Cannondale Rolls Out Smallest & Lightest E-Bike: Compact Neo

Want an e-bike that won’t break your back while you lug it upstairs? Check out Cannondale’s latest: a lightweight, foldable e-bike under 40 pounds.

The latest e-bike from Cannondale aims for convenience and flexibility.

With a hidden 250 Wh battery and a folding stem and pedals, the Compact Neo is “an ideal electric bike for busy families or shared use,” the company said in a news release.

You won’t need many add-ons with this bike, either. It already comes with metaphorical bells and whistles, including a rack, lights, fenders, and eight-speed shifting.

Cannondale Compact Neo E-Bike

The Compact Neo comes with an alloy frame and 20-inch wheels for a lightweight bike with a low standover height that anyone can comfortably handle around town.

At less than 40 pounds (18 kg), the bike allows for a maximum rider weight of 300 pounds. Yet it’s still sturdy enough to take a beating.

The seat post also adapts to accommodate different-sized riders, so it’s highly shareable while offering comfort to your backside.

Compact Neo: Battery Features

Like many modern e-bikes, Cannondale placed the e-bike’s battery inside the frame, retaining the classic bike form while still giving riders that electric boost. To that end, the battery offers three different assist levels. There’s also a convenient walk mode, which propels the bike just enough to make pushing along more manageable.

The Compact Neo’s rear-hub Hyena drive system offers “hill-taming power” and assistance up to 20 mph. Fully charged, the battery’s range gives riders up to 47 miles of supported cycling.

At $1,900, the Compact Neo won’t break the bank compared to the increasingly pricey e-bike options in the market. For example, the Turbo Vado SL from Specialized sheds some extra weight (around 33 pounds) while still carrying a 320 Wh battery. However, you pay for that upgrade, as the bike sells for nearly double the Compact Neo — $3,750.

Still interested? The Compact Neo is available in three colors, chalk with acid red, graphite and reflective silver, and smoke black with reflective silver.

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