Review | CUBE Elite Hybrid HPC SLT 29
Six frantic heartbeats later and my pulse is already racing at 180 bpm. Every single muscle in my body is tense. I fitfully exhale air from my oxygen-starved lungs. The AC/DC guitar solo is ringing in my ears and throbbing in my legs, which have adopted its rhythm.
» I looked round «
» And I knew there was no turning back «
Dammit. What’s happening? The rock concert has gone wild. I started at a harmless 132 bpm, completely oblivious to the potency that an iPhone, an e-bike, and I could stir up.
Up until now I’d been convinced that stability and comfort always took pole position when it came to a regular E-MTB. But, well … the € 6,000 CUBE Elite Hybrid isn’t your typical e-mountain bike.
With a stylish carbon frame, a superb RockShox RS-1 inverted fork with carbon uppers, SRAM’s sinfully expensive XX1 groupset, bike-porn-esque carbon cranks and aggressive
MAGURA MT8 disc brakes with carbon brake levers, this bike isn’t just remarkably light and fast – it also exudes pure sex appeal. When it comes to the CUBE Elite Hybrid, it’s definitely worthy of a second glance. Tuned for the perfect performance to weight balance, the skinny 29″ DT Swiss wheels team with the smoothness of the Schwalbe tyres to create the foundation for impressive acceleration.
» Sound of the drums «
» Beatin’ in my heart «
With the 250 watt Bosch Performance Cruise mid-drive motor you’re propelled forwards at up to 25 km/h. And even if you’d prefer a speedier commuter version or 45 km/h post-work whip, the lightweight CUBE is still a mean, fast bike. Weighing in at 16.9 kg, we suspect it’s one of the lightest on the market – if not the lightest. The Elite Hybrid is made for exhilarating speed with its balanced and super nimble handling. As the 100 mm fork irons out bumps on dirt tracks and mellow trails, the MAGURA MT8 brakes demonstrate first-class braking prowess – definitely a welcome necessity if you’re a fan of speed. After all, those who brake late are faster longer! And it’s not a problem with these brakes.
» My mind raced «
» And I thought what could I do «
» And I knew «
» There was no help, no help from you «
As the terrain gets rougher, and the trails steeper and more techy, you need to be aware that despite all its technical finesse, the Elite Hybrid won’t be of much use. The spec, uncompromisingly tuned for speed and weight, isn’t suited to aggressive riding on the trails. Given the small-volume 2.25″ tyres on the narrow rims, the lack of a dropper post, and the absence of rear suspension (which doesn’t just provide stability on descents, but also gives a lot of traction on technical climbs), comfort and stability are low.
» I was shakin’ at the knees «
» Could I come again please? «
However, once you’ve worked out what this bike is intended for, then there’ll be no stopping you. I finish the post-work ride, legs trembling, and blood pumping like the drum solo on the last track. Out of breath and sweaty as hell, I can’t wipe the grin off my face. My thoughts revolve around one thought, and that’s the replay button on the AC/DC playlist.
» Broke all the rules, played all the fools «
» Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds «
Specifications:
Frame: HPC Twin Mold Monocoque Technology, 29 ARG
Fork: Manitou Marvel TS Air 29
Brakes: Shimano XT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Price: 3199,00 €
Weight: 18,6 kg
Conclusion
For € 6,000 CUBE have brought out an excellent E-MTB. The Elite Hybrid has a cohesive concept that just begs to get you (and your heart) racing. With its brilliant spec, tidy details, and flawless performance on less techy trails, we could declare it a bargain bike. We’re sold. But one thing remains: if listening to rock n’ roll isn’t enough, and you’d rather ride on rocky-techy terrain, then you’re better off with a fat-tyred duallie, dropper post, and more travel. After all, you wouldn’t drive a Formula 1 Ferrari in a rally car race … even if you can blast out AC/DC at the same time.
More information at cube.eu.
Words: Robin Schmitt Pictures: Christoph Bayer
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