More Juice, No Excuse
The Cannondale Moterra Carbon 2 2025 is a full-power electric mountain bike built for long trail rides, steep climbs and rough descents. Its lighter carbon frame surrounds Bosch’s latest Performance Line CX drive system, combining serious climbing support with balanced handling and 160/150 mm suspension travel.
A removable 800 Wh Bosch battery provides the capacity for bigger rides, while RockShox suspension, Shimano LinkGlide gearing, Magura four-piston brakes and Continental Kryptotal tyres give the bike the control needed when the trail becomes steep or technical.
Lighter, More Agile Carbon Frame
The redesigned Moterra Carbon frame is lighter than the previous generation and uses updated geometry with revised suspension kinematics. The rider sits more centrally between the wheels, giving the bike a planted feel without making it difficult to move around.
Cannondale’s Proportional Response system adjusts the suspension layout and geometry across the size range. Rather than giving every frame the same suspension tune, each size is designed to provide consistent handling and suspension performance for the riders most likely to use it.
The frame provides 150 mm of rear-wheel travel and is paired with a 160 mm fork. Full-size 29-inch wheels add rollover and stability through roots, rocks and braking holes.
Bosch Performance Line CX Assistance
The Bosch Performance Line CX drive unit provides strong support for steep and technical climbing. Power is delivered smoothly in response to rider input, making it easier to maintain traction on loose ground and control the bike through awkward low-speed sections.
The latest-generation drive unit is quieter and more natural than earlier Bosch CX systems while retaining the support expected from a full-power e-MTB. Assistance settings, ride modes and system features can be managed through Bosch’s smart system.
Removable 800 Wh Bosch Battery
The Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh battery provides plenty of capacity for longer trail rides and days with repeated climbing. It is removable from the downtube, making it easier to charge the battery away from the bike or reduce the bike’s weight when transporting it.
Actual range depends on assistance mode, elevation, rider weight, trail conditions, temperature, tyre pressure and how much effort the rider contributes.
The Moterra Carbon 2 is also compatible with the optional Bosch PowerMore Range Extender, giving riders the option to add extra capacity for bigger days without carrying it on every ride.
Bosch Kiox 300 Display and Mini Remote
The top-tube System Controller provides quick access to the bike’s essential functions, while the Bosch Kiox 300 display shows ride, battery and assistance information clearly.
A Bosch Mini Remote allows assistance modes to be changed from the handlebar. The display is mounted neatly above the stem, keeping it easy to read without crowding the cockpit.
RockShox ZEB and Deluxe Suspension
The RockShox ZEB Select fork provides 160 mm of travel through a stiff 38 mm chassis. Its Charger RC damper and DebonAir+ spring give the front wheel the support and control needed for steep descents, rough landings and hard braking.
At the rear, the RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock controls 150 mm of travel. Its DebonAir+ spring, adjustable rebound and two-position mode adjustment allow the suspension to be set for the rider and firmed up when additional pedalling support is useful.
Shimano LinkGlide Drivetrain
The Shimano 11-speed drivetrain combines an XT LinkGlide rear derailleur with a CUES U8000 shifter and wide-range 11–50T cassette. LinkGlide components are designed to handle frequent shifting under the higher loads produced by an e-bike.
The wide gear range provides a low climbing gear for steep trails while retaining enough top end for faster connecting sections. A 34T chainring and short 160 mm cranks help maintain useful ground clearance through technical terrain.
Magura Four-Piston Brakes
Magura MT5 four-piston hydraulic brakes provide the stopping power needed for a full-power e-MTB. Large 203 mm Storm rotors are fitted at both ends, helping manage heat and maintain control through longer descents.
The combination provides strong braking without requiring excessive lever effort, which is particularly useful when the trail is steep or the bike is carrying the speed generated by the Bosch motor.
Trail-Ready Wheels and Continental Tyres
WTB ST i30 Tough TCS rims provide a 30 mm internal width and are tubeless ready. They are paired with Shimano thru-axle hubs and DT Swiss Champion spokes for a sturdy, serviceable wheelset.
A Continental Kryptotal-F front tyre and Kryptotal-R rear tyre provide dedicated front and rear tread patterns. The Enduro Soft construction gives the bike the casing support and grip needed for aggressive trail riding while remaining suitable for regular pedalling.
Key Features
- Lightweight Moterra carbon frame
- Cannondale Proportional Response suspension and geometry
- 150 mm of rear-wheel travel
- RockShox ZEB Select fork with 160 mm travel
- RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock
- Bosch Performance Line CX drive unit
- Removable Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh battery
- Bosch Kiox 300 display and Mini Remote
- Bosch 4A charger included
- Compatible with the optional Bosch PowerMore Range Extender
- Shimano XT and CUES 11-speed LinkGlide drivetrain
- Wide-range 11–50T cassette
- Magura MT5 four-piston hydraulic brakes
- 203 mm front and rear brake rotors
- WTB ST i30 Tough TCS tubeless-ready rims
- Continental Kryptotal 29 x 2.4-inch tyres
- Size-specific Cannondale DownLow dropper post
Who Is It For?
- Long trail rides with plenty of climbing
- Steep and technical terrain
- Riders wanting full-power Bosch assistance
- Rough descents where strong suspension and brakes matter
- Riders wanting a removable high-capacity battery
- Anyone looking for a capable all-round e-MTB rather than a lightweight SL-style bike
The Moterra Carbon 2 is a full-power e-MTB with a large battery and substantial suspension. Riders who regularly lift their bike onto a vehicle rack or prefer a lighter, more conventional trail-bike feel should consider whether a lightweight e-MTB would suit them better.
Our Thoughts
The new Moterra Carbon 2 looks like a much more complete trail bike than the previous generation. The lighter frame helps, but the updated riding position and suspension layout are what should make the biggest difference on the trail.
The Bosch CX system and 800 Wh battery provide enough support for proper backcountry rides and repeated climbing. We also like that the battery can be removed for charging or transport and that the PowerMore system gives riders an option for adding capacity when it is genuinely needed.
The component choices are sensible. The ZEB chassis suits the bike’s intended use, Shimano LinkGlide is a good match for full-power assistance and the Magura MT5 brakes have the power required for a bike of this weight and capability.
This is not the lightest e-MTB available, but it is built for riders who care more about range, climbing support and confidence on rough terrain than carrying the bike up a flight of stairs.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professional assembly and complete safety inspection
- Suspension pressures set for the rider
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Bosch system checked and updated where required
- Complete bike, display and e-bike system walkthrough
- Expert sizing and setup advice
- Help setting up the Bosch eBike Flow app
- Practical battery, charging and range advice
- Finance and WorkRide options available