Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC SLX test: Cube E-MTB at the best price?

The current Stereo One44 Cube has given it a slightly sportier design than its comfortable predecessor and thus also slightly adapted the character of the bike. It is intended 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 Upper Palatinate company has also given the SLX model the stylish Kiox 400 C display. With a carbon main frame and good mid-range equipment for under 5000 euros, this is already a strong package.

Full XT and Bosch motor with plenty of range

Despite the high price pressure, Cube also offers a lot in terms of equipment. The new Shimano XT brakes with four-piston callipers shine at the front and rear. Lightweight Newmen wheels are fitted with grippy Kryptotal tyres with extra puncture protection at the rear. Shifting is mechanical with Shimano's XT Hyperglide with twelve gears. In other words: little blingbling, but full of function. The suspension elements come from Fox's favourable Performance and Rhythm series. You won't find anything better for 5000 euros from any other manufacturer.

After the TM model (tested here) and the top model SLT (tested here) is the SLX This is already the third Cube from the new Stereo Hybrid One44 series to find its way into our test lab. And the blend of the now somewhat sportier character and the fundamentally versatile riding characteristics is once again convincing. You can find out which Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 HPX is the best for you in this buying guide with a comparison of all models.

On the trail: Versatile instead of extreme

In practice, Cube skilfully avoids extremes. You sit in the centre of the bike and thanks to the moderate seat angle, you can ride long tours in a relaxed manner. The wide end spacer with a practical socket for an accessory front light and the high stem sensibly compensate for the low stack. Important, because otherwise the bike would be too sporty. On the climbs, the long chainstays ensure uncomplicated handling. For more control on extreme climbs, however, an even steeper seat angle would be an advantage. Obviously a concession to more moderate touring riders. The suspension favours uphill support rather than ultimate comfort, which also contributes to the uphill performance, as does the easily controllable and lively Bosch motor.

Downhill, the Cube plays its trump card in the form of excellent components. The XT brakes work crisply and the grippy Kryptotal tyres give you a lot of confidence. That fits! With the super puncture-proof downhill rear tyre, you don't have to worry about a puncture at the rear, even with occasional riding errors and traction-rich low air pressure. The suspension is sensitive and poppy. The Cube rides smoothly and is easy to get airborne.

Actively whizzing through berms on flowing trails and picking up speed by pumping - it works like a charm. If you turn onto wild trails, however, you'll notice that the Cube has a little less travel at the rear than some of its competitors. Rough hits hit the rider harder and you don't want to feel like a sedan. If you're particularly keen on this, the big brother Stereo Hybrid One77 or the even sportier AMS One77 (test here) probably happier with a permanently installed battery. The advantage of the moderate travel of the One44 is the lively and sporty character of the bike. Even with a large battery, the Cube never feels cumbersome, even on tame trails. However, the bike with its long chainstays is not particularly manoeuvrable or a recommendation for manual fans.

Strengths

• Versatile and powerful
• Price-performance ratio
• Suspension has reserves ...

Weaknesses

• ... but is not ultimately comfortable
• Less manoeuvrable driving behaviour