In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
For less than 500 euros, the Cube Aim One already be a mountain bike. Inexpensive hardtails are the basis of off-road cycling and are particularly attractive for many MTB beginners. Today, however, prices for hardtails have also risen and Germans spend an average of between 1000 and 2500 euros on this bike category. The saying used to be: mountain biking fun starts at 1000 euros. Can the Cube Aim One still offer real off-road fun for less than half that price? The manufacturer promises well thought-out geometry with reliable handling and advertises the affordable mountain bike with a comfortable suspension fork and grippy tyres. Sounds like a great deal? We took a look at the small print and give our assessment of the Cune Aim One.
Cube Aim One in detail
- Area of application: Tour
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Wheel size: 29" (size M / L / XL) / 27.5" (size XS / S)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Weight: 14.7 kg (BIKE measurement size M)
- Maximum rider weight: 100 kg
- Price: 500 Euro >> available here
Equipment
- Fork: SR Suntour XCE
- Gear system: Shimano RD-TX800 (2 x 8), 36/22; 12-32 T
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200/UR300, 160/160 mm
- Wheels: Cube Acid Pro 25
- Tyres: Cube MTB, 29 x 2.25
BIKE check on the affordable hardtail from Cube
Cube mountain bikes are known for their attractive price-performance ratio. The Cube Aim is no exception to this rule. The price tag, the aluminium frame with internally routed cables and branded parts from Shimano are likely to arouse interest in the bike shop. This also speaks in favour of the affordable hardtail from Cube: the Bavarian manufacturer maintains a large dealer network. This should make it easy to connect to a specialised workshop. The geometry is pleasingly modern. While other manufacturers in this price range often have to put up with an outdated concept, the steering angle of the Cube Aim One is modern and slack at 68.5 degrees. Together with the extra-long chainstays, the geometry promises a very smooth ride but not necessarily a playful ride - good for control and safety off-road, rather bad for learning agile riding technique manoeuvres.
In terms of equipment, the Cube Aim One shares the fate of all such inexpensive hardtails: the technology installed is long outdated. The two-by-eight transmission was no longer attractive even 20 years ago, as the 16 gears have no advantage over modern single-speed drivetrains due to overlapping ratios. Together with the proper weight of 14.7 kilos, tours with many metres in altitude have to be tackled slowly. Speaking of weight: the weight of the Cube Aim Hardtail is on a par with some fullys with 150 millimetres of travel or more. Customers should not expect dynamic, light-footed handling.
Tyres, suspension and brakes are among the most important components on a mountain bike. Here too, the Cube Aim One suffers from the pressure to save money. The in-house tyres are extremely narrow on the in-house rims. As a result, comfort, grip and rolling resistance suffer. In our test experience, the Sr Suntour suspension fork scored neither with sensitivity nor with damping control. Hardtail riders would probably be better advised to use a lightweight rigid fork in combination with high-quality, wide tyres. Unfortunately, the market hardly offers this option. Cube equips the groupless Shimano disc brakes with extremely small discs. This means that braking power suffers, especially on longer descents.
Conclusion
The Cube Aim One is a stylish bike that can extend the touring radius to unpaved paths. The price is incredibly favourable and the geometry is harmonious. However, bikers should not expect too much from the Cube hardtail. The heavy package comes with outdated technology that slows down the terrain. Bargain hunters can go for it, but ambitious athletes should keep saving. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Strengths
- Well-made aluminium frame with many details
- Large dealer network
- Contemporary geometry
Weaknesses
- High weight
- outdated technology for suspension fork, brakes, gears and tyres
Jan Timmermann
Editor
