A sturdy, tough looking, urban electric bike that uses smaller 24" wheels paired with fat 2.35" tires providing quick steering, a lower standover height, and improved strength
Unique Lefty fork adds to the artistic quality of the frame and tight metal fenders, it reduces weight and makes servicing the front wheel slightly easier
Included folding lock with mount behind seat tube, unique adjustable stem is stronger than most and has a custom tube for the display mount as well as a light mount if you add one aftermarket
Excellent weight distribution, the fenders rattle a bit, the internally geared hub is clean and can be shifted at standstill but can click and shift slower than a derailleur
Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Odometer, Trip Distance, Estimated Range, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time, Shift Assist Recommendation
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad with Tactile Feedback on Left, 6 Volt Micro USB Port on Display
Drive Mode:
Advanced Pedal Assist
(Measures Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 50%, Tour 120%, Sport 190%, Turbo 275%)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)(15 mph in Some Markets)
Written Review
The Cannondale Contro E-Rigid takes a unique approach to building a tough urban electric bike. To me, this thing looks mean in all-black with balloon tires, tight alloy fenders, a single-side fork, and internally geared hub. It’s available in two frame sizes and the top tube is sloped, making it approachable for short riders or those with baggy pants. But the real secret is its use of 24″ wheels vs. 26″ or 28″ on most other full sized bicycles. The smaller wheel size improves strength and that is furthered by reinforced eyeletted rims. You sacrifice a bit of comfort with a higher attack angle because the wheels fall into cracks and bumps vs. spanning them, but that’s why Cannondale opted for 2.35″ wide tires that essentially provide a ~26″ ride feel. The increased air volume and range of PSI options, 30 to 65 PSI, let you optimize for squishy comfort or hard efficiency. This is an all-Aluminum rigid e-bike and that provides excellent power transfer from pedaling and motor support regardless of tire pressure. Both wheels and the seat collar are secured with nuts or screws vs. quick release and while the battery pack is removable, the bult-in locking core is very secure… Cannondale even threw in a folding lock and positioned it perfectly just behind the seat tube. You don’t get bottle cage bosses or traditional rack mounting points on this ebike but Cannondale does sell an optional, stylized, rack for $120 which is nice. So the overall length of this bike makes it easier to work with in tight locations, at 67″ for the Large vs. 72″+ on most other bikes. The steering is also quicker, it’s the type of experience you might appreciate when weaving through traffic, parking at crowded racks, or storing inside an urban loft. And the internally geared drivetrain follows suit, there’s no derailleur sticking out on the right side, just waiting to get bumped or thrown out of alignment if the bike tips over. Tough, but also handy, because the 8-speed Shimano Alfine can be shifted at standstill… perfect for those moments when you have to make a quick stop and didn’t have time to think about shifting down.
Driving the bike is a Bosch Performance Line mid-motor that matches the frame beautifully and positions weight low and center, right where you want it for riding or lifting/transporting. This motor is rated at 250 watts nominal but that’s kind of misleading because it peaks out over 500 watts and can produce up to 63 Newton meters of torque, way more than high-rated hub motors. You get the benefit of leverage with this motor, as you switch gears the motor benefits for climbing or reaching and maintaining the 20 mph top speed. It’s super efficient in this sense, if you shift appropriately, and has shift detection software designed to reduce strain on the geared hub (especially if you update the firmware at your local shop to the latest version). With only one sprocket at the front and rear, the chain doesn’t bounce around and you shouldn’t ever have an issue with it falling off. The chainring spins at 2.5x the rate of your crank arms and this provides a tighter grip, according to Bosch, and I believe it also makes it faster to start and stop. The motor controller measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque 1,000x per second to give you a fluid, instantaneous ride. Another big important characteristic for urban riders who might be surrounded by pedestrians, other cyclists, and automobiles etc.
Powering the Contro E-Rigid is a Bosch Powerpack 400 battery positioned between the top tube and downtube. It’s well protected here and again, keeps weight low and centered on the frame. You can unlock the pack on the left side of the frame using one of the two included keys and then it sort of unclips upwards. There’s just enough room to reach in and grab the top loop to lift it out. I tend to bring my battery inside for charging and safe storage… as well as the display panel. Both parts are replaceable if something happens but there’s going to be less weather damage and scratching if you bring them with you. The battery offers 36 volts and 11 amp hours for nearly 400 watt hours of total capacity, a bit above average. You can expect upwards of 25 miles per charge (and I mean that like, heavy rider, lots of hills, wind in your face, highest level of assist). As someone who rides in the mid-level assist mode and doesn’t weigh a lot, I can easily top 45 miles and even reach 60+ in optimal conditions. One thing that’s cool about Bosch is that they are a large company with lots of resources and some good forsight. They chose to use the same battery pack size and mounting interface for the latest Powerpack 500 which offers 25% more capacity with only 0.3 lbs increased weight. Considering the Powerpack 400 only weighs 5.4 lbs, that’s awesome. And you can upgrade to this pack once the stock battery eventually wears out after 1,000+ cycles or several years of use. It’s a great system but one that does expose the battery a bit more, it’s not hidden inside the frame tubing… but that also makes it easier to get off. You can also charge the pack while mounted to the bike frame and the charger fills quickly because it’s a 4 Amp design vs. 2 Amps with a lot of other e-bikes.
Operating the bike is quick and intuitive, once the pack is charged and mounted, just press the power button on the lower left corner of the display panel. It blinks on, showing your current speed, battery level, assist level (starting at no assist), and a trip stat. You can cycle through all of the trip stats such as odometer, trip distance, clock, and range by pressing the i button on the display panel or the remote button pad, mounted near the left grip. I love how easy it is to reach and use this button pad, even without looking down at it. You can feel the rubber convex i button in the center and two clickers for up and down just above and below the i. These up and down keys click when you press them and raise or lower the assist level. The display itself is large and easy to read… but a little less adjustable on the Cannondale Contro E-Rigid than some other Bosch-powered ebikes. This is because of the heavy-duty adjustable stem design. It surrounds and protects the display from beneath, but doesn’t let it swivel forward and back as far. Anyway, the display is backlit and can control integrated lights if you have your shop add them. And the front light bracket is perfect for use with a Supernova E3 E-Bike V6s headlight. You could add the three-LED rear light near the disc brake mount on the left side of the bike too. I’d opt for this, even though it’s more expensive than the rubberized clip-on lights, because you don’t have to worry so much about theft, charging, or aim. Supernova makes great products that would look awesome on this bike and stay out of the way but I suppose that adding them would have increased the price point and in my opinion, $3,490 is pretty good for a 2016 model year bike like this.
Cannondale has a great reputation for frame building and you can see them showing it off here. The Contro E-Rigid marches to the beat of its own urban drummer… or drum machine. It looks cool but has a reason there as well, it really is tough and bolstered against the sort of wear-and-tear that bike racks, stairs, cars, rain, and dirt that cities like New York are known for. The internally geared hub did click a bit when riding but worked well as I learned how and when to shift. The fenders rattled a little bit, but that might have been more pronounced due to the quiet single-sprocket drivetrain and silent freewheel. The tires really shine, and I mean that literally, with some reflective branding accents on the side. The all-black frame looks cool but please do consider some lights, even wearing some on your pack or just having reflective clothing. Big thanks to Chris Nolte from Propel Bikes in Brooklyn for taking me out with this bike, he carries products that I don’t always see at other shops because his clientele is international and perhaps has additional discretionary income from not owning automobiles in the city. If I were buying this bike, I’d probably get a shim like this to convert to 31.6 mm and swap the rigid all-Aluminum post for a Suntour NCX suspension post to help support my back and neck on all of the city bumps and potholes. I suppose that even in the winter with some snow, the fatter tires and checkered pattern chosen here would perform quite well.
Pros:
The “rigid” portion of the bike’s name is on point, you don’t get suspension on this ebike but the larger tires can reduce vibration and bumps if lowered slightly (the range is 30 to 65 psi), I would also consider a seat post suspension but the 34.9 mm diameter is unique and might require a shim adapter
I love how tight and clean the fenders are… the smaller 24″ wheel size with those fat tires gets close to a 26″ effective diameter and you could end up with toe strikes when turning if the fenders stuck out further
Cannondale is known for their Lefty forks, you get an interesting look here and possibly reduced weight, I like the robust adjustable-angle stem, and unique rear dropouts too
The drivetrain is clean and reliable, there’s only one sprocket in the front and one in the rear because it uses an internally geared hub vs. cassette and derailleur, it weighs a bit more but can be shifted at standstill, Shimano recommends a yearly alignment checkup with an oil bath to keep it running smooth
You get a Trelock TWO.GO folding lock with the bike, it’s mounted behind the seat tube, out of the way (and this helps to make up for no bottle cage bosses in my opinion)
The frame is available in two sizes to fit a wider range of cyclists, I like how the top tube is sloped downward to lower the standover height and that the smaller wheelset lowers the overall height of the bike
Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power and easier activation, the brake levers have adjustable reach making them easier to use for people with small hands or when wearing gloves
You get a great kickstand, it’s positioned towards the back of the bike which keeps it out of the way of the crank arm but not so far back that it interferes with the disc brake
This is a minor pro, but you get a larger plastic chainring cover that helps pants and skirts to slough over the chainring (keeping them clean and snag-free), I would appreciate a longer actual chain cover like Felt uses on some of their ebikes, but this is better than nothing
You can change the plastic color inserts to stylize the bike, the demo model I was testing in the reviews had bright green accents but they also have blue and grey
The battery pack and display panel are removable which is great when you are parking outside and need to charge inside or just protect from the weather… or trying to reduce the weight of the bike for transport
This electric bicycle is well-balanced front to rear, the motor and battery weight are positioned low and center on the frame and they blend in nicely with the black frame
I feel like the Contro E-Rigid would be great for urban riding, and you need responsive assist for that setting because of the pedestrians and automobiles, so it’s great that the Bosch drive system measures wheel speed, pedal cadence,
and pedal torque vs. just one or two signals on a lot of other ebikes
The Bosch battery pack has a loop at the top, making it easy to carry around, and I appreciate that they provide a slightly faster 4 Amp battery charger vs. the standard 2 Amp I see with a lot of competing products
The bike corners well and feels nimble thanks to those smaller wheels, I think the overall length is shorter as well (if you’ve got limited parking space, sorry I didn’t get that measurement)
The display panel has a Micro-USB port on the right side that puts out 5 Volts at 500 milliamps which could maintain a phone or power a small aftermarket headlight
Sometime around early 2017 Bosch pushed a software update that makes shift detection work better for internally geared hubs, consider having your shop update the bike’s firmware to get this if you get a bike like the Centro E-Rigid here
Cons:
No bottle cage bosses or rack mounting points for third-party rack solutions (though you can get the Cannondale specific rack), the frame is just so unique… I guess they wouldn’t work with other solutions?
I have found that internally geared hubs don’t shift quite as fast as derailleurs, especially if you’ve got pressure on the drivetrain, it might take some practice to become familiar… notice the clicking noises when I shift in the video review when the camera is mounted near the drivetrain at around 18:44
The pedals are kind of lame if you have larger feet or plan to ride in wet conditions, they can be slippery and just don’t offer as much space as I’d like, consider the affordable alloy Wellgo platform pedals or spend a bit more for lightweight Magnesium Wellgo pedals with adjustable pins
The smaller diameter wheels are strong and make the bike stand over height lower but they can also put the pedals closer to the ground which can lead to dragging if you turn sharp, always lift the inner pedal up when turning
I’d love to see integrated lights, some shops can add them and wire directly into the battery pack (Cannondale included a light mount that would work well with a Supernova headlight, they added the mount because of the unique stem and larger Bosch Intuvia display which take up space at the center of the handlebars), Supernova also makes a small LED backlight which mounts on the left side of the dropout near the disc brake, at least with the Contro E-Rigid you get some reflective paint on the tires and standard plastic reflectors to stay visible
The display panel can’t angle as far forward or back as it normally does on other Bosch powered ebikes, this is due to the unique oversized stem
The fenders do rattle a bit, you can hear them during the ride test… even though they feel solid etc. there’s just a bit more noise produced on bumpy streets
An approachable commuter-ready electric bike with sturdy fenders, a rear rack, integrated lights, and high powered Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor that offers high speed Class 3 riding up to 28mph. Three sizes and two frame design provide a wide range of fit options.. Comfortable high-volume tires lower the attack angle while providing stability and float off-road. Great saddle…...
An approachable, feature-rich, lightweight electric bike from a trusted name-brand company. The mixte mid-step frame offers more stiffness and performance than a wave step-thru, but still offers a low stand-over height.. Stylish brushed aluminum alloy fenders keep you dry and the sturdy mounting design doesn't rattle…...
A Bosch powered Trail style electric mountain bike with custom battery and motor integration, unique batt-strap protection system, high-torque CX motor with eMTB mode. Shimano SLX groupset includes a 1x11 drivetrain with Shadow Plus chain clutch, 180 mm hydraulic…...
An electric bike that blends in while offering a lot of utility as a commuter or even trekking touring platform, sturdy integrated rack, tight and extra long fenders with mud flaps. Available in five frame sizes across two styles (traditional diamond high-step and lower step-thru), adjustable…...
Great review as always. i just purchased the Cannondale Contro E-speed. Same type frame but headshock straight fork with shock, 26 inch wheels, normal derailer, ten speed , rear rack, and integrated front and rear lights, and Bosch Speed motor with 28 mph top speed. Awsome in every respect. Makes the hills of Vermont completely flatten out. And it’s very fast and stable. You should review this one. I think the design is amazing and the ride is fabulous.
Hi Court. Thanks for the reply. I purchased this bike about 3 weeks ago at West Hill Shop in Putney Vermont (the best town in the known universe). If you look on the Cannondale website they only list the the Contro E Speed and not the Contro Rigid anymore. In fact the picture you have posted on your website of the Contro E-Rigid is actually the Contro E Speed with the Headshock suspension and integrated rack and lights, 500 watt hour battery and 26 inch wheels etc. that I just purchased. I’m replacing an old Raliegh with a Dillenger rear wheel motor kit which is actually quite excellent, but I really wanted a Bosch motor and a bike that was designed from the ground up to be an E-Bike. I have not been disappointed. I’m riding mostly on dirt roads with lots of very steep hills and seem to be getting about 50+ miles on a charge which is much better than the Dillenger (about 30 miles). The motor is smooth and fast and responsive — almost like magic. Nice being able to go up to 28 mph on flats with great pedal assist. E-Bikes are finally taking off here in Vermont. I’m 66 years old and it has brought the joy back to riding — and still getting a good workout. Your website is great. It really helped me decide on the features that I wanted in an E-Bike and thankfully my local shop is a Cannondale dealer because the Conto-E Speed fit all of my criteria. I think that it would be a great service to your readers if you could get hold of one and review it. Marc Cohen
Great catch Marc! I don’t know how I missed that, you were totally right about the picture being wrong so I just switched it. I’d love to review the Contro E Speed and am glad to hear that you’re getting excellent range, even with some off-road riding. Sounds like you’re happy with the purchase, moving from the DIY setup to a purpose built model, I hope the bike performs very well for you and appreciate the time you spent to share here :)
On the C-dale website, I only see the Contro E-**Speed** version of the bike, the rigid is not even listed, but is included in an action shot of the bikes together.
Putting at least 26″ wheels on the Contro E Speed makes much more sense for an urban/allround bike. I cannot see any advantage to the Contro E Rigid’s 24″ wheels, but several cons are obvious.
The Contro E Rigid seems to have all of the inconveniences of a folding bike, without the convenience of actually being a folding bike.
I think the Contro E-Rigid either came in limited quantities from Europe or is an older 2016 model that has been discontinued? A few other people have commented on the availability of the E-Speed so it looks like that is where Cannondale is focusing most of their energy and distribution.
I think so, the fatter tires improve stability and comfort, some other people here have said that Cannondale is only selling their Contro with suspension now so maybe that would help too :)
Hi Court. Long time reader – first time poster. Just love what you do. I hope this comment still reaches you since the review is an older one so here it goes…!
I now see that the Contro E-speed 26″ is on sale from Cannondale but there is little info on the web in terms of a review of this specific model. I have watched your review on the 20″ rigid version multiple times and I’m using it as my closest guide in terms of the Contro E-speed.
Ok, so here is my question(s). The main difference I can see is that the E-speed has 26″ wheels vs. the Rigids 24″ and of course a Shimano Deore M610 10-speed derailleur on the E-speed vs. an Integrated Hub on the Rigid. Is this a quality derailleur? Tough to see if there is even a bash guard to protect any sensitive wire connections of any kind should the bike tip over. Lots of nice things… but a mystery as to why this bike is not popular and discontinued. Possibly some flaw or perhaps its out of date based on what’s available now? I know the bike is a 2016 model and thats a long time in terms of tech, so that’s where that concern comes from.
It is currently available as a clearance item for $2900 locally which feels like good value, I just want to make sure there is not some known issue with the way the Contro E-speed is equipped?? Here’s a link to the official page about the Contro E-speed.
Excellent questions, Matt! I’ll do my best to provide some perspective and inform your opinion/decision based on my experiences with different bikes and drive systems.
Larger diameter wheels will raise the frame a bit, so the standover height will be a little higher (like and inch or two). One benefit of larger wheels is comfort because they offer a lower attack angle that won’t jam into obstacles and fall down into potholes and cracks… they will span them easier. The tires and inner tubes will have more air inside, and that can provide some cushion (especially nice when traveling further and faster on an ebike or higher-speed ebike). The downside of bigger wheels is that they tend to weigh more and require more effort to start and climb with… but then they coast smoother and maintain “rolling momentum” better. They may not be as physically strong as the smaller 24″ or 20″ wheels, but that’s probably irrelevant in this case because bike wheels go from 27.5″ to 28″ and even 29″.
The Shimano Deore derailleur is great, but I can’t tell if this one has the one-way clutch (a little grey lever that tightens the derailleur spring for off-road and high-speed riding). If so, this would reduce chain slap, and is relevant because of the smaller Bosch chainring here. Based on the picture at the link you shared, it looks like the bike does have some sort of slap guard… and I do see a chainring guard as well (which can prevent drops and keep your pant leg clean and snag-free). Internally geared hubs can be shifted at standstill and stay cleaner while also keeping the chain tighter… but they also weigh and cost more. You can compare all of the Shimano derailleurs by rank order at this page. It’s like eight steps up and a quality part that I see frequently on other ebikes.
Don’t worry too much about the bash guard or sensitivity of cables, Cannondale makes great stuff and Bosch has an awesome warranty, their products tend to hold up very well. I think they probably just imported a successful product from Europe which didn’t sell as well in the USA because ebikes have still been gaining awareness in this different market. I suspect that they have limited dealers and that some of the “bike shop bros” who work there just aren’t interested in or promoting this product very well. When reviewing the bike with Chris at Propel, he did not share any concerns or stories about customer issues… I think it’s probably a great bike at an amazing price and you could get a 31.6 mm long seat post suspension at discount and use a 34.9 mm shim to work with this bike using some of the saved money to make it more fun to ride at higher speed.
I hope this helps, and I’m excited for you! Sounds like a great deal that you’ve found… but sometimes older batteries can have a slightly diminished capacity (especially if the shop didn’t keep them charged). I would check the charge level before asking the shop about the bike (just turn on the display or press the little button on the pack). A new Bosch battery will cost $800 but can be easy to find or borrow, it’s a great pack overall.
2018 Cannondale Contro E Speed: This is a great bike. I no longer even ride my Joe Breezer Metro Commuter. It was more expensive than this one. This bike is that good. I live in San Francisco and my commute is hilly. I found myself not riding as much. It was always some excuse. The fact is that I was no longer able to safely make the climbs. Loaded down with lunch, clothes a laptop, gym clothes etc… This bike opened a new chapter. I can have my cake and eat it too. I don’t even sweat on the climbs. Dudes commuting to work in full on riding attire have taken notice. I ride to work in what I wear to work. No sweat.
My medium frame bike has 1,700 miles. My top speed is 58-60mph. Likely faster as the speedometer lags by several seconds. The bike weighs a lot. 60lbs? Curious co-workers try lifting it and can’t. They smile politely and usually say something like “wow” then set it down. Thank goodness Deore Pads are inexpensive. All that bulk, two stuffed paniers and my 220lbs is asking lots from a bike disc brake. This ride legitimately needs dual brakes like motorcycles have. One on either side of the front axle. It gathers speed insanely fast. So fast in fact, you can snick through the 10-spd cassette so fast that it burns through cassettes and chains. Even the smoothest, most timely shifts, keeping the cranks right in the sweet spot, puts big time strain on the drive. The chain snaps into the next higher gear as fast as you can click through them. this leads to a stretched chain that eventually breaks brakes. 300 miles is what I get out of them. I used to buy the shimano spec chains for $24 but any Chinese 10spd chain works. They last just as long too. No country has more bikes than china. Even with the rapidly growing middle-class bikes still outnumber cars. Chinese make heavy, well manufactured, heavy duty stuff. I buy these fancy gold plated ones for $14 on amazon. I lube them with motor oil. The strain placed on the drive train means commerical grade Mobil 1.
Hi Court, I cannot afford a blow out. One update I neglected to mention is that I converted to tubeless. Yes, I am on my 2nd set of Schwalbe B.Ben’s. an observation. Class 3 mid-drive bikes I thought would be obsolete by now. Supplanted by improvement models. Have you looked? Cannondales mid-market bikes are now Shimano Step. Many and I should say, most other e-bikes, with mid-drive, rear cassette style drives are well above $3,000. Typically comparable machines are in the $4,500 range and they still lack the component integration of the Contro-E. Bike commuting here in SF I ride across the Peninsula is scary. You might as well put a target on your back. Here are some photos of my bike one, two, three
Marc
7 years agoGreat review as always. i just purchased the Cannondale Contro E-speed. Same type frame but headshock straight fork with shock, 26 inch wheels, normal derailer, ten speed , rear rack, and integrated front and rear lights, and Bosch Speed motor with 28 mph top speed. Awsome in every respect. Makes the hills of Vermont completely flatten out. And it’s very fast and stable. You should review this one. I think the design is amazing and the ride is fabulous.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoThat sounds awesome Marc! My preference would definitely be for the suspension fork and speed motor on this bike. Where did you get it?!
ReplyMarc
7 years agoHi Court. Thanks for the reply. I purchased this bike about 3 weeks ago at West Hill Shop in Putney Vermont (the best town in the known universe). If you look on the Cannondale website they only list the the Contro E Speed and not the Contro Rigid anymore. In fact the picture you have posted on your website of the Contro E-Rigid is actually the Contro E Speed with the Headshock suspension and integrated rack and lights, 500 watt hour battery and 26 inch wheels etc. that I just purchased. I’m replacing an old Raliegh with a Dillenger rear wheel motor kit which is actually quite excellent, but I really wanted a Bosch motor and a bike that was designed from the ground up to be an E-Bike. I have not been disappointed. I’m riding mostly on dirt roads with lots of very steep hills and seem to be getting about 50+ miles on a charge which is much better than the Dillenger (about 30 miles). The motor is smooth and fast and responsive — almost like magic. Nice being able to go up to 28 mph on flats with great pedal assist. E-Bikes are finally taking off here in Vermont. I’m 66 years old and it has brought the joy back to riding — and still getting a good workout. Your website is great. It really helped me decide on the features that I wanted in an E-Bike and thankfully my local shop is a Cannondale dealer because the Conto-E Speed fit all of my criteria. I think that it would be a great service to your readers if you could get hold of one and review it. Marc Cohen
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoGreat catch Marc! I don’t know how I missed that, you were totally right about the picture being wrong so I just switched it. I’d love to review the Contro E Speed and am glad to hear that you’re getting excellent range, even with some off-road riding. Sounds like you’re happy with the purchase, moving from the DIY setup to a purpose built model, I hope the bike performs very well for you and appreciate the time you spent to share here :)
Replychuckt
7 years agoOn the C-dale website, I only see the Contro E-**Speed** version of the bike, the rigid is not even listed, but is included in an action shot of the bikes together.
Putting at least 26″ wheels on the Contro E Speed makes much more sense for an urban/allround bike. I cannot see any advantage to the Contro E Rigid’s 24″ wheels, but several cons are obvious.
The Contro E Rigid seems to have all of the inconveniences of a folding bike, without the convenience of actually being a folding bike.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoI think the Contro E-Rigid either came in limited quantities from Europe or is an older 2016 model that has been discontinued? A few other people have commented on the availability of the E-Speed so it looks like that is where Cannondale is focusing most of their energy and distribution.
ReplySpeedlearn
7 years agoCan it handle gravel roads or dirt trails?
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoI think so, the fatter tires improve stability and comfort, some other people here have said that Cannondale is only selling their Contro with suspension now so maybe that would help too :)
ReplyMatt
7 years agoHi Court. Long time reader – first time poster. Just love what you do. I hope this comment still reaches you since the review is an older one so here it goes…!
I now see that the Contro E-speed 26″ is on sale from Cannondale but there is little info on the web in terms of a review of this specific model. I have watched your review on the 20″ rigid version multiple times and I’m using it as my closest guide in terms of the Contro E-speed.
Ok, so here is my question(s). The main difference I can see is that the E-speed has 26″ wheels vs. the Rigids 24″ and of course a Shimano Deore M610 10-speed derailleur on the E-speed vs. an Integrated Hub on the Rigid. Is this a quality derailleur? Tough to see if there is even a bash guard to protect any sensitive wire connections of any kind should the bike tip over. Lots of nice things… but a mystery as to why this bike is not popular and discontinued. Possibly some flaw or perhaps its out of date based on what’s available now? I know the bike is a 2016 model and thats a long time in terms of tech, so that’s where that concern comes from.
It is currently available as a clearance item for $2900 locally which feels like good value, I just want to make sure there is not some known issue with the way the Contro E-speed is equipped?? Here’s a link to the official page about the Contro E-speed.
Your opinion would be highly appreciated.
Replycourt
7 years agoExcellent questions, Matt! I’ll do my best to provide some perspective and inform your opinion/decision based on my experiences with different bikes and drive systems.
I hope this helps, and I’m excited for you! Sounds like a great deal that you’ve found… but sometimes older batteries can have a slightly diminished capacity (especially if the shop didn’t keep them charged). I would check the charge level before asking the shop about the bike (just turn on the display or press the little button on the pack). A new Bosch battery will cost $800 but can be easy to find or borrow, it’s a great pack overall.
ReplyBill H.
5 years ago2018 Cannondale Contro E Speed: This is a great bike. I no longer even ride my Joe Breezer Metro Commuter. It was more expensive than this one. This bike is that good. I live in San Francisco and my commute is hilly. I found myself not riding as much. It was always some excuse. The fact is that I was no longer able to safely make the climbs. Loaded down with lunch, clothes a laptop, gym clothes etc… This bike opened a new chapter. I can have my cake and eat it too. I don’t even sweat on the climbs. Dudes commuting to work in full on riding attire have taken notice. I ride to work in what I wear to work. No sweat.
My medium frame bike has 1,700 miles. My top speed is 58-60mph. Likely faster as the speedometer lags by several seconds. The bike weighs a lot. 60lbs? Curious co-workers try lifting it and can’t. They smile politely and usually say something like “wow” then set it down. Thank goodness Deore Pads are inexpensive. All that bulk, two stuffed paniers and my 220lbs is asking lots from a bike disc brake. This ride legitimately needs dual brakes like motorcycles have. One on either side of the front axle. It gathers speed insanely fast. So fast in fact, you can snick through the 10-spd cassette so fast that it burns through cassettes and chains. Even the smoothest, most timely shifts, keeping the cranks right in the sweet spot, puts big time strain on the drive. The chain snaps into the next higher gear as fast as you can click through them. this leads to a stretched chain that eventually breaks brakes. 300 miles is what I get out of them. I used to buy the shimano spec chains for $24 but any Chinese 10spd chain works. They last just as long too. No country has more bikes than china. Even with the rapidly growing middle-class bikes still outnumber cars. Chinese make heavy, well manufactured, heavy duty stuff. I buy these fancy gold plated ones for $14 on amazon. I lube them with motor oil. The strain placed on the drive train means commerical grade Mobil 1.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWow, it sounds like you’ve really broken your Contro E Speed in! Ride safe out there, Bill. Thanks for the story and tips :)
ReplyBill H.
5 years agoHi Court, I cannot afford a blow out. One update I neglected to mention is that I converted to tubeless. Yes, I am on my 2nd set of Schwalbe B.Ben’s. an observation. Class 3 mid-drive bikes I thought would be obsolete by now. Supplanted by improvement models. Have you looked? Cannondales mid-market bikes are now Shimano Step. Many and I should say, most other e-bikes, with mid-drive, rear cassette style drives are well above $3,000. Typically comparable machines are in the $4,500 range and they still lack the component integration of the Contro-E. Bike commuting here in SF I ride across the Peninsula is scary. You might as well put a target on your back. Here are some photos of my bike one, two, three