Cannondale Moterra SL Review - Vital MTB Test Sessions

The Moterra SL is Cannondale's first dive into the SL eMTB category. Freshly released in February, they took the same approach as Giant and Karbon Bikes, delivering riders full power in a lighter package. The caveat: they've created a true 'full size' e-bike, meaning it pairs an 85 Nm motor with a 601 Wh battery and has a claimed achievable weight of less than 45 pounds. We were all excited to ride the Moterra due to its wild geometry and the fact that it was the only true full-size e-bike in the test. It was the heaviest, but that didn't mean it couldn't hold its own with the rest of the dedicated SL e-bikes.
Highlights
Cannondale Series 1 carbon frame
Mixed wheels (dual 29-inch compatible)
150mm of rear wheel travel // 160mm fork travel
FlexPivot suspension design
Custom 601 Wh battery
85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor
Integrated top tube display
Handlebar-mounted display
Angle adjust headset
Flip chip geometry adjustment
62.5-degree head tube angle
77-degree seat tube angle
Size-specific geometry and kinematics
Three build kits
Sizes: S-XL
Verified weight (size XL, SL 1 build): 46.8 pounds (21.2 kg)
MSRP: $7,000 - $14,000 USD ($8,750 as tested)
Thanks to these brands for supporting the test!
Tannus Armour Inserts - tannusamerica.com/products/ta...
Feedback Sports - feedbacksports.com
Maxxis Tires - www.maxxis.com/us/tires/bicyc...
Read our SL E-MTB Test Sessions article - www.vitalmtb.com/features/vit...
More mountain bike news and reviews - www.vitalmtb.com
#ebike #emtb

[@brandaddym]

I've had a Moterra SL 1 for a month now and I've ridden it in a variety of types of terrain. This bike just rips and rides like a normal trail/enduro bike. It's my first emtb coming from a Yeti SB6 and I couldn't be happier. It does amazing in nearly all types of terrain and it is so easy to jump, you don't even notice you're on an ebike. The only types of trails it struggles with, and I'm sure part of that is because I struggle with them too, is technical uphill trails especially with tight switchbacks. This last weekend I did a 23 mile 3500ft ride and my legs gave out from all the downhill and jumping before the battery died.

[@robertc2918]

Great review. Definitely interested in this bike or 2025 orbea rise as I ride with full power e bikers but want a lighter weight bike.

[@YTOnlineReviews]

What a jump.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I've had the same thought as one of the final comments - I want this bike with a bit more travel.

[@oettam20]

Its great this comparison with other SL bikes! But what about the comparison with other full power enduro eMTB? Is this lightweight format and advantage both up and down hill?

[@claudioarvigo1]

Scusate la domanda, la taglia XL esteticamente è bella? Perché dalle foto e video sembra molto diversa dalle più piccole

[@aromaj8]

Feel like I'm seeing some Joaquin Miller in these b-roll shots. Only thing that sketches me a little bit about this bike is that flex-stay.

[@sety409]

I’m not a fan of the low travel on the new wave of SL bike.

[@mountaincruiser817]

That keeps em SL.

[@adampalma3765]

Low travel!? How much do you fkn need?