The naming scheme at Cannondale always follows the same pattern: The suffix “Neo” stands for the electric assistance, with “SL” are additionally rather lightweight bikes with hub motor marked. With the new Mavaro Neo SL, we are therefore dealing with an e-bike that Cannondale assigns to the lighter models. In addition, the bike can be described as a real everyday bike, as it is equipped with a complete set of features including mudguards, rear rack and lighting system and also offers a suspension fork for additional comfort.

Interesting is the electric drive system of this newcomer, for the first time at Cannondale this system comes from Bafang. While the first SL models relied on the system of Mahle, on the new version of the Treadwell Neo SL a system of Hyena is installed, which — compared to Mahles X35 drive — has a torque sensor. We explain the advantages of this technology in detail in this article. The battery is in all these bikes fixed installed in the frame of and has a capacity of 250 Wh.

With its 350 Wh, the new Mavaro Neo SL battery can outperform this capacity, but is also fixed built into the frame. The motor itself has 45 Nm of torque, unfortunately, the bike does seems to not have a torque sensor; Cannondale mentions in the specs a “Darfon Cadence Sensor” in the bottom bracket, which should therefore only measure the cadence. The drive system is controlled via a combined Taser display component on the handlebars, which displays current riding information as well as serving to operate the various riding modes. 

All models are equipped with a SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with 50 mm travel and hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, the tires are from Schwalbe’s Schwalbe Big Ben series and are quite wide with 50 mm. The two available equipment variants then differ rather in details:

• The Mavaro Neo SL 1 has a microSHIFT Acolyte derailleur with 8 speeds and a Lezyne Pro E115 headlight with high beam function installed. As a saddle, the Lookin Trekking from Selle Royal is used, the handlebar grips are from Ergon, type GP1, there is also an Abus 4650 XL frame lock here
• The Mavaro Neo SL 2 has a microSHIFT RD derailleur with 7 gears and a Lezyne Pro E65 headlight installed. The saddle used is the Explora from Selle Royal, the handlebar grips are from ergonomic ones from Herrmans

In addition to the diamond frame variant, the Mavaro Neo SL is also available with two comfort frame options: as a StepThru with a trapezoid frame and as a LowStepThru with a low-slung frame. Data on the weight Cannondale unfortunately as usual does not provide, but the prices — and they are quite attractive! Thus, all models with the Neo SL 2 equipment cost a favorable 2,299 euros, the slightly higher quality SL 1 equipment then costs 2,499 euros.