Cannondale  Topstone Neo SL 2 Electric Bike

This bicycle threw an overvoltage protection fault (#193) on the first charge, disabling the ebike motor. I find it absurd that charging the bike could brick it. The software/firmware is NOT user-accessible, and will require REI to service on your behalf. This fault is known to Mahle EBikeMotion, and a firmware update is available that allegedly fixes this issue by increasing the voltage tolerances...but only to REI or a similar authorized dealer. Should you purchase this bike, I'd recommend NOT taking delivery without having the firmware updated. My bike is out for 2+ weeks just to get this done.

I own a Cannondale with the Mahle X-35 system purchased from REI. There was an early problem with the battery that was replaced under warranty thanks to REI Tualatin. They got in touch with Mahle U.S. reps. Mahle was great with firmware updates. They fixed w firmware update to error code for range extender battery. My point here is the my REI team established rapport with Mahle reps and issues were quickly resolved. It’s a great system with a sophisticated useful app allowing adjustment of assist levels. With range extender battery 60-70 mi rides are possible. The Cannondale Topstone with the Mahle X-35 system should be a great reliable light ebike.

We bought two of these bikes but were never able to ride them. When we fully charged the bikes, both bikes showed a system error and the electrical assist did not work. We took them back to REI and were told that the (brand new) batteries needed to be replaced but none would be available for several months. We were also told that this is a common issue and that we should avoid bikes with this ebike system (Mahle). So why is REI continuing to sell them? Very frustrating!

I bought my bike in November 2021. I have had none of the issues listed on the other reviews. I rode it on a bicycling tour, OK Freewheel which starts in Texas goes across Oklahoma and ends in Kansas. This year route included crossing over into Arkansas and Missouri which had some great climbs! My Top Stone got me up those “mountains”! Mileage was on the average about 65 miles daily. My battery was good for about 45 miles. I would ration the usage somewhat. The battery never did go dead. The auxiliary battery can now be ordered from REI. Mine is in the mail! So I will have a back up battery for those longer rides, just in case I need a little boost. I love the new App! It works great, the information on it is awesome. Again I’m am so happy with my Awesome new bike! 

I looooove this bike. It's fast. It's fun. It doesn't look like a giant chunky e-bike. I can keep up with my husband who is a much more serious cyclist. Unfortunately it got the dreaded pink flashing light after the third charge and would no longer turn on. Unlucky for me since I was out on a trail in the middle of a national park when it happened. After doing everything I could via researching online, I came to the conclusion that I would have to take it in. I got the runaround from my local REI (Lynnwood, WA), who shrugged their shoulders and suggested I call Cannondale. Cannondale confirmed the dealer (REI) had to do a firmware update to keep the battery from overcharging itself and bricking (pink flashing light). I checked with a different REI an hour away (Bellingham, WA) and had a couple of lengthy phone calls with their techs. They were kind enough to go down the rabbit hole. They spoke to REI corporate, spoke to the battery manufacturer, ordered the cable and firmware update dongle they needed, and got my bike fixed in a couple of weeks. I've got it back and it's working great. I recommend this bike, but I don't recommend taking delivery without getting the firmware update FIRST. Keep calling until someone is willing to help you out.

The first bike had a cell overcharge after the first ride and the error code couldn’t be fixed. The second bike had a faulty motor. The Mahle Ebike system is too unreliable to justify the price. Stick with Bosch or Shimano

We purchased this bike and on the second charge we had an error that completely disable the electronic component of the drive train. We had to take it back to REI to service as the firmware can't be updated.

Same problem as everyone else. Very first charge and the firmware took a dump. Took back to REI and the repair guy said I was better off returning it. Too bad because if it worked it looked like it wood be a sweet ride.

I've ridden over 1200 kilometers with Neo SL2 for a year now and I haven't had any issues with it! The Weight ratio between rear and front differs a little bit too much on difficult paths, but otherwise it's great!

This might be a little premature as I've only had the bike a few days, but since this is a newer product with many reviews I wanted to share my first impressions. This bike is GREAT. I bought it to replace a commuter electric bike that failed after a few hundred miles. With only 70 miles on this bike so far I have no way of knowing if it will withstand the daily grind. But it flies as a commuter and the short gravel trails I've taken it out on so far have been a blast. Shifting took some time to get used to, but it is buttery smooth and the brakes have great stopping power. A bike like this can tempt one to ditch the car altogether. My one complaint would be that the charger is more annoying to plug in than it should be because you have to line up the prongs. This bike is beautiful and has the right amount of engineering to retain a little old school feel despite being modern. Astonishingly light for an ebike, it literally weighs about half of my last ebike, which makes hauling it up the stairs to my office much easier. Looking forward to taking it out on the trails this spring.