Cannondale Moterra SL Review | 2024 eMTB Lite Group Review

The @CannondaleBicycles71 Moterra SL finds itself in its second Loam Wolf eMTB shootout of 2024, and for good reason. During our 2024 eMTB Shootout (full power), it represented an exciting lightweight option that prioritized a more natural, lighter ride compared to range-seeking battery monsters. Even with its 601Wh battery and full size, full power @RideShimano EP801 drive unit, this bike is still within the weight range of other less-powered eMTBs like the Devinci eTroy Lite and Trek Slash+.

We’d like to offer a huge thank you to our sponsors: Outdoor Research, Schwalbe Tires, Ride Concepts and the Running Y Resort. Without their gracious support, these types of content series would not be possible. Give them a thanks down below!

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[Bench_mark_]

I have said this before, but I think full 29er on this bike is the answer. It fixes all the odd geo problems and makes it a better bike.

[ianfurqueron]

Interesting comments. I tested one of these on natural tech trails at Davis, WV over three days earlier this year. I agree the cranks are too long, but I say that about every e-bike anymore. While I didn't end up buying the Moterra SL (I prefer a full 29er and bought a Heckler), I definitely enjoyed the bike a lot - to the point where I would consider buying the demo bike if it becomes available (apparently it belongs to the local Cannondale rep).

[jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Nice review thanks! Looks like the "midpower - midweight" category is slowly morphing into full power midweight. 👍

[daveblackMTB]

sticker 29er front rear and some 155mm cranks. monster bike

[zoltanzifko]

Will it be possible for an amateur mecanic to install an electric light cable through the downtube, to mount an e-bike light?
Or, is there eventually a pre-installed light cable in or behind the steering tube?
Thx for info. ❤

[nicholashines]

Sweet review. Cannondale always misses my radar when I'm looking for a bike.

[howdooo]

Is Medium for someone 5’9 good? I got standard reach and inseam lenght 31.5’’ standard for my height

[Alex_Abdullayev]

so i have this bike, its absolutely fantastic and a great addition as a second, lighter bike to my Tlevo (56lbs). feels almost like a BMX on the trails compared to my full fat Tlevo.

I ride it in the stock, long and slack, MX version and think it rides absolutely fine. I live in Washington state and we have plenty of tight switchbacks, steep climbs, hard up and over moves and ive had NO ISSUE WHATSOEVER handling it in the low and slack setting, in fact on steep gnarly descents the geo is fantastic.

Josh Bryceland rides this bike a ton and in the low and slack position and theres plenty of videos of him raving about it in this configuration, so im gonna take his word over you guys sorry 😂

the bike rides fine in the stock config, I Def don't agree that it is “unrideable” or "terrain specific"

[stellabursht]

Did Cannondale design the bike around a 29 rear wheel and then find out they couldn't fit it when they got the rear ends from the factory? Have you guys tried fitting a 29? It would instantly push the geo to more or less "standard"

[premixsix]

If Shimano had a range extender this would be in my garage right now.

[KiwiInGermanyMTB]

Very cool bike, I'd like to know more about the flex stay. It seems like a great way to save weight. Do you think it feels like a pivot or does it give the back end more spring?

[blackhorsegrind]

Is large for someone 6’2 good? I have larger torso

[cyffokv]

Why is this set as a mullet when it's designed as a 29er!

[OldBoyOnTrail]

whats the result compared to the AMFlow?

[hein_mcleod]

Why are there so many DJI simps in the comments lately?

Beware: Read Cannondale’s fine print in their Limited Warranty Policy. They may use it against you for their best interest. My $5000.000 carbon fiber frame Jekyll broke after six years of use. Cannondale never made a finding that it was due to use or abuse. A hairline crack formed at a weak point in the frame. The bike was sold to me with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The best offer Cannondale gave me, under their lifetime warranty, was 20% of or retail – yes, that is right 20% off of retail. I fought them on it over a two month period and lost. So, I am now stuck with a 34lb paperweight. Cannondale has what I feel is the worse warranty in the bike business. If you do purchase a Cannondale bike and something goes wrong, know that they probably will not work with you at any level in your best interest. In my opinion, they do do not value you as a customer, they only value your money. This has been my experience.

[kilianlindlbauer]

I always find it a bit odd when manufacturers couple a shimano ep801 or ep6 with electronic (!) sram drive trains, shimano would make so much more sense. You would get free shift, auto shift if you got the 11 speed Linkglide and it would be powered by the bikes main battery, so no additional batteries other than the bikes battery.

Btw, have you heard about the wallis project s? Less than 18kg in all specs (18, 5kg if you install proper tyres), 400wh battery capacity, normal head tube angle, 160/150mm suspension while also remaining an attractive price. Lowest possible weight would be 16, 2kg with pedals, although with shortened travels of 140mm. I could imagine that its pretty hard to get hold of in the US as its a small Austrian manufacturer. Seriously underrated bike, gives the orbea rise a run for its money, with full fox factory components, shimano di2 and ep801, dt swiss wheels and carbon handlebar for 7000 euros/ 7500 dollars converted.

[mustclime]

the bike was designed as a 29er, that why you have bb and head angle a 29er in the rear and you are done.

[MrHamncheez]

reviewing any ebike in 2024 without mentioning the DJI is like having a dinner party on the deck of a ship and trying to ignore the dark, looming storm on the horizon

[thamil]

Nowhere near as good as the Amflow I'm afraid, everyone should pack up!😂🚮