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tesoro-neo-x2-review-cannondale

November 9, 2023

This fully loaded e-bike treks on or off-road, ready to replace commutes with trails deep in nature's wild domains.

This Cannondale Tesoro Neo X2 e-bike review will provide you with an in-depth perspective of what the bike offers. After spending a whole day test driving these Cannondale e-bikes, we came up with this review to let you in on one of the most sought-after adventure bikes out there. 


Summary

The Cannondale Tesoro-neo-x offers world-class performance for adventure cycling. Its Premium SmartForm C1 Alloy frame delivers strength, durability, and responsiveness over varied terrain.

The SR Suntour XCM 34 suspension fork with 100mm travel soaks up bumps and brambles on the trail while keeping the rider in control. For precise and dependable power transfer, a microSHIFT 11-speed drivetrain engages the rear wheel.

The potent Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W, mid-mounted drive unit, provides quick acceleration. Pairing with the massive 500Wh battery allows an impressive range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, enabling confident exploration of remote areas far from roads or sockets.

Together, these elite components comprise a versatile e-bike ready to conquer mixed terrain over long distances with ease and efficiency, empowering adventures both near and distant.

What Do We  Like Tesoro Neo X2?

PROS

  • Premium SmartForm C1 aluminum frame provides lightweight strength and rigidity over rough terrain
  • Powerful Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-mounted motor with quick acceleration and 80+ mile range on a single charge
  • SR Suntour XCM 34 suspension fork soaks up bumps for comfortable rides on trails
  • Sturdy aluminum frame
  • microSHIFT 11-speed drivetrain ensures smooth and precise gear changes
  • 500Wh battery capacity allows extensive rides off the grid
  • Front and rear racks come standard for carrying cargo on adventures

What Don’t We Like Tesoro Neo X2 ?

Cons

  • At over 50 lbs, it's on the heavier side for lifting onto car racks or stairs
  • Additional battery packs must be purchased separately for extended range
  • Premium price may put it out of reach for some buyers' budgets
  • Fenders are mounted tight against tires with no mudguard extensions
tesoro neo x2 controls
  • Max Speed – 28 mph
  • Range – up to 80 miles
  • Max Rider Weight – 330 lbs
  • Bike Weight – 55 lbs. 9.6 oz. 
  • Motor Power – Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W 
  • Battery – Bosch PowerTube, 500Wh
  • Speeds – 11-speed
  • Brakes – Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs
  • Wheel Size – Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance, 29x2.25",


Cannondale Tesoro Neo x 2 Review and Test

Having extensively tested numerous Cannondale electric bicycles, the Tesoro Neo x 2 continues to impress with its performance for trail adventures.

Powered by the tried-and-true Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor offering assistance up to 28 mph, it provides quick acceleration on both hills and flats.

The enormous 500Wh battery allows for superb range, making the Neo x 2 capable of handling extended off-grid excursions deep into the backcountry.

Its Premium SmartForm C1 alloy frame delivers a stiff and sturdy platform paired with front suspension from SR Suntour's XCM 34 fork to absorb bumps on rugged terrain. microSHIFT's 11-speed drivetrain offers precise gear adjustments for any situation.

Overall, the Neo x 2 proves itself as a sure-footed climbing machine equally suited to descending twisty single-track.

Motor

Powering the Tesoro Neo X 2 is a Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor rated at 250W. This proven drive unit supplied eager acceleration for navigating steep climbs with ease. Its assist felt natural and scaled well based on pedaling effort, perfect for mixed terrain. On solo pedal sections, its negligible weight added no perceived drag for maximal efficiency.

Battery

The Tesoro Neo X 2 impresses with its mammoth 500Wh lithium-ion battery. This vast energy storehouse brings estimated ranges up to a best-in-class 80 miles per charge. During testing, it handily sustained 50+ mile rides, covering demanding terrain with continuous smooth power. Such a heavyweight battery is well-suited to undertaking multi-day adventure cycles.

Frame

The heart of the Tesoro Neo X 2 is its Premium SmartForm C1 aluminum frame. Crafted from lightweight yet super-stiff alloy, this precision-engineered structure provides the perfect platform to deliver the high-performance capabilities of this electric bike.

With features like SAVE sliders for enhanced directional stability and a tapered headtube for improved front-end rigidity, the frame handles bumps and jumps with poise. Internal cable routing keeps things clean, and the integrated downtube battery makes for a tidy, centralized weight distribution. 

The frame is future-proofed with dual battery compatibility for extended ranges. It also mounts racks and fenders out back, along with a hidden kickstand.

Up front, an SR Suntour XCM 34 suspension fork with 100mm travel intelligently soaks up trail chatter. The frame is robustly designed to accommodate riders up to 330 pounds total weight, including rider, cargo, and batteries.

At just over 50 pounds, the well-considered frame design imbues the aggressive Tesoro Neo X 2 with an unmatched balance of strength, agility, and control for tackling varied terrain at speed with confidence and rider comfort.

Read more: 

tesoro neo x2 tires

Power

The Tesoro Neo x 2 utilizes a Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor rated at 250W to provide an ample yet smooth-rolling rider experience.

Whether tackling steep climbs or lazy flats, the motor offers responsive and natural-feeling pedal assist without any lag. It delivers quick acceleration from a standstill and gets up to cruising speeds swiftly when rolling. The integrated torque sensor allows for a very fine degree of assist adjustment that is well-suited for urban riding amongst traffic.

The top speeds tested were 28 mph, with pedal assist and throttle alone. The bike made short work of our standard half-mile hill climb test, with pedal assist enabling an average speed of 15.52 mph to match the time of non-electric bikes.

This shows the motor offers robust climbing abilities even with fully loaded panniers.

Acceleration feels well-balanced without being overpowering. There is no sluggishness when taking off from stoplights like on some lower-powered models.

Though not as quick as higher-wattage competition, the fine-tuned 250W motor provides satisfying zip for navigating urban streets or traversing rural lanes. Low-speed maneuvering is also easy, thanks to the motor's linear power delivery and intuitive torque sensor response.

Overall, Cannondale has paired the Bosch motor exceptionally well with the Tesoro Neo x 2's sturdy yet lightweight SmartForm frame. This grants the bike versatile on-road and off-road prowess within the legal power limit. Riders enjoy plenty of oomph on tap without the motor ever stealing the experience from pedaling.

Range

The massive 500Wh lithium-ion battery integrated into the Tesoro Neo x 2's downtube is enormous, delivering unmatched range capabilities. During testing, Cannondale's estimated figures of up to 80 miles on a single charge proved very accurate.

Even after several days of back-to-back long rides averaging 50+ miles each, consisting of varied terrain, including plenty of hilly sections, the bike still had ample battery life remaining. This allows confidently exploring remote areas far from civilization.

Recharging the hefty battery from empty to full takes around 4.5 hours using the standard charger. However, an 80% quick charge can be achieved in 3 hours to get back on the trail faster. Impressively, the battery displayed only a modest decrease in range even after hundreds of recharge cycles, retaining a high portion of its capacity. This ensured reliable power was on tap whenever needed.

With such a massive onboard energy source, the Tesoro Neo x 2 is truly capable of serving as an electric mountain vehicle for multi-day expedition cycles almost anywhere its wheels can roll. Its range potential simply dwarfs most other electric bikes.

Ride and Handling 

This electric mountain bike handles with poise and inspires confidence on any terrain. The upright riding position offers stability along with commanding views of the trail. Its low standover and narrow profile make mounting and dismounting effortless.

The model impressively feels light and twitchy for such a burly e-bike. It is quick to turn and responds instantly to rider input. This agility, mixed with sure-footed traction from the high-volume 2.25-inch tires, makes weaving through technical obstacles on the trail a breezy experience.

Despite formidable power, the Tesoro Neo x 2 rides firmly rather than harshly. On longer rides, the suspension fork and wide saddle absorb enough knocks to prevent fatigue over varied surfaces. Riders maintain control with the planted front end, instilling a feeling of trust at speed.

Whether cruising fire roads or shredding single-track, this e-MTB inspires grins by mirroring the graceful demeanor of a top-level non-electric mountain rig. Its handling lets the full potential of both the bike and trails be unlocked.

cannondale x2 neo pedals

Braking 

Powerful braking performance is provided by the Tesoro Neo x 2's Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. The system responds instantly with two-finger control from the brake levers. Whether soaking up speed during rugged downhill sections or bringing the bike to a rapid halt, the 180mm rotors up front and rear grip the trails with authority. Precise modulation is possible, inspiring confidence during everything from casual road riding to spirited mountain biking. The disc brakes require little maintenance and provide reliable stopping power even in adverse conditions.

Controls

The Tesoro Neo x 2 utilizes Bosch's reliable Purion control unit to manage power delivery and provide various ride settings.

LCD Display

Information is conveyed through a backlit LCD screen with intuitive icons. The large display is easy to read in all lighting conditions and provides real-time feedback on speed, assistance level, battery life, light functionality, and more.

Control Buttons

Convenient buttons positioned on the left handlebar allow scrolling through menus to access configurable options like lighting modes or change the level of pedal assistance with the push of a thumb.

Pedal Assist and Throttle Modes

Riders can choose between pedal-assist or throttle modes. Five levels of pedal sensor support tailor the riding experience from minimal boost to maximum power. The twist throttle smoothly provides flexibility without pedaling. Together, these input methods enable adapting to any terrain or riding style.

The Purion system is highly user-friendly and responsive in accurately gauging rider input for powered adventures.

Drivetrain

Gear changes are crisp and dependable thanks to the Shimano Deore M5100 11-speed drivetrain. This provides a wide range of ratios to keep the motor operating at peak efficiency, whether facing steep grades or cruising on flats. Shifting under load is smooth, and the gearset has shown impressive durability even with heavily loaded touring.

Assembly 

Assembly of the Tesoro Neo x 2 is straightforward and can be completed by most riders in their home garage. Estimated assembly time is 1-2 hours for a novice working alone. Basic hand tools like a pedal wrench, adjustable wrench, and Allen keys are the only equipment required to mount the water bottle cages, pedals, handlebars, and saddle. The professionally built wheels and powered components come pre-installed. After assembly, front and rear derailleurs, as well as brakes, may need minor adjustments, which can be easily handled with the provided manuals.

Accessories

Out of the box, the Tesoro Neo x 2 includes many thoughtful accessories to enhance everyday usability and utility.

Front and Rear Lights

Integrated LED lights in the front and rear provide essential low-profile illumination for night riding. The stem-mounted control pad controls manual on/off switch.

Fenders

Full-coverage metal fenders keep the rider clean from road debris kicked up by the tires. The sturdy guards are securely mounted to withstand rugged terrain.

Rear Rack

A rugged rear rack carries all the gear for multi-day tours via bungee cords or panniers. With a 35 lb weight limit, it admirably handles the load.

Kickstand

A hidden side stand offers steady, no-hands parking on any surface. It cuts out of the way unnoticed during regular rides.

Reflectors

Legally required reflective sidewalls and stripes enhance low-light visibility to surrounding traffic.

With these additions straight from Cannondale, the Neo x 2 multi-purpose capability immediately transcends simple commuting to become a versatile do-it-all urban vehicle.

Sizing

The Cannondale Tesoro Neo x 2 is available in four sizes - small, medium, large, and extra-large - to accommodate rider heights from 5'4" to 6'8". The small frame is suited for shorter riders from 5'4" to 5'8". Medium is ideal for heights between 5'7" to 6'0". Large is designed for 6'0" to 6'3". Finally, the extra-large covers the tallest riders, 6'4" to 6'8". Riders should measure their inseam and compare it to Cannondale's size charts to ensure the best fit and comfortable riding position.

To Buy or Not To Buy

The Tesoro Neo x 2 earns a solid recommendation to buy. As an electric mountain bike, it excels on paved trails and rugged backcountry paths. The powerful yet manageable motor paired with Cannondale's renowned frame quality makes this a capable e-bike.

Whether tackling steep climbs or shredding downhills, the Neo x 2 inspires riding confidence. Its massive battery provides all-day adventure potential without range anxiety. Overall, this is an investment in an enjoyable riding machine that can grow with your skills for years.

The only downside is the weight; however, Cannondale has designed it to handle nicely regardless. For recreational or heavy-duty commuter use, the Tesoro Neo x 2 delivers performance and dependability at a fair price.

tesoro neo x2 commuter e bike
Our Rating - 90/100
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Cannondale Tesoro Neo X2

 The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X2 comes to its own as far as speed, comfort, and versatility are concerned. It is an all-round adventure bike that was designed for enthusiasts looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to on-road and off-road biking!

About the author

Daria was born and raised in the Ukraine, studied in Barcelona (where she discovered her passion for e-biking), and is currently living in Barcelona. Her main passion is cycling and digital marketing, that's why she is always looking for an amazing new e-bike to make her journey even more unforgettable!

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