Lightweight and full of power? Cannondale launches the Moterra SL – mountain bike press release

Today Cannondale introduces the lightest, most powerful electric mountain bike ever – the all-new Moterra SL. With a torque of up to 85 Nm, a peak power of more than 600 watts and a battery power of 601 Wh and a weight of just 19.5 kg, this is an e-MTB that defines its own class. The Moterra is a bike like no other, combining agility and playfulness with power and range, turning any trail into a non-stop high-speed flow session.

Highlights

• Carbon fiber frame with FlexPivot technology
• 150 mm travel on the rear wheel // 160 mm fork
• Compatible with mixed or double 29″ wheels
• Specially tuned Shimano EP801 motor
• Custom-made internal 601Wh high energy density battery
• 62.5 degree head tube angle (adjustable 1.2 degrees)
• Headset or frame guide cable options
• UDH compatible
• Sizes: S-XL
• 3 kits
• MSRP: $7,000 – $14,000

The combination of high performance and low weight of the Moterra SL requires a combination of technical masterpieces. Developing a lightweight frame with 150mm of travel is only possible thanks to groundbreaking carbon expertise and FlexPivot technology, adopted from the World Cup-winning Scalpel XC road bike. The beefy FlexPivot chainstay sections replace the traditional Horst pivot and maintain a true four-bar system while saving weight and maintenance on the chainstay pivot bearings. The system allows engineers to dial in the perfect suspension response for each input. The result is incredible traction, responsive braking and a playful feel that gives you the confidence to push harder.

That is not all. Cannondale’s “Proportional Response” design approach means that everything from suspension kinematics to geometry – including chainstay length – is fully customized to suit each frame size, so all riders receive the same exceptional suspension performance and handling experience.

A closer look at the geometry details reveals that the Moterra SL is just as unique and advanced as the rest of its key features. It features a 62.5-degree head angle that’s just as slack as a downhill bike, with headset cups that offer 1.2 degrees of adjustability, as well as the long reach and steep seat angle of a modern trail bike and the corresponding lengths front and back are adjusted according to size. It might seem bizarre on paper, but in practice you realize how much it all makes sense when you consider the speed this bike brings and how responsive it remains on every part of every trail. It really is “progressive geometry” in action.

The Moterra SL’s power comes from a specially tuned version of Shimano’s EP801 drive unit – the lightest motor that delivers the performance riders are looking for. With a torque of 85 Nm and a maximum power of more than 600 watts, it gives the lightweight group a huge boost. In collaboration with Shimano, individually tailored riding modes were developed to make optimal use of the capabilities of the EP801.

There is “ECO” (minimum support, maximum range for all-day use), two “TRAIL” modes (the first TRAIL mode offers medium power, ideal for riding with friends on light e-bikes, the second TRAIL mode increases the Perfomance). Support for riding e-bikes with full power) and of course “BOOST” (always full power). The unique internal battery uses a customized cell configuration that stores more power per kilo than ever before. This creates an incredibly compact battery that weighs a whopping 601 watt hours in just 3.1 kg, including cabling.

The Moterra SL also features a “mullet” wheel configuration, i.e. 29-inch front wheels and 27.5-inch rear wheels, to achieve the balance between straight-line speed and cornering agility. For those who prefer the former, a FlipChip in the seatstays ensures that the Moterra SL can legitimately be converted into a full 29-inch bike without compromising the bike’s overall character and balance.

The all-new Moterra SL is available in sizes Small to Extra Large and in a variety of build configurations, including a limited edition LAB71.

Further information about Monterra SL can be found at www.cannondale.com