Cannondale Compact Neo
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The American manufacturer Cannondale continues to garnish its range of electric bikes. After the recent Treadwell Neo 2, which we tested, it’s the Compact Neo’s turn to enter the catalog. One more asset for Cannondale in the buoyant segment of urban bikes.
Interestingly, the Compact Neo appears to be the manufacturer’s first step into two rapidly expanding categories, longtails and folding bikes. From the first, it inherits only a vague resemblance, due to its atypical geometry with an elongated rear luggage rack. This apparent length is only due to the use of 20-inch wheels, which are smaller than what we usually come across. This diameter is precisely more common on cargo models and even more so on folding bikes. The Kenda tires used offer a section of 2.35 inches to provide more comfort and holding under braking.
The fairly low aluminum frame is actually very reminiscent of what can be found on folding bikes. The Compact Neo is very rigid and in one piece, but still sports small contortions to slip into cramped storage spaces. Cannondale’s e-bike pedals can fold up, while its handlebars can pivot to limit the overall width.
Its weight is also rather contained for an electric bike. The Cannondale Compact Neo displays only 18 kg on the scale. It’s not the lightest on the market, but given the equipment (mudguards, kickstand, luggage rack, lighting), it’s still interesting. Another advantage related to its format, the Compact Neo is able to accommodate cyclists from 1.35 to 1.80 m. This is absolutely not negligible, at a time when the VAE is being propelled to the center of the home as a shared means of transport.
For the electric part, Cannondale once again trusts Hyena and its cross hub motor already present on the Treadwell Neo. This motor delivers 40 Nm of torque and we were quite satisfied during the Treadwell Neo test. It’s combined with a 250Wh battery that’s housed in the downtube and can’t come out easily. The contortionism of the Compact Neo then takes on its full meaning. The newcomer opts for a transmission based on a derailleur and 8-speed MicroShift shifters as well as a Sunrace 11-34 cassette. Cannondale does not sacrifice its brake system and offers here Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes. These come to bite discs of 160 mm in diameter.
While almost all bike manufacturers seem to be on an upward price trend, Cannondale remains a bit apart. We had already been pleasantly surprised to see the Treadwell Neo 2 remain under the 1800 € mark, and the Compact Neo would be a priori even cheaper. For the time being, only its price in dollars is communicated: $1,900. Taking into account that the Treadwell Neo 2 is sold for $1925 in the United States, we can hope that the Compact Neo will also remain below the €1800 mark.