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Well-balanced, good value for money and easy to ride: that’s how Cube e-MTBs have performed in almost all of our tests in recent years. Time and again, the versatile e-MTBs from Waldershof have achieved impressive test results - precisely because of their ease of use and versatility. The new ONE family is set to take a different approach: Whilst the aggressive set-up comes at the expense of versatility, it is intended to benefit sporty drivers and do away with the car’s staid image.
The Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 Tm embodies the essence of this new trend. With thick suspension components, robust features and high-grip tyres, it’s particularly well suited on progressive geometry the new models. In our comprehensive comparison test, we’ll be checking whether the new Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 lives up to its own claims and can hold its own in a high-end comparison.
Facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm maximum torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inches
- Frame sizes: M, L, XL
- Price: 7,999 euros >> available here
- Weight: 23.97 kg (test bike, size L, EMTB measurement)
Cube’s first full-carbon frame, weighing under 24 kilos
For the Stereo Hybrid One55, Cube has the The frame has been completely redesigned. For the first time, the cycling giant is opting for an e-bike featuring Full carbon. Previous Cube Hybrid models have always featured an aluminium rear triangle. To reduce the weight even further, the frame is also made from high-quality C:68 X fibres, which Cube normally only uses in its high-end race bikes. Overall, the frame is said to be 20 per cent lighter than that of the well-known Stereo Hybrid 140.
This is reflected in a correspondingly positive reading on the scales in our test laboratory. Our test bike in size L weighs just under 24 kilos, despite its very robust build. It’s a fair bit heavier, falling a whole kilogram short of the manufacturer’s stated weight of 22.9 kilograms for the Trail Motion model in size M. What’s more, at least when compared to the tried-and-tested Cube models, the One55 is also significantly more expensive. 1,000 to 1,500 euros more you have to spend a bit more for a comparable level of specification. This means Cube loses some of its edge in terms of value for money. However, compared with similarly priced rivals, this Cube e-bike is still better equipped than most.
The e-bike drive: tried-and-tested Bosch Power, with small batteries available as an option
With the Bosch Performance CX Cube relies on what is probably the most widely fitted e-MTB motor. It combines high performance with a reasonable weight. Its excellent modulation, the lively and progressive power delivery and special features such as the extended trail in Emtb mode make it the A real test on gruelling uphill sections. All the speed settings can be fine-tuned via the app. However, the Bosch isn’t exactly quiet; it rattles on downhill, and the large battery is quite heavy at 4.3 kilos.
In return, he provides a extremely good range, which outshines other systems with batteries ranging from 700 to 750 watt-hours. The Powertube 750 can be used with the Cube straightforward can be removed from the down tube at the front. For the display, the One55 relies on a combination of the top tube display system controller and the wireless mini-remote. This appeals to sporty riders. However, you have to do without the extensive information provided by a Kiox display. Speed is measured via the Bosch valve magnet, so there is no need for a separate speed sensor. This is because the magnetic signal is picked up directly from the motor.
One special feature of Cube is that for short rides, there is smaller 500 or 625 batteries as a luxury accessory, which, with an adapter, fit into the down tube in place of the 750 battery. The smaller batteries save 700 or 1300 grams respectively, though naturally with a correspondingly shorter range. This allows you to reduce the bike’s total weight to as little as 22.7 kilos.
Long and flat: the geometry of the Hybrid Stereo One55
It is particularly here that the the aggressive nature of the Stereo Hybrid One55, which is unusual for Cube noticeable. With a flat 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 designed for fast descents. At 454 millimetres, the chainstays are not particularly short, which is in the interests of a smooth ride. What stands out is, firstly, the flat seat angle of just 75.3 degrees, which is also noticeable on steep climbs.
On the other hand: the geometry we measured in the laboratory does indeed quite flat . Even flatter than specified by Cube, and also flatter than the bikes from the competition that we tested under identical conditions in our major comparison test of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes. According to rotatable bearing shell In the headset, you can even adjust the steering angle to a more downhill-oriented 63.6 degrees. This is where Cube sets the Promises of a more aggressive approach of the new bike has therefore been consistently redesigned. Another very modern feature is the extremely short seat tube, measuring 414 mm in size L. This allows cyclists to choose their frame size based on the reach and tailor it to their personal preferences. It also makes it possible to fit particularly long seat posts.
EMTB specifications 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 features
Even though the Stereo Hybrid One55 is a little more expensive than we’ve come to expect from Cube, the cycling giant has certainly pulled out all the stops when it comes to the spec. This bike has everything that’s really good – and really expensive, too. The highlight is the beefy Fox 38 Factory front fork, which Cube has combined with the Float-X2 downhill shock and a Transfer seatpost – also in the Factory version. The gears and brakes are from Shimano’s XT range; the bike rides on high-quality Newmen wheels and comes fitted with Maxxis tyres in the super-soft MaxxGrip compound at the front and rear.
Real-world test: Here’s what the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55 TM is like to ride
On tour
On the Cube, you take slightly stretched It offers plenty of space and isn’t particularly front-wheel-heavy. This is unusual for modern e-MTBs, which are increasingly tending towards steep seat angles. At any rate, the One55 puts so little strain on the wrists that pedalling on flat terrain is comfortable. The Bosch’s range is as good as ever, changing the battery is a quick and easy process. The fact that Cube continues to use a Key offers advantages in everyday use. For purely sporting use, however, there are sleeker options. The suspension is comfortable, but the new Cube – with its high-grip tyres and self-centring steering – is not the ideal touring bike. All in all, Cube’s other bikes, such as the Stereo Hybrid 140 and the Enduro Stereo Hybrid 160, are the more laid-back choices for casual rides.
Uphill
This also applies when driving uphill, where at least the Stereo 140 is significantly easier to handle than the One55. The The steering tilts Due to the shallow steering angle when riding slowly, the flat seat angle and the kinked seat tube cause the rider to be too rear-heavy on steep climbs. This is particularly true when the saddle is extended a long way, as the actual seat angle then becomes significantly flatter. Combined with the medium-length chainstays and the high-traction suspension – which, however, has quite a deep travel – the front end of the Cube does occasionally lift in extreme situations. This makes riding particularly challenging on technical, steep sections It’s difficult to keep the Edel-Cube neatly on track. The lively Bosch motor and the excellent traction are nevertheless on the credit side.
Downhill
That is why The One55 in its element on the downhill. Especially when it’s a fast and rough descent, the One55 TM is one of the most powerful options on the market. The smoothness of the ride and the responsiveness of the suspension are outstanding. Sporty riders will feel very safe on this bike, at least when you really put your foot down. And you can do so with a clear conscience. Because, unlike the classic E-Enduro Stereo 160, the One55 is also approved for bigger jumps and the bike park.
With its superbly grippy tyres, you can take flat bends as if on rails. This allows you to carry a lot of momentum on challenging descents. However, this long carbon racer isn’t particularly manoeuvrable. This is particularly noticeable in tight corners and fast, sweeping bends. Also on flatter trails is the speed-loving Cube not the right choice. When driving slowly, the steering also tends to pull to one side. Anyone who frequently drives at a leisurely pace might find this annoying. Unfortunately our test bike was rattling It lost power significantly. This didn’t sit well with the high-end standards of the One series and detracted slightly from the impression of a successful full-throttle enduro bike.
The EMTB Verdict
The One55 TM is more of a The Mini Enduro: a versatile all-mountain bike. Plenty of durability to boot. The premium Cube really comes into its own on downhill runs and at high speeds. The right choice for e-enduro races, full-throttle rides over rocky terrain and big drops. For more moderate riding, you’d be better off opting for the Stereo 140 from the Cube range. Top-spec features and equally impressive range.
Pro
- a good weight
- Top-of-the-range features
- removable battery
- Qualities required of a receiver in high-speed situations
Cons
- rattles
- not very manoeuvrable
- challenging handling
Technical specifications and ratings for the Cube Stereo Hybrid One55
Manufacturer's specifications
- Price: 7,999 euros >> available here
- Sizes (seat tube) / Frame material: M, L (size tested: 41.5 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 23.97 kg
- Elevation gain¹: 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
Facilities
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- Max. torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / Weight² / Price of replacement battery: Powertube 750 / 4302 g / 999 euros
- Gear system: Shimano XT
- Translation (by / ed.): 34; 10–51
- Display: Bosch system controller
- Maximum permissible weight³: 135 kg
- Front fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Factory Fit Grip2 Fox Float X2 Factory
- Telescopic strut: Fox Transfer Factory, 175 mm
- Brakes / Disc diameter (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
¹The range was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt incline with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest assistance level, rider pedalling power of 150 watts, rider weight including kit: 89 kg. The figures in brackets show the elevation gain in significantly restricted emergency mode. The average speed refers to the ride with full assistance.
²Measured on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory; weight excludes pedals. Battery weight may include the bolted-on cover.
³Manufacturer’s specification
⁴Step test, measured with the rear wheel raised by 36 centimetres
⁵The EMTB rating reflects the testers’ subjective impressions and the results of the range measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB rating is independent of price. EMTB ratings: excellent (9.0 and above), very good (8.0 and above), good (7.0 and above), satisfactory (6.0 and above), with weaknesses (5.0 and above), and below that, unsatisfactory.
Adrian Kaether
Editor