CUBE Compact Hybrid Deluxe 540: A compact e-bike with plenty of carrying capacity

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

The compact frame, 20-inch wheels and the one-size-fits-all design keep the dimensions of the Compact Hybrid Deluxe 540 manageable. At the same time, the frame houses a powerful Bosch mid-drive motor delivering 75 Nm, complemented by a 540 Wh battery capacity, a Shimano Nexus 5-speed in-hub gear system and a low-maintenance Gates belt drive. It really does tick all the boxes.

The CUBE really comes into its own when it comes to luggage. The integrated rear rack is part of the standard specification. A spacious front luggage rack can be fitted via the HIC mount on the head tube. If you make full use of these accessories, you can carry a substantial load on the bike without having to ride a significantly larger cargo bike.

Key facts

The frame is made of aluminium. CUBE has integrated a carrying handle into the down tube. With a total weight of 23.5 kilograms, this comes in handy when you need to carry the bike up the stairs, into the cellar or into the car.

Features such as the adjustable Speedlifter stem and variable saddle height ensure the bike can be adapted to suit different riders. Particularly for families where several people share a bike, the ‘one-size’ concept makes far more sense than a frame with a fixed riding position.

Bosch motor with 75 Nm

The Compact Hybrid Deluxe 540 is powered by the Bosch Performance Line, which delivers a maximum torque of 75 Nm. The motor is powered by a Bosch PowerPack 540. The system is controlled via the Purion 200 with an integrated display; integration with the Bosch Smart System enables the use of the eBike Flow app.

CUBE does not specify a precise range for this model. It is therefore not possible to derive a reliable estimate of the distance in kilometres from the 540 Wh figure. How far the bike actually travels depends, amongst other things, on the assistance level, the rider’s weight, the load, the terrain and the temperature.

The powerful mid-mounted motor is well suited to the bike’s intended use. The Compact weighs in at 23.5 kilograms and can be loaded with additional luggage. The torque is particularly important when setting off and on inclines.

In-hub gears and belt drive

For power transmission, CUBE uses a Shimano Nexus hub with five gears. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates CDC belt.

This combination is designed to make everyday life hassle-free. The belt requires no maintenance, whilst the in-hub gearbox does away with the need for the maintenance-intensive cassette and derailleur.

Luggage at the front and rear

When it comes to luggage, the Compact Hybrid offers more options than its compact design might initially suggest. The rear rack is firmly integrated into the rear frame and features RILink and SM-Link interfaces.

At the front, the HIC mount is situated in the area of the head tube. The in-house ACID front luggage rack, with a load capacity of up to 20 kg, can be fitted onto this. But be careful: this figure refers only to the maximum load capacity of the front luggage rack itself. According to the manufacturer, the Compact Hybrid may only be loaded with a maximum of 12 kg at the front and 15 kg at the rear. The maximum rider weight is 100 kg.

20-inch wheels and wide tyres

The 20-inch wheels are fitted with Schwalbe Motion Super Moto-X tyres, 62 millimetres wide. The tyres feature Double-Defence puncture protection. They are mounted on ACID-EX30 rims, which are designed for tubeless use.

There is no suspension fork. The front wheel is supported by a rigid aluminium fork. In our opinion, this is a sensible choice given that the bike is intended for use on tarmac, cycle paths and paved tracks.

The wide tyres are designed to provide the necessary comfort. At the same time, the bike remains low-maintenance without a suspension fork and helps keep costs down.

Fully equipped

CUBE supplies the Compact Hybrid Deluxe 540 complete with mudguards, lights, a kickstand and a rear luggage rack. At the front, there is an ACID Front Light PRO-E 80 X-Connect, whilst at the rear, an ACID rear light is fitted in the mudguard area.

The cabling is largely integrated into the bike. Added to this is the tidy stem with the Speedlifter system. For a bike intended for frequent everyday use in varying conditions, the comprehensive standard specification makes more sense than a long list of accessories that the buyer would have to fit themselves.

Editorial commentary

The CUBE Compact Hybrid Deluxe 540 is aimed at cyclists who are looking for the most compact e-bike possible for everyday use, but who do not want to compromise on motor power, range and transport options.

The combination of an integrated rear rack and HIC interface is particularly practical. This allows the bike to be fitted out differently depending on the task at hand. For the journey to work, it remains relatively lightweight; for shopping, bags or a basket can be added. Those who regularly carry heavier loads can combine the front and rear systems. However, you must bear in mind the maximum load capacity for both the front and rear.

This makes the Compact Hybrid an interesting alternative for users who find a large cargo bike too bulky, but who still need plenty of carrying capacity.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Compact 20-inch design
• Bosch Performance Line with 75 Nm
• 540 Wh battery
• Integrated rear luggage rack
• HIC mount for front luggage rack
• An extensive range of accessories for the front and rear
• Gates belt drive
• Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub
• One-size-fits-all design for people between approximately 1.60 and 1.90 metres tall
• Low-level entry
• Lights, mudguards and a kickstand as standard
• 62 mm wide tyres

Disadvantages

• Just five courses
• Cargo capacity remains lower than that of a dedicated cargo bike
• Additional transport accessories are charged at extra cost
• Payload is limited by the relevant system weight specifications