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2020 was really positive for bikes in Italy and in particular for the eBike category. Last year 2,010,000 bikes were sold, an increase of 17%. In particular, 280,000 eBikes were purchased by Italians. To favor such positive numbers, both the outbreak of the pandemic that made people “rediscover” the bicycle, and the purchase incentives that the Government has provided to facilitate this form of mobility.
Pedal assisted electric bikes are very comfortable means of getting around the city as they allow you to have all the classic advantages of bicycles with the added possibility of using a electric motor that helps pedaling. As a result, it is much easier to travel greater distances. In large urban centers, where traffic is congested, they can represent a valid alternative to small electric scooters or 50 cc endothermic ones.
We therefore wanted to test an eBike designed specifically for the “urban jungle” and which does not disdain potentially a few strolls outside the city since it can count on excellent autonomy. This is the Adventure Neo by Cannondale (1 EQ), a truly complete model in terms of equipment and which has some solutions that aim to improve safety and comfort.
Try Cannondale Adventure Neo (1 EQ)
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LET’S KNOW IT BETTER
The test bike features a low-step aluminum frame. This choice makes getting on and off the seat easier and faster. The design is very clean since the battery is integrated inside the frame. There are two sizes available: SM for people up to 170 cm and LG for those who are taller (up to 198 cm). Taking measurements on the bike is never a problem and in a short time, by adjusting the seat height, you can easily find the right position. The handlebar is wide, ergonomic and the handles are soft.
The eBike has been designed to ensure comfort while on the move. That can be seen already from the very natural position on the saddle and that never tires, even after several km. The Adventure Neo (1 EQ) also features 27.5 x 2.25 Schwalbe Hurricane Performance tires that help dampen vibrations. Also present is an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension front fork with 63 mm of travel.
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Small gem, the bike also offers a suspension seat post. A solution that is perhaps not aesthetically beautiful but that works very well indeed. To test its effectiveness, I “launched” the Adeventure Neo on several bumpy trails with really convincing results. The backside, in these situations, you have never suffered. This model can also count on mudguards, front and rear lights and on a comfortable rear luggage rack.
Like all eBikes, the weight is certainly not contained but it is not felt in movement, also thanks to the presence of the electric motor always ready to assist pedaling. Conversely, weight becomes a problem if you need to lift the bike for some reason. At this juncture there is also the lack of the horizontal tube of the frame on which to be able to grip.
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ELECTRIC ENGINE AND AUTONOMY
EBikes are very comfortable and now that the heat arrives they offer the great advantage of allowing you to move without sweating too much. A not insignificant aspect, especially if we have to move for work.
The Adventure Neo (1 EQ) relies on the electric motor Bosch Performance Line Cruise with 250 W and 65 Nm of torque. To power it, a battery Bosch PowerTube integrated in the frame which in this case has a 625 Wh capacity.
The manufacturer declares an autonomy of up to 160 km with a full of energy. We know very well that this is a theoretical value that varies according to many parameters including the weight of the cyclist, the type of route taken and the level of assistance used. Let’s say that using the first level of assistance (Eco) and facing only the classic flat city routes, you can travel 100 km without major problems. This means that one refill should suffice for a week of daily use. In my specific case, I managed to overcome 80 km with still some remaining charge. All this considering that I have “played” a lot with the levels of assistance (so I consumed a lot) and that I am certainly not small and light (I exceed 180 cm and 90 kg).
Let’s talk for a moment about the energy supply: the bike offers two possibilities to recharge the accumulator. The first involves its removal from the bike frame using a key. The battery will then be connected to the power outlet using the power supply supplied as standard. Alternatively, for those who have a garage with a power outlet, it is possible to take advantage of a small hatch on the frame to connect the power supply directly to the bike.
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All driving information such as mileage, speed, range and assistance level can be viewed through the mini Bosch Purion bicycle computer located on the left side of the handlebar. The switching on of the electric motor, the lights and the choice of the level of assistance are made using the appropriate buttons on this cycle computer.
Speaking of assistance levels, the Bosch system offers 4: Eco, Tour, Sport e Turbo. Obviously, the “Walk Assist” function is not missing, but in the plains it is not needed. The support level goes up to 300% (Turbo). In addition, an integrated wheel sensor helps the cyclist to monitor the activity carried out (speed, distance traveled and calories burned) and sends the data to the smartphone where it can be viewed within an app. Unfortunately, the demo bike we tested did not have this sensor and therefore it was not possible to test this functionality.
In any case, through the application it is also possible to register the bike, manage any scheduled maintenance and more.
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RADAR FOR MORE SAFETY
A separate chapter deserves the presence of Varia rear radar developed by Garmin. We had a similar product tested some time ago but in this case it was perfectly integrated. Thanks to this solution, the bike is able to detect the presence of cars approaching from behind. A sort of display is installed on the handlebar in which there are several LEDs that light up to indicate that the vehicles are coming from behind.
It may seem like a superfluous system but it is accurate and works very well. Personally I find it very useful when you do not have the opportunity to cycle along cycle paths as it avoids having to turn around, distracting yourself, to see if there are cars that are approaching. A solution that improves driving safety. And with the rise of quiet electric cars on the roads, it becomes even more useful.
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Curiosity, the radar does not activate when the eBike is switched on but only when the lights are activated by long pressing the + button on the cycle computer. A particular choice, probably dictated by the fact of having to integrate the Garmin product into the Bosch system. Sin, independent activation would have been preferable.
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HOW IT GOES ON THE ROAD
The bike is designed for urban commuting and therefore I wanted to test it right in the city, also addressing different stretches of roads made up of cobblestones that are “badly digested” by the two wheels. The lowered overhead frame proved to be particularly comfortable as it allows you to get on and off the seat almost without lifting your leg. The handlebar has an ergonomic shape and grips well.
Once you get on, the saddle position is comfortable, lightly loaded forward and therefore not tiring even when you have to face long journeys. As mentioned at the beginning, the system that allows you to cushion the seat post really amazed me. Testing the bike on “certainly not smooth” roads, the absorption of bumps has always been truly exemplary. In short, the lower back thanks. It may not look great but it is an accessory that should perhaps be found more often on this kind of bike. And if you want to “customize” the absorption of the fork a little, you can act on the preload.
The rest is done by the Bosch system. The motor assists pedaling well and it is never abrupt. On flat sections just use the Eco mode to pedal up to almost the limit speed (25 km / h) with the right effort. If you really want to travel with minimal physical effort, just use the other methods. With the Turbo, on the flat, a minimum push on the pedals is really enough and you can travel several kilometers without realizing it. The whole is supported by a 10-speed Shimano gearbox which was always quick and accurate (for its category).
No problem even with the Shimano braking system always ready to brake the bike even in emergency situations. And by trying to force the pace a bit even in the corners, the tires showed a good grip. Just a pity not having been able to try the bike on wet roads. Throughout the course of the test, the Cannondale Adventure Neo (1 EQ) proved to be a valid way to get around the city offering comfort and also a lot of safety.
The only flaw found, a certain noise of the metal front mudguard that tends to vibrate a little too much on bumpy sections. More than a problem, a slight annoyance. Can an eBike therefore replace a small scooter? The answer is yes, especially if equipped with the characteristics of this model.
Data sheet
- Electric motor: Bosch Performance Line Cruise
- Power: 250W
- Torque: 65 Nm
- Maximum speed: 25km / h
- Assistance levels: 4 + 1 (Walk Assist)
- Batteria: 625 Wh
- Range: 160 km
- Gearbox: Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT400
- Wheels: Schwalbe Hurricane Performance Addix, 27.5 x 2.25
- Front fork: SR Suntour Mobie A32
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CONCLUSIONS AND PRICE
Let’s get down to business. How much? The tested model features a list price of 3,999 euros. An obviously important cost, however, the Cannondale Adventure Neo 1 EQ offers a particularly rich equipment for the category to which it belongs and has some refined solutions such as Garmin’s rear radar. It is certainly not suitable for people who want to do a few km a week. For those with these needs, there are many other types of bikes.
The typical buyer is those who aim for a complete vehicle alternative to the classic scooters to be used every day. From this point of view, the expense can be considered fair given the quality offered. However, you can save money since the Adventure Neo range is also composed of 3 other models with prices of 3,299 euros, 2,799 euros and 2,499 euros. Obviously, you have to give up a little bit in terms of autonomy and equipment.
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