Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 2’s Secret Sauce
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 25, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Discover why the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 2 is such a popular electric mountain bike among trail shredders and rowdy riders!
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
What is the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT 2?
Cannondale actually manufactures four versions of the Moterra Neo, the brand’s dedicated full-suspension electric mountain bike. The LT model stands for “long travel”, extending suspension travel by 10mm and 15mm at the front and rear, respectively. It’s available in LT 1 or LT 2 build kits— the “2” model comes with a Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain that lowers the price slightly compared to the LT 1’s full Shimano XT setup.
Frame and suspension
The Moterra Neo LT is built around a carbon fiber frame and aluminum alloy rear swingarm. The frame incorporates Cannondale’s Proportional Response Tuned Suspension, meaning each frame size has its own suspension kinematics for more balanced performance. The frame geometry falls into typical enduro specs, but there are slightly longer chainstays to boost stability and climbing performance.
There’s a RockShox ZEB front fork with 170mm of travel paired with a RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock with 165mm of squish. That’s longer than the standard Moterra’s 160mm/150mm suspension package, enabling riders to take on even more rugged terrain. The red coil shock looks divine also, and the frame color options are pretty sweet in my opinion.
Bosch drive unit
The motor draws power from an impressively high-capacity 750W battery integrated neatly into the downtube. Electronic integration on an e-MTB or adventure e-Bike can often look bulky or awkward, but the Moterra’s design keeps everything sleek and chiseled. The premium electronics work with Bosch’s Smart System and the Bosch app so you can fine-tune the settings to your liking.
Rugged e-MTB components
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Handling and trail performance
As mentioned earlier, the chainstay length is longer than rival e-MTBs to increase stability on descents and front-end traction during climbs. That elongated geometry is balanced out by a relatively high bottom bracket and short 160mm crank arms so you can clear technical obstacles and tight spots with ease.
It’s worth noting that the Moterra LT is heavier than many of its compatriots— coming in at nearly 60 lb— because of the added suspension, large battery, and rugged build. While the Moterra isn’t as playful as, say, a shorter-travel trail bike with 27.5” wheels, it traverses the mountain extremely well no matter which direction you’re pointing.
Who is the Moterra Neo Carbon LT 2 for?
Key Takeaways
- High-Performance Enduro e-MTB: Long-travel RockShox suspension, a carbon frame, and a Bosch motor deliver power and control.
- Stable Yet Agile: Mixed-wheel setup and proportional suspension tuning ensure confident handling on rough terrain.
- Top-Tier Value: Upway offers deep discounts, making this premium e-MTB more affordable.
