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Sometimes the first experience with a new bike leaves a lasting impression. That was the case with the Stereo Hybrid 140. Test scenario: Finale Ligure at the end of 2021, in the middle of winter. At the top, our tyres were still crunching through the snow; at the bottom, wet conditions turned the rocky sections into a slippery ride. Nasty conditions even for enduro bikes. The Stereo Hybrid 140, which was new at the time, nevertheless performed surprisingly well. Even more recently the bike came out on top in the E-All Mountain comparison test up to 6000 euros.
The brand new Stereo Hybrid One44 follows in the footsteps of the popular all-rounder. But the Waldershof-based company wants to have made the top seller even better in almost every respect. The most obvious innovation is the position of the rear shock. Instead of being positioned vertically in front of the seat tube, it is now positioned horizontally under the top tube. According to Cube, however, the comfortable kinematics have not changed.
The facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 TM
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon/aluminium
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 5999 Euro >> at Bicycle XXL or Fitstore24
- Weight: 24.1 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 149 kg (manufacturer's specification)
Video of the new Cube e-MTBs
Bosch Performance Line CX: New motor, cautious updates
In terms of riding dynamics and background noise, the new motor is likely to play the bigger role. The bike is already fitted with the fresh Bosch CX 2025 and 800 battery. Even with the large battery, our test bike weighs 700 grams less than its similarly equipped predecessor with a 750 battery. Alternatively, the new 600 (900 grams lighter) can also be installed. If required, the battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube and is secured with a key. Cube doesn't dare to experiment here. Nice to see: The One44 is also approved for enduro use and a system weight of 150 kilos. A practical interface for a front headlight increases the utility value in everyday use.
The geometry of the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44
According to Cube, the geometry largely retains the values of its predecessor. However, the seat angle is one degree steeper and the head angle one degree slacker. A further 0.6 degrees slacker for even smoother running is achieved with the swivelling bearing shell in the headset. The chainstays remain quite long at 450 millimetres in size S and 457 millimetres in sizes M to XL. The biggest changes to the new chassis: the seat tube is now shorter to make room for longer dropper posts.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 414 mm
- Wheelbase: 1270 mm
- Reach: 476 mm
- Stack: 635 mm
- Steering angle: 64.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 76 degrees
- Chainstay length: 458 mm
Equipment: One44 TM now with GX transmission
The entry-level price for the new Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 is 4499 euros for the "Race" version. Four further models follow with SLX, TM, Action Team and SLT. The top model will cost 8499 euros and weigh 23 kilos. Our test bike One44 TM is slightly more expensive than its direct predecessor at 5999 euros, but also comes with electronic GX Transmission gears instead of the mechanical GX version. Practical: The power for the gears comes from the main battery, so there is no need to charge a separate battery. Suspension elements from the Fox Performance series, Newmen wheels and Purion 400 display are upper middle class, the MT7 brakes from Magura on our test bike were absolutely top!
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Performance
- Gear system: Sram GX Transmission (12-speed)
- Brakes: Magura MT7, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Beskar 30
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary/Big Betty, Supertrail/Supergravity, 29 x 2.4
- Special features: Adjustable steering angle, X-Link interface for headlights
On test: How the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 TM rides
Even when standing still, you get the feeling that you have a lot of bike in front of you with Cube's new all-rounder. The frame looks long, the down tube bulky, but the riding position is pleasing. However, the new One44 is no longer quite as tour-orientated as its predecessor, the Stereo Hybrid 140. The riding position is now slightly sporty and a little more forward orientated, while the lower stack lowers the handlebars a little. This should appeal to anyone who doesn't primarily ride the bike on flat terrain.
Uphill with the new Bosch motor
The new Bosch motor makes its mark on the Cube uphill. For a power motor in the 85 Newton metre class, it purrs along pleasantly quietly and is very direct and always easy to control. The Cube cuts a fine figure even on the most demanding uphill sections. Long chainstays, the steeper seat angle and the lower stack keep the front end firmly on the ground even in extreme situations. The suspension on our One44 TM test bike also does an even better job than on its predecessor. It sags less on steep uphill sections, improving handling and control without sacrificing traction elsewhere. All in all, this is a really successful performance.
Downhill performance
Downhill, the picture is similar. While the predecessor was already superior here, Cube goes one better in all respects and also gives the new bike a somewhat sportier touch. Thanks to the longer wheelbase and slacker steering angle, even the steeper headset setting makes for a very smooth ride. We found the suspension of the new bike to be very defined and poppy. This makes it easy to push yourself into the air on a root or generate momentum by pushing over waves. Also successful: When the trails become fast and demanding, the suspension elements of the new One44 remain confident and do not release the travel too easily. The predecessor roared through the travel much faster and therefore reached its limit sooner at high speeds. The spec of our test bike is well chosen. The Fox Performance suspension with 36 mm fork and Float-X shock is just as impressive as Magura's MT7 brakes. The stable Schwalbe Supergravity rear tyre matches the bike's high downhill potential.
The downside of so much riding confidence: when the trails get flatter and the corners tighter, the new Cube doesn't set any records. The predecessor with a slightly more compact wheelbase was more agile here despite the borderline plush suspension. On the other hand, there is praise for the soundscape. Even on rough downhill terrain, the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 remains remarkably quiet and, with its slightly lower front end and longer wheelbase, encourages a lot of speed. Not an enduro bike, of course, but the moderate suspension travel on paper only becomes noticeable off-road at really high speeds and hard impacts.
EMTB review of the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 TM
Strengths
- High driving dynamics
- Balanced chassis
- Range and motor power
- Price/performance
Weaknesses
- Slightly sluggish in tight bends
The BIKE conclusion: An all-round success
The Stereo Hybrid One44 turns Cube's all-rounder from a comfortable tourer into a serious sports machine. Weight, climbing characteristics, suspension, downhill, range: the new bike trumps its already good predecessor almost everywhere. In addition, the One44 is really quiet for a power bike both uphill and downhill. The disadvantages in terms of manoeuvrability remain manageable. In short: an all-round success and affordable to boot. Buy tip! - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
