Our Rating - 4.8/5
Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 is one of the most popular sporty-but-elegant eBikes for everyday rides that has gained massive popularity for the past few months.
Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 - In-Depth Review
Although we’re all used to seeing big, rugged e-bikes with massive batteries and beefy frames that can in no way be mistaken for a regular bike, Cannondale decided to surprise pretty much everyone in the eBike community.
You’ll see why soon enough.
I took a liking to their designs some time ago, but Quick Neo SL 2 requires an entirely different level of fascination. That’s why I’ve decided to share its specs and my personal opinions about this electric bike with you.
Before we get into the actual details, let’s take a quick look at the specific characteristics of this eBike - and set the foundations for the rest of this review.
Let’s get right on to it!
Key Specs | |
Weight | 33 lbs 8 oz |
Frame | Quick Neo SL, Aluminum |
Tire Size | Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 700c x 38mm |
Motor | Geared Hub, MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250W |
Battery | Removable lithium-ion 250 watt-hour battery |
Range | 40 miles (with pedal assist) |
Max Speed | Around 20 MPH |
Brakes | Shimano MT201 hydro disc, 160/160mm RT26 rotors |
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to take a quick look at the specs of the Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2, let’s discuss them in-depth - and see what Cannondale has to offer when it comes to durability, riding comfort, and overall performance.
Frame
When talking about e-bikes, it’s not only important that they’re durable, rugged, and practically indestructible. Being lightweight and easy to carry is also preferable - although rarely achieved.
But clocking in at 33 lbs 8 oz Quick Neo SL 2 is one of the lighter eBikes in its category. Having a light frame - while still maintaining the durability and endurance similar to a mountain bike - is quite impressive.
When it comes to size, Cannondale gives you a few options. The ones I’ve seen go around are the SM, MD, and LG sizes. They have a handy size guide based on your height and even offer additional assistance for those unsure which option is right for them.
The SmartForm C3 alloy frame is quite sturdy and virtually indestructible - in the circumstances that it’s made to be driven under, anyway. That’s the core strength of this frame:
It’s lightweight and easy to get around - while being quite rugged and durable at the same time.
Motor
Some people would argue that the motor is the most important aspect of an eBike - and I would certainly agree. So, needless to say, I’ve paid close attention to the motor that’s in the Quick SL 2.
The rear hub MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250W is an amazing motor designed for everyday rides - and as such, it fits this eBike perfectly.
If you enjoy casual rides with a bit of assistance on the side, Quick Neo SL 2’s motor will fit your lifestyle and meet your needs.
I have to point out the obvious:
This motor has a power of only 250W, which might seem a bit on the lower side - and it is, even more so if you look at the competition. But trust me - it’s more than enough to get you around.
Again, I realize that some of you are used to high-power motors - and 250W just doesn’t sound as impressive as 750W, for example. But why put overpowered motors in eBikes that are meant for casual riders and city cruising?
The speed that you’ll be able to develop riding the Quick Neo SL 2 is quite impressive for such an elegant-looking eBike. Around 20 MPH is what gives most people the speed and quickness that they need to go about their days more efficiently.
Anything below that may be too slow - and anything above that may be too fast for some. So, I think that Cannondale hit the golden middle with this one!
Battery
Besides the motor, the battery is the most important thing on an eBike, since, without batteries, an electric bike is - well, not much of an electric bike.
The Quick Neo SL 2 features a hidden but removable lithium-ion 250 watt-hour battery.
Why do I emphasize that it’s a removable battery?
Well, the fact is that anything that gets everyday use will break down eventually. That’s why it’s crucial that, when your batteries break down, you don’t have to wait for a repair shop to fix your battery. Instead, you can order a new one - and pop it right in!
Plus, there’s the convenience of removing the battery for charging - or making this lightweight bike even lighter when needed.
That said, the Quick Neo SL 2’s lithium-ion battery is relatively stable and durable - and 250Wh is more than enough to power that motor of yours that we’ve talked about earlier!
Besides being reliable, it also gives you about 47 miles of range with the pedal-assist - which is enough considering how fast it charges. And given that it’s meant for casual rides around town, you likely won’t need a more extended range, anyway.
Getting around town and taking care of errands is something that you could do in well under 40 miles in most cases. And on the rare occasion where that’s not enough - you can always charge it.
Brake Type
Brakes are as important as tires - or maybe even more critical.
Besides having the luxury to move quickly from point A to point B with your e-bike, you should also be able to stop when needed anywhere between those two points.
The Shimano MT201 hydro disc, 160/160mm RT26 rotors are the perfect choice for an eBike of this caliber. You can rely on these brakes to perform in most conditions without any problems.
There’s one thing worth mentioning here:
If you’re trying to stop in your tracks, you’ll probably need to get used to hitting the brakes a bit earlier than usual. Regulating speed with these brakes is fantastic, but stopping immediately is not their forte, I’m afraid.
Rims
Shining, 32-hole rims featured on Cannondale's Quick Neo SL 2 are wide and large enough to support the weight and the load that is the bike frame itself, the rider, and the equipment. These rims make a genuine difference in the riding experience.
In addition to that, it seems like they’re virtually indestructible - and that’s what matters the most here.
When I was doing a test ride of this bike, I noticed that the sturdiness and the stability that these rims provide allow the rider to get through some slightly rougher terrain, too - even if the e-bike’s primarily designed for city streets.
Tires
When talking about the physical aspects of an eBike, tires are amongst the most important. And if you don’t have good tires fitted on the bike, you won’t have a pleasant experience while riding - no matter how great everything else might be.
Good and sturdy tires that provide you with good traction and decent endurance are essential - and Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 700c x 38mm, GreenGuard, Addix-E compound tires are exactly what you need.
The tires sit somewhere between sporty and elegant - and that’s what makes them perfect.
If you’re in a market for an eBike that has tires that can do it all - to a certain extent - you’ve just found them.
Post Test Summary: Quick Neo SL 2 Pros And Cons
Okay, you know the drill. Now that we’ve gone over every aspect of this e-bike, some strengths and weaknesses are worth mentioning once again.
So, take a second to read this post-test summary and see what I’ve noticed about this eBike - things that might influence your final decision.
What I Like About The Quick Neo SL 2
PROS
Quick Neo SL 2 bike is extremely comfortable to ride while maintaining that streamlined look that Cannondale is known for in the e-bike community. Its frame is designed to hide the bulky battery and motors that many other eBikes struggle to do.
The Straightshot hidden cable routing is a god-send in that sense.
Plus, the frame is relatively sturdy and durable while looking and feeling like it’s made from a material much lighter than actual metal.
Combine all these characteristics, and you get an e-bike that’s perfect for daily commutes - the Quick Neo SL 2.
What I Don’t Like About The Quick Neo SL 2
Cons
While being quite good at almost any field and terrain, Quick Neo SL 2 doesn’t have its forte. It’s a multipurpose bike - and that’s exactly how it feels.
And with that said, it has its limitations.
Rugged terrain that requires much more motor torque, wider tires, and an unscratchable frame isn’t something that can be conquered by the Quick Neo SL 2.
Advice To Customers
Is this a pricy e-bike? Well, yes - but also no. If you’re planning on using Cannondale’s Quick Neo SL 2 every day for casual rides around town or on terrain that’s not considered “extreme,” this is an eBike for you, though.
Conclusion
Although the market’s currently filled with countless options when it comes to e-bikes, elegance and luxury coupled with performance are what sets apart the average bikes from the ones that deserve your attention.
And Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 electric bike is one of those that do deserve your attention.
I sincerely see it as an optimal option for those planning to use it for everyday things and getting around town with some help. And it will undoubtedly change the way you think of transportation
I own the bike very happy with it – lately I develop a problem with the bike – red & purple flushing light on the button speed control . Where the electronic modules are hide it in this bike.? Next to the battery? If you can help me thanks.