Usually, when we’re about to introduce an e-bike to you, we like to emphasize its purpose first.
Is it an off-road bike for dirt and challenging terrain, or a city bike for the day-to-day commute? Does it focus on speed or reliability? Is it your go-to for trekking and touring?
While most of the bikes can be classified into one category, the Cannondale SuperSix Neo’s boundaries are a bit unclear: It is advertised as a trekking bike, and made as a hybrid one, performing well under off-road circumstances. It isn’t the best choice for a daily commuter, but it can play that role, too.
Here’s the comprehensive and unbiased Cannondale review, where we present everything that we’ve learned about this e-bike so that you can decide whether it will suit your needs.First, here’s a visual presentation of the Cannondale SuperSix Neo:
Frame
The quality of the frame should not be questioned at all. The carbon formula is devised to keep an e-bike durable and stable while enabling a proper amount of control and speed at the same time, and this is the case with the SuperSix Neo, too.
Besides, this is one of the most lightweight e-bikes you’re ever going to come across.
The fact that the handlebar is positioned a bit lower than we’re used to accounts for better control to the rider, though the forward bent position may be tiring for you if you’re not tall enough.
Another ode goes to the reflective decals that serve a double purpose: they look great and add to the sporty design, but also act as a layer of additional safety.
One thing’s for sure: the Cannondale SuperSix Neo is so lightweight, that you’ll sometimes forget that it is an e-bike!
Engine & Speed
The MAHLE Ebikemotion motor is promoted to be a silent motor, but it isn’t really so. Sure, it isn’t too loud - it won’t sound like a car engine - but calling it completely silent would be cheating.
The shifter package, Shimano HG701, ensures a smooth transition without much of a noticeable motor drag.
Even though most e-bikes appear very difficult to ride after going past the unassisted speed unless you are in great shape, the SuperSix Neo isn’t. While the pedal assist is very helpful when you hit those inclines, it will be easy to reach a quick pace without it, too.
Another thing that’s of prime importance to us is a braking system that you can rely on, and the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes on this model will provide a confident and timely stop regardless of the conditions. Safety always comes first!Battery
The 250Wh-battery is to be found in the lower part of the tube, and, once again, Cannondale has managed to strike the correct balance between functionality and protection.
As it is very conveniently placed, you can either remove thebattery and charge it indoors, or charge it while it is still mounted.
The full recharge of the battery will probably take around 4 hours, and considering that you will do that every couple of days, it’s not a big deal. Most other models require at least 5 hours.
We calculated the average range to be around 38 miles, but of course, this will vary depending on how you ride. If you stick to the Eco mode, it’s going to be more than that, while Turbo mode will result in a lower range.
Tires
The SuperSix Neo comes fitted with 700 x 25c Vittoria’s tires that have some notable advantages, but aren’t free of disadvantages, too.
Namely, they provide a decent grip on the surface but don’t appear to be as glued to the ground as some specialized mountain-bike tires would be. This can be problematic in case you’re facing some steep descents; otherwise, they should be enough.
On the bright side, they are really quiet on any kind of road, offering a natural and smooth feeling while you ride.
They have approximately 6 mm of space on each side at both ends, which should be wide enough, especially as it is suitable for narrower European tracks.
Extra Features
Although the SuperSix Neo doesn’t come equipped with many accessories, there are dedicated points for posting all of those that you need.
Our final test would be adding all the accessories we consider essential for a regular office commuting and then reporting whether it is suitable for city rides, as well, since we had already established that it is good for other circumstances.
With a pannier bag and work equipment on, the SuperSix Neo weighed only around 37 lbs, which is incredible. Heads-up, though: that was the “S” size, and a bigger one may weigh a bit more.
Surprisingly, this e-bike comes with better adjusting points for the light system than that of some much more expensive and advanced picks.
Install the free Cannondale App (available both for Android and iOS), and you’ll be able to track some facts, such as speed, distance, and calories, thanks to the Garmin hub speed sensor.
Also, you can use it to register your particular e-bike and gain some perks, such as the warranty that we mentioned in the table of specs.
One thing we observed when we installed the app is that the delivery of power begins right away as the chain is started - no matter for which mode you opt, the output will be instant. This can sometimes result in an unnatural feeling when you’re riding, but luckily, it does not here.
Post-Test Summary: Cannondale SuperSix Neo Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick once-over of everything we’ve said so far about the Cannondale SuperSix Neo.
The pedal-assist is useful, the engine provides a solid amount of power, and it is easy to maintain a pace with the reliable shifting system.
As the whole construction is utilized to tame any kind of terrain, you shouldn’t have trouble riding this bike across uneven surfaces.
We cannot categorize it as the best mountain
, hiking, or commuter bike, and some people may be bothered by that fact. But we think that’s okay because sometimes you just need a reliable well-rounded bike like the SuperSix Neo.
What Do We Like abot Cannondale SuperSix Neo?
PROS
What Don’t We Like about Cannondale SuperSix Neo?
Cons
Conclusion
The question that naturally poses after this whole Cannondale SuperSix Neo review is: Can the Cannondale SuperSix Neo really do it all? City & mountain cruise, off-road trekking, and busy streets, all under the same tires?
The answer is: Yes, it can.
While it isn’t an absolute professional in any of these fields, if you’re a casual trail rider and backpacker, but you also need an e-bike for occasional city routes, this could be it.
What does the “SuperSix” stand for, you may be wondering? Our best guess is sleek, sturdy, smooth suspension, speedy, and sporty.
Our Rating - 92/100
The Cannondale SuperSix Neo challenges stereotypes about e-bikes, being able to tackle most of the terrains. Thus, it offers an equally good performance for whatever purpose you may need it, although it does not stand out or appear pretentious in any way. You may or may not like this, but this e-bike certainly deserves a chance!
