For 2015, the "Fritzz 180" gets a slacker head angle, new kinematics, a very short seat tube and 650B wheels again. The geometry is moderate in the reach, but radical in the bottom bracket drop. This increases the stack value to well over 600 millimetres, meaning that the upper edge of the head tube is high in relation to the bottom bracket. With these values, the bike is similar to the Scott "Genius LT" - with the same effect: you stand extremely low on the bike and safely behind the high steering centre. The steeply sloping top tube gives maximum freedom of movement. Cube equips the race version with lightweight parts, a CTD shock that can be adjusted from the handlebars and 1x11 gears. The rear tyre is hip, but only useful in dry conditions. The bike is light and the riding position in the saddle is comfortable and balanced. Even long climbs are no problem. However, the shock needs to be in Climb mode, otherwise it will bottom out on the climbs and bob heavily when pedalling.
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Downhill, the geo, the large wheels and the new kinematics provide a very safe riding experience. The suspension offers good comfort and traction. However, the rear suspension is very linear - in compressions, the shock works deep in its travel. In order not to hang too far back in the bike, we rode most of the time in trail mode and only opened the compression damping on very bumpy, steep sections. The Fox "36" works sensitively. Even at high speeds and hard hits, the compression damping doesn't stiffen up - confidently. The short seat tube gives shorter riders the option of choosing the next larger frame for even more stability. Riders over 1.80 metres will have problems with the saddle extension on size M.
Conclusion: The "Fritzz 180" is a successful freerider. Very light and suitable for touring, yet stable and safe on the descent. Not quite ideal: the rear suspension curve with - for our taste - too little progression.
PLUS - Equipment - Handling - Geometry
MINUS - little progression
Manufacturer information
Distribution Cube Bikes www.cube.eu
Material / Sizes Aluminium / 16, 18, 20, 22"
Price / weight without pedals 3699 Euro / 14 kg
Measurement data
Front / rear suspension travel 180 mm / 180 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork / damper Fox 36 Float 180 Fit RC2 / Fox Float X CTD
Cranks / gears RaceFace Cinch / SRAM XO1
Brake system SRAM Guide R
Impellers DT Swiss CSW EM 3.7 system wheelset, Schwalbe Magic Mary VS / Rock Razor TS SG 2.35
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