Cannondale has updated and expanded their range of e-bikes, with two all-new MTB models. The Moterra name might sound familiar, but the bike has been completely redesigned, while the Habit NEO is all-new from the ground-up. Both use the latest CX motor from Bosch, along with their high capacity 500Wh and 625Wh batteries for extended range.
Cannondale Moterra & Habit NEO e-bikes for trail, all-mountain, and enduro
Cannondale is no stranger to controversial designs, nor e-bikes. While they’ve offered e-MTB options in the past with the Moterra name, the 2020 model has been completely revamped – along with an all-new shorter travel cousin, the Habit NEO. Both were just released as 2020 models, so let’s dive in to the tech.
2020 Cannondale Moterra
The new 2020 Moterra is targeted to be “An e-mountain bike with infinite capability”. It is primarily focused on the all-mountain or enduro segments, with most models using 160mm travel front and rear, along with a slack 66 degree head tube angle.
The front triangle of the frame is full carbon, and even features a proprietary carbon motor mount, keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. The rear end is alloy, along with an alloy skid plate underneath the Bosch motor.
Cannondale calls the suspension design Proportional Response, which was developed using size-specific center-of-gravity data. The suspension linkage is tailored by size, intending to optimize suspension performance for descending, climbing, and braking. It also features Cannondale’s LockR pivots, with a thru axle system that creates a solid connection between both sides of the swingarm.
The new CX motor from Bosch handles pedal assist duties, which uses a traditional chainring setup (as opposed to older models with a 15-tooth chainring). It delivers a robust 250w and 75NM of torque, with four power modes. Cannondale did not comment on the tuning and speed cutoff, though Bosch’s website reports a 20mph cutoff for assistance.
Like many other performance-minded Cannondale models, it uses their AI offset rear end, allowing larger tire sizes and less rear wheel dish, along with short chainstay lengths. This requires a proprietary rear wheel offset, along with the use of Cannondale’s cranks.
The Moterra is available in four sizes, with the three largest on 29″ wheels (Sm frames have 27.5″ wheels).
Spec & Pricing
All Moterra models feature SRAM 1x drivetrains, 220mm front brake rotors, and 200mm rear brake rotors. The top three models use the new high-capacity Bosch 625Wh battery, while the Moterra 3 uses the smaller 600Wh battery.
The Moterra 1 ($9,000) has a mix of SRAM X01, NX, and GX Eagle components, along with a Fox Float Factory 36 160mm fork and DPX2 EVOL 160mm rear shock.
The Moterra SE (8,500) is a DH build, using a Rockshox Boxxer Select Charger RC 180mm fork and Super Deluxe Select rear shock. The rest of the build is rounded out with a SRAM NX and GX Eagle mix.
The Moterra 2 ($7,000) features a Rockshox Lyrik Select Charger RC 160mm fork, with a Deluxe Select + RT 160mm rear shock. Build kit includes a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle.
The Moterra 3 ($6,000) uses a Rockshox 35 Gold RL 160mm front fork, paired with a Deluxe Select R 160mm rear shock. Drivetrain components are all SRAM SX Eagle.
2020 Cannondale Habit NEO
The Habit NEO is an all-new trail-focused e-mountain bike from Cannondale, using a carbon front triangle and aluminum rear triangle. It is targeted as a fun and versatile ride, with 140mm of travel up front and 130mm travel in the rear. Wheel size is 29″ in all frame sizes, with a maximum tire width of 2.6″.
Like the Moterra, the Habit NEO uses Cannondale’s Proportional Response suspension design with LockR pivots for size-specific handling and performance – plus it squeezes a water bottle into the front triangle.
The Habit NEO uses the same 250w Bosch CX motor as the Moterra, along with the custom Si motor mount and trials-style skid plate.
Like the Moterra, the Habit NEO uses Cannondale’s proprietary AI offset rear end, using a special crankset and rear wheel dish.
The Habit NEO is available in four sizes, all with 29″ wheels and a 66.5 degree head tube angle.
Spec & Pricing
The Habit NEO 1 (€8,249, $N/A) features a Rockshox Pike Select + RC 140mm fork with Deluxe Ultimate RT 130mm rear shock. Build kit includes a mix of SRAM XO1, NX, and GX Eagle.
The Habit NEO 2 ($7,000) uses a Rockshox 35 Gold RL 140mm fork with Deluxe Select+ RT 130mm rear shock. Build kit is a mix of SRAM NX and GX Eagle components.
The Habit NEO 3 (€4,999, $N/A) features a Rockshox 35 Gold RL 140mm fork with a Deluxe Selet R rear shock. The build kit mixes SRAM NX and SX Eagle.
The Habit NEO 4 ($5,500) has a Rockshox Recon RL 140mm fork and Deluxe Select R rear shock. The build kit is full SRAM SX Eagle.
Both the Habit NEO and Moterra are expected to be available at dealers in the Fall of 2019 as 2020 models.
