Cube Elite C:62 Rookie: How the high-end kids' bike performs in the practical test

The Cube Elite C:62 Rookie in detail

• Frame: Carbon monocoque (dropper post ready)
• Fork: Manitou Markhor TS Air / 100 mm suspension travel
• Circuit: Sram NX Eagle 1 x 12
• Cassette: Sram Eagle 10-50
• Cranks: Truvativ Stylo (170 mm)
• Brakes: Magura MT Thirty (160 mm/160 mm)
• Impellers: Newmen-Evolution X.A (Tubeless ready)
• Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray 2.25 (vo.), Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 (hi.)
• Weight: 10.4 kg (without pedals)
• Price: 1799 Euro >> available here

The question that initially arises: Does a children's bike need such an elaborately manufactured high-end frame? The expensive C62 fibres are normally only used when maximum optimisation is required. The lightweight, very strong fibres with an extra-high carbon content of 62 percent (hence the name) are bonded together with a special resin (enriched with nano-particles) to form mats which, in addition to their low weight, should be particularly durable and impact-resistant. In a complex process, they are processed into a monocoque piece of jewellery. To avoid creases, the mats are held in the optimum position with the help of a solid core, which is then removed after baking in an autoclave (a type of heat chamber). You would expect this kind of effort in professional sport, but not necessarily for a children's bike. But it makes sense. On the one hand, because such a top frame leaves all tuning options open for young racing enthusiasts. If required, a really light racing arrow can be realised on the basis of the frame, for example with more sophisticated cranks. On the other hand, the lightweight frame guarantees a good basic weight either way. Due to the tightly calculated price, Cube cannot draw on the full range of equipment, which is why some of the components on the bike are heavy. Thanks to the low frame weight, however, they don't have such an impact on the riding performance.

27.5 inch or Twentyniner: Cube offers the children's bike in two wheel sizes

Another exciting question: Which version of the Elite children's bike is right for my offspring? Cube offers the C:62 Rookie as a version with 27.5 wheels and as a twentyniner. The XS frame, which is 13 inches, comes with the smaller wheels, the S version (15 inches) with 29-inch wheels. The concept is called size split. It makes sense because every child can ride a bike that fits perfectly. But it requires expertise and/or good advice to make sure you order the right size. Our tester Tim is 11 years old and 149 centimetres tall. He could ride an XS or S. However, as he gets on quite well with the Twentyniner, we would recommend buying this model. Even if the smaller model might be a little more agile to ride.

The workmanship of the frame is excellent. All transitions are seamless and the frame looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. Apart from the size and the Actionrookies lettering on the rear triangle, there is no difference to the company's own premium frames for adults. The rather large C:62 sticker shows how proud the Cube engineers are of this uncompromising piece of frame construction. The S stands for the frame height.

The frame of the Cube Elite C:62 Rookie: exceptionally elegant for a children's bike

The area where the seat tube, top tube and chainstays merge is also elegant. The clamping slot for the seat post is located on the side of the C:62 Rookie and not at the rear, as on most other frames. This protects the clamping area from water and dirt. A small but nice detail that makes it clear how much the Cube engineers wanted to get the maximum out of the bike.

The brake cable and rear brake line run inside the frame. This looks smart and protects the frame from scratches caused by rubbing cables. Nothing rattles when riding, which is not always a given when the cables are routed internally. There is another cable duct on the other side of the head tube, which is sealed with a plug. This allows a retractable seat post to be retrofitted.

Equipment: Even the smallest details have been taken care of

Exemplary: The down tube is covered with impact protection film. This is also not standard on every bike. A film like this is mandatory, as this area is under constant bombardment from swirling stones. The down tube itself has massive dimensions and an angular shape. The seat tube looks almost delicate in comparison.

The frame leaves nothing to be desired. It offers the ultimate for sporty, ambitious kids. However, a look at the equipment reveals the tightrope act that the product managers had to walk in order to stay below the magical 1800 euro mark. The assembly process could not be as uncompromising as the production of the frame. Nevertheless, Cube managed to find a good compromise with a sure instinct when selecting parts, which may not set any lightweight construction records, but guarantees good function. The NX drivetrain from Sram, for example, is simpler and heavier than the in-house Race versions, but works just as well. The 12-speed cassette (10-50) enables confident climbing in any case.

The cranks are also of a more favourable design. No wonder, because lightweight race cranks, which would actually be worthy of such a high-end frame, would cost 400 euros or more on their own. The Stylo cranks from the entry-level range of Sram's own Truvativ brand are forged from aluminium and are no lightweights. However, they do their job and, with a length of 170 millimetres, are tailored to the ergonomics of children.

The frame also has a mounting option for a chain guide. This could make sense if you want to speed down rough descents in race mode. However, with the Eagle drivetrain, the chain is unlikely to jump off even without a guide.

Brakes with levers that are difficult for children to reach can spoil the fun of riding and, in extreme cases, can even be a health hazard. Perfect ergonomics are just as important as braking power. Magura brakes offer both: precisely adjustable levers and good deceleration. The plastic stoppers are among the cheapest models from Magura, but are nice and light thanks to the material.

The handles are also important for good handling. They should not be too thick, not too thin, not too soft and not too hard. The in-house Cube grips are perfect. They cushion well without being spongy. The ribbed surface ensures a good grip. The grips are also firmly bolted to the handlebars. Great.

Getting useful feedback on the comfort of a child's saddle is difficult. The designer of this saddle could probably spend hours chatting about the ergonomic features. About the perineal area, which is relieved by the lowered centre bar. About the shape of the saddle nose, the thickness of the padding, and so on. Our 11-year-old tester didn't care about such details. So at least this statement can be made: The saddle is solidly made and rather short. Just typical for a children's bike.

The Newmen stem is very short at 40 millimetres, which in combination with the normal length top tube ensures a sporty but comfortable riding position. On steep climbs, there is enough pressure on the front wheel to prevent the bike from rearing up. When the trail gets technical, you have enough control to manoeuvre agilely around the course. The flat bar is 680 millimetres wide and typical for cross country.

The suspension fork is a component that has a major influence on the riding characteristics. The Manitou Markhor TS Air does not disappoint the high expectations of a race fork. It can be tuned perfectly and responds sensitively even with light kids. The 100 millimetres of travel are well utilised and the damping is excellent even in rough sections.

Practical: the lockout for the fork. The upper lever locks the fork, the square, white lever releases the fork's suspension mode again. A handlebar lockout lever is not a matter of course in this price range. Good when it's on the bike. Because it makes riding out of the saddle and on tarmac more comfortable.

In contrast to the gears, brakes and cranks, Cube uses real premium parts for the wheels, which leave no doubt about the racing ambitions. This is probably also due to the fact that Newmen parts are part of the in-house range and therefore do not have to be purchased from another supplier at a high price. The Evolution X.A. weigh a good 1535 grams, are top quality, have hookless, 25 millimetre wide rims (inner width) and are "tubeless ready" in the bike.

The Newmen hubs with well-sealed bearings combine lightweight construction and reliability. The front wheel hub has the usual Boost dimension of 110 millimetres, the rear wheel hub is 148 millimetres wide. The front and rear wheels each have 28 spokes.

The tyres also match the bike perfectly. Cube has fitted the Elite C:62 Rookie with Schwalbe's classic racing tyres. The profile of the Racing Ray, which sits on the front wheel, is aggressively designed on the sides for good cornering behaviour, but designed for good rolling behaviour on the centre bar. The Racing Ralph at the rear is designed for maximum acceleration. Both tyres can be found on the Cube in the 29x2.25 version and with the fast Addix compound. If you really have the race track in mind, you should convert to tubeless tyres. The costs are manageable and it has the greatest effect of all the tuning measures that are possible on this bike.

The practical test: How the Cube Elite C:62 Rookie performs on the trail

So much for the theory. But how does the junior speedster from Cube ride? First impression from tester Tim. The bike is lively going forwards. Although the bike weighs more than 10 kilos, it is easy to get up to speed. This is due to the balanced geometry with a seat angle designed for propulsion. Pedalling is effectively converted into propulsion. Once you get going, the large Twentyniner wheels roll effortlessly over gravel and roots. Our tester, who is usually more interested in visiting bike parks, clearly had fun pedalling along the trail. The saddle is lower than the handlebars. Nonetheless, Tim cranks sportily over the piste, masters short steep sections with ease and races down the descents with glee.

The components proved to be thoroughly functional in the practical test. The gears are shifted precisely as soon as the command is given via the shifter. It can be pressed without much effort. Even steeper climbs are no problem with the 30:50 gear ratio and can be cranked while seated. The brake levers sit comfortably in your fingers and provide a secure feel, while the deceleration of the Maguras is excellent in all situations.

Our conclusion on the Cube Elite C:62 Rookie

The Cube Elite C:62 Rookie is a kids' bike that has been thought through down to the smallest detail and is not just fun for young cross-country racers. It is just as suitable for demanding tours as it is for racing or trips to the quarry pond. For 1799 euros, Cube delivers a well-rounded concept for youngsters that still leaves options for fine-tuning thanks to tubeless-ready wheels and a cable slot for the dropper post. The Manitou fork reacts sensitively to impacts and can be locked out if necessary. The size split into a version with 27.5-inch wheels and one with 29-inch wheels makes sense, but requires parents interested in buying a bike to take a close look at the geometry table. Tip: It's best to arrange a test ride for your offspring if you're not sure which size is ideal.

The bike accelerates really well and is a lot of fun. The suspension fork is nice and soft and reacts even to small roots. I also love the lever on the handlebars that allows you to switch off the suspension. If it doesn't bob, it rides much better on wide paths that go straight ahead. - Tim L. (11), test rider