Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM in the test: Test victory for the comfortable all-rounder e-bike

The Stereo Hybrid 140 from industry giant Cube is probably one of the best-selling e-mountainbikes ever. The TM version of the classic is traditionally designed for trail strength. This is particularly noticeable on the Stereo Hybrid 140 with the Maxxis tyres. Super grippy Maxxgrip rubber on the front and rear wheels, plus a robust Doubledown carcass at the rear. All too often, other manufacturers fail to achieve this, even with high-quality enduro eMTBs. However, the 140cc Stereo is not really a downhill expert. The new, sportier and lighter One55 (Click here to test the Cube Stereo One55 SLT). Can the popular all-rounder Stereo Hybrid 140 TM still convince off-road?

The geometry of the Cube Stereo 140 is moderately designed and fully trimmed for comfort. The huge Kiox 500 display from Bosch, which provides a lot of information in a clear and easy-to-read format, including navigation features, also fits in with this. However, purist bikers might be annoyed by the bulky look. Here, too, you can see that this bike prioritises all-round strength and a full bouquet of features over extreme sportiness. The carbon main frame prevents excess weight, despite the heavy battery. But at 24.7 kilos, the bike is no lightweight.

Interesting: While most competitors have significantly lowered their prices, the Stereo 2024 is even 400 euros more expensive than the Stereo 2024 according to the official recommended retail price, with almost identical features. at the time of our last test of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM in 2022. On the equipment side, it has only been pimped up with the Kiox 500. In most shops, however, you can currently find substantial discounts here too. It's worth comparing.

The facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Powertube, 750 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: carbon / aluminium
• Suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 5799 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 24.7 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 135 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-bike drive

Cube traditionally relies on Bosch motors. And the dynamic and powerful Performance Line CX (tested here!) fits well into the stereo. The modulation is excellent, the power delivery is lively. It really comes into its own on difficult climbs. The 750 power tube pushes the bike to an extremely long range, but also increases the overall weight of the bike. This is because the battery weighs a whopping 4.3 kilograms.

The battery is located behind a separate cover in the down tube, is secured with a lock and can be easily folded out to the front. With the Kiox 500, Cube has installed a huge display that can be operated via the LED remote on the handlebars. The navigation view also works very well on a screen of this size.

The geometry

The chassis of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 is based on moderate geometry values. The head angle is comparatively steep, the seat angle rather slack. The reach and wheelbase are of medium length. The longer chainstays make the bike more stable, while a high stem raises the cockpit. This emphasises the comfortable riding position. The integrated cable routing also means that not all spacers can be removed from under the stem. In order to lower the front end significantly, major modifications such as a different stem and handlebars are required.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 450 mm
• Wheelbase: 1255 mm
• Reach: 465 mm
• Stack: 643 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 75 degrees
• Chainstay length: 457 mm

The features of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM

• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Perf.
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 12-speed, 34; 10-52 teeth
• Brakes: Magura MT7, 203/203 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHRII DD Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.4''
• Special features: Only 150 mm stroke at the telescopic support, large Kiox 500 display

Practical test: How the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM rides

Comfort is a top priority here! The seating position is rather compact and the cockpit is perched high up, so there is definitely no stretched bench feeling. The chassis greedily soaks up bumps. Added to this is the grippy and stable Maxxis tyre combination, which can be ridden with low air pressure and literally sticks to the ground. This allows you to pedal through the terrain with ease - even without professional riding technique. On flat sections and asphalt surfaces, the soft rear tyre draws a lot of battery, as it rolls slowly.

If you want to test the limits of what's possible on the climbs, you'll want more support from the rear suspension and a more central position. But the Cube Stereo climbs rock solid. As long as it doesn't get too steep and steppy, the front wheel keeps good contact with the ground and the rider in control. You don't have to adopt an overly active riding style - thanks to the longer chainstays. Traction, motor, climbing ability: there's nothing to complain about here.

The TM-Stereo has a similar character downhill. The high level of suspension comfort and the ingenious traction give you a lot of confidence. The grippy tyre combination pays off as soon as you turn off-road. Only when riding very fast on rough terrain does the feeling of safety diminish. The moderate geometry with a rather steep steering angle limits smoothness and grip qualities when you want to let it run in rough terrain. The fluffy Fox fork is also geared more towards comfort. There are stronger, more sporty candidates in the test field.

The bike feels much more comfortable when you take it easy. Then it can be manoeuvred safely and intuitively down more difficult descents. Pleasant: The bike's dignified character doesn't turn it into a sluggish, lame duck. Although there is better competition in terms of agility and liveliness, the Cube remains fun and easy to control on moderate trails.

EMTB review of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM

Strengths

• High ride comfort and uncomplicated handling
• Lots of driving safety
• Powerful range
• Good equipment

Weaknesses

• No off-road extremo
• Low stroke of the telescopic support
• Engine rattles

The EMTB conclusion

Experienced trail experts might turn up their noses - but for everyone else, Cube has put together an outrageously comfortable package. Uncomplicated handling, mega range, strong equipment: a confident all-rounder with off-road expertise at a fair price. This is the test winner in the big EMTB comparison test. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine