High-quality carbon chassis, new Bosch drive unit, 800 Wh battery - nothing out of the ordinary at first. But Bosch offers this package on the Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC Race 800 for a mere €4,399. The bike faces competition primarily from within the company.
BIKE verdict on the Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC Race 800
Lots of carbon, state-of-the-art Bosch technology and stable handling at a price where some other manufacturers only offer an aluminium model! The Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC Race 800 is positioned as a comfortable all-rounder for sporty touring cyclists. If you can do without uncompromising high-end components, you will find a superbly harmonised overall package here, which will impress you above all with its price tag.
The range of use: not an aggressive trail predator
With 140 mm travel at the rear and a 150 mm fork, the Stereo Hybrid One44's area of application is clearly defined: it is the classic all-mountain bike, designed to master the balancing act between extended, comfortable alpine tours and flowing single trails.
Cube has given the current Stereo On44 a slightly sportier design than its comfortable predecessor and thus also slightly adapted the character of the bike. It is designed to be more modern and even more versatile - and has of course also been given the newer Bosch CX 5 and a modern 800 battery with a long range.
The centrepiece is the modern HPC chassis: the main frame consists of Cube's light and stiff C:62 carbon fibre construction, on which the entire Cube carbon range is built. The rear triangle of the Stereo One44, on the other hand, is made of robust aluminium. With a moderate reach (475 mm in size L) and a fairly high front end, the geometry ensures a comfortable riding position that won't cause back pain even after hours in the saddle. The integrated cable routing through the headset guarantees a clean look.
Motor and battery: a proven touring combination
In contrast to some competitors in the entry-level segment, Cube doesn't skimp on the drive. The Race 800's down tube houses the latest 5th generation Bosch Performance Line CX system. With plenty of torque, the motor provides the usual powerful, sensitive and harmonious propulsion - perfect for steep climbs and technical uphills.
The power pack is fuelled by the Bosch PowerTube. With a capacity of 800 watt hours, the battery provides an enormous range for epic day tours without having to constantly and nervously check the charge level indicator. The system is controlled in a minimalist and modern way via the Bosch System Control integrated in the top tube, including the inconspicuous mini remote on the handlebars. The Purion 400 display positioned directly next to it blends unobtrusively into the cockpit and provides the most important riding data in an easy-to-read format. A small downer for impatient riders: Cube only includes the compact Bosch 2A charger with the Race 800, which noticeably extends the charging time of the huge 800 Wh battery.
The facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC Race 800
- Price: 4,399 Euro
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon main frame with aluminium rear triangle
- Spring travel: 150/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (27.5 in frame size S)
- Weight: 24.1 kg (BIKE measurement)
- Max. system weight: 160 kg
Ride report: How the One44 HPC rides
In practice, Cube skilfully avoids extremes. You sit in the centre of the bike and thanks to the moderate seat angle and fairly high front end, you can ride long tours in a relaxed manner. Even with the generous 800 Wh battery in your belly, the bike never feels cumbersome. On tame trails, crisp bends or fast forest tracks, it accelerates willingly and holds its line precisely.
However, when the terrain gets really rough and technical, the setup requires a little more physical effort. Due to the rather long chainstays, the bike is extremely stable and strong on climbs, but is not one of the most playful representatives. The Fox suspension works well and is plush, but the Float AWL fork is only sparsely equipped with adjustment options. The large-volume 2.6 mm Schwalbe tyres are designed more for moderate touring use. Riders with a more aggressive riding style will find them too imprecise. Uphill, the rider benefits from the high-traction rear suspension kinematics and the central riding position, which keeps the front wheel reliably on the ground even on steep ramps. For even better climbing performance, the 76-degree seat angle could have been a little steeper.
Price-performance comparison: Race 800 vs. SLX 800 - What are the differences?
Perhaps the strongest competition for the HPC Race comes from Cube itself with the next higher model: Cube charges €4,999 for the slightly better equipped Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC SLX 800. For many buyers, this raises the question: is the € 600 surcharge worth it? We take a detailed look at the differences:
- Chassis: The Race 800 relies on a Fox 36 Float AWL suspension fork combined with the Fox Float Rhythm R shock. With the Fox 36 Float Rhythm (with GRIP damping) and the Fox Float Performance damper, the SLX 800 offers slightly more adjustment options and therefore reserves in rough terrain and for fast sequences.
- Gearstick and brakes: On the Race 800, a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain takes care of the gear changes, controlled by more favourable Deore SL shift levers. The Shimano BR-MT420 4-piston brakes provide solid deceleration. The SLX 800 consistently relies on a consistent Shimano XT package, which in practice pays off more with the brakes than with the shifting components.
- Electronics and accessories: While the Race comes with the inconspicuous Purion 400 display and the slower 2A charger, Cube gives the SLX the larger Bosch Kiox 400C colour display and the twice as fast Bosch 4A charger. The faster charger in particular is a clear advantage for long day tours.
- Wheels & tyres: ACID SLX 30 wheels with large-volume Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance 2.6 tyres on the Race provide comfort. The SLX comes with Newmen Performance 30 wheels Continental Kryptotal 2.4 tyres. The Conti tyres in particular guarantee more precision at the limit and will therefore appeal more to sporty trail riders.
- Weight: An exciting detail on the scales - at 24.1 kilos, the Race 800 is a good half kilo lighter than the SLX 800.
Strengths & weaknesses of the Cube
Strengths
- Extremely attractive entry-level price for a carbon E-Fully
- Modern Bosch CX motor with an enormous 800 Wh range
- Comfortable handling and high permissible total weight (160 kg)
- Slightly lighter than its more expensive sister model at 24.1 kg
Weaknesses
- The Bosch 2A charger supplied ensures long charging times
- Tyres and suspension limit sporty downhills
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
