Do you feel the same way? Doesn't the old stereo look kind of flimsy next to the new one? Appearances are not deceptive. The new frame layout makes a massive impression (but is 590 grams lighter than the old chassis), the wheels look fatter (although the difference in outer diameter is only 25 millimetres), and the fork in particular exudes authority (34 mm instead of 32 mm tubes, 160 instead of 150 mm suspension travel). That sums up the main innovations. Cube designed a completely new bike for 2013, but named it after the old one. The similarities are reduced to the label: Stereo and the frame material: carbon. The developers have processed the material perfectly for the 2013 model and also used it for the rear triangle for the first time, resulting in a first-class chassis weight of 2.3 kilos. Lots of suspension travel plus low weight sounds promising.
The new model, as demonstrated on the 800 metre downhill in the Ötztal, needs a skilled hand, then it is capable of things that are unusual in this league. It utilises the new wheel size with its long suspension travel and low weight more effectively than many of its competitors. The bike gets bored on normal terrain. We didn't utilise the travel on the fork despite high speeds - that sounds like reserves for the bike park. In the upper speed range, the 2013 remains significantly smoother and more stable than the 2012. If you suspect this is due to the 27.5-inch wheelset, you should first look at the head angle and wheelbase. Two degrees slacker and four centimetres longer are the results of our geometry test bench for the new model - huge differences. And this is where the fundamentally different character compared to the old Stereo is hidden.
The new bike bridges the gap to the enduro sector, while the old one is still one of the best, most balanced all-mountain bikes and is a sporty, mature touring bike with reserves. However, it should not be concealed that in direct comparison, the 2012 rear suspension is tougher and uses proportionally less travel, and the rear-mounted shock makes it difficult to reach the platform lever. On the 2013 Stereo, the Fox suspension with the CTD adjustment fits perfectly into the concept. You can find the perfect setting for every situation. Even in trail mode, you can race over high root carpets at full throttle and pull off small edges to land in a sea of rocks. Kaboom! A brutal riding machine. It climbs as well as its predecessor, helped by the steep seat angle and low weight. Don't forget: You're riding a complete enduro bike here! Hans Dampf tyres, dropper post, 160 mm fork. The new Stereo has another flaw: the 18-inch frame only fits a small 0.5-litre water bottle. It would be exciting to fit a slim 150 mm fork in the 2013 model. This would reduce the weight by another 300 grams and make the handling even sportier.
If you find the 2012 as a special offer, you're not making a mistake. If you're eyeing up the 2013, you should have the correspondingly difficult terrain within reach. It is clearly overpowered for forest tracks! The top model for 7699 euros is significantly lighter again, but we doubt that it will reach the 9.95 kilos. The ten-kilo promise turns out to be a marketing stunt and not a practical option. After all, no customer would do without a dropper post and corresponding tyres on a 160 mm chassis. A final tip: Anyone interested in a 2013 Stereo should also consider the 29-inch version.
