Request for help deciphering specs on Cannondale Contro-E Speed 28mph bike

[MDEZZ]

Hello everyone!

I am wondering if anyone has first hand experience with the Conrto-Espeed by Cannondale. The bike has been discontinued but there is stock out there at a reasonable price.Bike was listed originally at $4499 and I can purchase it at $2900 new. It features Bosches Mid drive Performance Motor and has some other nice features. However not much on-line about it and I'm looking for opinions and feedback on this model. I can't even figure out how much it weights. I am considering purchasing it on a clearance and was hoping someone might have additional information or insight. It comes with a 500w power pack but Cannondale also says 250w drive motor- is this related to its Torque? I was expecting to see a nm rating for that. Can anyone help decipher?

Thanks!
Matt

https://www.cannondale.com/USA/bike/Productdetail?Id=2ec7bc22-8003-4130-ac04-f56878d1f090

 

[Nova Haibike]

I do not have experience with it. It is a good value at $2900. It has a 500wh battery, which is the larger or the two that Bosch makes. The specs on Cannondale's site says the motor is 250 W, but Bosch the Speed motor is actually 350 W. Torque is rated up to 63 nm. I do not know the actual weight of the Contro-E, but it has to be at least 50 lbs.

 

[MDEZZ]

I do not have experience with it. It is a good value at $2900. It has a 500wh battery, which is the larger or the two that Bosch makes. The specs on Cannondale's site says the motor is 250 W, but Bosch the Speed motor is actually 350 W. Torque is rated up to 63 nm. I do not know the actual weight of the Contro-E, but it has to be at least 50 lbs.

Nova- I appreciate your input.Thank you for taking some time to answer. Yes Im aware it has the larger battery (definitely a must!) I did not see where Cannondale listed the Torque rating of 63nm or is that just the standard across any bike when using the Bosch Performance Mid Drive?
Agreed it might be around 50lbs but maybe lighter? Fingers crossed. Also wondering about Cannondales HeadSchock and its reliability long term. Appreciate any and all feedback/info so thank you.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Other than the front fork, I'm not seeing a lot of difference between the E-Speed and the E-Rigid. Have you checked out Court's review?

 

[Nova Haibike]

I did not see where Cannondale listed the Torque rating of 63nm or is that just the standard across any bike when using the Bosch Performance Mid Drive?

That is Bosch's maximum rating for the Performance Speed motor using the Turbo support level.

Agreed it might be around 50lbs but maybe lighter?

This site says the Contro-E weighs 22.9 kg...50.5 lbs.

Also wondering about Cannondales HeadSchock and its reliability long term.

Cannondale's Headshok is no more or less reliable than conventional suspension forks. Upside is that it is lighter and more rigid; downside is travel is limited by its design. I do not know if the fork on the contro-E is air or coil spring; back when I worked on USA-made Cannondales they offered both. Headshoks are pretty easy to service but require proprietary tools.

 

[MDEZZ]

Other than the front fork, I'm not seeing a lot of difference between the E-Speed and the E-Rigid. Have you checked out Court's review?

Hey Bruce! Yes I have checked out Courts Review and like most here, I think I have watched every video Court has done-it's like binge watching a Netflix series. He is great.
The main difference is the that the E-speed has 26" wheels vs the Rigids 24" and of course a Derailer on the E-speed vs a integrated Hub. To me it appears that the Si Console Stem/HandleBar System has nice easy adjustment options for tilting towards the rider for more upright and away from the rider for a more aggressive position. Lots of nice things...but a mystery as to why this bike is not popular? The other bike I am considering is the TINKER by Riese and Muller a 20" wheel bike and which is roughly $2000 more. Im wondering when compared to this bike if its worth it.

 

[MDEZZ]

That is Bosch's maximum rating for the Performance Speed motor using the Turbo support level.



This site says the Contro-E weighs 22.9 kg...50.5 lbs.



Cannondale's Headshok is no more or less reliable than conventional suspension forks. Upside is that it is lighter and more rigid; downside is travel is limited by its design. I do not know if the fork on the contro-E is air or coil spring; back when I worked on USA-made Cannondales they offered both. Headshoks are pretty easy to service but require proprietary tools.

Nova- thank you for your valuable input. I had noticed that Cannondale states "Motor SpecsBOSCH Performance Speed 250 W". 250w? If Cannondale uses the Bosch Performance Line-speed wouldn't the nominal output be 350w as stated on the bosch page?

However on this page it states "BOSCH PowerPack 500Wh E-Bike Charger: BOSCH 4A E-Bike Drive Unit: BOSCH Performance Speed 250 W US"
IF it truly uses the "more powerful "SPEED" version of the Bosch Performance Drive Unit with assist up to 45 kph and the acceleration you need to take on traffic … and win." then I dont understand why they are listing it in the specs as a 250w ? Any ideas?
See pic below:

 

[Nova Haibike]

That is what I was saying in my first posting, that the Performance Speed mootor is 350 W. I think Cannondale's site is a misprint. Regardless, if the bike offers support above 20 mph, it does not really matter what the tin says, so-to-speak.

 

[MDEZZ]

That is what I was saying in my first posting, that the Performance Speed mootor is 350 W. I think Cannondale's site is a misprint. Regardless, if the bike offers support above 20 mph, it does not really matter what the tin says, so-to-speak.

Agreed. It seems it would have to be 350w. I just left my local Cannondale dealer frustrated. This particular shop did not have anyone knowledgeable about E-bikes in general (even though they technically sell them) let alone the Contro E.

I am still seriously considering the Contro E b/c at $2900 brand new with a Bosch Speed and 500w power pack I believe its a good deal. Originally $4499. However I am still considering a Riese and Muller Tinker CX which I rode and loved. Different bikes for sure but both could fit my needs. Hilly where I live immediately (a vote for the Tinker) but also flats here in the suburbs (a vote for a good valued Bosched based speed pedelec -Contro E) The Tinker is compact and ideal for hopping on a train ride into the city and popping out and riding once in the city. The Cannondale Contro E - less so but as much as they crossover in checking my boxes - the differences are still significant enough to warrant a bit more thinking...expecially with the co$t differential.

 

[MDEZZ]

Just following up here for anyone that might benefit from this thread. Indeed Cannondale has a misprint on the their US Spec Sheet for the Contro E Speed. I spoke with customer service in CT directly myself. To be clear its a Bosche performance speed motor with 350W (Not 250w which was listed) It's a lot of value in my opinion since the asking price by the manufacturer has dropped from $4499 to $3199 and can be had for less locally if you ask. This bike comes with the latest 500w power pack batter..

 

[benzy]

MDEZZ, thanks for this topic and clarifying the specs. I have ordered one of these at $3k and was too a bit concered if it was a real class 3 because of the "250W" on the marketing materials. Pretty excited about bike and the value.

Did you end up buying the bike, and if so can you comment on your opinion so far?

 

[contro owner]

I bought one as well. Love it , 350 watt motor, super fast with 650 wheels, Added a body float seat post, a must have item (much better than thud buster as I have one of those on another bike as well), with the front shock thats on the bike and the seat shock this bike is smooth as butter. Ive gone 45 mph so far and could have went faster but I slowed down my self. I added 203 mm brakes as I liked that feature on the trek police version bike. 180 mm on the back as 203 will not fit on the rear. I added xtr peddles with adjustable cleats that grip my shoes and I replaced my bike seat with a much better saddle as I kept getting numbness. I replaced the hand grips with satellite grips ( the same grips on the trek super comuter 8) I did all the upgrades at the time of purchase as I tested many bikes and knew what I wanted plus I was under 4000.00 including tax out the door. I have rode bikes all my life and my tri bike has 650 wheels as well. 650 wheels are faster at acceleration from a dead stop. I also added reflective tape and ride with 2 additional lights on top of the 2 lights installed on the bike, Safety first. I adjusted the bike fit probably 15 times to make it as comfortable as possible. my bike seat now leans forward and is comfortable. and I raised the angle of the handle bars , try doing that with other bikes without replacing parts. by far the best deal on any electric bike on sale

 

[MDEZZ]

Agreed 100% - great deal on this bike. For some reason its under the radar but an incredible bike that I could not be happier with. Did you buy it in NYC?

 

[MDEZZ]

MDEZZ, thanks for this topic and clarifying the specs. I have ordered one of these at $3k and was too a bit concered if it was a real class 3 because of the "250W" on the marketing materials. Pretty excited about bike and the value.

Did you end up buying the bike, and if so can you comment on your opinion so far?

I did indeed and love the bike. Did you get your yet? Where did you order it from?

 

[Contro_Killerz]

I bought one as well. Love it , 350 watt motor, super fast with 650 wheels, Added a body float seat post, a must have item (much better than thud buster as I have one of those on another bike as well), with the front shock thats on the bike and the seat shock this bike is smooth as butter. Ive gone 45 mph so far and could have went faster but I slowed down my self. I added 203 mm brakes as I liked that feature on the trek police version bike. 180 mm on the back as 203 will not fit on the rear. I added xtr peddles with adjustable cleats that grip my shoes and I replaced my bike seat with a much better saddle as I kept getting numbness. I replaced the hand grips with satellite grips ( the same grips on the trek super comuter 8) I did all the upgrades at the time of purchase as I tested many bikes and knew what I wanted plus I was under 4000.00 including tax out the door. I have rode bikes all my life and my tri bike has 650 wheels as well. 650 wheels are faster at acceleration from a dead stop. I also added reflective tape and ride with 2 additional lights on top of the 2 lights installed on the bike, Safety first. I adjusted the bike fit probably 15 times to make it as comfortable as possible. my bike seat now leans forward and is comfortable. and I raised the angle of the handle bars , try doing that with other bikes without replacing parts. by far the best deal on any electric bike on sale

Mad wicked pic yo. I just got one too. It's got the headshok. I live in San Francisco and boy, the hills around here are bomb! With the slick tires you can go mad fast. It mad!

 

[Feliz]

Mad wicked pic yo. I just got one too. It's got the headshok. I live in San Francisco and boy, the hills around here are bomb! With the slick tires you can go mad fast. It mad!

Does that mean it's kick-ass?

 

[pbhutch]

I joined this board just to post on this thread. I am in a different market from most of you: A middle-aged woman. I had planned to say I am a happy Contro-e Speed owner but sadly mine was stolen a few days ago. So this is a requiem for a bike I truly loved. If you are considering buying one, don't think twice! I tested several models, but, without a test ride, I bought this from a local store on special order at the Cannondale sale price of 3299. It's definitely the 350W motor, and you do get pedal assist up to 28 mph. The bikes I tested did not hold a candle to this one. It made me feel like I have superpowers! I got a better workout than with my non-e bike because I rode so much more. Its weight is "24" (presumably Kg) according to the tube sticker (52.9 pounds) for a size Small but still a very easy ride even without the assist on. The fat tires grip the road. The brakes stop on a dime. When I pull my Burley Travoy, even a heavy load of groceries is a breeze to haul uphill. If you're a golfer, that's also a fun way to haul your sticks to the course to hit a bucket -- or use the Travoy as a golf cart as you play a round. It's loaded with standard accessories: Head/taillights; bell; rack, fenders, etc. The Intuvia computer (which not even the Trek Supercommuter 8s has) is a great upgrade if you take the time to learn its features. CONS: I don't like the Ortlieb rear rack, as it is proprietary to the high-end Ortlieb bag system. The fat rack wires just barely accommodate the plastic clips on my my cheap-but-reliable Ibera panniers. No accessory mounts on the tubes and large frame structure meant I had to spent $$$ on a soft bag that served as an insulated bottle cage. My biggest CON was the included Trelock, which is not a bad lock (but see Youtube videos easily breaking similar locks), although the bracket is mounted in an awful place. Clearly the sleek profile took priority over function. When collapsed, the lock's links are like dangling fingers that can't be easily maneuvered into the bracket. And removing the lock from the bracket requires too much fumbling and tugging. I thought I would get used to it but I never did. What's more, the lock allows only slightly more options than a U-Lock for placement due to its size limit. My next bike will have an Ottolock. (Google it.) Bottom Line: I miss my bike so much. As of this writing, I cannot find a Contro-e Speed in a size Small (must be adealer-to-dealer transaction, which my local shop is willing to do) to replace the stolen one. Cannondale's dealer agreement apparently precludes dealers from shipping these bikes to individual buyers, website offers notwithstanding. Aside from this, I can only find Medium and Large bikes available. If anyone can suggest how I can get my hands on a Small, please post. Also, please offer suggestions as to comparable bikes. The closest I have found is the Corratec Life, but it has the 250W Bosch system. Meanwhile, if you can get one in your size -- grab it. You won't regret it.

 

[DDBB]

I'd be devastated if my ebike was stolen. Can you make an insurance claim for it? It is a gorgeous bike

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I joined this board just to post on this thread. I am in a different market from most of you: A middle-aged woman. I had planned to say I am a happy Contro-e Speed owner but sadly mine was stolen a few days ago. So this is a requiem for a bike I truly loved. If you are considering buying one, don't think twice! I tested several models, but, without a test ride, I bought this from a local store on special order at the Cannondale sale price of 3299. It's definitely the 350W motor, and you do get pedal assist up to 28 mph. The bikes I tested did not hold a candle to this one. It made me feel like I have superpowers! I got a better workout than with my non-e bike because I rode so much more. Its weight is "24" (presumably Kg) according to the tube sticker (52.9 pounds) for a size Small but still a very easy ride even without the assist on. The fat tires grip the road. The brakes stop on a dime. When I pull my Burley Travoy, even a heavy load of groceries is a breeze to haul uphill. If you're a golfer, that's also a fun way to haul your sticks to the course to hit a bucket -- or use the Travoy as a golf cart as you play a round. It's loaded with standard accessories: Head/taillights; bell; rack, fenders, etc. The Intuvia computer (which not even the Trek Supercommuter 8s has) is a great upgrade if you take the time to learn its features. CONS: I don't like the Ortlieb rear rack, as it is proprietary to the high-end Ortlieb bag system. The fat rack wires just barely accommodate the plastic clips on my my cheap-but-reliable Ibera panniers. No accessory mounts on the tubes and large frame structure meant I had to spent $$$ on a soft bag that served as an insulated bottle cage. My biggest CON was the included Trelock, which is not a bad lock (but see Youtube videos easily breaking similar locks), although the bracket is mounted in an awful place. Clearly the sleek profile took priority over function. When collapsed, the lock's links are like dangling fingers that can't be easily maneuvered into the bracket. And removing the lock from the bracket requires too much fumbling and tugging. I thought I would get used to it but I never did. What's more, the lock allows only slightly more options than a U-Lock for placement due to its size limit. My next bike will have an Ottolock. (Google it.) Bottom Line: I miss my bike so much. As of this writing, I cannot find a Contro-e Speed in a size Small (must be adealer-to-dealer transaction, which my local shop is willing to do) to replace the stolen one. Cannondale's dealer agreement apparently precludes dealers from shipping these bikes to individual buyers, website offers notwithstanding. Aside from this, I can only find Medium and Large bikes available. If anyone can suggest how I can get my hands on a Small, please post. Also, please offer suggestions as to comparable bikes. The closest I have found is the Corratec Life, but it has the 250W Bosch system. Meanwhile, if you can get one in your size -- grab it. You won't regret it.

Here are 2 comparable bikes:

In 44cm frame size:(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

In 45cm frame size : (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

• Both have the Bosch Performance Speed 350W - 28mph motor
  
  
• 500whr battery for long range
  
  
• Easy-access semi step-through design
  
  
• During the thanksgiving week, you can get them for $3200 or less.
  
  
• All around top-quality components for commuting and cargo.

Few more options. These come with the Brose speed motor.

Izip Moda - (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)
500whr battery, 28mpg top speed, Supermoto-X tires.

In a few weeks, you can grab one of these from your local dealer for $2500.

 

[pbhutch]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

DDBB, I have insurance that I think is really good, but I'll withhold judgment until the claim is settled late next week. I've learned the insurance that matters is the lock. I encouraged my local store to take a hard look at the Ottolock and they decided to stock it.

The two bikes with the Bosch 350 motors that Ravi suggested look very promising. I need to be patient and wait for Black Friday. Here's hoping for a mild winter.

Another Contro-e is still my first choice and I'm still hopeful I can somehow make that happen.