Cannondale has spent more than 50 years ignoring the “rules” of bike design in the best possible way. Born in a small Connecticut workshop in 1971, the brand helped move the industry beyond heavy steel frames into cutting-edge aluminum and carbon, introduced wild ideas like single-sided suspension forks, and built race bikes that looked different because they rode different. Today, Cannondale’s lineup still leans into that experimental DNA across road, gravel, mountain, and e-bikes, blending bold engineering with everyday rideability.
This 2025 Cannondale bikes buyer’s guide is here to make sense of that range so you can quickly narrow in on the right Cannondale for your riding style, terrain, and budget, without getting lost in tech-speak or model names.
Cycle Limited & Certified Used Cannondale Bikes
Cycle Limited regularly stocks a rotating selection of certified pre-owned Cannondale road, gravel, MTB, and e-bikes, all professionally inspected and tuned by in-house mechanics. Each bike is graded for condition, photographed accurately, and ready to ship so you know exactly what you’re getting. Riders who want Cannondale performance without paying full retail can use Cycle Limited’s filters for size, category, and price to dial in the right match, and our team is always available to help you pick the best used Cannondale for your goals.
Cannondale Road Bikes Overview
Cannondale built its reputation on road bikes that feel sharp, fast, and a little bit different in the best way. Slim, race-bred carbon frames, refined aluminum platforms, and smart integration all come together to cover everything from crit racing and fast group rides to long, steady endurance days. In this road section of our Cannondale buyer’s guide, we’ll break down how their main platforms stack up for speed, comfort, and value so you can match the right bike to your riding style and goals.
If you’re shopping used, Cycle Limited makes it easy to get into a premium Cannondale road bike without paying full retail. Our inventory of Certified Pre-Owned Cannondale builds is always changing, with popular models inspected, tuned, and ready to ride. Each bike goes through a professional multi-point check, so you can focus on choosing the geometry, build, and price point that fits you best.
SuperSix EVO
Price Range: $3,699 – $15,999+
Best For: Road racing, fast group rides, chasing PRs/KOMs
Frame Tiers: Carbon, Hi-MOD Carbon, LAB71 Series 0 Carbon
Key Builds: SuperSix EVO 1–4, SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD 1–2, LAB71 SuperSix EVO
The latest-generation SuperSix EVO is Cannondale’s do-everything race platform, built for riders who want one bike that climbs, sprints, and slices through the wind at the highest level. The frame uses refined aero tube shaping and fully integrated cable routing to cut drag without giving up the low weight and stiffness that made earlier SuperSix models so popular. On the road it feels sharp but predictable, with race-oriented geometry that balances quick handling in a crit with enough stability to stay relaxed on long descents and fast group rides.
Spec levels scale up through the range: core SuperSix EVO models already get high-end carbon, race wheels, and electronic or mechanical drivetrains depending on price point. Hi-MOD versions step into lighter, stiffer carbon layups and premium touches like integrated SystemBar cockpits and deep carbon wheelsets for riders focused on every marginal gain. At the very top sits the LAB71 SuperSix EVO, using Cannondale’s lightest Series 0 carbon construction and halo components, including top-tier electronic groupsets and ultra-fast aero wheels. If you want a modern all-round race bike that feels fast everywhere instead of only excelling in one niche, the SuperSix EVO sits at the heart of Cannondale’s road lineup.
CAAD13
Source: Cannondale Bikes
Price Range: $2,325 – $3,700
Best For: Budget-conscious racers, fast group rides, training and crits
Frame Material: SmartForm C1 Premium Aluminum with carbon fork
Riding Style: Speed, agility, sharp handling on the road
The CAAD13 carries Cannondale’s long-running alloy race legacy into the modern era, giving riders a road bike that feels every bit like a race machine without the full carbon price tag. The hydroformed aluminum frame uses aero-influenced tube shapes and clean integration to cut drag while keeping weight impressively low for metal, so it still sprints, climbs, and accelerates with that snappy, lively feel CAAD fans love. Dropped seatstays and clearance for wider tires help smooth out rough pavement, making it a legit all-day option, not just a crit weapon.
Handling is quick and precise, with geometry modeled closely after Cannondale’s race platforms, so it feels right at home dicing through a peloton or carving fast descents. Paired with a carbon fork and modern disc brakes, the CAAD13 offers loads of control and confidence in all conditions. If you want a true race-ready ride built around one of the best aluminum frames in the game, the CAAD13 remains the go-to choice in Cannondale’s road lineup.
CAAD Optimo
Source: Cannondale Bikes
Price Range: $1,300
Best For: New road riders, budget-minded racers, fast fitness rides, light commuting
Frame & Fork: SmartForm C2 aluminum frame with full carbon fork
Key Highlights: SAVE rear triangle comfort, rack/fender mounts, disc or rim-brake options depending on build
CAAD Optimo is Cannondale’s entry point into true performance road geometry, sharing much of the handling DNA of the CAAD13 in a more affordable package. The SmartForm C2 alloy frame is light and lively, and the full carbon fork keeps steering precise while taking the sting out of rough pavement. It feels quick under power but never harsh, which makes it a solid choice for your first group ride, local crit, or weekend century.
Comfort and practicality are baked in. The updated rear triangle flexes just enough to mute road chatter, so long days in the saddle feel smoother than you’d expect from an aluminum bike. Subtle rack and fender mounts expand its range into commuting or wet-weather training, and stock builds with Shimano Sora 9-speed give you reliable shifting without blowing the budget. Shoppers browsing Cycle Limited’s used inventory can treat the CAAD Optimo as a value-packed gateway into Cannondale’s race line, ideal if you want sharp handling and upgrade potential at a friendly price.
Synapse
Price Range: $3,325 – $16,499
Best For: Long-distance road rides, rough pavement, all-weather endurance, fast group rides
Frame & Fork: Synapse Carbon or Hi-MOD carbon (LAB71) frameset with carbon fork
Key Features: SmartSense integrated front/rear lights with optional radar, StashPort in-frame storage, size-specific Proportional Response construction, clearance for ~35 mm tires
Synapse Carbon is Cannondale’s dedicated endurance platform, built for riders who want race-worthy speed without sacrificing comfort on broken pavement or all-day missions. The standard Carbon 1–5 models deliver a lightweight chassis with subtle aero tube shaping and geometry that balances stable descending with efficient climbing, so you can stay relaxed while the miles stack up. Flex zones in the rear triangle, seat tube, and seatpost work with the carbon layup to soak up buzz and sharp impacts, making this generation noticeably smoother than the Synapse that came before it.
Higher-end SmartSense builds add Cannondale’s integrated safety system: powerful front and rear lights and an optional Garmin rear-facing radar, all powered by a single hidden battery and controlled from the bike. LAB71 versions push things even further with a sub-1000 g Hi-MOD frame, top-tier wireless drivetrains, and premium wheelsets aimed at riders chasing big rides and big bragging rights. Practical touches like generous tire clearance, multiple bottle and gear mounts, and the StashPort downtube storage make Synapse Carbon an easy pick if you want one bike that feels fast on smooth tarmac yet stays composed when the road turns rough.
Cannondale Gravel Bikes
Cannondale’s gravel lineup is built around speed and versatility on mixed surfaces, with options that range from pure race machines to go-anywhere rigs you can load up for long days. The common thread is a snappy, efficient ride feel that still stays composed when the pavement ends and the chatter starts.
SuperX sits at the pointy end, it is the choice for riders chasing race pace, high average speeds, and sharp handling in a pack. Topstone Alloy is the practical workhorse, a fast, fun platform with the mounts and durability that make everyday gravel rides and bikepacking setups easy to live with.
Topstone Carbon is the comfort and capability play, using Cannondale’s Kingpin rear suspension concept to take the edge off rough roads while keeping the bike efficient under power. SuperSix EVO SE rounds out the group as the “race bike that can get dirty”, ideal for riders who want that road-race urgency with cyclocross style control on hardpacked gravel and smoother dirt.
SuperX
Price Range: $4,199 - $16,499
Best For: Elite gravel racing, high-speed gravel group rides, KOM hunting, cyclocross crossover
Frame & Fork: Aero-focused carbon frameset with size-specific tuning and big tire clearance
Key Highlights: Proportional Response sizing, OutFront steering, D-shaped seatpost comfort, hidden top-tube bag mount, clearance up to 48mm (frame) and 51mm (fork)
SuperX is Cannondale’s gravel race bike for riders who treat “gravel” like a start line, not a sightseeing route. The goal is simple, carry more speed with less effort, especially once races settle into that steady, elbows-out pace where aerodynamics and efficiency start to matter.
Comfort is handled the smart way, not by turning it into a couch. Targeted flex in the frame and the D-shaped seatpost take the sting out of washboard and chatter so you can keep power on longer, and the generous tire clearance lets you run bigger rubber when the course gets rough. Cyclocross still fits the plan too, swap on 33c tires and it has the clearance and shape to play nicely between the tape.
Handling is race-first and confidence-driven, with OutFront geometry and a longer fork offset (55mm) that stays stable at speed but still changes lines quickly when gaps open. Build levels run from the SuperX 4 AXS with SRAM Apex XPLR wireless shifting, up through SuperX 1 with SRAM Force XPLR, then into LAB71 territory with SRAM RED XPLR AXS and premium wheel upgrades, plus a LAB71 frameset option for a full custom build.
Topstone
Price Range: $1,175 - $6,499
Best For: All-day gravel rides, mixed-surface exploring, bikepacking, riders who want comfort and capability without a “race-only” fit
Frame & Fork: Alloy or carbon framesets built around comfort-first gravel geometry and big tire clearance
Key Highlights: Topstone Alloy clears up to 45mm tires, Topstone Carbon adds Kingpin rear suspension, StashPort downtube storage, size-tuned Proportional Response design, lots of mounts for bottles and gear
Topstone is Cannondale’s grab-and-go gravel bike for riders who want to explore first and worry about pace second, but still appreciate a bike that feels quick when the group ride turns spicy. It’s the bike you pick when your routes mix pavement, dirt, chunky connectors, and the occasional “let’s see where that goes” detour.
Alloy Topstone is the value play, simple, reliable, and easy to live with, plus clearance for big 45mm tires to add comfort and grip as the surface gets rougher. Riders who want a practical do-it-all gravel bike, or a first serious gravel rig with upgrade potential, usually land here, especially if durability and cost matter more than shaving grams.
Topstone Carbon is the smoother, more feature-rich option, thanks to Kingpin rear suspension, which takes the edge off washboard and chattery descents without feeling squishy under power. StashPort in-frame storage and all the mounting points make it a strong choice for long rides and bikepacking, and the size-specific Proportional Response tuning helps keep the handling consistent across the range. Riders focused on pure gravel racing might prefer the sharper edge of a dedicated race platform, but Topstone is hard to beat for comfort, traction, and real-world versatility.
SuperSix EVO SE
Price Range: $4,050 – $5,200
Best For: Fast gravel racing, rough-road rides, riders who want road-bike snap on dirt
Frame & Fork: Race-focused carbon platform with gravel-ready tire clearance
Key Highlights: Short chainstays for punchy acceleration, OutFront steering for control on sketchy descents, clearance up to 45mm, Speed Release thru-axles for quick wheel changes
SuperSix EVO SE sits in the sweet spot for riders who love the feel of a road race bike but want to point it at gravel without babying it. The attitude is quick acceleration, sharp response, and a planted front end when you start sending it down loose descents. It’s a strong pick for “road riders going gravel” who still want that lively, eager feel when the pace ramps up.
The geometry choices reflect that intent. Short chainstays help it jump forward on loose climbs and out of corners, and OutFront steering is there to keep things composed when the terrain gets fast and unpredictable. Tire clearance up to 45mm opens the door to real gravel rubber, which is the difference between surviving a chunky route and actually enjoying it.
SuperSix EVO SE is a great call when speed is the priority and you want a bike that feels racy everywhere. Riders who want maximum comfort, lots of mounts, and bigger all-day adventure capability will usually be happier on a Topstone, and riders chasing pure gravel race efficiency at the sharp end will typically land on SuperX.
Cannondale Cyclocross Bikes
Cannondale cyclocross bikes are built to thrive in the chaos of off-camber corners, muddy barriers, and high-intensity laps. Known for their race-focused geometry, lightweight frames, and sharp handling, these bikes are designed to help you power through tough courses without sacrificing control.
At Cycle Limited, we offer a rotating inventory of certified pre-owned Cannondale cyclocross bikes, professionally inspected and ready to race or rip. If you're looking to dive into the CX scene or upgrade your current setup, our selection makes it easy to find the right fit, backed by nationwide shipping and expert support.
SuperX
Price Range: $4,199 - $16,499
Best For: Gravel racing, cyclocross, high-speed off-road competition
Frame & Fork: SuperX carbon frameset with Proportional Response construction
Key Highlights: Size-specific carbon layups, OutFront steering geometry, aero shaping, high tire clearance
The Cannondale SuperX is a pure gravel race machine, blending aerodynamic efficiency, responsive carbon construction, and sharp handling for all-out speed over dirt, gravel, and mud. Engineered for elite-level racing, the SuperX frame features Cannondale’s size-specific Proportional Response carbon layup that balances stiffness, comfort, and power transfer for every rider.
OutFront steering geometry offers high-speed stability with precise control, while flex zones built into the seatpost, seat tube, and stays help reduce fatigue over long days. Every model shares the same performance-focused frame, from the accessible SuperX 4 AXS with SRAM Apex XPLR and DT Swiss wheels to the ultra-premium LAB71 edition with RED AXS, Reserve carbon wheels, and fully integrated cockpit.
Built for modern gravel speed, the SuperX is also ready for cyclocross with race geometry, massive mud clearance, and a shoulder-friendly flat top tube. It’s Cannondale’s most aggressive off-road race platform, light, fast, and fully committed.
Cannondale Road E-Bikes
Cannondale’s road e-bikes take the DNA of their classic endurance bikes and inject it with discreet, high-performance pedal assist. The result is a lineup that preserves the lively road feel Cannondale is known for, while giving you the boost to ride farther, climb easier, and recover smarter. Both the Synapse Neo and Synapse Neo Allroad are built for all-day mileage and multi-surface versatility, featuring relaxed endurance geometry, powerful Bosch mid-drive systems, and enough clearance to handle pavement, chipseal, and even some gravel paths.
Synapse Neo
Source: Cannondale Bikes
Price Range: $9,349
Best For: Long-distance road rides, endurance riding with a boost
Frame & Fork: Lightweight carbon frame with integrated Bosch Performance Line Sprint motor
Key Highlights: Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain, 400Wh battery, HollowGram R45 carbon wheels
The Synapse Neo blends Cannondale’s endurance road DNA with a stealthy, high-performance e-bike system. Built on a lightweight carbon chassis and modeled after the Synapse geometry, it delivers confident handling, comfort over long miles, and the kind of efficiency riders expect from a premium road platform. At a glance, it barely looks like an e-bike, until you hit the first climb.
Bosch’s Performance Line Sprint motor provides smooth, intuitive support up to 28mph, with a high-cadence feel that mirrors natural pedaling. The integrated 400Wh battery keeps weight low and centered, helping the bike maintain a lively road feel while offering ample range for long weekend rides or fast weekday commutes. Everything from the Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain to the aerodynamic HollowGram carbon cockpit is chosen for all-around speed and precision.
Fast-rolling HollowGram R45 carbon wheels are wrapped in 700x30c Vittoria rubber for a mix of grip and efficiency across varied road conditions. Thoughtful integration, like the clean cable routing, concealed motor system, and refined component pairing, makes the Synapse Neo one of the most seamless, high-performance e-road bikes on the market. It’s a bike that rides like a top-tier road machine, with a tailwind built in.
Synapse Neo Allroad
Source: Cannondale Bikes
Price Range: $6,049 – $7,699
Best For: Gravel adventures, all-road exploration, long-distance versatility
Frame & Fork: Lightweight carbon frame with endurance geometry and Bosch electric assist
Key Highlights: Bosch Sprint motor, SRAM Force AXS or Shimano GRX, 700x40c tires, rack and fender mounts
Synapse Neo Allroad is built for riders who want an e-gravel bike that feels fast on pavement yet confident on rough, unpaved roads. The carbon frameset uses Cannondale’s proven endurance geometry and a tuned layup that allows controlled flex to absorb bumps and vibration, keeping the ride smooth over long days. Paired with a quiet Bosch Performance Line Sprint motor and an integrated 400Wh battery, it delivers up to 55 Nm of torque and 600 watts of assist to 28 mph while still feeling lively and natural at the pedals.
The build is aimed squarely at mixed-surface performance. Rugged wheels wrapped in 700x40c Vittoria gravel tires provide grip and stability on everything from chipseal to hardpack, and flared drop bars with a Conceal internal-routing stem give extra control when things get loose. A wireless SRAM Force AXS XPLR drivetrain, or Shimano GRX 800 on some builds, offers wide-range gearing and crisp shifting, so you can stay seated and smooth over steep pitches and rolling gravel.
Practical details make Synapse Neo Allroad just as ready for big trips as it is for fast after-work loops. The frame includes mounts for fenders, a rear rack, and even a kickstand, making it easy to set up for bikepacking, wet-weather commuting, or fully loaded exploration. The riding position strikes a balance between upright comfort and efficient speed, so you stay in control on rough sections without feeling held back when the road opens up.
Cannondale Mountain Bikes
Cannondale’s mountain bike lineup takes the brand’s experimental engineering into the dirt, with platforms that balance efficiency, capability, and a distinctly lively ride feel. Suspension kinematics are tuned so the bikes stay active and supportive on real trails, not just in lab charts, and frame designs emphasize sharp handling without sacrificing stability when speeds pick up or lines get rough. Cross-country race bikes, all-round trail machines, and long-travel enduro builds all share the same core idea: climb efficiently, descend with confidence, and stay fun on every part of the trail.
Scalpel
Price Range: $3,349 – $8,499
Best For: World Cup level XC racing, marathon events, high speed trail riding
Frame & Fork: Superlight carbon frame with FlexPivot suspension and 120mm travel paired to an XC specific fork
Key Highlights: Proportional Response tuned suspension, 66.6° head angle, 75.5° seat tube, integrated SystemBar XC One cockpit, high end builds with Fox Factory suspension and DT Swiss XRC carbon wheels
Scalpel sits at the sharp end of Cannondale’s cross country lineup, built for riders who want race winning efficiency without giving up control when the course gets rough. The superlight carbon frame uses FlexPivot suspension to deliver 120mm of travel that feels supportive under power yet active enough to maintain traction on technical climbs and choppy descents. It is very much an XC bike first, just with more capability when speed and terrain both start to ramp up.
Geometry is tuned around modern cross country speeds. A slack 66.6 degree head angle, steeper 75.5 degree seat tube angle, and size specific chainstay lengths keep the rider centered between the wheels, which improves climbing traction, cornering precision, and stability when the pace is high. The result is a bike that feels quick and responsive on the gas, yet noticeably calmer and more composed when you drop into steeper or more technical sections.
At the top of the range, Scalpel 1 showcases what the platform can do with premium components, including a Fox Float Factory 34 SC fork, Float Factory EVOL SL shock, Factory Transfer SL dropper, DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon wheels, and SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission. Lower priced models share the same frame, kinematics, and geometry, so the core ride character stays consistent even as parts spec changes. Every detail on Scalpel is driven by function, prioritizing speed, stiffness, and control in a package that looks as fast as it rides.
Scalpel HT
Price Range: $2,399 – $6,999
Best For: XC and marathon racing, high-efficiency climbing, all-out speed between the tape
Frame & Fork: Ultralight carbon hardtail frame with 110mm XC suspension
Key Highlights: Progressive XC geometry, tuned flex stays for comfort, 29-inch race wheels, wide range of race-ready builds
Scalpel HT represents the purest expression of Cannondale’s cross-country race philosophy, stripping things down to speed, efficiency, and endurance. The carbon hardtail frame is extremely light and purpose-built to surge uphill and hold momentum on fast, flowing courses, making it a natural fit for XC and marathon racing. Despite its race-first intent, the frame design adds just enough compliance to keep fatigue in check when the miles or laps start to add up.
Up front, 110mm of suspension keeps the front end calm and precise without dulling acceleration. High-end builds feature the Lefty Ocho Carbon fork with a longer offset for added agility and stability at speed, while other models use proven RockShox XC forks tuned for race performance. Sculpted flex zones in the chainstays and dropped seatstays work together to absorb trail chatter, improving control and comfort on rougher sections without sacrificing the hardtail’s trademark snap.
The Scalpel HT range spans from elite race machines to more accessible podium-chasing builds. Top-tier versions bring wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrains, carbon wheels, and premium braking, while models like the Scalpel HT Carbon 3 rely on Shimano Deore 12-speed shifting, durable wheels, and reliable XC components. Across the board, Scalpel HT stays focused on one goal: delivering maximum speed with minimal compromise for riders who want every watt to count.
Habit
Price Range: $1,599 - $6,799
Best For: Trail riding, everyday singletrack, climbs, flats, and descents
Frame & Suspension: SmartForm C1 alloy or carbon frame options, typically 130mm rear travel with a 140mm fork
Key Highlights: Proportional Response size-specific geometry and suspension layout, confident modern angles, practical trail-friendly details, build options that range from approachable value to premium components
Habit is Cannondale’s modern “do-it-all” trail bike, built for riders who want one setup that can handle a wide mix of rides without feeling overbuilt. Travel sits in the sweet spot for most trails, enough to take the edge off rough sections, still responsive when you put power down. Alloy builds tend to be the value and durability play, carbon builds usually bring weight savings and higher-end parts as you move up the line.
The ride feel is consistent across sizes because the bike is designed around the rider, not just scaled up or down. Geometry aims for a confident front end on descents, plus a steep, centered climbing position that keeps the bike tracking well on technical ups. Riders who spend most days on flowing singletrack, tech climbs, and fast trail descents are the ones who get the most out of Habit.
Habit is a strong fit for the “one mountain bike” buyer, the rider who wants to show up to any trailhead and feel like they brought the right tool. A different model makes more sense for pure XC racing (lighter and sharper) or bike-park focused riding (more travel and burlier intent). Habit 26 fills the youth niche with the same trail-bike mindset in a smaller-wheel package.
Jekyll
Price Range: $6,249
Best For: Enduro racing, bike park laps, steep and fast technical descents
Frame & Fork: High-pivot, 4-bar enduro platform with an idler pulley layout, paired with a 170mm Fox Float Factory 38
Key Highlights: Fox Float Factory 38 (170mm) and Float Factory X2 shock, SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, HollowGram SAVE carbon riser bar, DownLow dropper post
Jekyll is Cannondale’s “point it down and commit” bike, built for riders who chase speed on steep, rowdy trails and want a chassis that stays calm when things get chaotic. It pedals impressively well for a big enduro rig, but the main reason to buy it is how composed it feels when you are braking late, skipping through chunk, and pushing into high-speed lines. Riders who live for lift laps, race stages, or tech-heavy descents will feel immediately at home here.
The suspension concept is simple in practice, even if the tech sounds complex on paper: high pivot plus an idler pulley helps reduce pedal feedback while keeping traction high, especially in rough, square-edged terrain. Size-specific kinematics keep the ride feel consistent, so smaller sizes do not feel twitchy and larger sizes do not feel vague when speeds ramp up. This is a strong fit for riders who value grip and stability over a snappy, lightweight trail-bike feel.
A low, tucked shock placement helps keep the center of gravity down, which translates to a planted feel in turns and a bike that changes lines without feeling top-heavy. Jekyll is not the best pick for mellow singletrack, long XC-style mileage, or anyone who wants minimal maintenance and maximum simplicity, because the high-pivot, idler-style layout is purpose-built for descending performance. Riders who spend most of their time on moderate trails will usually be happier on a lighter trail bike like Habit.
Cannondale Mountain E-Bikes
Cannondale’s e-MTB lineup is built for riders who want more laps, more vertical, and more “let’s do one more” without turning every climb into a sufferfest. The range splits into two clear camps, full-power rigs that prioritize range and downhill confidence, and lighter e-MTBs that keep the ride feel closer to a traditional trail bike.
On the full-power side, bikes like the Moterra and Moterra LT lean into big battery capacity and big-travel capability, including Bosch Performance Line CX drive units paired with 750Wh batteries on many trims. These are the bikes for steep, rough trails, chunky descents, and riders who want the motor to feel like a real performance advantage, not just a gentle nudge.
Moterra SL is the “sweet spot” option for riders who care as much about handling as they do about assist. It runs a lighter system built around a Shimano EP801 motor and a 601Wh internal battery, aimed at riders who want long, fast trail sessions with a more agile, playful feel than most full-power e-MTBs.
Moterra (LT)
Price Range: $6,000 – $7,000
Best For: Riders who want a full-power e-MTB that can climb efficiently, then stay calm and planted on steep, rough descents
Frame & Fork: Proportional Response tuned frame, offered in carbon (LT) or SmartForm alloy, paired with long-travel RockShox forks (LT: Zeb 170mm, standard: Yari 150mm)
Key Highlights: Bosch SmartSystem with a 750Wh battery, size-specific Proportional Response suspension and geometry, burly build kits with 4-piston brakes, travel options that cover trail riding through enduro-style terrain
Moterra is Cannondale’s answer for riders who want e-bike range and power, but still care a lot about handling. The headline is that it rides more like a legit mountain bike than a motorized tank, it stays responsive on climbs and composed when the trail gets fast and ugly.
Two personalities live under the same name. Moterra LT is the big-mountain option with a longer-travel setup and a tougher, more gravity-ready feel for riders who push into enduro lines and bike-park laps, standard Moterra dials the travel back for a more all-day trail focus that still has plenty in reserve when the descents get rowdy.
Moterra makes the most sense for riders who prioritize traction, stability, and confidence at speed, and want to ride bigger terrain more often without budgeting their energy. Riders chasing a lightweight, minimal-assist feel, or riders who spend most of their time on smooth XC trails, will usually be happier on a lighter-duty e-MTB category than a full-power, long-travel platform like this.
Moterra SL
Price Range: $5,499 – $14,000
Best For: High-speed trail riding with a lighter, more agile feel, steep and techy climbs, fast and flowy descents
Frame & Fork: Full carbon FlexPivot frame with 150mm rear travel, paired with a 160mm fork
Key Highlights: Shimano EP801 drive unit with a 601Wh internal battery, size-specific Proportional Response suspension and geometry, build options that range from value-focused to full halo-spec
Moterra SL is Cannondale’s “sweet spot” e-MTB, built for riders who want real trail-bike handling without giving up the power and ride time that make e-bikes so addictive. The chassis stays light and lively for direction changes and pop, but it still has the travel and stability to push into rougher lines when the pace ramps up.
Power comes from a Cannondale-tuned Shimano EP801 system paired to a high-energy-density 601Wh battery, so the assist feels strong on punchy climbs and still natural when you’re spinning fast. Multiple ride modes let you bias the bike toward maximum range or maximum boost depending on the day, which is exactly what this category is about: more laps, less compromise.
Build levels mainly change the “how fancy” of the kit, not the intent. SL 2 leans practical with dependable trail components and performance-level suspension, LAB71 is the no-excuses version with top-tier suspension, lighter wheels, and wireless everything for riders chasing the sharpest feel and fastest response. Moterra SL makes the most sense for riders who want an e-trail bike that still rides like a trail bike, riders prioritizing absolute max travel or full enduro smash-duty will usually land on the longer-travel Moterra side of the lineup instead.
So Which Model Is Best For You?
Cannondale’s lineup makes a lot more sense once you pick your riding “home base” first, road speed, endurance comfort, gravel racing, adventure gravel, XC efficiency, trail fun, or long-travel aggression. Each platform is built with a clear purpose, and the best Cannondale for you is the one that matches how you actually ride most weeks, not the one with the most headline-worthy parts.
Keep the decision simple, start with fit, then choose the category that matches your terrain, then dial the build level to your budget. A well-sized, well-matched mid-tier build will almost always feel better than a top-tier bike that’s the wrong style or too aggressive for your routes.
Cycle Limited and Certified Pre-Owned Cannondale Bikes
Cycle Limited carries a consistently rotating selection of Certified Pre-Owned Cannondale bikes across road, gravel, mountain, and e-bikes, so it’s easy to find the right platform without paying full retail. Every CPO bike is professionally inspected and tuned by in-house mechanics, condition graded, and photographed clearly so you know what you’re getting before it ships.
Need help narrowing it down? Our team can guide you on sizing, geometry, and build specs based on your riding goals and terrain, so you end up on the right Cannondale the first time. Discover our top-rated customer service, nationwide shipping, and certified quality from Cycle Limited.
