At € 4,999, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC is among the most affordable bikes on test. Nevertheless, it leaves little to be desired in terms of its componentry. If it’s able to deliver on the trail what the spec sheet promises, we want to know CUBE’s secret.

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CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 150/140 mm (f/r)
24.75 kg in size L | € 4,999 | manfacturer website

As we’ve come to expect from CUBE, the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC is consciously styled from front to back. The black and orange colour scheme of the 29er extends across the carbon frame to the wheels and tires. Once again, CUBE have managed to spec the best components at an unbeatable price of € 4,999. The FOX Performance suspension consisting of a 36 fork and DPX2 shock delivers 150 and 140 mm travel respectively. The MAGURA MT7 brakes and 200 mm rotors front and rear are unparalleled in terms of reliability and braking power. It’s nearly impossible to puncture the Schwalbe Super Gravity casing of the Magic Mary tire up front and Hans Dampf on the rear, no matter how rough the trails. Our only gripe is with the remote of the in-house dropper post, which feels rickety and undefined and tends to get in the way of the brake lever when you try to position it more ergonomically. One of the bike’s standout features is the sleek battery cover hiding the 625 Wh Bosch battery in the down tube of the carbon frame, powering a Bosch Performance CX motor. However, the bike weighs a not insignificant 24.75 kg. Cube have designed their own cover for the charging port in the seat tube, replacing Bosch’s standard version and thanks to the in-house designed bracket, the KIOX display is nicely protected next to the stem. However, we’re less impressed with the integration of the external speed sensor on the chainstay, which still relies on the use of a spoke magnet. This option is more prone to problems than the better-integrated solutions we’ve come to expect.

CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC

€ 4,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox
Fork FOX 36 Perfromance Grip 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX DPX2 Performance 140 mm
Seatpost CUBE Dropper Post 150 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM NX Eagle 1x12
Stem CUBE Performance Stem 50 mm
Handlebar Newmen Evolution 780 mm
Wheelset Fulcrum E-Metal 700 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf Super Gravity 2.6"

Technical Data

Size S, M, L, XL
Weight 24.75 kg
Perm. total weight 125 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 100 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount no

Inconsistent
While there’s a big, ribbed protector on the chainstay, the seatstay remains exposed to chain slap.
Added weight we’re happy to take on board
The Super Gravity Schwalbe tires aren’t the lightest but they generate a lot of grip and easily withstand bad line choices or hard hits without puncturing.
Best brake on test
The MAGURA MT7 is by far the best performing brake on test!
Antiquated
It’s 2020 and CUBE still rely on an external speed sensor. We repeat ourselves…
Better than the original
Bosch’s original bracket puts the KIOX display in an exposed position on top of the stem. With CUBE’s ACID bracket, it sits nicely protected next to the stem. Our tip: screw the display onto the bracket. Bosch provide a specific kit for that.
Double trouble
The hard and uncomfortable grips and the rickety, undefined lever action of the dropper remote are the only two gripes we had with the spec. Fortunately, replacing these with high-quality alternatives isn’t expensive.

Geometry of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid

In terms of geometry, the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC is on the more coservative end of the spectrum. At 74.8°, the seat tube angle is somewhat slacker than the competition. Due to the kink in the seat tube, the angle slackens out even further as you extend the dropper post. Nevertheless, the riding position on level ground is very comfortable even for tall riders, evenly distributing your weight across your seat and hands. Combine this with the plush suspension and you’ve got a comfortable bike for long rides.

No other bike is as easy to control as the CUBE, though it does require vigilance at higher speeds.

Size S M L XL
Seat tube 375 mm 420 mm 470 mm 520 mm
Top tube 571 mm 592 mm 616 mm 642 mm
Head tube 105 mm 108 mm 118 mm 138 mm
Head angle 65.6° 65.6° 65.6° 65.6°
Seat angle 74.8° 74.8° 74.8° 74.8°
Chainstays 457 mm 457 mm 457 mm 457 mm
BB Drop 33 mm 33 mm 33 mm 33 mm
Wheelbase 1,189 mm 1,210 mm 1,235 mm 1,262 mm
Reach 411 mm 431 mm 452 mm 471 mm
Stack 617 mm 620 mm 629 mm 647 mm

CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 on test

Even on technical climbs, the CUBE is one of the best performers on test. Thanks to the relatively long chainstays and the low front end, keeping the front wheel planted is easy despite the rear-biased pedalling position. With such robust tires you can easily run lower tire pressures without the risk of punctures. Together with the suspension, they generate a lot of traction no matter how slick the conditions. The agile Stereo Hybrid 140 also feels comfortable on flowing, winding climbs and is capable of changing direction playfully.

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC doesn’t try to impress with flashy or lightweight components. Instead, the spec is geared towards reliable trail performance.

Going downhill, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC masters tight turns, berms and spontaneous line changes just as easily. Hardly any other bike on test is this easy to control. Only when things get really fast does it require an active and precise riding style. If you choose to hit obstacles at full tilt, the compact geometry and the suspension will soon reach their limits. The Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC is overly generous with its travel on larger jumps or hard impacts and it bottoms out harshly. However, with a more moderate riding style, the suspension is capable of generating a lot of traction on even the most demanding trails, fully exploiting the advantages of the CUBE’s high-end spec. The grippy tires and powerful, easy to modulate MAGURA brakes give you lots of control over the bike and instil you with confidence.

Tuning tips: softer grips | different dropper remote, such as the one Bikeyoke offer | volume spacer in the shock for very active riders

Helmet POC Tectal Race SPIN NFC | Glasses POC Aspire | Jersey POC Essential Enduro Jersey | Kneepads POC Joint VPD System Knee | Shoes CUBE GTY STRIX

Riding Characteristics

7

Agility

  1. sluggish
  2. playful

Stability

  1. nervous
  2. stable

Handling

  1. demanding
  2. balanced

Riding fun

  1. boring
  2. lively

Motor feeling

  1. digital
  2. natural

Motor power

  1. weak
  2. strong

Value for money

  1. poor
  2. top

Application

Forest road

1

Flow trail uphill

2

Flow trail downhill

3

Technical single trail uphill

4

Technical single trail downhill

5

Downhill tracks

6

Conclusion of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC

Besides offering excellent value for money, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC gets you a thoughtfully specced bike with trail-oriented componentry, a cleverly designed frame and balanced geometry. Few bikes on test are as easy to manoeuvre on the trail while offering such versatility. Only for adrenaline junkies with a need for maximum speed, the CUBE isn’t the ideal option. A well-rounded package delivering excellent performance for as little as € 5,000, the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC is the deserved winner of our coveted Best Buy.

Tops

  • high quality and well-considered spec
  • versatile
  • super agile and easy to control

Flops

  • undefined action of the dropper remote lever
  • suspension offers insufficient reserves at high speed
  • speed sensor with a spoke magnet

For more information head to cube.eu

The test field

Click here for an overview of the best budget eMTB

All bikes in review: CENTURION No Pogo E R2600i (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.0 (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 4 (Click for review) | RADON RENDER 10.0 (Click for review) | Scott Genius eRIDE 920 (Click for review) | Specialized Kenevo Comp (Click for review) | Trek Rail 7 EU (Click for review)


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Words: Photos: Finlay Anderson