Cannondale has released an urban-friendly version of its latest eMTB, introducing the Cannondale Moterra Neo EQ. It rocks the same aluminum frame as its mountain biking dedicated sibling, but with travel and geometry tuned to suit a less aggressive riding style. Key to the EQ’s differentiation from the Moterra Neo is its bonus features that should make it an excellent companion for those daily trips to work, the grocery store, or the local watering hole.
Cannondale Moterra Neo EQ
Cannondale is of the opinion that one shouldn’t have to choose between trail riding and urban mobility, combining the ability to do both well aboard the new Moterra Neo EQ. They’ve taken their most recent all-mountain eMTB and added some key features that will allow it to be a useful steed about town during the week, but also capable of shredding the proverbial gnar come the weekend.
Whereas the Moterra Neo is built for handling, traction, efficiency and durability, the Moterra Neo EQ prioritizes touring, commuting and trail riding fun.
While the out-and-out eMTB is available in both carbon and aluminum models, the Moterra Neo EQ is limited to just the one model with an alloy frame. It has a slightly steeper head tube angle of 66°, and a slightly slacker seat tube angle of 76°, but with the same reach figures across the SM-XL size range (474mm reach in LG). It has a 150mm travel RockShox Silver 35 R fork out front and 130mm of rear wheel travel damped by a RockShox Deluxe Select shock.
Bosses on the top tube can accomodate a small pack wherein one might carry their essentials that need to be easily accessible. Extras that can be added to your order include full coverage fenders to sit over the 29″ x 2.3″ tires, E-bike lights designed in conjunction with Lezyne that are powered directly by the bike’s battery (the Foresite E350 headlight and Hindsite E25 taillight), a removable rack for carrying grocery-laden pannier bags, and a kickstand.
Out on the trail, the Cannondale DownLow dropper seat post will help with clearance around the cockpit while descending steeper terrain. About town, it could come in handy when you need to re-mount a heavily packed bike after the weekly shop.
The Moterra Neo EQ is suitably spec’d for the demands of trail riding with 4-piston brakes from Shimano. The Continental e-Ruban tires don’t have the most aggressive tread pattern, but would likely fare well on tamer, smoother, hard-pack trail center terrain.
Pricing & Availability
The Cannondale Moterra Neo EQ retails at £5,500 and is available now in Agave and Black Pearl colorways.
