Cannondale introduces the Compact Neo, its smallest and lightest e-bike yet

20" urban bike promises powerful assist up to 20mph and a tidy footprint for small space storing.

The Cannondale Compact Neo e-bike
(Image credit: Cannondale)

American bike manufacturer, Cannondale, today launched its smallest and lightest e-bike yet. 

With a compact alloy frame, foldable stem and pedals, 20-inch wheels and less than 40 pound (18kg) weight, the Compact Neo has a tidy footprint aimed at apartment dwellers and office workers hoping to increase their mobility.

The Compact Neo is equipped with an eight-speed microSHIFT drivetrain with an 11-34 Sunrace cassette and Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes. 

The electric assist comes from a Hyena MRC-250 drive unit with 40Nm toque, which offers three modes, will speed up your ride up to 20 mph (25km/h) and promises to provide a smooth and silent run.

A simple, three-button handlebar control unit allows you to toggle between the modes and the integrated lights.  A hidden 250Wh battery will provide power up to 47 miles (75 km) on a single charge.

Made for everyday riding, the Compact Neo comes stocked with integrated front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack and big, 2.35" Kenda K-Rad tires.

The smart design of the frame geometry and seat post is meant to provide a one-size-fits-most solutions for shared use among family members.

Cannondale's electric bike collection is already 48 models deep ranging from the high-end, 10,000-dollar Topstone Neo and SuperSix Evo Neo carbon bikes to full-powered enduro mountain bikes and all the way down to affordable, everyday hybrid cruisers. 

Prices for the Compact Neo start at $1900 USD. In the UK, the Compact Neo will be available starting in the spring of 2023 and will retail for £2,000.

*We'll be getting one in for review later this winter, although one of our team thinks the Compact Neo looks very much like on of the most fun bikes of the last 20 years.

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Anne-Marije Rook
North American Editor

Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.

Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.