Cube Stereo One22 endurance test: Can the MTB withstand 46,300 metres of altitude?

What a debut: Not even 20 kilometres on the clock and I'm already being lifted over the handlebars with force. The impact is hard and painful, but at least there are no serious consequences. The guy had simply crossed the cycle path without even looking left or right. What remains is the certainty that the fitted Magura MT Thirty brakes are really powerful and a fat scratch on the rear derailleur. Lucky for us, because a big crash like that can have a bad outcome, especially if it's a lightweight carbon frame like the Cube Stereo One22 C:62 acts.

Low price, no visual highlights, rather simple and inconspicuous. But what Cube puts on the tyres for just 3799 euros is unbeatable when you look at it soberly. - Franz Fischer, long-term tester for BIKE

Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLX - a sensational package

My previous endurance test bikes were usually priced in a higher league and exuded a little more bling-bling flair or at least triggered immediate "want-to-have" reflexes. The discreet black Cube Stereo One22 is a little different. Low price, no visual highlights, rather simple and inconspicuous. But what Cube puts on the tyres for just 3799 euros is unbeatable when you look at it soberly.

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Lightweight trail bike, top equipment

The bike giant Cube also lives out its penchant for understatement on this bike and puts together a really attractive package - starting with the carbon frame weighing just 1950 grams, the Sram X0 Eagle transmission gears and the lightweight Newmen Beskar aluminium wheels. The suspension of the Stereo One22 also comes from the upper mid-range and consists of a Pike Select+ and a Deluxe Select+ shock from Rockshox.

All in all, the One22 weighs in at a slim 12.6 kilos without pedals. A figure that even trail bikes twice as expensive often struggle to match. With 130 millimetres of travel at the front and 120 millimetres at the rear, the Cube is functional and perfectly equipped for fast trail laps or extended multi-day tours in the Alps.

Cheatcode - home-made brand

To keep the price low, Cube also uses its own brands for the Stereo. The grips, saddle and dropper post are all made in-house. Although I am always very particular when it comes to choosing a saddle and like to go for the tried and tested on multi-day tours like the six-day Dolomite crossing, the Acid Nuance Lite saddle stayed on and did a good job. Sufficiently comfortable, even after hours in the saddle. Only the thin, poorly cushioned grips were not convincing.

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With 150 millimetres of travel, the in-house telescopic seatpost ultimately provided sufficient drop, especially as the seat tube on the M-frame measures only 405 millimetres and also offers sufficient freedom of movement for riders with short legs. Unfortunately, towards the end of the test, the seal of the seat post ran dry and was pulled out when the bike was extended. When trying to get the seal back into place, the spring washer tore - annoying, but easy to replace. Until then, the post did its job without any increased play.

Top gearstick, but brakes with flaws

Sram's electronic transmission shifting system showed its best side: robust and precise. Even the crash at the beginning of the test phase with the heavy rear derailleur hit did not impair the function. Only changing gears with the somewhat unergonomic controller was unfamiliar at first, even with my AXS experience. As gear replacements are notoriously expensive, I routinely gave the Stereo a new chain every 1000 kilometres. The cassette and chainring therefore look comparatively good.

The brakes, on the other hand, caused me a little more concern: the four-piston Magura calipers gripped firmly, but often made a lot of noise in hot weather. Brake disc whirring and squealing were constant companions on long descents. Due to the low retraction of the pistons, the brake calliper also has to be meticulously aligned, otherwise it grinds. Almost 50,000 metres of downhill riding leave their mark somewhere. With a thickness of 1.85 millimetres, the brake discs are close to the wear limit and should be replaced soon, just like the rear brake pads.

Blemishes: rust film on the bearings

Apart from the unsightly rust film on the main bearing of the frame, all ball bearings rotate smoothly and without play. This also applies to the bottom bracket and hubs. The spoke structure of the Newmen wheels also coped well with the continuous load and still has an even spoke tension. Only the Rockshox shock is due for a service. The lockout no longer closes reliably and causes the rear end to bob noticeably.

Conclusion - Endurance test Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLX 29

The Cube Stereo One22 is a real recommendation. There is hardly a bike with a better price-performance ratio for touring use. Apart from minor issues and the usual wear and tear, the durability in continuous use was also impressive. - Franz Fischer, long-term tester for BIKE

Cube Stereo One22: Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

• Light
• Powerful propulsion
• Equipped with high-quality components

Disadvantages

• Loud braking noises
• Rust on the main bearing axle
• Screw cannot be installed in the frame