E-Mountainbike Review | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 SL 2016

Easy to brush off as just a slightly newer version of last year’s model, it’s only after taking a closer second look at the new CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 that you notice just how much it has been tweaked, tuned, and upgraded. But what sort of an effect will this have on the ride? We’ve found out.

This review is part of our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

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Perfectly positioned and perfectly designed, the CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 SL steals our hearts from the moment we get on it. From the saddle to the rims, the standard parts not only look good, but they also perform outstandingly well on the trails – as we found out during the tests. The basis of the bike is an all-new aluminium frame with 140 mm of rear travel, as well as numerous cables routed through the frame.

CUBE paid particular attention to the their own cover for the motor, whose slim design tidily slots into the bike’s overall image and enables the design to take the Boost rear axle standard and far shorter chainstays when compared to its predecessor – a factor that massively improves how the CUBE handles on the trail. This is where the CUBE stands head and shoulders above the other bikes in the group test, as it delivers the ultimate compromise between stability and agility. The bike willingly weaves around tight turns and never gets twitchy at high speeds. This is thanks to the great spec, which includes ergonomic RaceFace components, a very precise SRAM drivetrain, and grippy Schwalbe tyres with the Super Gravity carcass for increased puncture resistance. The stunning FOX Factory suspension willingly sucks up small bumps with its 140 mm of travel, offering substantial feedback from the ground and inspiring you to ride dynamically while the handling stays super-controlled.

Das Cube Stereo Hybrid 140SL macht Lust auf mehr! — The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140SL makes you hungry for more!

If there was one thing that the test riders who had the pleasure of riding the Stereo Hybrid would have liked, it would be a touch more end-progression so that they would have more in reserve on trails that are really gnarly. The flawless Bosch Performance CX motor works efficiently, delivering reliable and substantial power to the rear from your very first pedal stroke and a well-designed overshoot.

Das Cube ist gut ausgestattet und liegt satt auf dem Trail. — The Cube is well equipped and stable on the trail.

Details

Design points: The newly designed motor cover has a stylish look, takes up very little space, and includes an integrated chain guide. — **Design points:** The newly designed motor cover has a stylish look, takes up very little space, and includes an integrated chain guide.

Integrated: CUBE might not have fixed the battery directly onto the downtube, but they have positioned it stylishly to complement the bike’s image. Thanks to the gap, the battery can be charged while on the bike. — **Integrated:** CUBE might not have fixed the battery directly onto the downtube, but they have positioned it stylishly to complement the bike’s image. Thanks to the gap, the battery can be charged while on the bike.

Sensible: CUBE fitted the rear wheel with a super-robust Schwalbe tyre with a reinforced Super Gravity carcass. It pushes the weight up, but offers significantly more puncture resistance and grip – a good deal! — **Sensible:** CUBE fitted the rear wheel with a super-robust Schwalbe tyre with a reinforced Super Gravity carcass. It pushes the weight up, but offers significantly more puncture resistance and grip – a good deal!

Tidy: All the cables are routed internally from the head tube to their destinations, giving the bike a clean, high-end look. — **Tidy:** All the cables are routed internally from the head tube to their destinations, giving the bike a clean, high-end look.

Specification: CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 SL 2016

Fork: FOX 34 Float Factory
Rear Shock: FOX Float DPS
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 500
Brakes: Shimano XT 180/180
Drivetrain: SRAM X01
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: RaceFace Turbine
Handlebar: RaceFace SixC 760mm
Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Supergravity/Trailskin
Wheelset: DT Swiss CSW EM 3.7 Straightpull
Weight/Size: 22 kg / vce-lay-a-nosid
Price: € 5.499

Conclusion

More than living up to its top-end reputation, the new CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 SL impressed the test riders with its great riding characteristics, first-rate suspension, and cohesive spec list. The powerful motor and stylish detailing on the frame complement the positive impression of this particular CUBE E-MTB, making it more than deserving of the E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine one-to-buy recommendation.

Strengths:

Outstanding handling
Cool design
Cohesive spec

Weaknesses:

Too little progression at the rear
Pre-production motor cover rattled

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More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer

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