New Tesoro Neo X 1 trekking ebike from Cannondale

At the beginning of March, Cannondale launched its first ebikes on the market with two revised versions of the Mavaro Neo 1, in which Bosch’s new Smart System drive provides the desired motor assistance. Now the manufacturer is following up with the Tesoro Neo X 1. Compared to the Mavaro Neo, these are aimed at a larger target group because their range of use goes far beyond the urban environment.

The best drive for the number 1

Among the trekking ebikes, the Tesoro Neo X model series is a permanent fixture in Cannondale’s range. So far, there have been two models, the Tesoro Neo X 2 and the Tesoro Neo X 3, each in two frame types. Cannondale had apparently saved the 1 for the current new introduction. In view of the latest development stage of Bosch’s top drive, the number is justified. The now presented flagship benefits from the advantages that the Smart System provides compared to its predecessors. First and foremost, these are the 20 percent more capacity thanks to the 750 watt-hour battery and the simplified connection with one’s own smartphone, which opens up new digital possibilities such as over-the-air updates. With each further development of the eBike Flow app, the gap to the other systems will grow in terms of functionality and user-friendliness.

Cannondale Mavaro Neo X 1 ebike of the 2022 season

Cannondale Mavaro Neo X 1 with “StepThru” frame type

More durability and comfort

When looking at the other components installed on the bikes, the difference between the existing and the now new models is not that significant. The Tesoro Neo X 1 scores here primarily with the Linkglide groupset from Shimano. Behind this are more robustly built cassettes, rear derailleurs, chains and shifters. They are specially designed for the greater forces that occur on an ebike and therefore withstand the stresses longer than other products from Shimano. In everyday use, this means more reliability and one or two fewer trips to the workshop.

For more riding comfort, there is the SR Suntour XCR34 suspension fork. With 100 millimetres of travel, it is just as long as the suspension forks of the Tesoro Neo X 2 and Tesoro Neo X 3, but in this case air instead of a steel spring is used to smooth out bumps, while the entire fork is almost a kilogram lighter. Cannondale has also chosen a slightly higher-quality lighting system and a rear carrier that is compatible with the Racktime click system. Just like its cheaper counterpart, it can carry a maximum load of 25 kilograms.

Rear carrier of the Cannondale Mavaro Neo X 1 ebike

Racktime-compatible rear carrier with additional struts for attaching panniers.

More ponderous than sporty

However, there are also details in which the newcomer is less convincing. At least from our subjective point of view. This applies first and foremost to the frame design. Due to the larger dimensions of the PowerTube 750, every ebike manufacturer was faced with the same task: either to somehow integrate the battery into existing frames, which KTM, for example, managed to do. Or rather manufacture a new frame. Cannondale went the second way. And the result just doesn’t seem that conclusive. Especially for a brand that has often been able to send out a visual signal in the past.

On the Tesoro Neo X 1, however, the area around the bottom bracket leaves an unusually chunky impression. The motor cover has a noticeable angle at the transition to the down tube, which is rather at odds with other rounder shapes on the frame. From the motor side, a lot of plastic looks at you, and the colour contrast with the actual frame colour makes its apparent shapelessness stand out even more. Opposite to this, on the drivetrain side, the chain guard hides this somewhat. Yet even the chain guard is not exactly filigree, but has probably been designed primarily according to its function. After all, the Tesoro Neo X 1 doesn’t quite match the sporty look of its sister models.

Side view of the Cannondale Mavaro Neo X 1 ebike

Taken too clunky for our taste – the motor cover with plenty of plastic charm.

Form before function?

Perhaps that’s why it tries to project a certain elegance. Responsible for this is a headlight embedded in the head tube, which you might already know from the Mavaro Neo. Here, too, the vertical, very narrow light gives the bike a slightly futuristic look. The actual effect is not quite as impressive. The angle of the light is not adjustable and it does not meet the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Cannondale deliberately designed it as a daytime running light only. To compensate, there is an additional headlight mounted on the fork.

: Once functional, once chic – double front light on the Mavaro Neo X 1.

: With the taillight, Cannondale limits itself to a single light.

More than “just” a trekking bike

Despite all the criticism, you can do a lot with the Tesoro Neo X 1. It is suitable for commuting to work as well as for long tours. Thanks to the suspension fork, suspension seatpost and 53 millimetres wide tyres, you can confidently venture on softer forest and meadow paths. All in all, it is a very powerful trekking ebike that is equally at home in an urban environment.

The manufacturer provides it in three frame types: as a low-step “Low StepThru”, as a trapezoidal “StepThru” frame and as a more classic diamond frame with only a slightly sloping top tube. The smallest of the three frame sizes is fitted with 27.5 inch wheels, the other two frame sizes with 29 inch wheels. You can choose between two colours for each frame type, one of which is always grey.