2024 Cannondale Moterra SL 1 E-Bike

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. 

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)

Cannondale's goal was to give riders the best of both e-worlds: a playful bike that's eager to respond to rider input with uncompromised power and range. Cannondale achieved this by using a custom-tuned Shimano EP801 motor and a custom high-energy density 601 Wh battery weighing just 6.8 pounds. For comparison, a Shimano 504 Wh battery weighs around 6.3 pounds. So the Moterra squeaks out an extra 100 watts for just half a pound. The EP801 motor is also one of the lightest full-power motors on the market, weighing just 5.9 lbs. 

Unlike most Shimano systems that offer three assist modes, Cannondale has created two Trail modes that land between the usual Eco and Boost modes. The idea here was to give riders a trail mode with the power you'd expect from an SL motor and another with the power you'd expect from the EP801 motor. Of course, modes can be adjusted in Shimano's E-TUBE app, and you can now get up to 15 different modes if desired. The Moterra also uses Shimano's familiar assist switch, integrated top tube control unit, and handlebar-mounted display. 

The mixed-wheeled Moterra SL lands on the aggressive side of the all-mountain category, with 150mm of rear wheel travel paired with a 160mm fork and a rather progressive geometry package. The head tube angle is stretched out to a super slack 62.5 degrees, the seat tube angle sits at 77 degrees, stack heights are tall across all sizes, and the size-specific chainstay lengths are moderately long. This all adds up to a bike that is intended to remain calm and predictable at speed while maintaining an appropriate pedaling position. There are a few points of adjustability built into the frame, including angle-adjust headset cups that change the head angle by 1.2 degrees and a flip chip in the seat stay that maintains the geometry if you decide to swap from mixed to dual 29-inch wheels. 

The Moterra SL's most unique attribute is, hands down, its FlexPivot stays. Adopted from Cannondale's XC frames, the FlexPivot replaces the traditional Horst pivot, creating a lighter one-piece rear triangle while maintaining the braking performance and playfulness of the design.

Cannondale offers three Moterra builds ranging from $7,000 to $14,000, and all use the same Series 1 carbon frame and e-components. Sizes run from S to XL, and each features size-specific kinematics as part of Cannondales' 'Proportional Response' approach. We tested the SL 1 build that retails for $8,750, making the Moterra SL the second cheapest build in the test right after Ari's Nebo Peak, and our size X-Large test bike weighed 46.8 pounds (21.2 kg), making it the heaviest of the group. Build highlights include a FOX Factory 36 fork and Float X shock, SRAM Code Silver brakes, SRAM XO AXS Transmission drivetrain, and DT Swiss XM1700 wheels. 

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. 

Test Sessions has long been Vital's way of placing a bunch of similar bikes head-to-head to see where each excels and what sets them apart to help riders better understand which bike best suits their needs. This year, we had eight SL e-bikes, and three testers. Here is what they thought of Connondale's Moterra SL. To learn more about the other bikes tested, check out the complete SL eMTB Test Sessions.  

Meet the Testers

Jason's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line? 

The Moterra SL might not be a true SL e-bike due to its extra weight and motor size, but that didn't stop it from being one of my favorite bikes in the test. Turns out— a mid-weight (welterweight?) e-bike is a tad easier to manage on trail compared to a full-size e-bike, and it maintains all the power and range to take on proper e-rides. Not a bad combination in my books! The bike's ability to remain calm and straight through the gnarliest sections was motivating and an absolute blast. I'd be curious how the Moterra SL would pair with a bigger fork to match its unphased descending capabilities. 

Steep or rough terrain is a must to warrant a bike with such a progressive geometry package and descending abilities. But if that is what you're after, the Moterra SL is one of the best options out there right now. You get Shimano's familiar EP801 system, plenty of range and power to do big rides, and a frame design that is ready for lots of abuse. Not too shabby, Cannondale. Not too shabby.

Jonny's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line?

The Moterra SL is a gravity-hungry descending machine that gets back up the hill as quickly as it goes downhill. Being the lightest available full-powered eMTB on the market is an impressive feat, but it still handles more similarly to standard full-power bikes than a proper lightweight bike. When considering the benefits of more natural handling characteristics of many bikes in the lightweight category, some of the lighter options beat the Cannondale. If the goal is to find the lightest bike without compromising on range or power, the Moterra SL is an obvious winner.

Lear's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line?

SL e-bike killer? The Moterra SL absolutely ripped! Cannondale nailed the geometry for going downhill, and the Shimano EP801 motor offered the most power going back up. It was the heaviest, but compared to my personal full-size e-bike, the Moterra SL was almost eight pounds lighter. That felt pretty lightweight to me. Fast, high-speed trails are needed to capitalize on the geometry package, and that is when the Moterra SL had the highest 'fun factor.'' It wanted to huck as much as Transition's Relay, but it had a smoother ride quality and 10mm less travel. At slower speeds or in tight sections, it was noticeably less flickable.

The value Cannondale has created in the build we tested is very impressive. They must have saved a grand with each pivot they left out with the flex stay design because I'm not really sure how they did it. Overall, the Moterra SL is the bike from the test I would consider putting in my own garage to satisfy my white-knuckle tendencies on rowdy trails.

A big shout out to Tannus, Feedback Sports and Maxxis for supporting Test Sessions!

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the Cannondale Moterra SL in the Vital MTB Product Guide.