast if you are not an expert.

The Moterra NEO is a bike that gives its best on fast and moderately tortuous routes: the stiffness of the frame and the wagon are at the highest levels and it is really easy to ride. The limits, even in the event of an error, are high. In the slower and more technical single-tracks, however, the weight (it's an e-bike) and the 29 ”wheels pays off. It certainly does not come out badly but it is not a reference at this juncture, always coming out with his head held high. The bottom bracket is very high and with the saddle in place it really touches the ground. Uphill, as mentioned, it is a plus while in descent it could gain even more stability but on the other hand they are choices: you can't have your cake and eat it.

From the point of view of autonomy, now you can really have fun: with my weight around 75kg (sorry, lately given the times I have gained weight) I managed to stay on slopes around 2000m using ECO and only on sporadic TOUR occasions. The assistance levels, as mentioned, are 4 with the E-MTB mode which, in many situations, makes you forget the other "powers": based on the thrust we give, the engine adjusts creating an exceptional flow with the bike. For more experienced bikers it is a lust while for beginners (or for the less trained) maybe they prefer to have an engine that pushes everything right away to get rid of every problem.

moterra action
Images taken from the Test video

The SRAM Guide RE brakes do their job well and the larger discs (even 220mm at the front) will make heavier riders happy. In my case, I did not notice any particular advantages but not even disadvantages. The wheels are assembled with formula hubs and WTB ST i29 TCS rims: they turned out to be very robust and reliable. Liked the tire department with strong Maxxis DHF and DHR in 3C compound and EXO + protection. Section from 2.6 ".

XC TRAIL ALL MOUNTAIN ENDURO FREERIDE DOWNHILL
XXXX XXXXX XXX
Particular signs PROPORTIONAL RESPONSE Cyclists have different body types. Proportional Response is the only design that takes this aspect into account, adapting the suspension layout to the ideal size, thus offering each cyclist their own ideal geometries.
€5.299 Euros
Price of frame + shock | nd
Italian distributor: www.cannondale.it
Weight (without pedals) 24,0kg
Fork ROCKSHOX 35 Gold RL 160mm
Shock absorber ROCKSHOX Deluxe Select R DebonAir, 15×110, tapered steerer, 51mm offset
wheels FORMULA hubs with WTB ST i29 TCS rims, 32h, tubeless ready
Service MAXXIS Minion DHF and DHR 29×2.6″, 3C compound, EXO+, tubeless ready
Rolling mill chocks BOSCH Gen4 w/ custom Ai offset, 34T
Rear gearbox SRAM SX Eagle 12v
commands SRAM SX Eagle
Brakes SRAM Guide RE 200/220mm
Buy Boxes SRAM PG-1210, SX Eagle, 11-50, 12v
Motor BOSCH Performance Line CX 250w
Battery BOSCH Powertube 625wh
OFFENSE CANNONDALE 3, 3D Forged 6061 Alloy, 1-1/8″, 31.8, 0-degree )
dumbbell CANNONDALE 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
seatpost CANNONDALE DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L/XL)
Sella FABRIC Scoop Shallow Sport, steel rails
Color Black (test)

Verdict

Latest generation multipurpose e-MTB
A very successful project that mounts a latest generation engine / battery package and improves the previous model in all respects. Suitable for both beginner and expert bikers: the latter will find an aggressive vehicle that can also be used in a competitive perspective while occasional bikers can enjoy the versatility of the Moterra both downhill and uphill.

+-
• Frame life warranty.
• Engine delivery (fluidity).
• Overall frame stiffness and functional shock absorbing pattern.
• Engine noise slightly higher than some modern engine units.
• Rockshox Gold 35 RL Performance
votes cannondale moterra neo 3


Written by

[email protected] I am a fan of everything that has 2 wheels: at a young age I practiced road and track cycling (Italian Allievi champion). At the age of 18 I passed into the cross country competing at national/international level as an Under23. Past Elite, I made the choice to take things more lightly from a training point of view, and my love for gravity disciplines was born, training me as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made passion my profession by managing 2 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Bike Center Elba and Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').

CORRELATED ARTICLES

COMMENCAL Tempo Power: The Art of Movement

News

Bosch Blocks E-Bike Batteries in Case of Theft

News

E-MTB XMAS | Discover gift ideas for e-bike lovers!

News

advertisement

PRIVACY POLICY - DEONTOLOGICAL LEGISLATION - FACT CHECKING REGULATION - CORRECTIONS - COOKIES POLICY
365mountainbike is a newspaper registered at the civil and criminal court of Verona on 10/01/2012
Copyright © 2019 | 365 sport srl (04835100233)
via Brenta, 7 - 37057 San Giovanni Lupatoto (VR)

© 365 sport srl All rights reserved. The articles contained in the site cannot be copied or reproduced by other means without a license granted by the author. The public reproduction of a content of the site, in whole or in part, by any means, without the express written permission of the author, is prohibited.

Connect