OK, we admit it. Here in Munich, with technically demanding Alpine trails on our doorstep, more suspension travel equals more riding fun, full stop. "Suspension travel is south-facing", the critics complain, "nobody needs 150 millimetres north of Frankfurt." We agree, 130 millimetres is just as good, as the all-mountain bikes from Cube and Giant teach us. Visually, there are two completely different concepts at the start. The classic diamond frame design of the Cube AMS is one of the reasons why the bike is the perennial favourite in the range - for many people it still looks most like a bicycle. With its four-bar rear triangle and three-way adjustable Fox Talas fork (the 130 centre position is intended as a basis), it is clearly different from the Giant. Here, Giant's own Maestro system works, which is known to be drive-neutral, the fork travel is fixed at 130 millimetres and follows the philosophy: if you can't adjust anything, you can't set anything wrong. However, in our opinion, the level adjustment on the Cube doesn't do any harm, but rather extends the range of use without making the bike heavier - both forks weigh the same.
There is a tie on the scales. In our test lab, however, things look different. The Cube aluminium frame is surprisingly heavy at 3.1 kg (Giant 2.8 kg), but the 300 gram lighter wheels make up for this. The stiffness test rig certifies good values for both bikes (Cube 78, Giant 71 Nm/degree), but the Cube feels significantly stiffer and more precise on the trail. The QR15 thru-axle at the front and X12 thru-axle at the rear do a great job. As a result, the AMS 130 feels very stable and controlled, while the Trance X2 leaves a spongier impression in direct comparison. However, spongy can also mean forgiving in certain critical situations. The Trance X invites you to play with the suspension travel, a drop here, a slide there. However, it can be said that riders over 90kg are better off on the Cube.
Uphill, the AMS clearly dictates the pace. The sporty, flat geometry smells of muscle oil and marathon starting blocks. In fact, such excursions are not an impossibility, but are absolutely included in the range of use. This is also supported by the two bottle cage positions, which are often in short supply on current fully designs. Thanks to the fork drop, you can climb even the steepest ramps where the competition is already rearing up. If you want to achieve a similarly sporty character on the Giant, you should increase the air pressure in the shock and ride with less negative suspension travel. Softly tuned, the rear works a lot and has a very comfortable character, as the characteristic curves on the right-hand side prove.
Because both bikes have the same price tag, it's easy to compare what you get for your money and where. The gearing and brakes are the same in practice. When it comes to the suspension elements, Cube offers the higher quality package consisting of a Fox Talas top model and RP23 shock. This setup has more adjustment options, which we didn't miss on the Giant. With the DT Swiss wheels, you also get more for your money with the Cube - actually less, as they're 300 grams lighter than the Giant. No more nitpicking, at the end of the test it's clear: all-mountain bikes with 130 millimetres of travel really are the bikes for everyone, you're always well equipped with them. You won't feel overpowered even north of Frankfurt, but you won't feel undersized in the Munich area either. You can fit fatter tyres for difficult terrain - or less profiled, faster-rolling tyres for easier terrain.
Conclusion: The price is hot. The all-mountain bikes from Cube and Giant impressively demonstrate how much bike you can get for 2600 euros. The impression remains that you don't have to spend a euro more to be equipped for (almost) every area of use. Giant delivers the playful All Mountain, a fun touring trail bike. The Cube is firmer, sportier and more serious, almost marathon-capable.
