Mileage 3448 km | 63205 hm
The price-performance ratio is almost too good to be true. This was the realisation after the first tests of the Cube Stereo 140. Despite the carbon main frame, Fox Factory suspension and Tele support and lightweight Newmen wheels, the top version TM only costs 3499 euros. The competitive price tempted me to subject the bike to an endurance test.
To start the test, I first travelled to Tuscany. During my Whitsun holiday, I was able to put the Stereo through its paces. However, the Schwalbe tyres, which had been fitted tubeless from the start, failed early on. Due to a small tear in the tyre bead, the Hans Dampf on the rear wheel didn't seal properly and was constantly losing pressure. After two tours I had to fit an inner tube. Apart from the tyre problem, the lightweight all-mountain bike worked perfectly. On the next trip to Lake Garda, the Stereo was able to show what it could really do on the men's circuit. I changed to a new set of Conti tyres so that I could do without the inner tube. The Cube mastered the narrow trails around Lago dei Cavedine and the tunnel descent to Vesio with ease. The powerful Sram Code R brakes and the suspension with Fox 36 fork stood out in particular.
I even catapulted myself over the handlebars once when I grabbed the front brake too hard. As the grips are quite thin and lack damping, I always had to take a break on longer descents. The Fox Tele support was an absolutely positive surprise. To date, the Transfer is the first post that has survived a complete endurance test without a service. In addition to the laps on the pedalling-heavy home trails on the Isar, the day tours in the rear Vinschgau valley were another test highlight. With a ready-to-ride weight of 13.65 kilos, the bike cut a great figure even on the shoulder through the Uina gorge. After this trip, the uncomfortable SDG saddle had to make way for an Ergon model. In the Zillertal Arena, I then celebrated a premiere with the Stereo and my son: the first time using the gondola with a bike and riding as many trails as possible! After heavy contact with rocks, the derailleur hanger had to be replaced. Apart from that, this singletrail orgy ended without any serious problems.
CONCLUSION on the Cube Stereo 140 HPC TM
The price-performance cracker can also convince in the endurance test. Apart from minimal defects, such as on the derailleur hanger, the frame and add-on parts do not show any weaknesses.
TUNING
DEFECTS | MAINTENANCE
1450 km: freewheel greased
The rear wheel creaked under load. Cleaning and greasing the freewheel provided long-term peace and quiet.
1710 km: Replace derailleur hanger and brake pads
After straightening it twice, the derailleur hanger had to be replaced. At the same time, the brake pads were at the end.
3400 km: Front wheel hub runs rough
Shortly before the end of the endurance test, the bearings in the front Newmen hub were running extremely rough. A replacement would now be due.
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHT
The bike: Cube Stereo 140 HPC TM
Material Carbon/aluminium, frame size 18"
Price / weight 3499 Euro / 13.3 kg without pedals
Suspension travel (front / rear) 150 mm / 140 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Fox 36 Float Factory Fit Grip 2
Damper Fox Float DPX2 Factory
The tester: Franz Fischer, master car mechanic
Age / Height / Weight 45 years / 1.70 m / 75 kg
Driver profile All-mountain and touring riders
Favourite areas Lake Garda, Vinschgau and the home trails on the Isar
You can find this article in BIKE 8/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
