Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2: an even more accessible urban electric bike

Between the shortages of raw materials or components and a particularly strong demand, the electric bike does not promise a price drop for the months to come. This does not prevent a big name in the sector, Cannondale, from offering a new version of its Treadwell Neo cheaper than the first iteration of the urban VAE. The American manufacturer is thus launching four versions of the Treadwell Neo 2 whose prices vary between 1799 and 1999 €.

It should be noted here that the Treadwell Neo 2 is a light electric bike. It therefore takes on the features of a rather classic bicycle, with an aluminum frame with relatively thin tubes. To limit the price of its new toy, Cannondale has called on a new partner for the electric part, Hyena, a Taiwanese manufacturer which offers a range of electric motors for bicycles. Here, a 250 W E-Urban motor developing 40 Nm is used. Characteristics quite similar to those of a Mahle Ebikemotion X35, found in a Cannondale Tesoro Neo SL. Nevertheless, the notoriety of Hyena not being that of the German manufacturer, let’s hope that the quality remains there. The system relies on a torque sensor to maintain a certain level of pedaling naturalness.

The motor is coupled to a 250 Wh battery which takes place in the down tube. A limited capacity with which Cannondale promises to travel a maximum of 75 km. Given the expected lightness of the bike, which should weigh between 16 and 18.5 kg depending on the model, the Treadwell Neo 2 is expected to roll easily beyond 25 km / h of its electric assistance. This should benefit his stamina. However, the battery is not removable from the frame. You will have to recharge the bike where it is parked, which can be a major inconvenience for those who leave their bike in a parking lot, for example.

On the transmission side, Shimano is neglected for Microshift and Sunrace. The first provides the seven-speed derailleur and shifters, the second brings an 11-34 cassette. Note that the “EQ” versions of the Treadwell Neo 2 can count on an eight-speed transmission. These equipped models also feature aluminum mudguards, a front rack and a front light. Elements that are not found on the standard versions of Cannondale’s electric bike. A crutch is, however, fitted as standard on all versions, as is the rear lighting.

The quest for lightness and a tight price also involves the use of a rigid fork in Chromoly – steel alloy – for the Neo 2 model and in aluminum for the EQ model. The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 relies mainly on its pair of Maxxis DTR-1 tires in 27.5 inches in diameter and 1.85 inches wide. Enough to offer an interesting volume of air to eliminate most of the small jolts that one encounters in an urban environment.

The raised handlebars of the American electric bike do not particularly encourage a dynamic riding position, which corresponds more to the commuting spirit of the Treadwell Neo 2. The frame is offered in two versions: closed or semi-open. The second facilitates crossing by lowering its upper tube, without removing it. Frame sizes are recommended for riders between 1.49m and 1.82m.

Finally, last modification compared to the first version of the Treadwell Neo: the brakes. These remain from the stalls of Tektro, but the hydraulic system gives way to mechanical brakes. A rather surprising choice as e-bikes seem to have adopted hydraulic disc brakes en masse, even at this price level.

Overall, Cannondale has clearly tried to keep the price of its e-bike as low as possible while remaining consistent with urban use. We consider the additional €200 claimed for the Treadwell Neo 2 EQ – and its Remixte version – to be a worthwhile investment given the differences with the entry-level model. The version marketed at 1999 € also benefits from a certain advantage: its “Purple Haze” color, one of the most original.