Cannondale e-Bikes Review: Are These Bikes Any Good?

Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Igor Karni

Cannondale‘s status as a well-recognized biking company needs no introduction. Founded in 1971 with headquarters at Wilcon, Connecticut, the company is unique in that it didn’t start out as a biking company but as a creator of trailers and backpacks meant to transport bikes. 

Like a handful of companies, its name was mainly derived from the place of its operation. In this case, it’s the old Cannon railroad line where its initial manufacturing site was located. It got its name from an actual cannon in the area, which happens to bear the label, Dale.

It was only in 1983 that the company officially began functioning as a bike company when it released its own model. That its very first bicycle immediately introduced an innovation in aluminum frame design should give you an inkling of the company’s dedication to improving their models, bikes, and e-bikes alike, through smooth integration of tech and their own design philosophies. The brand has built a reputation as a manufacturer of high-end undoubtedly as a result of it. 

Cannondale e-Bikes Review: Model Lines

E-Bike Line	Type
Adventure	City
Canvas	City
Cujo	eMTB
Habit	eMTB
Mavaro	City, Commuter
Moterra	eMTB
Quick	Hybrid
SuperSix EVO	Road
Synapse	eMTB, Road
Tesoro	Hybrid
Topstone	Gravel
Trail	eMTB
Treadwell	Commuter

Is Cannondale a Good E-bike Brand?

Cannondale electric bikes are lightweight and are built to last for years. They are usually a safe choice and are equipped with high-end components.

While Cannondale may arguably not be a high-end-centric brand, its name readily implies quality not only among the American riding public but worldwide as well. It would be a surprise if you get even an entry-level model that doesn’t last for more than 5 years. 

There’s no room to doubt the quality of the components as well. No less than quiet and smooth Bosch motors spearhead the majority of quintessentially Cannondale models available in the market. There’s a clear emphasis on power and range to satisfy the consummate e-bike rider’s voracious appetite for offroad and urban rides. 

It manufactures a broad variety of models that can fall under popular categories like eMTBs, city, road, and hybrid e-bikes. All of them are called Neos, signifying unity in theme, design, and components, at least, to a certain degree. Around 13 distinct model lines make up its impressive catalog.

Read also: Best electric bicycle financing options in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.

Cannondale Adventure Neo Urban Model Line

The Adventure, throughout its 4 separate versions, is essentially one of the entry-level city offerings of the brand. Its latest incarnation, the Adventure Neo 4, does without the usual mudguards, lights, and rack but still packs a punch power-wise. After all, it uses one of the most powerful motors in the Bosch Active Line.

The power and the relative focus on minimalism lend themselves to the e-bike’s palpable riding comfort. The battery may have undergone a downgrade at 400Wh compared to other models in this line, but its riding range still hovers at a remarkable 65 miles (105 km). It’s the most lightweight version yet, weighing up to 48 pounds (22kgs) only. 

It also uses the trademark Ergo comfort saddle, ergo back sweep handlebar, and Tektrok hydraulic brakes, forming the foundations for safety and comfort. On the whole, the Adventure guarantees no less than a comfortable ride in various urban landscapes without taking too much of a toll on your wallet. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Adventure Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?

Cannondale Canvas Neo Model Line

Much like other Cannondale city e-bikes, the Canvas Neo line is a triumph in comfort as brought about by its design and motor components. It has all the bells and whistles you need to ensure that, like full fenders, front and back lights, rear rack, and integrated wheel sensor which works in conjunction with the official Cannondale app as it tracks your biking activity. 

As for fundamental specs, the Canvas, in almost all its incarnations including the Remixte, also integrates the standard, but no less powerful Bosch drive unit. Expect decent amounts of torque, at least 65Nm, while maintaining a relatively silent operation all throughout. Hydraulic brakes complement the power.

The riding range, depending on the model, can range between a decent 40 miles (65 km) to more than twice that, capping at a noteworthy 86 miles (135 km), especially in the Neo 2 or its Remixte 2 counterpart. Overall, the Canvas is a sportier city e-bike that we’d gladly do some off-trailing with. 

Do not miss our detailed review of Cannondale Canvas Neo 1. We also invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Canvas Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?

Cannondale Cujo Neo Model Line

The Neo 130 is one of the lesser-known eMTB models of Cannondale, particularly because a lot of users tend to think it’s overpriced considering its components and rather subpar geometry when compared to others – even those in Cannondale’s own catalog.

It’s built like a classic eMTB with a Shimano STEPS motor, which is a clear departure from the brand’s tendency to partner its models with Bosch. It also uses Shimano hydraulic brakes, which is a plus for any eMTB. It does well in most downhill rides, though, especially if you’re taking on especially challenging routes. 

It tops at 20mph (32 km/h) and can decently overcome most mildly rough and steep terrains, thanks to still notable torque, like any solid eMTB. It’s cheaper than most high-end or mid-range eMTBs, though, and it’s still a bonafide bang for your buck if you manage to get it at discounted prices. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Cujo Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?

Cannondale Habit Neo Model Line

Sporting a thick, heavy-duty frame, the Habit shines with its components. More or less, they gel well together to make the mountain biking experience a satisfactory one every time. It brings out the benefits of full suspension models when it comes to providing better handling and comfort when off-trailing. 

The lighter tires and unconventional may take a little while to get used to. But the resultant lighter weight, once the motor and battery are included in the total, complements the obvious agility-oriented design of the model and acts as a balancer for the model’s overall chunkiness. 

This makes it recommended for bikers who want a little more control in their e-bikes but will still feel confident that they can handle the shocks and impacts that characterize mountain biking. At best, it performs well on downhill runs.

The Habit Neo 4 uses the almost unquestionable Bosch Performance Line CX with 4 modes and 20mph (32 km/h) top speed. It also includes a display by the same brand that integrates with the Cannondale app. Almost all models in this line can guarantee at least 60 miles (95 km) of range. Other notable perks include Magura brakes known for their potent stopping power and added protection for the motor. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Habit Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?

Cannondale Mavaro Neo Model Line

What the Mavaro lacks in style it more than makes up for in performance. We can safely say it’s one of those rare models that most city e-bikes would do well to emulate with that fact alone. Its design is almost an assurance of the immediately palpable comfort riders experience once they give it a try. 

It ticks the checkboxes that make the ideal commuter e-bikes. Bright lights and sidewall tapes for added safety, Magura hydraulic disc brakes, and fork suspension that keep comfort topnotch. 

The Bosch mid-drive system delivers no-nonsense, reliable pedal assist while helping to keep the weight down. The wheel-hugging fenders keep bumps at a minimum, and we love that most models come with their own kickstands. 

The battery assures as much as 70 miles (110 km) of riding range, making it a standout among the other lines in the catalog. With all things considered, the Mavaro is a solid commuter e-bike. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Mavaro Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?

Cannondale Moterra Neo Model Line

The predecessor of the Habit, the Moterra line is still unrivaled as far as riding range and high-torque riding are concerned. It sets a high standard in electric mountain biking and pretty much delivers what the ultimate eMTB experience is like. 

The Bosch Performance Line CX motor offers abundant assistance that could get you over steep climbs in no time. The removable battery pack makes for easy charging and guarantees as much as 115 miles (185 km). All of these things are offered while keeping weight down, typical from its aluminum frame designs and use of lightweight, high-end motors. 

Shimano hydraulic brakes, smartphone support, GPS, and lights are some of the accessories that either come on hand or can be added at any time. Unlike most Cannondale models, it also has to be noted that the battery integrates well with the frame (i.e. it doesn’t cause the latter to have to adjust to it). 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Moterra Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How heavy are e-bikes? And, Can an e-bike pool a trailer?

Cannondale Quick Neo Hybrid Model Line

Models included in the Quick line exhibit the qualities of a hybrid e-bike. It’s great for zipping across town without having to mind going off-roading in gravel and dirt trails. Notably, it runs on a rear hub system, which most probably led to the relative budget-friendliness of most models in it. Also, it limits the model’s off-trailing capabilities, for sure. We wouldn’t be using it to conquer steeper than normal hills any time soon. 

The battery, which is integrated into the frame, is always a plus especially if you want your e-bike to look like a regular bike as much as possible. If we’re going to highlight the SL 2, its main strengths are its lightweight, agility, and easy, responsive handling. Other than that, it’s pretty standard in riding range, topping only at an average of 47 miles (75 km). 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Quick Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: What is the difference between a regular e-bike and a speed e-bike? And, is it legal to derestrict electric bicycle speed?

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Model Line

Cannondale’s road e-bike representation can beat even the most well-known brands out there. It’s an all-performance line, characterized by excellent geometry, easily achievable top speeds, and lack of extra heft. 

It’s comparatively cheap for all the perks it delivers. It uses a carbon frame, unlike others in the catalog, and it uses a Mahle Ebikemotion hub motor. Controls for assist are remarkably simpler than other Cannondale models through the use of color codes. 

The quality stems mostly from the components. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes work well with this performance-oriented e-bike. The overall geometry, combined with the components, makes for the ideal road e-bike. Switching to zero or minimal assist induces a workout fit for any kind of road or fitness biker out there. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale SuperSix EVO electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?

Cannondale Synapse Neo Model Line

Another solid eMTB (or arguably road) offering from Cannondale, the Synapse tackles most hills and rough dirt roads like a champ. The stellar handling remains consistent in all generations. The lightweight Cannondale trademark, 24 pounds (11 kg), in this case, works well in making the battery and motor more efficient. 

It offers more riding range as a result, compared to even the more established brands out there like Trek. The upright riding position is reminiscent of a cruiser, and obviously, it adds to riding comfort. We’re talking about the Alloy and Carbon models when we say this, despite the former being less high-end than the latter. 

The Shimano motors may lack the power, but they remain consistent and reliable. The wider tires also assist in keeping rides comfortable. Overall, it’s a versatile road offering that deserves all the recognition it gets. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Synapse Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?

Cannondale Tesoro Neo Hybrid Model Line

Most of Cannondale’s hybrid offerings aren’t nearly as popular as its city or road models, and we can say the same for the Tesoro line. It could be because its hybrid approach holds it back. The inclusion of fenders and rear carrier isn’t exactly conducive for mountain biking, after all. Considering the e-bike’s superb performance in negotiating hills, that’s a downer. 

It does work well as an off-trail e-bike, though, which is actually what it’s marketed for. The Neo X 2, with its removable battery, can offer as much as 43 miles (70 km) in riding range to complement the convenience it imparts. The Neo X 3 claims to deliver twice that with 86 miles (135 km) of range. The 250W or 500W Bosch Performance Line motor is solid with its 65Nm of torque. 

We can say the same for the Shimano hydraulic brakes and the loads of accessories it comes with, not least of which are front and rear lights, rear rack, and fender. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Tesoro Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: Are electric bikes worth the money? Are e-bikes any good? And, What are the disadvantages of electric bikes?

Cannondale Topstone Neo Model Line

The hefty, in more ways than one, Topstone Lefty 3 as well as most of the models in the Topstone line has plenty of versatility. It’s a bike you won’t hesitate to take anywhere with you, and that’s practically what makes most gravel e-bikes great in the first place. It’s the sole Cannondale bike we won’t mind riding when tackling tricky climbs, cruising on the beach, or even for the regular commute, especially once you get used to the weight. 

It might weigh heavier at 40 pounds (18 kg), but it packs a lot of punches power- and range-wise. Expect around 70 to 80 miles (110 to 130 km) on a full charge. And is there really room to question the Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor? If you can’t get enough torque then choose this behemoth. Another aspect we love is the way its overall geometry and design aids in boosting traction and handling. Truly, an amazing gravel e-bike. 

Do not miss an introduction to Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty. We also invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Topstone Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: Are electric bikes dangerous? What are e-bike risks? And, How safe are electric bikes?

Cannondale Trail Neo Model Line

The relatively affordable price tag of this eMTB makes it attractive to beginners and pros alike. It exemplifies everything that makes Cannondale stand out: durability, quality, and riding comfort brought about by an almost harmonic combination of components and, of course, the lightweight design. 

Despite being an eMTB, it can rival most road e-bikes available in the market. Top-notch ride quality brought about by the high-traction tires, upright geometry, almost weightless frame, and the bitey Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. 

Its components may not be all high-end but they work well together, to the point that the e-bike can be used on most roads, mountain and hill climbs, and even the day-to-day commute. The fact that it supports a rear rack only proves the latter. It’s a good starter eMTB and is recommended for anyone who isn’t ready to transition to eMTBs yet. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Trail Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?

Cannondale Treadwell Neo Model Line

It’s easy to overlook the Treadwell among Cannondale’s other more imposing models. However, there’s a certain appeal to Treadwell‘s simple design. It brims with practicability and comfort, which are basically what most riders look for in a commuter e-bike. 

It comes with an integrated front rack, ideal for any kind of light errand or grocery shopping. The brand also throws in mudguards, which only adds to the fun. Cannondale obviously knows what to include in a commuter model. The builds EQ, 3, and 2 sport different frame styles, and that’s pretty much what sets each of them apart. 

It ensures comfort with the position of its handlebar, which encourages the user to sit in a relaxed position every time he or she hops on for a ride, leisurely or otherwise. It may pale in comparison to other models if we talk about the technicalities. Nonetheless, if we ever need an e-bike for quick, fun trips or errands, this will probably be our first choice in Cannondale’s massive catalog. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cannondale Treadwell Neo electric bike model line – model info, check current price via REI.com.

Read also: Can e-bikes help go up steep hills? And, How to switch electric assistance levels on an e-bike?

What Riders Think of Cannondale E-Bikes

Cannondale, as we mentioned above, remains a safe option among riders. It has proven itself over the years with its excellent designs in the eMTB and city categories, two of the most popular among e-bike riders. Some may find a few of their models overpriced, but these are in the minority. 

There are a lot of e-bike model lines that stand out, after all, and it’s not at all surprising that the brand continues to keep its reputation intact as a direct result. It’s one of the first brands that come to mind if people want quality and to get their money’s worth, at least, for the majority of models offered. 

What Countries Does Cannondale Ship To?

Cannondale ships anywhere in the US. It offers direct-to-home shipping in the said country and most European countries. Since it has a huge network of international distributors, the brand is pretty flexible when making its models available internationally. 

Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.

Here is a quick video review of Cannondale Treadwell EQ: