The bike reviewed in this article is the Cannondale Trail Neo 2. This is an excellent alternative for those who prefer a high-end aluminum bike over a high-priced carbon frame and defective components.
Trail Neo 2 Overview
Features of Cannondale Trail NEO 2
- SmartForm C1 aluminum frame
- Size Split
- Dual Battery compatible
- Ai Offset drivetrain
- KickFlip Mount
- BrakesHydraulic Disc
- SuspensionHardtail
Battery Specification
- Rider Amplification: Turbo mode: 340% / eMTB mode: 140-340% / Tour mode: 140% / ECO mode: 60%
- Max Assist: 85Nm
- Motor Weight: 2.9kg
- Range: 51 miles / 82km (maximum, when combining the four assistance modes in favourable conditions
- Battery Power: 625Wh
Groupset
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M4100
- Crank: FSA Bosch E-Bike w/ custom Ai offset, 34T
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M4100, 10-speed
- Cassette: Shimano Deore, 11-42, 10-Speed
- Chain: Shimano HG54, 10-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc, 180mm RT30 rotors
- Brake Levers: Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc
Wheels
- Rims: WTB STX i30 TCS, 32h tubeless ready
- Spokes: DT Swiss Champion
- Front Hub: Shimano MT400, 15x110mm thru-axle
- Rear Hub: Shimano MT400, 12x148mm thru-axle
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon, 27.5/29 x 2.6″, Wire 60TPI Exo
Electric Components
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport 250W
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh
- Remote: Bosch Purion
- Charger: Bosch 2A
Cannondale Trail Neo 2 Review
The DAAC Effect
DAAC is the abbr for aluminum manufactured by the American corporation (Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design). Apart from the excellent quality of its frame, it is painted in the Cannondale palette’s signature dazzling neon green. Other road models and the F-Si itself are also in that green.
At close range, the Cannondale Trail Neo 2 seems to be a traditional frame constructed tube by tube. Welds are well-worked, virtually invisible at a distance. It offers a far lower price point and more generic components of established quality. It’s in exchange for lacking the particular personality of other Cannondale aluminum models.
The choice of a threaded bottom bracket over a press-fit bottom bracket is a wise one. It minimizes those annoying bottom bracket creaks caused by dirt or dust getting into the bottom bracket. A wager that both Specialized and Santa Cruz will include in constructing specific bicycle frames.
Sporty While Yet Being Comfortable
The Cannondale Trail Neo 2 geometry is slightly more forgiving than some of the XC bikes available today. Due to the length of the top tube, they designed a short stem. It tries to compensate and give a great combination of stability and responsiveness on the bike.
The frame’s rear triangle is formed by chainstays and seat stays. That is less compact than the more radical models. The size of them gives us a bit more stability. And it also adds to the bike’s relatively long wheelbase, which gives us good stability.
Mount That Is Highly Robust
Cannondale Trail Neo 2 provides us with a chance to enjoy mountain riding at its finest. It’s a robust bike with only a few minor cracks. This assembly’s transmission is built on a double chainring. Shimano XT Shadow derailleur of the bike allows us to choose from a wide range of series at all times.
For its part, the RockShox Reba RL fork delivers a satisfying riding experience. Somehow, it lacks sensitivity and personalization choices seen on top-of-the-line forks. Due to the great quality of the frame and its creation, we are free to choose whatever path we like. Additionally, the frame is support a rack. It is suitable for those who prefer traveling with their possessions.
It is possible to enhance a durable bike over time by switching out components. That helps reduce weight and boost the energy of a bike that is not really light by default. These components include the seat post, stem, handlebar, and saddle. Comparing it to comparable high-end aluminum counterparts from big-name manufacturers in terms of quality and performance.
The Cannondale Trail Neo 2 looks to be an excellent alternative for you into another popular ride. That’s a great choice between an entry-level motorcycle and a bike for experienced riders with extra money.
Ratings
- Frames: 4/5
Cannondale is one of the few manufacturers of aluminum bicycles. A lifetime warranty, ten-point welds, and efficient geometry create its mountain bike frameset. However, the wiring is only partially internal.
- Transmission: 3.5/5
A 1x drivetrain would suit the Mountainbike Cannondale Trail Neo 2, which is the top of the line. It has a breadth of advancements and ideal scalability, and it can always identify the precise pace.
- Suspensions: 4/5
The fork performs excellently. RockShox’s top-of-the-line SID may not be that sensitive, but it shares the SID’s reliability, feel, and steadiness with lightweight.
- Brakes: 3/5
There is little to complain about. A mid-range mount is a classic of the company’s design. Reliable, advanced, and assertive. So we look forward to supplementing the device with a few extra solid discs, which will improve the gadget’s efficacy.
- Wheels: 3/5
Tubelizable, featuring a 23mm internal width and 32 spokes per wheel. There are some 28 or 24 wheels that might increase vertical absorption. Despite their lightweight, the set is more than suitable for work.
- Tires: 4/5
They are charming, slightly aggressive designed. Cannondale Trail Neo 2 gives us confidence when driving on wet or muddy days.
- The ratio of quality to price: 4.5/5
This is a very well-balanced essay. Excellent deal for a high-quality frame and mount, and it is the masterpiece of XC bikes, with an aluminum frame. That’s what makes it a harmonious comic strip.
Trail Neo 2 Expert Opinion
Expert Opinion on Climbing
It’s unsurprising that it can soar uphill without any worries. The Cannondale Trail Neo 2 features a somewhat steep head tube angle by modern standards, fast-rolling tires, and a lightweight aluminum frame. While the upright position is disadvantageous on descents, it makes the bike relatively comfortable on long climbs and flat sections.
Additionally, I realized that the Shimano 2 x 9 gearbox provided enough gearing for even the steepest trail I ever met. Also, the front suspension features a remote control mounted on the handlebar to lock the fork out. This means that it will not collide with your body weight when you pedal, resulting in a more efficient ride overall. While it’s too noisy to use in rough places, it was handy to have during the day when riding in bike lanes or on the road.
In terms of climbing, the drawback of the Cannondale Trail Neo 2 would be its heavy wheels. You can only expect so much from it. It was clear that the wheels added lots of rotational weight to the bike and slowed it down. Despite this, the bike seemed somewhat faster on the level road than the Salsa Timberjack, which has wider tires and weighs more.
Expert Opinion on Descending
When searching for a fit hardtail, it’s critical to have reasonable expectations. I found that Cannondale Trail Neo 2 met those requirements most of the time. The 29-inch wheels and 100-millimeter front suspension provided a joyful ride. Even on level singletrack with some root or rough section, it could be a nice choice. To be more specific, I was pleasantly surprised by the 2.25-inch WTB Ranger tires’ performance on hardpack. But the grip reduced while riding in muddy situations. However, the tread’s low rolling resistance makes them a perfect match for some of the gravel paths.
However, the Neo 2 was quickly out of its comfort zone when I entered the steep and rough area. I felt unprepared for the Inside Passage hike for green hands. The entry-level SR Suntour fork was not powered enough and frequently bottomed out. The lack of a dropper seat post needed frequent stops to adjust the saddle height. Additionally, the bike positioned me in an uncomfortable upright position, which made it unable to navigate any steep places safely.
Naturally, the Cannondale Trail Neo 2 has limitations. Anyone serious about riding should strongly consider upgrading. But the Cannondale Trail Neo 2 is outstanding to most other competitors in this category overall. It remains a wise option for regions with smooth, cross-country-style.
