Cannondale Quick Neo SL: sporty e-bikes with a slim design

After Cannondale has already introduced the electrified Treadwell Neo models, the Quick Neo SL series now follows. This means that the “analogue” bikes of the Cannondale Quick series are now available with an electric alternative that hardly shows the technology behind it.

Similar to the Treadwell Neo the Quick Neo SL is powered by Mahle ebikemotion drive system. The motor here is in form of a hub motor in the rear wheel, the battery with its capacity of about 250 Wh is integrated in the down tube. An optional additional battery in the form of a bottle is now also available, offering a further 210 Wh if needed. The drive system is controlled via a one-button control unit on the top tube, which indicates the speed level and the remaining battery capacity. Altogether a compact and also very light system, which makes clean E-Bikes with a classic frame design possible.

But back to the new bikes: Cannondale’s Quick Neo SL series is aimed towards sporty riders and offers a good combination of urban and fitness bikes. Each model features a Garmin wheel sensor in the front wheel, which can be used in combination with the free Cannondale app to display, record and share activities such as speed, distance and calories burned. The front end of the bike also has an integrated holder that allows you to attach a smartphone with a matching SP Connect case. This means that information such as speed and mileage can also be displayed while the bike is in motion.

The Quick Neo SL models come without pannier rack and mudguards to match their sporty orientation—but they do have the necessary attachment points on the bike frame. If you want to retrofit these components, you can do so without any problems. The frame itself is made of aluminium, while the fork is made of light carbon—resulting in a total weight of the bikes of 15.2 to 15.4 kg.

The two frame designs are interesting in this context: The Quick Neo SL is not only offered with a classic diamond frame and a slightly ascending top tube, but also as a remix variant with a deeper step-through for a more comfortable ascent and descent. And as with other models from Cannondales 2020 vintage, various reflective elements are attached to the frame to provide more safety in the dark.

All Quick Neo SL-bikes are equipped with a derailleur system, with hydraulic Shimano MT201 disc brakes. The tyres used are the Schwalbe Energizer Plus in 700 x 38c format, which offers a good combination of driving comfort and sporty rolling characteristics. In addition to the two frame designs, the new bikes come in two variants, the differences being as follows:

Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 (2020)

The Quick Neo SL 2 is the cheaper model and costs 2.099 Euro. It is available with diamond frame in Sage Gray and with remixte frame in turquoise and has a gear shift of type Shimano Altus with 9 gears. This model has a rear light under the saddle, but not a headlight. The weight of the SL 2 is 15.2 kg.

Cannondale Quick Neo SL 1 (2020)

With 15,4 kg the SL 1 is only 200g heavier. This is due to the front light which is mounted in the centre of the handlebar. The drivetrain here is also a bit better quality from the Shimano Deore XT series and offers 10 gears. The Quick Neo SL 1 is available with diamond frame in black pearl and with Remixte frame in champagne.

With their clean design, light weight and almost invisible drive, the new Quick Neo SL models offer an interesting alternative to the previously available e-bikes in this segment—especially as the prices from 2,099 euros are quite attractive. And the new bikes are also a logical addition to Cannondales urban bike range: The well-known Quick Neo models with powerful Bosch drive are now being supplemented with the sporty, slim and lightweight Quick Neo SL models. There is also the low-cost and trendy Treadwell Neo and the impressive all-rounder Canvas Neo. All further information on the new Quick Neo SL models can be found on the Cannondale’s website.