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Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM on testLightweight and nimble handling to test victory

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 12.09.2024

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM // Bosch Performance SX // 400 Wh, permanently installed // 140 mm // 29 inches // 18.4 kg // 6499 euros
Photo: Max Fuchs

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Fairly priced, superbly equipped, super light and extremely fun: the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 raises the category of affordable light eMTBs to a new level. With Bosch's Performance SX, the industry giant has put together an outrageously good package. Can the € 6499 model also impress?
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Many have been waiting for price-performance brands like Cube to enter the race for the best light eMTB. At the beginning of the year, the time had come and Cube unleashed a real firecracker with the AMS One44. Cube has achieved a great success with the elegant top model of its first light e-MTB. Now we have put the more affordable version to the test. Can the AMS Hybrid One44 TM also impress?

>> How does the Cube AMS One44 TM compare with the light competition at around € 6000? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM // Bosch Performance SX // 400 Wh, permanently installed // 140 mm // 29 inches // 18.4 kg // 6499 eurosPhoto: Max FuchsCube AMS Hybrid One44 TM // Bosch Performance SX // 400 Wh, permanently installed // 140 mm // 29 inches // 18.4 kg // 6499 euros

At 18.4 kilos, even the cheaper equipment version is a real lightweight. And that's without cheating on the suspension elements or tyres. 140 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels should make the bike the ideal trail all-rounder. Cube primarily takes the weight out of the chassis with a permanently installed battery. The full carbon frame has been optimised down to the last detail and therefore not only weighs in at a very light 2.1 kilos, but is also at the lower end of the stiffness scale. The narrowly dimensioned bearings and the slim rocker arm are visually striking. Although this is noticeable on the trail, it is not a knock-out criterion even for heavier riders. There are more precise candidates, but the AMS is forgiving and good-natured. All in all, this is an outrageously good overall package that is unrivalled in this price range. Test winner in our big comparison of seven light eMTBs under € 6600!

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The cables run through the headset into the inside of the frame.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe cables run through the headset into the inside of the frame.

The facts about the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM

  • Motor: Bosch Performance SX, 55 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed), optional 250 Wh range extender
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 140 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 6499 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 18.41 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 135 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The rear triangle is narrow and not very stiff. As a result, the tyre grinds slightly on the seat stay when cornering - despite the narrow Nobby Nic. On the trail, however, even heavier testers did not notice the soft rear end negatively.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe rear triangle is narrow and not very stiff. As a result, the tyre grinds slightly on the seat stay when cornering - despite the narrow Nobby Nic. On the trail, however, even heavier testers did not notice the soft rear end negatively.
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The e-bike drive

With the Bosch Performance SX Cube is also sticking with its long-standing partner Bosch for its light e-MTBs. The "little Swabian" provides a particularly dynamic and well-dosed drive. It also has a very high maximum output at high pedalling frequencies. This makes riding uphill a lot of fun for light conditions. However, at low cadences, for example a Fazua Ride 60 noticeably more torque. In addition, the Bosch SX runs out of breath quite early on long climbs in turbo mode, as the power is throttled quite quickly under continuous load.

The Bosch Performance SX is not particularly compact by light standards - but it is very powerful and particularly dynamic.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe Bosch Performance SX is not particularly compact by light standards - but it is very powerful and particularly dynamic.The charging port flap closes magnetically.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe charging port flap closes magnetically.

The 400 Wh battery is permanently installed in the down tube. For more range, there is the option of a 250 Wh range extender. Classic: Wireless mini-remote and minimalist LED display in the top tube. Too bad: The Performance SX rattles out of the gearbox on the trail.

The speed is measured via the valve solenoid and the sensor is located directly in the engine. This eliminates the need for error-prone cable routing to the speed sensor at the dropout.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe speed is measured via the valve solenoid and the sensor is located directly in the engine. This eliminates the need for error-prone cable routing to the speed sensor at the dropout.

The geometry

The bottom bracket is low, the seat tube short. Beyond that, you will look in vain for striking values. The steering and seat angles, wheelbase and reach are moderate - this speaks for balanced handling without surprises. Thanks to the straight seat tube, the real seat angle is barely slack, even for long-legged riders.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 415 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1250 mm
  • Reach: 471 mm
  • Stack: 640 mm
  • Steering angle: 65 degrees
  • Seat angle: 76 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 449 mm
  • Bottom bracket height: 336 mm

The equipment of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM

The TM model has solid trail equipment that is also really high-quality. Very light Newmen wheels and the Sram GX Eagle Transmission electronic drivetrain are unique in this price range.

  • Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Perf.
  • Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission, 34; 10-52 teeth
  • Brakes: Magura MT7, 203/180 mm
  • Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL E.G. 30
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Supertrail Soft / Nobby Nic Supertrail Soft, 29 x 2.4''
  • Special features: Cables run through the headset into the frame
The Sram GX Eagle Transmission electronic drivetrain stands out in this test field. Super high quality and precise! The power comes from the small AXS battery, which has to be charged separately.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe Sram GX Eagle Transmission electronic drivetrain stands out in this test field. Super high quality and precise! The power comes from the small AXS battery, which has to be charged separately.Despite the focus on low weight, there is a potent Float-X shock from Fox with a reservoir to ensure that the rear suspension works consistently well even on rough descents.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberDespite the focus on low weight, there is a potent Float-X shock from Fox with a reservoir to ensure that the rear suspension works consistently well even on rough descents.At the front is a Fox 36 Performance with 140 mm travel.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberAt the front is a Fox 36 Performance with 140 mm travel.Only the 180 mm brake disc on the rear wheel prioritises weight over function. This doesn't quite fit in with the otherwise solid equipment. The Magura MT7 worked great on the test bike.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberOnly the 180 mm brake disc on the rear wheel prioritises weight over function. This doesn't quite fit in with the otherwise solid equipment. The Magura MT7 worked great on the test bike.

Practical test: How the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM

Does lightweight construction on an E-MTB make sense? If you get on the Cube AMS One44, the answer is obvious: Yes! Because the bike with the lowest weight and lightest wheels rides noticeably more lively and light-footed than the competition in a direct comparison. It's instant riding fun!

Watch out, riding fun! No other bike in the test was as light-footed as the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM on the trail. No wonder, because it is by far the lightest bike in the comparison.Photo: Max FuchsWatch out, riding fun! No other bike in the test was as light-footed as the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM on the trail. No wonder, because it is by far the lightest bike in the comparison.

The riding position is balanced, and despite the nominally slack seat angle, you sit comfortably centred on the bike. Not too much pressure on the hands on the flat, no pedalling from behind on the climbs - that's great. Uphill, the Cube does its job very well, but needs to be actively steered over steep stretches. Then, with the lively SX thrust, tricky climbs are definitely possible.

The Cube doesn't miss a beat on the climbs either. For long tours, however, you have to use the battery sparingly.Photo: Max FuchsThe Cube doesn't miss a beat on the climbs either. For long tours, however, you have to use the battery sparingly.

The bike stands out in trail use. With its feel-good handling and well-designed suspension, it zips through corners with agility and manoeuvrability without being jittery. Only when the going gets steep, rocky and rough downhill is it no longer quite in its element. This is because the geometry is not designed for high-speed battles. However, thanks to good equipment and effective suspension, it also performs well downhill.

If you pedal at a high frequency, the Performance SX briefly delivers a lot of power. In terms of torque, however, the difference to an 85 Nm motor like the one in the Giant light bike (rear) is dramatically noticeable. When pedalling slowly, the SX delivers very little thrust.Photo: Max FuchsIf you pedal at a high frequency, the Performance SX briefly delivers a lot of power. In terms of torque, however, the difference to an 85 Nm motor like the one in the Giant light bike (rear) is dramatically noticeable. When pedalling slowly, the SX delivers very little thrust.

EMTB evaluation of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM

Strengths

  • Light-footed trail handling
  • Good chassis
  • Powerful equipment
  • Very light

Weaknesses

  • Tyre grinds on the rear triangle under load
  • Permanently installed battery
  • Engine rattles
The AMS One44 scores top marks in trail use and has no real weaknesses. With this balanced performance, the bike is the deserved test winner on points!Photo: EMTB MagazinThe AMS One44 scores top marks in trail use and has no real weaknesses. With this balanced performance, the bike is the deserved test winner on points!

The EMTB conclusion

Really light, really well equipped and really fun on the trail: The Cube AMS One44 TM* delivers an outrageously good package at a fair price that the competition can't compete with. But: permanently installed battery. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
>> How does the Cube AMS One44 TM compare with the light competition at around € 6000? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity
Florentin Vesenbeckh is test manager at EMTB MagazinePhoto: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh is test manager at EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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