​CUBE Aim SLT review: Mountain biking for just 799 euros. Is that even possible?

Analysis by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

Despite its three-figure price tag, the CUBE Aim SLT cuts a confident figure: the neatly finished aluminium frame conceals the cables inside, the geometry, with a head angle of 68.2 degrees, is definitely off-road-oriented, and a 100-millimetre air suspension fork promises a better ride than most steel suspension forks fitted in this price range. CUBE has also fitted this 15.0-kilo hardtail with a Shimano XT rear derailleur and a 12-speed cassette with 10–51 teeth.

The real trick, however, lies in the concept: the Aim SLT isn’t designed to shine exclusively on the trail. CUBE has fitted the frame with mounts for mudguards, a centre stand and the semi-integrated SIC luggage rack. A dropper post can also be retrofitted. This means the Aim SLT could handle much more than just an after-work ride in the woods. A setup even more suited to off-road riding is just as possible as an everyday setup.

Only a test will reveal what the attractive features and stylish frame are actually capable of. However, for 799 euros, CUBE offers an extremely interesting starting point.

Key facts

• Price: 799 euros
• Weight: 15.0 kg
• Frame: Aluminium Lite, 6061, double-butted
• Wheels: 27.5-inch in XS/S, 29-inch in M/L/XL
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCM Disc Air, 100 mm, remote lockout
• Circuit: Shimano Deore 12-speed with XT rear derailleur
• Translation: 10–51 teeth, 32-tooth chainring
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200/UR300, hydraulic, 160/160 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray/Racing Ralph, 2.25 inches
• Wheels: ACID EX25, Tubeless Ready
• Handlebars: CUBE Rise Trail Bar, 680 or 720 mm
• Preparing the dropper: available
• Luggage rack/mudguard mounts: available
• Max. rider weight: 100 kg
• Operational category: 2

Frame: sporty, sleek and versatile

For the Aim SLT, CUBE has opted for an Aluminium Lite frame with double-butted tubes and Smooth Welding. This makes the welds much less noticeable, whilst the internally routed cables ensure a clean, tidy look.

On closer inspection, the frame becomes even more interesting. CUBE has incorporated mounting points for mudguards and a side stand, as well as the option to fit the semi-integrated SIC 2.1 luggage rack. Anyone wishing to convert the Aim SLT into a commuter or touring bike at a later date will find they have significantly more flexibility than with most other entry-level hardtails.

A telescopic seatpost can also be fitted as an aftermarket option. This is likely to be of particular interest to riders who, at some point, want to shift the bike’s focus more towards trail riding. However, a rigid CUBE Performance Post is fitted to the frame as standard.

100 millimetres of travel and an air spring

At the front is an SR Suntour XCM Disc Air fork with 100 millimetres of travel and a remote lockout. Unlike the steel-spring models often fitted in this price range, the air suspension is much easier to adjust to suit different rider weights.

With 100 millimetres of suspension travel, the Aim SLT is clearly positioned in the sporty hardtail category. The suspension travel is more than adequate for fast rides, forest tracks and the occasional foray onto moderate trails. However, anyone whose main aim is to have fun off-road will soon reach this bike’s limits.

Shimano XT rear derailleur – for 799 euros

When it comes to the drivetrain, CUBE has opted for an interesting combination. The highlight is the Shimano XT RD-M8200-SGS rear derailleur with 12 speeds. Shifting is controlled via a Deore SL-M6200 shifter, whilst the Deore cassette ranges from 10 to 51 teeth. An ACID crankset with 32 teeth is mounted around the bottom bracket.

This results in a generous gear range, ensuring you have the right gear for every situation. On steeper climbs in particular, the large 51-tooth sprocket should provide the necessary climbing assistance. At the same time, the 10-tooth sprocket allows you to maintain a good pace on descents or on the flat. However, there isn’t a complete XT drivetrain – CUBE combines the high-quality rear derailleur with more affordable Deore and ACID components.

Tyres with XC DNA

When it comes to tyres, CUBE has opted for a tried-and-tested cross-country combination: a Schwalbe Racing Ray at the front and a Racing Ralph at the rear, both in 2.25-inch width and featuring the Addix Performance rubber compound. This combination is geared more towards low rolling resistance and a sporty ride than towards maximum grip and a high level of comfort on rough trails.

Geometry: more like a trail bike than a DIY shop hardtail

With a head angle of 68.2 degrees, the Aim SLT isn’t extreme, but it’s certainly modern for a hardtail in this price range. The seat angle is 74 degrees. On the size M 29er, the reach measures 414 millimetres and the wheelbase 1,141 millimetres.

CUBE also continues to follow its ‘size-split’ concept: XS and S models feature 27.5-inch wheels, whilst M to XL models have 29-inch wheels. This is designed to offer smaller riders a more manoeuvrable wheel size and larger riders the benefits of 29-inch wheels.

Conclusion

The CUBE Aim SLT is designed as a hardtail for riders who don’t want to be tied down to a single discipline. The frame features trail-specific details such as a dropper post mount and an air suspension fork, whilst rack, mudguard and kickstand mounts ensure hassle-free everyday use. It also comes with a reliable 12-speed drivetrain and a high-quality XT rear derailleur. Hardly any other manufacturer offers this much equipment for this price.

The price makes this package particularly appealing to anyone who wants to give mountain biking a go for the first time, but doesn’t want to put all their savings on the line. After all, if mountain biking doesn’t work out, the bike works just as well for everyday use.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• A very comprehensive, high-quality specification for 799 euros
• Shimano XT rear derailleur and 12-speed drivetrain
• Air suspension fork with remote lockout
• A modern, versatile frame platform
• Preparing the dropper
• Mounts for luggage racks, mudguards and side stands
• 27.5/29-inch size split

Weaknesses

• The SR Suntour XCM remains a fairly simple air suspension fork
• Shimano BR-MT200/UR300 brakes with small 160 mm discs are designed more for all-round use than for maximum braking power
• Rigid seat post fitted as standard
• The Racing-Ray/Racing-Ralph combination is more XC-oriented than comfort-oriented