Takeaway: Cannondale reimagines the budget-friendly utility e-bike using the brand’s signature design cues and an eye toward build quality. The Compact Neo works well for city commuting and around-town use. Apartment dwellers or those with limited storage space will appreciate the bike’s folding features and small footprint.
- Novel application of folding features
- Lightweight and portable
- Well-geared for use with or without motor assistance
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Surprisingly practical
- Unique aesthetic
Cons
- Mode assist control not intuitive
The Basics
No stranger to the urban e-bike market, Cannondale has a wide range of Neo models with varying suspension, frame styles, and accessories. Until the arrival of the Compact Neo, the Neo nomenclature often meant Bosch mid-drive motors and large-capacity, heavy-weight 400Wh+ batteries. These models are rather pricey but go the distance in both features and riding range.
The new Compact Neo, however, flips the script on weight and pricing. This new model uses more affordable components for the motor and drivetrain, plus a much smaller battery to save weight. The result is a giant step toward accessibility for Cannondale, an affordable e-bike able to be carried upstairs easily and folded for wall-flush storage. In keeping with the main competitors in the e-bike segment (RadPower and Aventon,) the Compact Neo is available directly to the consumer online through Cannondale’s site. It is also sold through dealers and other select online retailers.
With a clever front triangle design reminiscent of 1990s Cannondale Killer V frames, the Compact Neo has both rigidity to ensure responsive handling and maintains a low standover height. Cannondale produces the Compact Neo in one frame size with a wide range of saddle height adjustability. Available in a Smoke Black paint with a bright multicolor fork, the finish, combined with the small wheels, offers the Compact Neo plenty of style and personality.
Riding and Using the Compact Neo
Where other manufacturers in the lower-priced, urban e-bike segment prioritize throttle power and acceleration, Cannondale focused on maintaining the cycling experience. Many e-bikes in the sub-$2,000 category suffer from poor ride quality when the battery is dead or riding with the motor off. Brands assume that city riders are interested in deploying power at all times.
The Compact Neo is like a utility bike, but one that just happens to have a small motor for those moments when you need a little extra boost. Even without the pedal assist engaged, the bike remains extremely capable. Riders can easily use the Compact Neo assist-free with very-limited drawbacks—this is not the case for most other e-bikes in general, but especially for e-bikes in this price range.
In addition to the 250W Hyena motor, Cannondale fitted the Compact Neo with reliable components from well-established brands. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes do their job, bringing the bike down comfortably from its 20mph maximum assisted top speed. Small and chunky Kenda K-Rad tires eat up rough roads.
The Compact Neo’s drivetrain also shines bright. Running a 48T chainring on the crank and an 11-34T cassette in the rear, shifting is responsive and allows manual power output past the bike’s top assist speed. The gearing is sufficiently wide for keeping up with other bike traffic and to get the little bike up hills.
Weighing half that of a comparable RadRunner Plus makes a big difference in the rider’s quality of life. This weight savings comes thanks to thoughtful prioritization of features (no suspension, smaller battery)
The Compact Neo has some great features to make the Compact label quite fitting. The bike features a TranzX folding stem, allowing the handlebars to rotate 90 degrees when stationary for a much flatter profile—paired with folding pedals, this bike collapses to the width of its saddle, which is extremely useful for hallway storage. I can’t overstate how practical this is, perhaps even more convenient than a traditional mid-frame folding bike.
At first glance, the Compact Neo doesn’t even look to have a battery. But there is one tucked inside the modestly sized downtube. This gesture of subtlety translates through the entire on-bike experience. Riding in busy bike lanes, I don’t feel overpowered or frustrated by the lack of a throttle.
The Neo Compact feels comfortable and confident to ride at the speed of cycling traffic. This confidence is due to how gently the Hyena motor applies power. On other e-bikes, it often feels like the extra power output translates into excess speed, whereas on the Compact Neo, the additional power simply feels lighter.
The Neo maintains its smooth handling even with a packed pair of panniers attached to the rear rack (included). Increasing the motor assist under load significantly decreases the required pedaling effort, but using the assist too liberally eats up the battery charge. To avoid draining the battery too quickly, dial back the assist level used.
Small In Size, Big On Function
If this bike requires any changes, it is to the pedal assist level management. Mode adjustments can be made via the handlebar-mounted Hyena LED controller, though—as the Neo Compact lacks a screen—it’s not as straightforward as some other brands’ e-bike controllers. The Neo requires a little more monitoring of the pedal assist settings than some other e-bikes to ensure you’ll have enough charge left for your ride. I averaged about 20 miles of use per charge using moderate-high assistance. When the battery eventually runs out, the bike (luckily) charges back up quickly.
While another e-bike would be out of commission with minimal assistance (much less without any), Cannondale designed the Compact Neo to ride well regardless of motor output. I felt comfortable turning down the assist when not using it to conserve power when riding downhill or without carrying any cargo.
The Compact Neo takes Cannondale’s accumulated knowledge of premium e-bikes and translates it to the budget-friendly utility market with resounding success. Thoughtful component choices and high-minded design ensure the Compact Neo provides all the functionality of a much heavier e-bike but with enhanced portability and ride quality that integrates seamlessly into everyday life.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Aithne is a commuter and urban bike tester of mountain bike experience. Between rides, she produces experimental stories at The Atlantic and organizes media labor.
