This coming season marks the launch of CUBE’s revamped Stereo Hybrid frame, although the most affordable CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro model will still use last year’s frame. This is not definitively a negative feature, but how is the bike going to perform when the going gets tough – or is it already past its sell-by-date?
This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.
Looking anything but ready for the scrapheap, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro cuts a fine figure with its stylish black and red colourway. The internal cable routing and fashionably-matching components give it an ultra-modern sheen, and CUBE have stayed true to their roots by kitting it out with a high-quality and well-considered spec including an 11-speed Shimano XT groupset, grippy 2.35″-wide Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres, and a powerful Bosch Performance CX motor.
The first striking feature is how compact and upright the riding position is, which stems from the short 586 mm top tube (size 18″) teamed with the short 50 mm stem. The wide gear ratio on the 11-speed cassette (11-42) and the steep 74° seat angle render any steep incline within your realm of capability, and the front wheel remains consistently planted. On descents the bike is equally competent, knowing exactly how to corner and handle high speeds with ease. The combination of the short frame, slack 67.5° head angle, and slightly longer 485 mm rear end results in a super-willing bike that’s as responsive as a race car. The Manitou Mattoc Comp fork with 140 mm travel is satisfyingly responsive and irons out any bumps on the trail. The linear 140 mm travel at the rear harmonizes well with the fork, although the price-point Manitou Radium rear shock is no rival for the performance at the front. The whole bike is nicely rounded off with grippy Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres and a wisely assembled cockpit with wide bars and short stem.
Details
Specs of the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro
Fork: Manitou Mattoc 140 mm
Shock: Manitou Radium Expert RL
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 400
Brakes: Magura MT2
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 11
Seatpost:CUBE Performance
Stem: CUBE Performance Stem Pro 50 mm
Bars: CUBE Rise Trail Bar 740 mm
Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35″
Wheels: Answer Atac AM
Weight/Size: 22.01 kg / Size M
Price: € 3,499
Conclusion
The CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro is definitely not ready for the scrapheap just yet – not for a long while. Thanks to its well-considered spec and balanced handling package, it knows exactly how to deliver performance on everything from mellow meadow trails to trickier, technical ones. In this group test, it has left the competition flailing in its wake, and the CUBE is more than deserving of the titles of test win and buyers’ tip! Chapeau!
Strenghts:
- Winning mix of agility and stability
- Out-of-the-box trail competence
- Well-chosen, high-quality spec
Weaknesses:
- Battery has to be dismounted for charging
For more information visit the Cube Website
[/emaillocker]This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.
Don’t miss the other reviews of this group test: Bergamont E-Line Contrail 6.0 400 | Giant Full-E+ 2 | KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX
Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer
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