CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon in review – Onboard computers can be cool!

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is the only bike in our test to feature Bosch’s Nyon display with navigation features. Can the bike use the technology in its favour or is the huge display an unnecessary distraction on the trail? Read our review to find out.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

**CUBE** Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 150/140 mm (f/r)
23.96 kg in size L | € 8,499 | Manufacturer’s website

Without a doubt, the elegant CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon got the most attention during our test rides on the sun-soaked trails of Massa Vecchia. At first, the silver-black paint looks inconspicuous but comes to life in direct sunlight, shining in all colours of the rainbow – very cool! For the motor, CUBE rely on Bosch’s Performance Line CX drive, which delivers up to 85 Nm torque. The motor draws its power from an internal 625 Wh battery which is neatly integrated into the down tube of the carbon frame and protected by a sophisticated and, above all, very quiet battery cover. We would love to see the same level of integration with the speed sensor which still sits exposed on the chainstay and relies on a flimsy spoke magnet. Given that CUBE have already addressed this issue with the Stereo 160, we struggle to understand why they haven’t done the same here. The absolute highlight of our 23.96 kg test bike is the large Nyon display, which offers countless connectivity and navigation features. This bold move makes CUBE one of the trendsetters in our group test and proves that the German brand always makes an effort to respond to the needs of their customers.

The spec of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is almost perfect

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT is available with a Nyon display as well as the more compact Kiox model. Given that the rest of the spec is identical, we recommend spending the extra € 250 for the Nyon-equipped build. The suspension is made up of a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX DPX2 shock and generates 140 mm travel. German component manufacturer NEWMEN provide the carbon cockpit and wheels, which both suit the classy look of the CUBE. The wheels are shod in Schwalbe rubber, with a Magic Mary tire at the front and Big Betty out back, both 29 x 2.4” in the Super Trail casing. The wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper is superior in all respects to the mechanically activated posts installed on some much more expensive bikes in the test. Unfortunately, on our size L test bike, the dropper post only has 150 mm of travel. CUBE also rely on a wireless SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain which, in combination with the dropper, ensures a super tidy cockpit. The wireless AXS shifter and dropper remote are attached to the MAGURA MT7 brake levers via Shiftmix clamps. Unfortunately, almost all of our testers struggled to position the controls within easy reach.

**Best in test**
The Nyon display has already won our “Best ebike navigation system” group test. Its smart navigation and connectivity features make the CUBE the perfect touring bike.

**Too short!**
The RockShox Reverb AXS is superior to the mechanical droppers found on many of the more expensive bikes in test. However, the meagre 150 mm drop on the size L frame is simply not enough.

**Scratching our heads**
Why did CUBE integrate the speed sensor in the dropout of the Stereo Hybrid 160 but not the 140? A more robust and reliable solution seems a no brainer.

CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon

€ 8,499

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Nyon
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX DPX2 Factory 140 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 100–170 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 1x12
Stem CUBE Performance 60 mm
Handlebar NEWMEN ADVANCED 318.25 780 mm
Wheelset NEWMEN ADVANCED SL A.30 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Big Betty ADDIX Soft 2.4"

Technical Data

Size XS S M L XL
Weight 23.96 kg
Perm. total weight 135 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 111 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount no

**Age-old Bosch problem**
SRAM’s AXS drivetrain/dropper post combination and the tidy cable routing ensure a tidy cockpit. Only the chunky cable that connects the Nyon display and Bosch remote spoils the otherwise clean look. The cable winds around the handlebars like a vine.

**Tuning tip**
By using long two-finger levers on the MAGURA MT7 brakes, CUBE make it easier to reach both the brakes and shifter. Swapping the Shiftmix clamps will make for better (but still not perfect) ergonomics.

**Great choice**
The Schwalbe tire pairing of a Magic Mary up front and Big Betty out back, both in the Super Trail casing and ADDIX Soft Compound, perfectly suits the character of the Stereo Hybrid 140 and its area of application.

The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 is available in five sizes. The smallest XS model rolls on 27.5” wheels, which has shorter chainstays to suit. Our 29” size L test bike is relatively compact (457 mm reach). If you like long bikes and want to size up, you should check the seat tube length before doing so. Particularly on sizes L (470 mm) and XL (520 mm), this could result in significantly restricted freedom of movement on the bike.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	345 mm	375 mm	420 mm	470 mm	520 mm
Top tube	558 mm	569 mm	590 mm	614 mm	641 mm
Head tube	105 mm	105 mm	108 mm	118 mm	138 mm
Head angle	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°
Seat angle	75.3°	75.2°	75.2°	75.2°	75.2°
Chainstays	448 mm	457 mm	457 mm	457 mm	457 mm
BB Drop	16 mm	36 mm	36 mm	36 mm	36 mm
Wheelbase	1,157 mm	1,185 mm	1,206 mm	1,231 mm	1,258 mm
Reach	410 mm	416 mm	436 mm	457 mm	476 mm
Stack	580 mm	614 mm	616 mm	626 mm	644 mm

**Helmet** Fox Speedframe Pro | **Glasses** 100% Glendale | **Jersey** Fox Indicator LE LS Jersey
**Shorts** Fox Ranger Shorts | **Shoes** Crankbrothers Stamp BOA | **Socks** Fox 8″ Trail

Touring king? The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon on the trail

Once you’ve sat down on the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon, you won’t want to get off. The relaxed riding position and finely-tuned suspension ensure comfort at the highest level. While the Moustache with its Purion display is just as comfortable, the CUBE’s Nyon display gives the German bike bonus points. Whether you’re riding unknown trails, crossing the Alps or commuting to work in the concrete jungle, the display provides reliable navigation and other crucial data such as the battery’s remaining range. With its brilliant E-Live Valve suspension, the SIMPLON is the only worthy opponent in this test. The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon is the perfect companion for tourers who want to explore unknown terrain and take it easy on the trail!

The spec, comfort and handling of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon are perfect for touring riders! However, for challenging trails there are better bikes in this test.

Only on steep gravel ramps and winding climbs does the relaxed riding position show its downsides. Particularly riders with long legs are positioned far back over the rear wheel and have to actively shift their weight forward to keep the front wheel tracking. When negotiating steps and ledges, the Bike sits higher in its travel than the burlier 160 mm version. However, the suspension bobs, bringing the Stereo Hybrid 140 to a halt at technical cruxes.

Tuning tips: swap the right and left MAGURA Shiftmix clamps (this improves things but doesn’t completely solve the problem) | riders with long legs should push the saddle all the way forward

Downhill, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 impresses with its good-natured and intuitive handling which is particularly well-suited to beginners. In open corners, the compact frame and long 60 mm stem ensure balanced weight distribution. In combination with the grippy tires and sensitive suspension, you’ll have plenty of grip without having to shift your weight around much. The CUBE overcomes obstacles with lots of traction, albeit at moderate speeds. Get faster and the compact Stereo Hybrid 140 feels twitchy and prompts you to slow down again. For an aggressive riding style, the suspension lacks support and doesn’t provide sufficient reserves, harshly blowing through its travel even with small drops and obstacles.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

If we were looking for the perfect touring bike, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon could emerge as the winner of this group test. The spec, comfort, Nyon display and above all, the good-natured character of the bike are a perfect match for its intended use. However, on the trail, the bike struggles to keep up with many of its competitors, both uphill and downhill. With such a clearly defined area of application, it simply doesn’t have what it takes to come out on top as the best all-rounder.

Tops

outstanding long-distance comfort
killer look
spec suits the purpose
Nyon display with navigation

Flops

outstanding long-distance comfort
killer look
spec suits the purpose
Nyon display with navigation

You can find out more about at cube.eu

The test field