29er frames are now cracking the one-kilo mark again, which is good news for ambitious racers. In addition to Cannondale, Cube also advertises the dream value of 960 grams for its C68 frame.
With the new 29" and 27.5" wheel sizes, the super-light carbon frames disappeared from the market. Frames weighing less than one kilo were no longer possible - until now. Cube spent a year and a half tinkering and has now presented the C68 technology, which is supposed to guarantee a frame weight of 959 grams - for the 29er hardtail. Compared to the previous model, a new fibre technology saves 100 grams of weight.
And this is how the principle works: a good carbon frame consists of an optimum fibre mix. C68 stands for Composite 68, which means that Cube increases the fibre content in production from 60 to 68 percent and reduces the resin content accordingly. More fibres increase the stability, less resin reduces the weight. The resin also contains nanoparticles that make the frame more stable against displacement of the mats. Nano particles improve the breaking behaviour and the high-quality fibres make the frame stiffer. In addition, the number of glued joints has been reduced and the aluminium components have been eliminated except for a few threaded inserts and the front derailleur adapter.
Production is of course more complex. The C68 frames are manufactured on a dedicated production line, requiring experienced workers and maximum precision due to the low overlap of the fibre mats. Material and production increase the price by 30 to 40 per cent. For the time being, C68 will be used for the Elite hardtails and the Stereo 140.
Hardtail Elite C68 29
Very stylish and super light too. Curtain up for the spearhead of the Cube hardtails, the Elite C68. Not only have the product designers done a great job here, but also the frame developers, as the 29er frame is said to weigh just 959 grams. Cube says: "If you buy a bike with a single crank, you don't want to see a useless front derailleur adapter. Aesthetics are crucial at this level. So we only make a frame for 1x11. The cables for the XTR DI2 also need their own cable routing if you want to make it look good. Shimano's mechanical XTR side-swing front derailleur requires a new opening in the down tube Every opening makes the frame heavier. In addition, there is a huge amount of work involved in logistics, stocking and development."
Four high-end models of the Elite with the suffix C68 are planned. The more affordable hardtails in the Super HPC series will remain, as will the Reaction GTC.
Stereo 140 27.5 in aluminium and carbon
Fans of the all-mountain classic AMS must now be very strong: The series (AMS 130 and 150) has been discontinued and replaced by the Stereo 140 27.5, but this should not be a disadvantage. Cube has given the new aluminium frame (2.8 kilos) a modern geometry (67.5/74.5 angle) and livelier kinematics for more riding fun. The new geometry makes levelling on the fork unnecessary. The Stereo 140 should ride better than the AMS 130 and not be a disadvantage, especially uphill. True to the motto: "140 is the new 120/130".
A carbon version weighing less than ten kilos is to be presented later in the year, perhaps even with C68 technology. Seven models of the Stereo are planned, ranging from 2100 to 8000 euros. But: If you're looking for a 120cc fully with small wheels, you won't find one at Cube in 2015.
Fritzz 180 27.5 in aluminium
Reducing weight is a common goal in the development of new bikes. This is also the case with the Fritzz. The newly developed aluminium frame is said to be 150 grams lighter (2.85 kilos without shock). There is also a new geometry with a shorter seat tube (40 cm at 18 inches) and more standover height. The head tube is prepared for headsets with adjustable steering angle (Angle Set), allowing the steering angle to be adjusted by up to 1.5 degrees.
The 74.7 degree steep seat angle, together with the low overall weight, should ensure that you can also crank up long climbs with the massive 180 millimetres of travel (special version of the Fox 36 fork). Cube promises lively, powerful kinematics and has fitted the Fox Float X shock to the bike. The ISCG mount is a matter of honour. Two models will soon be available in the shop. Prices: between 3000 and 5000 euros.
E-hardtail in carbon - fatbikes not planned
For fans of e-bikes, Cube has a delicacy in its programme, the Elite Hybrid HPC 29, which is the first time the Upper Palatinate company has combined a carbon frame with the Bosch drive. The bike is said to weigh just 16.9 kilos (the carbon frame saves 700 grams). Price: 3499 to 6499 euros.
Incidentally, Cube has no fatbikes planned for the 2015 season!
