Wolf in sheep's clothingThe Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM on test

Adrian Kaether

 · 05.09.2023

The Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM is the first Cube E-MTB with a full carbon frame and is intended to set new standards with its aggressive design and low weight.
Photo: Josh Welz

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Super light, classic battery removal, aggressive design: Cube wants to usher in a new era with the One55 models of the stereo hybrid e-bikes. Can the One55 Trail Motion live up to this claim?

Balanced, affordable and good-natured: this is how Cube eMTBs have presented themselves in almost every one of our tests in recent years. The versatile E-MTBs from Waldershof have repeatedly achieved strong test results - precisely because of their uncomplicated handling and universal character. The new ONE family is set to take a different approachThe aggressive orientation comes at the expense of versatility, but should bring advantages for sporty pilots and do away with the dignified image.

The Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 Tm is the essence of this new direction. With thick suspension elements, stable equipment and grippy tyres, it fits particularly well for progressive geometry of the new models. In the big comparison test, we check whether the new Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 can live up to its own claim and also impress in a high-end comparison.



The Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM for 7999 euros.Photo: Josh WelzThe Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM for 7999 euros.

The facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM

  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 160 / 150 millimetres
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: M, L, XL
  • Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 23.97 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)

First full carbon frame at Cube, weight under 24 kilos

For the Stereo Hybrid One55, Cube has developed the Frame completely redeveloped. For the first time, the bicycle giant has opted for an e-bike Full carbon. Previous Cube hybrid models always came with an aluminium rear triangle. To further reduce the weight, the frame is also made from high-quality aluminium. C:68 X Fibreswhich Cube normally only uses in its high-quality race bikes. Overall, the frame is said to be 20 per cent lighter than that of the well-known Stereo Hybrid 140.

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This is reflected positively on the scales in our test lab. Our test bike in size L weighs just under 24 kilos, despite very robust equipment. A decent weight that misses the factory specification of 22.9 kilograms for the Trail Motion model in size M by a whole kilogram. And: At least compared to the tried and tested Cube models, the One55 is also significantly more expensive. 1000 to 1500 euros more is what you have to invest for comparable equipment. This means that Cube loses its price-performance trump card somewhat. Compared to similarly priced competitors, however, this Cube e-bike is also equipped above average.

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The Factory version of the Float X2 damper from Fox offers extensive adjustability.Photo: Josh WelzThe Factory version of the Float X2 damper from Fox offers extensive adjustability.

The e-bike drive: proven Bosch power, small batteries optional

With the Bosch Performance CX Cube has opted for what is probably the most widely used e-MTB motor. It combines high performance with reasonable weight. Its very good modulation, the lively and Progressive power development and special features such as the extended overrun in Emtb mode make it the Measuring stick in nasty uphills. All speed levels can be fine-tuned via the app. But: The Bosch is not entirely quiet, rattles when travelling downhill and the large battery is quite heavy at 4.3 kilos.

Bosch's Performance CX drive provides the usual dynamic thrust with up to 85 Newton metres.
Photo: Josh Welz

In return, it provides a Extremely good rangewhich puts other systems with batteries of 700 to 750 watt hours in the shade. The Powertube 750 can be used with the Cube uncomplicated can be removed from the front of the down tube. For the display, the One55 relies on a combination of the System Controller top tube display and the wireless mini-remote. This appeals to sporty riders. However, you have to do without the extensive information of a Kiox display. The speed is measured via the Bosch valve solenoid, so there is no need for a separate speed sensor. This is because the solenoid signal is picked up directly in the engine.

A special feature of Cube: For short rounds, there are smaller 500 or 625 batteries as luxury accessories, which fit into the down tube with an adapter instead of the 750 battery. The smaller batteries save 700 and 1300 grams respectively, of course with a correspondingly shorter range. This means that the total weight of the bike can be reduced to 22.7 kilos.

The 500 battery fits as an accessory in the same down tube as the 750 and saves around 1.2 kilograms. You can store a tube or spare parts in the adapter at the front.Photo: Adrian KaetherThe 500 battery fits as an accessory in the same down tube as the 750 and saves around 1.2 kilograms. You can store a tube or spare parts in the adapter at the front.

Long and flat: The geometry of the Hybrid Stereo One55

This is where the aggressive and for Cube unusual character of the Stereo Hybrid One55 noticeable. With a slack steering angle of 64 degrees in the steeper (!) of the two steering angle settings, a wheelbase of 1275 millimetres and a low bottom bracket (336 millimetres), the One55 is clearly the perfect bike for the rider. Designed for fast descents. At 454 millimetres, the chainstays are not particularly short in favour of smoothness. Firstly, the slack seat angle of just 75.3 degrees, which is noticeable on steep climbs.

On the other hand, the geometry we measured in the laboratory is actually fairly flat out. Even slacker than stated by Cube and also slacker than the bikes of the competition, which we tested in our large comparison test of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes under identical conditions. Per Rotatable bearing shell In the headset, the head angle can be set to an even more downhill-orientated 63.6 degrees. Here Cube uses the The promise of a more aggressive approach of the new bike. Also very modern: The very short seat tube of 414 mm in size L. This allows bikers to choose the frame size according to the reach and adapt it to their personal preferences. This also makes particularly long Tele posts possible.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size Large)

  • Seat tube length: 414 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1275 mm
  • Reach: 463 mm
  • Stack: 638 mm
  • Steering angle: 64 degrees
  • Seat angle: 75.3 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 454 mm

Trail-Motion: The equipment

Even though the Stereo Hybrid One55 is a little more expensive than you'd expect from Cube, the bike giant doesn't let its guard down when it comes to equipment. The bike contains everything that is really good and also expensive. The highlight is the thick Fox 38 Factory at the front, which Cube combines with the Float-X2 downhill shock and a Transfer seatpost - also in the Factory version. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's XT range, the bike rolls on high-quality wheels from Newmen and comes with Maxxis tyres in a super-soft MaxxGrip compound at the front and rear.

Fox 38 Factory Grip2 on the Cube. It doesn't get any better than this.Photo: Josh WelzFox 38 Factory Grip2 on the Cube. It doesn't get any better than this.

Practical test: How the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM rides

On tour

On the Cube you take slightly stretched space and is less front-heavy. This is unusual for modern e-MTBs, which increasingly tend towards steep seat angles. At least the One55 puts less pressure on the wrists, which makes pedalling on flat terrain more comfortable. The Bosch range is good as usualThe battery change is quick and easy. The fact that Cube still relies on a battery key offers advantages in everyday use. However, there are slimmer solutions for pure sports use. The suspension is comfortable, but the new Cube is not the ideal tourer with sticky tyres and tippy steering. All in all, the other bikes from Cube, such as the Stereo Hybrid 140 and the Enduro Stereo Hybrid 160, are the more relaxed partners for relaxed tours.

On steep climbs, it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to keep the Cube One55 TM on track.Photo: Max FuchsOn steep climbs, it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to keep the Cube One55 TM on track.

Uphill

This also applies uphill, where at least the Stereo 140 is much easier to handle than the One55. The Steering tilts Due to the slack steering angle, the bike is a little sluggish at slow speeds, while the slack seat angle and the kinked seat tube place the rider too rear-heavy on steep uphills. This is especially true when the saddle is pulled out a lot, as the actual seat angle is then significantly slacker. In combination with the medium-length chainstays and the high-traction suspension, which is quite low in the travel, the front of the Cube sometimes rises in extreme situations. Especially on technical steep sections, you'll find it difficult to difficult to keep the noble cube cleanly on track. The lively Bosch drive and the Excellent traction are nevertheless on the plus side.

Downhill

For this the One55 downhill in its element. The One55 TM is one of the most potent candidates on the market, especially when the going gets rough and fast. Smoothness and ease of swallowing are enormous. The feeling of safety is high for sporty riders, at least if you give the bike the spurs properly. And you can do this with a clear conscience. Because, unlike the classic E-Enduro Stereo 160, the One55 is also approved for higher jumps and the bike park.

The Cube is built for jumps and high speeds downhill, but there are better candidates for a more moderate riding style.Photo: Josh WelzThe Cube is built for jumps and high speeds downhill, but there are better candidates for a more moderate riding style.

With the super grippy tyres, you can take flat bends like on rails. This allows you to carry a lot of momentum on demanding descents. However, the long carbon bike is not very manoeuvrable. This is particularly noticeable in tight corners and fast turns. Also on flatter trails is the speed-loving Cube not the right choice. When driving slowly, the steering also tends to tip. Anyone who frequently drives at a leisurely pace may find this annoying. Unfortunately rattled our test bike strong downhill. This did not fit in well with the high-end aspirations of the One series and slightly spoilt the impression of a successful full-throttle enduro bike.

The EMTB conclusion

The One55 TM is more Mini enduro as a pleasing all-mountain. Plenty of traction included. The high-end Cube really comes into its own downhill and at high speeds. The right choice for E-Enduro races, full-throttle missions in rock gardens and big drops. For moderate missions, the Stereo 140 is the better choice in the Cube portfolio. Top equipment and equally strong range.
EMTB editor Adrian Kaether.Photo: Georg GrieshaberEMTB editor Adrian Kaether.

Pro

  • Good weight
  • Top equipment
  • Removable battery
  • High-speed take-up qualities

Contra

  • rattles
  • Not very manoeuvrable
  • Demanding handling

Technical data and notes on the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
  • Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: M, L (tested size 41.5 cm), XL / Carbon

Measured values²

  • Weight²: 23.97 kg
  • Reach altitude¹: 1998 (+13)hm
  • Average speed: 13.7 km/h
  • Centre of gravity height: 524 mm
  • Front / rear suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
  • Handlebar width: 800 mm
  • Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 178 mm
  • Ground clearance⁴: 482 mm

Equipment

  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart
  • Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
  • Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Powertube 750 / 4302 g / 999 Euro
  • Gear system: Shimano XT
  • Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
  • Display: Bosch system controller
  • Permissible total weight³: 135 kg
  • Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Factory Fit Grip2 Fox Float X2 Factory
  • Telescopic post: Fox Transfer Factory, 175 mm
  • Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 203 mm
  • Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL E G 30
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ MaxxGrip 29 x 2.5; Minion DHR II DD TR MaxxGrip 29 x 2.5

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.6 points - very good

Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 - Geometry dataPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungCube Stereo Hybrid One55 - Geometry dataCube Stereo Hybrid One55 - CharacteristicsPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungCube Stereo Hybrid One55 - CharacteristicsCube Stereo Hybrid One55 - Test diagramPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungCube Stereo Hybrid One55 - Test diagram

¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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