Quick look: New Cannondale Moterra & Moterra LT

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The previous Cannondale Moterra SL was our 2024 e-Bike Of The Year, so these new full-fat models have quite a lot to live up to.

We haven’t seen one in the flesh yet but we’ll get one in for a proper review ASAP. And yes, the FlexPivot design has gone, and a kickstand mount has been introduced. Sorry! I was thinking of the SL. As usual.

In the meantime, here’s the need-to-know deets from Cannondale HQ itself…

Moterra vs Moterra LT

Like siblings, they have some of the same DNA, but are different machines, with wildly different personalities. They share a front triangle, motor, and battery, but that’s where thesim ilarities end. They have their own geos, travel, and specs. They each get their own swingarms, linkages, and Proportional Response suspension kinematics: Moterra’s kinematic is designed for all-around trail riding with 29” wheels, and an air shock. LT’s is designed around mullet wheels and a coil shock for aggressive, descent-focused, trail riding.

Moterra overview

More Juice, No Excuse.

The new Moterra Carbon is more than capable—it’s relentless. With a light and agile frame wrapped around Bosch’s most powerful drive system, it handles steep ascents and rugged descents with the confidence of a luxury off-roader. Built for the seekers, the adventurers, the riders who live to see what’s over the next ridge. Go far. Go fast. Come back happy.

  • Most versatile
  • The all-mountain adventure machine
  • Maximum power, range, and ease
  • Fork 160mm, rear travel 150mm
  • Full 29er
  • Bosch Performance Line CX
  • Bosch PowerTube, 800Wh

Moterra LT overview

Point and Play.

The Moterra LT thrives in chaos. Point it whererever you want to go, power through climbs, and tear down descents like a moshpit in motion. With 170mm front, 165mm rear travel, a mullet wheelset, and the Bosch 800Wh battery, it plays hard, all day long.

  • Most capable
  • Maximum power and capability up and down. E-Enduro, rowdy trail, self shuttle
  • Maximum power, range, and ease
  • Fork 170mm, rear travel 165mm
  • Mixed wheel mullet
  • Bosch Performance Line CX
  • Bosch PowerTube, 800Wh

Why do we use Bosch on the Moterra and Moterra LT, and Shimano on the Moterra SL?

The two systems share similar max power and torque values, but they each have their own strengths, so we choose the one we think is best for each application. Moterra and Moterra LT are all about maximal power and range, versatility, and convenience, so the Bosch system was the pick. With bigger batteries that are fully interchangeable, and really dialed in settings for smooth, natural-feeling power delivery, the Bosch system is ideal for riders who just want to get on and go. For Moterra SL, a bike that was all about lightweight agility mixed with full power capability, the Shimano system was the call. It offers great power-to-weight, the ability for riders who really know what they want to tune the power delivery in the different modes, and the ability for us to use a custom, lightweight battery for even more weight savings.

Moterra in detail

Light, Nimble, Ready.

Designed for riders who refuse to compromise, the all-new Moterra comes out swinging for 2025. A new full carbon frame, along with e-system small parts, shaves almost a kilo off the previous generation, while the updated geometry and suspension kinematics deliver incredibly balanced handling and a more planted, “in-the-bike”, feel. Overall, it takes Moterra’s agility and all-around capability to new heights. With 150mm of rear travel, 160mm up front, and 29″ wheels, it’s lively on the descents, steady on climbs, and precise in techy stuff – with the kind of responsiveness that makes you forget you’re riding an eMTB. Less weight, more freedom, and all the control you need—ready to tackle whatever the trail throws your way.

Power to the Pedal.

Moterra gets its all-conquering boost from the latest version of Bosch’s most powerful drive system. The updated Performance Line CX drive unit delivers delivers its powerful torque more quietly, smoothly and naturally than ever before, slaying even the nastiest climbs with silent ease, while the massive 800 or 600Wh interchangeable battery options offer the range to roll for hours. Whether conquering steep climbs or cruising alpine paths, this system ensures maximum power and battery longevity, ride after ride.

Full carbon frame

The Moterra showcases Cannondale’s legacy of carbon innovation with a frame, along with refined e-system small parts, that shaves nearly 1000g off the weight of its predecessor. This impressive reduction lets you zip up climbs and float over rough terrain with ease. Enjoy the thrill of nimble handling and the freedom to tackle any trail, making every ride feel quick, agile, and unburdened.

Refreshed geometry

The geometry on the new Moterra has been revised to make the bike even more approachable, easy to ride, and comfortable for full day adventures, without losing its all-around rippability. More BB drop with shorter cranks. Taller stack, slightly shorter reach, and steeper seat angle pairs up nicely with increased stability from a slacker head angle. The result is a supremely balanced, in-the-bike feel. The perfect set-up for going long, going fast, or both.

New kinematic

Along with being custom-tailored to each size, the suspension kinematics on the new Moterra have been tweaked to maximize traction and comfort-enhancing suppleness, especially under braking. The new tune lets the Moterra float over rough, while keeping you comfortably in control.

Trail HeadsUp stem

The Trail HeadsUp Stem features a seamlessly integrated Bosch Kiox 500 on Moterra 1 or Kiox 300 on Moterra 2, keeping your cockpit clean and clutter-free. You’ll get all the ride data you need—right where you want it—without any distracting bulk. This refined design feels intuitive, so you can stay focused on the trail and not on your tech. Because riding should always come first.

Range Extender compatible

When it comes to range, the Moterra gives you options galore. The new Bosch Power- Tube 800Wh and 600Wh batteries are completely interchangeable. Bump up your range for bigger days, or swap in a lighter battery for more agility on shorter rides. Plus, Moterra is compatible with Bosch’s 250Wh PowerMore range extender, giving you on-bike capacity of a staggering 1050Wh. Enough energy to power through all-day escapades, even when charging gets lost in the shuffle. Go on, take the long way home.

Lean or mean

Do you like the convenience of a kickstand, or do you keep your rig light, clean and mean? With Moterra’s sleekly hidden kickstand mount, the choice is yours. It’s there if you want it and invisible if you don’t.

Moterra geometry

Moterra LT in detail

Takes Hits, Not Prisoners

A new full-carbon frame that, along with refined e-system small parts, saves almost 1000g over the previous version, plus a 170mm Fox Performance 38 fork and 165mm DHX coil shock, give the Moterra LT the hard-charging agility to rip though whatever you throw at it.

Mulletwheels – party & purpose

The 29″ front/27.5″ rear wheel setup means the Moterra LT rolls over the big stuff and dances through the tight stuff. It’s like having your cake and riding it too. The DT Swiss H 1900 wheelset guarantees a smooth ride that doesn’t flinch at bumps or obstacles, ensuring you stay poised to take on every ride with trust.

Rip ready

The new Moterra LT frame features a swingarm and suspension kinematics optimized for mullet wheels and a coil shock. A more progressive leverage ratio lets you really get deep into the 165mm travel when you need it, without wallowing or bottoming. A bit higher stack and more BB drop than the previous version yields handling that feels super-balanced and planted, no matter how hard you wring it out.

Effortless float

This dynamic duo transforms the roughest terrain into a velvet carpet. The Fox 38 Performance fork and DHX coil shock work in harmony, allowing you to float over bumps like they are mere suggestions. It’s all about enjoying the ride and keeping that grin plastered on your face—smooth sailing, all the way

Lap it up

Big days. Long sessions. No problem. The new Bosch PowerTube 800Wh and 600Wh batteries are completely interchangeable. Stick with the 800Wh for big range or swap in the lighter battery for more agility and quickness. Quick and easy battery changes for race day, plus, Moterra is compatible with Bosch’s 250Wh PowerMore range extender, if you just can’t get enough.

Moterra LT geometry

Pricing

Moterra 1, £8,950
Moterra 2, £7,500
Moterra LT, £7,850

cannondale.com

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Mark Alker

Singletrack Owner/Publisher

What Mark doesn’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing and his ability to balance “The Stack” is bested only by his agility on a snowboard. Graphs are what gets his engine revving, at least they would if his car wasn’t electric, and data is what you’ll find him poring over in the office. Mark enjoys good whisky, sci-fi and the latest Apple gadget, he is also the best boss in the world (Yes, he is paying me to write this).

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