Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race on test: Light, affordable, super fun - the ideal light eMTB?

Rarely has a Cube e-MTB impressed us as much as the first light bike from the Waldsassen-based company. Super light, balanced and fun: This is how the top model AMS Hybrid One44 Super TM drove its way into our hearts. With the "Race" model, the industry giant is launching a new, even more affordable entry-level model for 2025. Under 5000 euros with a full carbon frame and less than 19 kilos - that is probably a unique package. The low weight in particular is surprising, because of course even Cube can't fall back on lightweight luxury parts at this price.

The basis for the top weight is the slim chassis. The frame is not as stiff and stylish as Canyon's Neuron:Onfly, which we tested in direct comparison. However, Cube saves around 1200 grams on the frame alone compared to the Koblenz-based mail order company. A huge difference! But weight alone does not make a good bike. What else does the Cube bike have to offer? We took a look at this in a direct comparison with the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF7.

>> Read now: Duel of the favourable Light-E-MTBs: Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race against Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7

>> Click here to go directly to the test of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7 for 4849 Euro!

The facts about the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race

• Motor: Bosch Perf. SX, 55 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 4999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 18.68 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Max. System weight: 135 kg
• Warranty: 2 years

Dynamic light motor: Bosch Performance Line SX

Bosch's Performance Line SX provides the additional power. Compared to other light motors, it is neither particularly compact nor exceptionally light. The motor weighs 2.1 kilos - that's 700 grams less than the Performance CX. However, the SX impresses with its extremely high peak power. When pedalling fast and sportily, the small Bosch provides lively and powerful support. However, the lower torque is noticeable on steep climbs. Here, committed pedalling and a sporty high cadence are required. For some, this is an exclusion criterion, for others it could be just right.

>> A detailed test of the Bosch Performance Line SX can be found here

One disadvantage of the Bosch SX motor is the rattling that can be heard from the gearbox on the trail. This noise is also clearly audible on the AMS Hybrid One44. This can be a deal-breaker, especially for bikers who expect a natural and discreet riding experience from their light eMTB.

You also have to compromise on range for the low weight. The battery delivers 400 watt hours and is firmly integrated into the down tube. This means that the range is significantly shorter than that of classic e-MTBs, such as the big brother Cube Stereo Hybrid One44. On long tours, especially in the Alps, you should plan carefully and use the engine power sparingly. After-work laps in the low mountain ranges are better suited to the SX.

For longer tours, however, bikers can increase the range of their e-bike with an optional additional battery. The Bosch Power More 250 offers 250 watt hours and currently costs around 400 euros. Weighing 1.6 kilograms, the battery can be attached to the down tube like a water bottle. A cable connects the additional battery to the bike's charging port.

The geometry

The geometry of the Cube AMS One44 is emphatically classic. With a rather steep steering angle and moderate reach, the wheelbase of 1250 mm in size L remains manageable. The extremely short seat tube, on the other hand, is super modern. This means that bikers can confidently reach for the next larger frame size if they prefer a longer bike and a smoother ride. The bottom bracket is very low and the chainstays are rather long at 450 mm.

BIKE measurements at a glance (frame size L)

The equipment of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race

The spec isn't glamorous, but it's still better than the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF7, which we tested together with the Cube. The new Rockshox Psylo Gold was also convincing in the test on tougher terrain - a clear upgrade to the previous Rockshox 35 fork.

There is also a tried-and-tested Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain. And the Deore four-piston brakes also deliver much more on the trail than the group designation would suggest. Crisp pressure point, good braking power, that's top. Only the small 180 mm disc on the rear wheel could have been omitted by the product management.

• Fork / Shock: Rockshox Psylo Gold / Deluxe Select+
• Gear system: Shimano XT, 1 x 12
• Brakes: Shimano Deore, 203/180 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
• Tyres: Maxxis Dissector Exo+ Maxxterra, 29 x 2.4"
• Seatpost: Cube Dropper / 170 mm

Practical test: How the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race rides

Even the cheapest light bike from Cube leaves little to be desired off-road. This is surprising considering the price of "only" 5000 euros. The low weight and moderate geometry make the AMS Hybrid a really handy trail speedster. More of a classic mountain bike than a heavy e-bike, that's great! The Cube is well-balanced and intuitive on moderate trails. And even small tricks and bunny hops can be mastered with little effort.

But the bike also masters difficult descents with astonishing confidence. The suspension willingly releases its suspension travel and still offers sufficient support. Large and small bumps are filtered out with ease. You only notice the shorter travel when the going gets really tough. And the steeper geo with a low front also shows its strengths even more on flat and narrow trails than on steep and rough downhills.

The bike is tame on tour. With a balanced riding position, comfortable grips and sensitive suspension, even long rides are a pleasure. Of course, you have to keep an eye on the Bosch drive's small 400-cell battery. If you want to be pushed over the mountains in turbo mode, you should look at the power category with larger batteries.

However, sporty riders need not shy away from tough climbs. With sporty rider input and a high cadence, the Bosch SX motor delivers plenty of power. The pleasantly centralised riding position (the seat angle feels steeper than it appears on paper!) and the high-traction suspension make the One44 a very uncomplicated climbing partner.

BIKE rating of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race

Strengths

• super light
• Balanced handling
• harmonious equipment

Weaknesses

• Permanently installed battery
• Engine rattles

The BIKE conclusion

Cube proves that the light category can also make sense on a smaller budget. The AMS Hybrid One44 Race* is balanced through and through and impresses above all with its great riding fun and low weight - despite the need to economise on equipment. Clear victory in the duel with Canyon! - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor