In the ever-evolving world of electric mountain bikes, few models stir genuine excitement like the Cannondale Moterra LT. Launched globally in 2025, this isn’t just another e-MTB—it’s a purpose-built enduro beast engineered for riders who demand power, precision, and versatility on the most technical trails.
Forget everything you thought you knew about heavy, sluggish e-bikes. The Moterra LT shatters those stereotypes with 165mm of rear travel, a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, mullet wheel setup (29” front / 27.5” rear), and a removable 800Wh battery—all wrapped in Cannondale’s signature rider-first geometry.
Whether you’re racing enduro stages, tackling multi-day backcountry missions, or simply craving a bike that can do it all, the Moterra LT might just be the most capable electric mountain bike of the year. Let’s dive deep into what makes it so special.
Why the Moterra LT Stands Out in 2025
At first glance, you might confuse the Moterra LT with its lighter sibling, the Moterra SL (Super Light). But make no mistake—these are two entirely different machines built for different missions.
Moterra SL: A lightweight, full-power e-MTB (~20 kg) with Shimano EP8 drive unit, dual 29” wheels, and FlexPivot suspension. Think of it as your weekend convertible—fun, fast, and refined.
Moterra LT: A rugged, coil-sprung, mullet-wheeled enduro weapon powered by Bosch’s most powerful motor, designed for all-day epics, technical descents, and battery-swapping versatility.
As one reviewer put it: “The SL is your Sunday convertible. The LT is your daily multi-tool tractor—reliable, adaptable, and ready for anything.”
And that’s exactly why the Cannondale Moterra LT deserves your attention in 2025.
Power & Battery: Bosch at Its Best
Bosch Performance Line CX Motor (85 Nm, 600W Peak)
The heart of the Moterra LT is Bosch’s flagship Performance Line CX motor, delivering 85 Newton meters of torque and a peak output of 600 watts. This isn’t just about raw power—it’s about smooth, natural-feeling assistance that mimics your pedaling rhythm without overwhelming the ride.
Unlike some e-bike systems that feel “jerky” or artificial, Bosch’s refined software ensures seamless power delivery across all assist modes—perfect for technical climbs or explosive trail sections.
800Wh Removable PowerTube Battery
One of the LT’s standout features? The battery is fully removable—a rarity in high-end e-MTBs. This is a game-changer for:
- Enduro racers who need to swap batteries between stages.
- Backcountry riders carrying spare packs for multi-day trips.
- Urban commuters who prefer charging indoors.
You can also opt for a lighter 600Wh battery if you prioritize agility over range. And for ultra-long missions? The system is 100% compatible with Bosch’s 250Wh Range Extender, pushing total capacity to 1,050Wh.
🔋 Real-World Range: With the 800Wh battery, expect 60–100 km depending on terrain, rider weight, and assist level. Add the extender, and you’re looking at 120+ km—more than enough for a full day in the Alps or Rockies.
Suspension & Kinematics: A Flying Carpet on Trails
165mm Rear / 170mm Front Travel with Coil Shock
Unlike many e-MTBs that rely solely on air shocks, the Moterra LT comes standard with a coil rear shock—a deliberate choice for enduro performance. Coils offer more consistent damping, better small-bump sensitivity, and superior bottom-out resistance on big hits.
Paired with a Fox 38 Performance fork (170mm), the suspension platform is tuned for aggressive, high-speed terrain. Yet, thanks to Cannondale’s updated kinematics, it remains incredibly progressive without feeling harsh.
🛠️ Kinematic Insight: Earlier Cannondale designs were criticized for being too progressive—causing the rear end to “slip out” on big impacts. The 2025 Moterra LT fixes this with a more linear mid-stroke and controlled ramp-up, delivering what riders describe as a “flying carpet” feel.
Mullet Wheels: Why 29” Front + 27.5” Rear?
The Moterra LT sticks to a fixed mullet configuration—29-inch front wheel for rollover and stability, 27.5-inch rear for snappy handling and clearance.
While some brands offer wheel-size flexibility, Cannondale commits to mullet because it optimizes the bike’s geometry and suspension kinematics. The result?
- Better traction on steep climbs.
- Quicker cornering on tight switchbacks.
- Reduced risk of pedal strikes on technical terrain.
And despite the mixed wheels, testers report the LT feels surprisingly agile—even on twisty, low-speed trails where you’d expect a long-travel e-bike to feel sluggish.
Geometry: Rider-Specific, Not One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s where Cannondale truly shines: size-specific geometry and kinematics.
While most brands design around a medium frame and scale up/down, Cannondale engineers unique geometry and suspension tuning for every size—from XS to XL.
This means:
- A 1.55m rider on XS gets the same balanced handling as a 1.95m rider on XL.
- Reach, stack, head angle, and chainstay length are all optimized per size.
- No compromises at the extremes of the size chart.
Key Geometry Highlights (Size M):
- Head Angle: 64.4° (ultra-slack for high-speed stability)
- Seat Tube Angle: 77.5° (efficient climbing position)
- Reach: 470mm (compact but not cramped)
- Chainstay Length: 445mm (balanced for agility and traction)
The slack head angle and short stem combo even lets you see the Cannondale logo on the head tube while riding—a small but telling detail of how far the front end is stretched out for control.
Component Spec: Performance Meets Practicality
Cannondale strikes a smart balance between high-end performance and value-focused choices:
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle (Mechanical)
- SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)
- Reliable, easy to repair, and cost-effective
- Perfect for riders who prioritize durability over wireless tech
Wheels & Tires: DT Swiss H1900 Spline + Maxxis Minion
- DT Swiss H1900 Spline wheels (30mm internal width)
- Maxxis Minion DHR II tires (2.5” front & rear)
- Tubeless-ready, durable, and grippy in all conditions
Brakes: TRP EVO Pro – The Dark Horse
- 220mm front / 203mm rear rotors—massive stopping power
- TRP’s 4-piston EVO Pro calipers offer linear, Shimano-like modulation
- Often overlooked, but praised by testers for consistent bite and heat management
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on TRP. While Shimano dominates the market, TRP’s EVO series is gaining serious traction among enduro pros for its reliability and feel.
Weight & Handling: Lighter Than You Think
Despite its robust build, Cannondale shaved nearly 1kg off the frame and electrical system compared to previous models. The result?
- Total weight: ~25.5 kg (with 800Wh battery)
- Feels lighter on the trail thanks to balanced weight distribution
- Climbs better than expected—no front-wheel lift issues, even on steep pitches
Testers were shocked by how nimble the LT felt on technical, winding trails—defying expectations for a 165mm e-enduro bike.
Moterra LT vs. Moterra SL: Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the LT if: You want maximum versatility, removable battery options, and true enduro capability.
Choose the SL if: You prioritize light weight, simplicity, and a more “natural” e-MTB feel.
Final Verdict: A 10/10 Enduro E-Bike?
The Cannondale Moterra LT isn’t just an e-bike—it’s a trail-conquering, battery-swapping, coil-sprung masterpiece that redefines what an electric enduro bike can be.
✅ Pros:
- Removable 800Wh battery + range extender compatibility
- Coil shock for superior enduro performance
- Size-specific geometry = perfect fit for all riders
- Surprisingly agile despite long travel
- Bosch CX motor = smooth, powerful assistance
⚠️ Considerations:
- Heavier than the SL (~5 kg difference)
- TRP brakes may require a break-in period for some riders
- Mullet setup isn’t for everyone (though it works brilliantly here)
If you’re serious about enduro, backcountry exploration, or technical trail riding, the Moterra LT delivers unmatched versatility and performance in 2025.
🌟 Our Rating: 9.5/10
“It’s not just a bike—it’s your daily multi-tool tractor for the mountains.”
Who Should Buy the Cannondale Moterra LT?
- Enduro racers needing battery-swapping capability
- Adventure riders planning multi-day off-grid trips
- Technical trail enthusiasts who want coil-sprung confidence
- Taller or shorter riders who’ve struggled with “scaled” geometry on other brands
Where to Buy & Pricing (2025)
The Cannondale Moterra LT is available globally through authorized dealers and Cannondale.com. Pricing starts at $8,499 USD (varies by region and spec).
🔍 Tip: Check for demo events—many riders say the LT must be ridden to be believed.
Conclusion: The Future of Electric Enduro Is Here
The Cannondale Moterra LT proves that electric mountain bikes don’t have to sacrifice soul for power. With its thoughtful geometry, removable battery, coil suspension, and Bosch’s best motor, it’s a rare blend of brute force and finesse.
In a market flooded with copycat e-MTBs, Cannondale dares to be different—and it pays off in spades.
So, if you’re ready to ride farther, faster, and with more confidence than ever, the Moterra LT might just be your perfect trail partner.
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