Especially with the slightly larger dimensions for the integrated frame battery, Bosch had set the bicycle manufacturers a challenging task before the introduction of the Smart System in 2021. The seven centimetres more in length don’t sound like an awful lot. However, the new Mavaro Neo from Cannondale is a good example of how difficult it is to find an attractive solution.
On the streets of Florence. Magnificent Renaissance facades form the backdrop to the lives of the city’s citizens. Even within Italy, they take on a special role when it comes to a stylish look. For the second time, Cannondale has chosen the metropolis of Tuscany as the stage set for the appearance of one of its most elegant players, the Mavaro Neo city ebike. Soaking up the glamour around it, the bike is meant to develop its very own charisma.
Cannondale Mavaro Neo 2022
Something is lost
Nevertheless, it doesn’t really dazzle us. Its design has taken a less than masterful turn. Solid. Not at all ugly. But not timeless either. On the predecessor with Bosch’s second development stage drive, the interplay of the individual frame parts with typical bicycle components such as the crank or the wheels seemed decidedly coherent. The chain guard was at the same height as the very high chain stay, so that both formed a line when viewed from the side. The seat tube created a small free space, which made the area around the bottom bracket seem a little more airy.
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- New in the range: models with diamond frames.
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- Until now, the Mavaro Neo was only available as a low-step model.
If you look at the revised version of the Mavaro Neo, you will see a strange, pentagonal structure. On the frame dipped in a silvery tone called Mercury or the variant in eye-catching Candy Red, the block kept in black stands out particularly clearly. It almost absorbs all the lines built up on the rest of the frame, without a precise idea of how it should continue them. A particularly hard cut is made by the lower edge of the down tube, which does not even try to hide the fact that the long Intube battery is hidden behind it.
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- Integration of the motor on the 2022 model …
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- … and in comparison on the predecessor from 2021
In future with the latest technology from Bosch
Technically, of course, the change to the Smart System from Bosch has the already well-known advantages. Improved connectivity of the whole system, easier implementation of updates, more options for customising the drivetrain, higher capacity of the battery, enough space for adding more smart features and so on. Cannondale equips all models of the new Mavaro Neo with the Performance Line CX motor as well as the Kiox 300. The manufacturer promises a range of 175 kilometres on a single battery charge – under optimal conditions, of course.
Additional real innovations are few and far between. However, an improved lighting system is one of them. Both the Foresite E350 headlight and the Hindsite E25 taillight clearly surpass the equipment of the predecessor. Unfortunately, they are only fitted to the more expensive Mavaro Neo 1 and Mavaro Neo 1 Low Step Thru versions. Everything that is cheaper has to make do with solutions from Axa.
Cannondale Mavaro Neo featuring headlight and separate daytime running light
Safety and comfort as guiding principles
Mavaro Neo 1 and Mavaro Neo 1 Low Step Thru are also top models thanks to their integrated Smartsense radar system. The bikes of the previous season already scored points with this system compared to the competition. This is a joint project between Cannondale and Garmin. On a display mounted on the handlebars to the right of the stem, you are warned of vehicles that are approaching very quickly or very close to you. This works already from a distance of 140 metres.
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- Tail light specially made for Cannondale
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- The corresponding display is to the right of the Kiox 300.
In addition, a few Cannondale-typical features complete the Mavaro Neo. One of them is the HeadShok suspension fork, in this case with a travel of 50 millimetres. It provides the small but often much appreciated extra in riding comfort and, by the way, suits the cobblestones of Florence’s old town very well. The manufacturer also gives the bike a suspension seatpost, making it a full-suspension city bike. Together with the upright seating position, this creates the profile of an ebike that is designed for riding in an urban environment and should appeal to people who like a more relaxed ride. The hub gears from Enviolo and Shimano and the drive via the low-maintenance Gates belt drive are a perfect match. Only style enthusiasts will perhaps look for an alternative.
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- Cannondale fits an SP-Connect mount for smartphones as standard on the stem.
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- With the suspension seatpost, the Mavaro Neo even becomes a full-suspension bike.
Cannondale Mavaro Neo 2022 at a glance
- Variants: Mavaro Neo 1, Mavaro Neo 1 Low Step Thru, Mavaro Neo 2, Mavaro Neo 2 Low Step Thru, Mavaro Neo 3, Mavaro Neo 4, Mavaro Neo 5
- Frame: SmartForm C1 aluminium
- Fork: HeadShok DL50
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Line, Bosch Active Line Plus
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750, Bosch PowerTube 625
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300, Bosch Purion
- Drivetrain: Enviolo Trekking, Shimano Inter-5E, Shimano Deore, Shimano Nexus 8-speed
- Brakes: Magura CT, Tektro M535, Shimano MT200, TRP Slate G4
- Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg
- Price: from 4,499 euros
Pictures: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
That is one ugly Bike!
Hello Hank,
Well, maybe you are a little bit harsh on that bike. However, we agree, that Cannondale has done a much better job in the past with other bikes.
Cheers, Matthias