There are some big differences between the Cannondale Moterra models, and they're not all about price.
The Moterra 3 and Carbon 2 are both full-power Bosch e-MTBs with 160 mm front suspension travel, 150 mm at the rear and removable 800 Wh batteries. The Moterra LT adds more travel and a tougher setup for riders who spend more time on steep, rough trails. The Moterra SL 1 takes a different approach, with a lighter carbon frame, Shimano motor and smaller battery.
All four are capable bikes. The trick is working out which features you'll actually benefit from, rather than paying for components you might never make full use of.
Here's how we'd compare them.
At a Glance: Cannondale Moterra Range
| Model | Frame | Travel (F/R) | Motor | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moterra 3 | Alloy | 160 / 150 mm | Bosch CX | 800 Wh | Value and everyday trail riding |
| Moterra Carbon 2 | Carbon | 160 / 150 mm | Bosch CX | 800 Wh | Higher-spec all-round riding |
| Moterra LT 1 | Carbon | 170 / 165 mm | Bosch CX | 800 Wh | Steep, rough descents |
| Moterra SL 1 | Carbon | 160 / 150 mm | Shimano EP801 | 601 Wh | Lower weight and technical trails |
Suspension travel is shown front/rear. Specifications are based on the models listed by Chain Reaction and may vary by frame size.
Cannondale Moterra 3 – Best Value
The Moterra 3 is where we'd suggest most riders start looking. It has the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, an 800 Wh battery and enough suspension for proper mountain biking.
The SmartForm alloy frame uses Cannondale's Proportional Response suspension design, with a RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork up front and Deluxe Select shock at the rear. You also get Shimano CUES 11-speed LinkGlide gearing and Shimano four-piston brakes.
It's a sensible build. LinkGlide is designed to cope with the extra drivetrain loads of an e-bike and the four-piston brakes are appropriate for a full-power bike. There's nothing particularly flashy about the specification, but the important things are covered.
If you're riding a mixture of climbing trails, intermediate singletrack and the occasional rougher descent, the Moterra 3 will do the job without needing to spend thousands more.
Our Thoughts: We'd happily recommend the Moterra 3 to someone buying their first serious full-suspension e-MTB. Spend the money you save on a decent helmet, riding gear and getting out on the bike.
Cannondale Moterra Carbon 2 – Best Premium All-Rounder
The Carbon 2 keeps the same basic idea as the Moterra 3 but adds a carbon frame and some worthwhile component upgrades.
The RockShox ZEB Select is the biggest change up front. Its 38 mm chassis is a better match for riders who are heavier, ride harder or spend more time on rough descents. At the rear there's a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock.
Braking is handled by Magura MT5 four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors. The Shimano XT and CUES LinkGlide drivetrain is another step up, while the Bosch Kiox 300 display gives you more ride information than the simpler Purion 200 on the Moterra 3.
Both bikes have the same 800 Wh battery capacity, so don't expect the Carbon 2 to take you dramatically further just because it costs more.
Our Thoughts: The Carbon 2 makes sense if you're going to use the better suspension and brakes. If you ride regularly, enjoy more technical trails and want a bike you'll be happy with for years, it's worth considering.
But if most of your riding is on smoother trails, the Moterra 3 is already very capable. You don't need a carbon frame to have a good day out.
Shop Cannondale Moterra Carbon 2
Moterra 3 vs Carbon 2 – Is It Worth Spending More?
This is probably the comparison most buyers will spend time thinking about.
| Component | Moterra 3 | Carbon 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | SmartForm alloy | Carbon |
| Fork | RockShox Psylo Silver RC | RockShox ZEB Select |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select | RockShox Deluxe Select+ |
| Drivetrain | Shimano CUES LinkGlide | Shimano XT/CUES LinkGlide |
| Brakes | Shimano MT520 | Magura MT5 |
| Display | Bosch Purion 200 | Bosch Kiox 300 |
| Battery | 800 Wh | 800 Wh |
The biggest reasons to choose the Carbon 2 are the suspension, brakes and lighter frame. The ZEB fork in particular is worth having if you're riding rougher trails at speed.
On the other hand, both bikes have the same motor platform, battery capacity and suspension travel. If your budget is already stretched, we'd rather see you on a properly set-up Moterra 3 than spending more than you're comfortable with.
Cannondale Moterra LT 1 – Best for Steep, Rough Trails
The LT is a different sort of Moterra. It has 170 mm of front travel, 165 mm at the rear and a mixed-wheel setup with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear.
Up front is a FOX 38 Performance fork, while a FOX DHX Performance coil shock handles the rear suspension. The coil shock is particularly appealing if you spend a lot of time on long, rough descents where consistent suspension performance matters.
The SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain, TRP EVO Pro brakes and large 220 mm front rotor are all well suited to this type of riding.
It still has a Bosch CX motor and removable 800 Wh battery, so you aren't giving up battery capacity to get the extra suspension.
Our Thoughts: If you regularly ride steep, rough enduro trails, the LT is the Moterra we'd look at first. The extra travel, coil shock and stronger braking setup are useful upgrades when the descents get demanding.
For general trail riding, though, it's probably more bike than you need. The standard Moterra will be easier to justify for riders who aren't regularly using that extra suspension travel.
Cannondale Moterra SL 1 Tungsten Blue – Best for Lower Weight
The Moterra SL 1 is quite different from the other three bikes. Instead of using the Bosch system and an 800 Wh battery, Cannondale has built it around a lighter carbon frame, Shimano EP801 motor and custom 601 Wh battery.
The Shimano motor delivers 85 Nm of torque, so there's still plenty of assistance for steep climbing. The difference is that the SL is designed to keep the overall weight down.
It's also the highest-spec build in this comparison. You get a FOX 36 Factory fork with GRIP X2 damper, FOX FLOAT X Factory rear shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, Magura MT7 brakes and Reserve 30 HD rims on DT Swiss 350 hubs.
Those are components we'd be happy to see on a high-end non-electric mountain bike, let alone an e-MTB.
The lower weight should make the bike easier to lift over obstacles, change direction on tighter trails and handle when you're not using motor assistance.
There are two things to consider. First, the 601 Wh battery is smaller than the 800 Wh batteries in the Bosch models. Second, the battery is fixed inside the frame rather than being designed for everyday removal. You'll need somewhere convenient to charge the complete bike.
Our Thoughts: We'd choose the SL 1 if handling and component quality were higher priorities than maximum battery capacity. The FOX Factory suspension, X0 Transmission and Reserve wheels are a very good package.
Just make sure the smaller, fixed battery suits how you ride and where you store the bike.
Availability: Tungsten Blue, XL only. Please check the size before ordering.
Shop Cannondale Moterra SL 1 Tungsten Blue
Bosch vs Shimano – Which Motor Should You Choose?
The Moterra 3, Carbon 2 and LT 1 all use Bosch Performance Line CX motors. The Moterra SL 1 uses Shimano's EP801.
Both are capable systems and we wouldn't choose a bike based on the motor brand alone.
The Bosch bikes have removable 800 Wh batteries, which are handy for longer rides and for anyone who needs to charge the battery away from the bike. The Moterra SL 1 uses a smaller, fixed 601 Wh battery to help keep weight down.
Think about the complete bike rather than just comparing torque figures. Suspension, tyres, weight, geometry and battery capacity all affect how an e-MTB rides.
Battery Range – Is 800 Wh Worth Having?
For riders doing plenty of climbing or regularly using higher assistance settings, an 800 Wh battery is useful. It gives you more capacity to work with, particularly on days with repeated climbs.
The Moterra 3, Carbon 2 and LT 1 all use removable Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh batteries. You can take the battery inside to charge, which is convenient if the bike lives in a shed or garage without a power point.
The Bosch models are also compatible with the optional Bosch PowerMore Range Extender, giving you another option for longer rides.
The Moterra SL 1's 601 Wh battery has less capacity, but the lighter bike can help offset some of that difference. How far either system takes you depends heavily on the assistance mode, rider weight, elevation and trail conditions.
We wouldn't give a fixed kilometre range for any of these bikes. Two riders on the same bike can get very different results.
Where Would We Ride Them?
Christchurch Port Hills: The Moterra 3 and Carbon 2 are good choices for regular trail riding. If you're spending more time on the technical trails, the Carbon 2's suspension and brakes become more appealing. The SL 1 is also worth considering if you prefer a lighter bike.
Craigieburn: For riders tackling the rougher descents, we'd lean towards the Moterra LT. The extra travel, FOX 38 fork and coil shock make sense on demanding terrain.
Hanmer Springs: There's enough variety here to suit any of the four bikes. The standard Moterra models are good all-round choices, while the LT is worth considering if you're concentrating on the steeper tracks.
Longer South Island rides: We'd favour one of the 800 Wh Bosch models if range and climbing were the main priorities. The removable battery also makes charging easier when travelling.
Always check local trail access rules before riding an e-MTB.
Which Moterra Would We Choose?
Best Value – Moterra 3: The sensible choice for most riders. A capable bike with a large battery and a good component package.
Best Premium All-Rounder – Moterra Carbon 2: Worth the extra money if you'll use the stronger suspension, brakes and lighter carbon frame.
Best for Enduro Riding – Moterra LT 1: Our pick for steep, rough descents and riders who want the extra travel.
Best for Lower Weight – Moterra SL 1 Tungsten Blue: A high-spec bike for riders who put handling and suspension quality ahead of maximum battery capacity. Currently XL only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Moterra Carbon 2 worth the extra money over the Moterra 3?
It depends on how and where you ride. The Carbon 2 has a better fork, upgraded brakes and a carbon frame. If you're regularly riding rough technical trails, those upgrades are worthwhile. For general trail riding, the Moterra 3 is already very capable.
What's the difference between the Moterra and Moterra LT?
The LT has more suspension travel, a mixed-wheel setup and a coil rear shock. It's aimed at riders who spend more time on steep, demanding descents. The standard Moterra is a better all-round choice for many riders.
Is the Moterra SL 1 a low-power e-bike?
No. It uses a Shimano EP801 motor with 85 Nm of torque. The SL approach is about reducing overall bike weight rather than simply fitting a much less powerful motor.
Can I remove the battery?
The Moterra 3, Carbon 2 and LT 1 have removable Bosch PowerTube batteries. The Moterra SL 1 has a fixed internal battery and needs to be charged with the battery installed in the bike.
Which Moterra has the longest range?
The three Bosch models have the largest standard batteries at 800 Wh. That gives them a capacity advantage over the 601 Wh SL 1, but actual range will depend on how you ride.
Should I buy the LT just because it has more suspension?
Not necessarily. Extra travel is useful when you're riding rough, steep trails, but it isn't automatically better for every rider. If you spend most of your time on general trail rides, the standard Moterra may be the better choice.
Why Buy Your Cannondale Moterra from Chain Reaction?
There's quite a bit more to buying an e-MTB than choosing the right motor and battery.
Getting the size right, setting suspension pressures correctly and making sure the controls suit the rider can make a big difference to how the bike feels. That's especially true with a heavier full-power e-MTB.
At Chain Reaction, we build and check your bike before handing it over, set up the suspension for your weight and run through the motor controls, charging and general maintenance.
Our Christchurch workshop services Bosch and Shimano e-bike systems, and we're here for servicing, diagnostics and ongoing support after you've bought the bike.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're still torn between the models, come in and have a chat. Tell us what you're riding now, which trails you enjoy and what you'd like your next bike to do better.
We'll help work out which Moterra makes the most sense. Sometimes that's the more expensive bike. Quite often it isn't.
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch, with over 200 free car parks.
