Very like the velocity of the steeds in query, commuter-style e-bikes are infiltrating our metropolis centres at a gradual and regular tempo, very steadily incomes priority over vehicles. Subsequently, a substantial area of interest within the fashionable bike market has been carved out for informal cyclists trying to economize on gas or congestion fees whereas getting match within the course of. The Cannondale Mavaro Neo SL 1 is one such bike, and its aggressive worth level doesn’t detract from a dizzying array of options and a surprisingly stable spec sheet.
Development
The rear rack has a weight restrict of 18kg, which is greater than sufficient for even the heaviest of workloads
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
“Sweat free city rides” guarantees the coverline, and a fast glimpse over the body means that’s precisely what you’ll get from the Cannondale Mavaro Neo SL 1. An 18 kg rated rack brings up the rear, and body bosses abound on an aluminium body, creating a motorcycle that appears custom-built for a visit to the grocery store or a metropolis commute. It boasts inflexible entrance and rear fenders/mudguards – sagaciously specced for individuals who need to arrive at work with out sporting half of the commute on their again. Current too, are entrance and tail lamps, the previous a Lezyne Professional E115, which is a high quality piece of componentry and encourages confidence about the remainder of the construct. The SL suffix – Tremendous Mild – although, isn’t merited. At 24kg, the Mavaro isn’t gentle, the truth is, on the e-bike weight spectrum, it’s leaning in direction of the extra portly finish of the size. Nevertheless, for now, we’ll give Cannondale the advantage of the doubt – metropolis commuter bikes are by no means going to be on the radar of weight weenies, so for now, this indiscretion will get a cross.
The Lezyne entrance gentle is a helpful inclusion for commuting
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
The drivetrain options Microshift’s eight-speed derailleur which supplies a large sufficient vary to seek out optimum cadence in most city settings. It’s a funds set-up and retains the general worth down, however shifts have been certain if not seamless, and there’s even a clutch rear mech current to mitigate chain-slap. Brakes are hydraulic so modulation is sorted and absolute stopping energy, even when bearing in mind the appreciable heft of the machine, is dialled – which, throughout rush-hour commutes, may save a purple face and a damaged spoke or two.
Up entrance an SR Suntour fork with 50mm journey has been specced – sufficient to take in most potholes or imperfections. Alloy rims decked out with Schwalbe Large Bens present an additional layer of consolation, in addition to providing a superb stage of puncture safety courtesy of added Raceguard know-how – primarily a double layer of nylon located beneath the tyre tread.
The saddle is a Selle Royal – a commodious perch which matches some solution to including compliance to the rear, and the handlebar is an in-house Cannondale riser, giving the bike a silhouette not dissimilar to a basic Dutch sit-up and beg. Lastly, there’s an Abus 4650 XL ring lock, which, for a metropolis commuter-cum-city bike is at all times going to be value its weight in gold.
A Bafang rear hub motor takes up the heavy lifting duties right here – certainly such motors are sometimes discovered on e-bikes of this ilk. The Mavaro has been assigned 350 watts, whereas the 360wh Darfon battery built-in into the downtube is claimed to be good for as much as 67 miles on a single cost.
The Microshift eight-speed derailleur shifted positively all through testing. Be aware the clutch lever
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
The experience
The Selle Royal saddle is a premium contact at this worth level
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
My first outing on the Mavaro Neo SL 1 was an eight-mile spherical journey to the retailers. I solely had just a few bits and items to get, the climate was unseasonably honest and I’d been festering within the workplace all morning – time to awaken the legs and get some blood pumping. The toughest a part of the complete journey was manoeuvring the bike from the shed to the entrance of the home – a sequence of 10-point turns ensued simply to get it pointed in the suitable course. Certainly such is the load of this machine that lifting it ought to solely be undertaken when you’ve finished a reasonably complete warm-up, otherwise you’ve simply had your Weetabix and your identify’s Arnold Schwarzenegger.
As soon as out on the highway although, with the motor engaged, the Mavaro provided a planted experience. Aided by 350w, it’s moderately fast to succeed in its capped assisted velocity of 15mph on flat terrain. Given the bike’s weight, until you’re going downhill it’s unlikely you’ll ever go any quicker than this. No nice shakes if you’re going to the retailers in a shirt and a pair of denims.
Bungee cording my procuring onto the rear rack, the return leg was simply as sedate and I by no means felt over-burdened. However then I needed to wrestle the Mavaro again into the shed – cue, somewhat little bit of cursing and a grazed shin.
The SR Suntour fork, with 50mm of journey, helps to take in the worst of British highway circumstances
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
Subsequent on the agenda was to establish the power of the motor system. Finding the steepest hill I may discover – a mile lengthy with sustained sections of 20% – I made certain my coronary heart price monitor was charged and able to obtain a critical beating. Absolutely the load of the Mavaro wasn’t conducive to a simple spin to the highest. Not a little bit of it. Even probably the most precipitous components of the slope – with the third and highest motor setting deployed, together with the bottom gear – barely bothered something past ‘warm-up’. Solely when my foot slipped off the pedal (the big platforms have little grip and did turn into slippery when moist) did my BPM hover across the realms of an cardio studying. It’s undoubtedly not probably the most highly effective of motors, however in my view, it has been accurately specced – something extra would add unnecessarily to the value tag.
Toggling by the three energy ranges – matter-of-factly known as one, two and three – is easy and there’s even a lift paddle which presents a brief burst of energy that I discovered notably useful when pulling away from junctions.
After these two rides – the second of which was some 15 miles and ridden completely within the highest energy stage – the battery life had been diminished by a 3rd. This means that when you’re canny with the facility you utilize and don’t go up too many 20% slopes, the battery life needs to be good for Cannondale’s claimed 67 miles in a single cost.
Worth and conclusions
The Mavaro is an easy e-bike to function – simply three speeds accessible by way of the handlebar-mounted management panel, plus a ‘enhance’ paddle for when the going will get robust
(Picture credit score: Future/Stephen Shrubsall)
The Mavaro Neo SL 1 is an efficient bike relatively than an important one, however it’s well-conceived with its many commuter-friendly options, resembling fenders, lights, rack and lock. To be honest, the first criticisms we do have – particularly, it’s heavy and gradual – could possibly be levelled at a lot of the competitors too. At £2,400 it is extremely properly priced but it surely’s about to turn into even higher worth.
As we have been ending this overview, Cannondale refreshed its Mavaro line. The brand new bikes are already out there within the US and needs to be coming to the UK in spring 2025. Nevertheless, we do know that there’s nonetheless loads of inventory of the previous bike – the one reviewed right here – within the vendor community. So, anticipate to see some heavy discounting and beneficial offers over the following few months.
Specs
- Body: SmartForm C3 Alloy, built-in down tube battery, inside cable routing, tapered head tube, 18mm two-bolt kickstand mount
- Fork: SR Suntour NEX {custom} crown, DS, 50 mm journey
- Motor: Bafang G020 Hub, 350W
- Battery: Darfon, 360Wh
- Tyres: Schwalbe Large Ben, 700x50c
- Cassette: Microshift, 12-42t, eight-speed
- Rear Derailleur: Microshift Acolyte
- Shifters: Microshift Acolyte, eight-speed
- Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 680mm
- Brakes: Tektro HD-275 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors
- Brake levers: Tektro hydraulic disc
- Saddle: Selle Royal Lookin Trekking
- Seatpost: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.6x350mm
