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In the price range around 5000 euros, manufacturers have to calculate with a sharp pen. The Upper Palatinate company Cube has succeeded in doing just that: They even afford a touch of luxury in key areas. For example, the carbon frame, the Rockshox ZEB fork or the XT rear derailleur. Together with the Bosch Smart System and 750cc battery, this is an impressive package for 5299 euros - better than the Haibike NDuro 6 from Schweinfurt.
However, the main differences between the two test candidates lie in their geometry. Compared to the brute Haibike, the compact Cube looks like a pimped all-mountain: steeper head angle, shorter wheelbase, shorter suspension travel, plus the smaller front wheel - this makes the Stereo much more agile on twisty trails than the bulkier Haibike.
A more active riding style is required on the climbs, as the front of the Cube climbs earlier. However, if you manage to transfer equal pressure to the saddle and front wheel, you will be able to climb the steepest climbs with the Cube. Thanks to the sensitive rear suspension, the super grippy Maxxis tyres and the powerful but easy to modulate Bosch motor, you always have plenty of grip and propulsion. The Cube has advantages over its duel partner on technical climbs: The front wheel is easier to lift and the shorter wheelbase allows for tighter radii.
The riding position and suspension of the Cube are comfortable, the potent Rockshox ZEB harmonises well with the rear suspension - with this setup, you'll be happy to tackle longer tours. And in view of the good range, this is easily possible. The Cube can't keep up with the Haibike on steep downhills. Although the suspension is very plush and the stable casing of the Maxxis tyres provides additional damping, the more compact geometry and the smaller front wheel mean that the Cube lacks a little smoothness for high-speed descents.
Cube relies on Bosch Performance CX Smart
The Swabian power unit delivers plenty of maximum power with good modulation. However, even in turbo mode, the Bosch requires a relatively high level of input from the rider if you want to utilise its full power. This makes it a sporty and lively tool, because when the rider accelerates, the motor accelerates too. Even at high pedalling frequencies, the Bosch unit continues to deliver power. The measure of all things on demanding uphill trails, especially in E-MTB mode.
Conclusion on the Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLX
"More of a suspension-pimped all-mountain than a racy enduro bruiser. With a comfortable riding position, strong suspension and good equipment, it's an affordable all-rounder for demanding trail tours." Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief
Technical data and notes Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLX
Manufacturer information
- Price: 5299 Euro >> available here
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / carbon/aluminium
Measured values²
- Reach height¹: 1911 (+0)hm
- Average speed: 13.7 km/h
- Weight²: 24.87 kg
- Centre of gravity height: 510 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 182 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 470 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Perf. CX Gen4 Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Powertube 750 4292 g / 999 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano Deore / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
- Display: Bosch Kiox
- Permissible total weight³: 135 kg
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox ZEB Select RC / Rockshox Deluxe Select+ RL
- Telescopic post: Cube Dropper Post, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano M6120 four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+, 27.5 x 2.5; Maxxis Minion DHR DD, 27.5 x 2.4
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
