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The Cube Aim SLX is likely to appeal particularly to beginners and young cyclists. Affordable hardtails in particular are seen as the classic gateway to off-road cycling. At the same time, prices in this segment have risen significantly in recent years: in Germany, buyers now spend an average of between 1,000 and 2,500 euros on a hardtail. Priced at under 700 euros, the Cube Aim SLX boasts balanced geometry, stable handling, a comfortable suspension fork and knobbly tyres for off-road use. But how much substance is there really behind these promises? We’ve taken a close look at the spec and assessed who the Cube Aim SLX hardtail is really suited to.
Conclusion
Beginners should not rely solely on the gear group on the Cube Aim SLX Don’t be fooled. To be considered a good MTB, its shortcomings – particularly in terms of tyres and weight – are too significant. No hardtail mountain bike should weigh more than 15 kilos. The affordable Cube is suitable for leisurely, stable rides or the journey to school, but not really for off-road use. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Cube Aim SLX in detail
- Intended use: Touring
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Wheel size: 29” (sizes M / L / XL) / 27.5” (sizes XS / S)
- Frame material: aluminium
- Weight: 15.2 kg (BIKE measurement, size M)
- Maximum rider weight: 100 kg
- Price: 699 euros >> available here
Facilities
- Front fork: SR Suntour XCM
- Gear system: Shimano Deore (1 x 12), 32; 10–51 T (510%)
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200/UR300, 160/160 mm
- Bikes: Cube Acid EX25
- Tyres: Cube MTB, 29 x 2.25
A review of the affordable Cube hardtail
For years, Cube has enjoyed a reputation for offering bikes that deliver excellent value for money – and the Aim One is very much in keeping with this tradition. Even at first glance, the aluminium frame with internally routed cables and Shimano components makes a solid impression and inspires confidence when making a purchase. Another plus point is Cube’s extensive network of dealers and service centres, which makes maintenance, repairs and spare parts easily accessible.
The frame geometry is a real highlight. Whilst many hardtails in this price range still rely on outdated designs, the Aim is in line with modern standards. With a slack head angle of 68.5 degrees, the bike promises a stable ride, particularly on fast or uneven terrain. The long chainstays further reinforce this character and ensure a very smooth ride. However, anyone looking for particularly playful handling or a bike for learning wheelies, bunny hops or other technical manoeuvres will likely have to make some compromises here. The Aim SLX clearly prioritises control, predictability and safety off-road.
The Cost of the Prize
When you look at the spec, it quickly becomes clear why the Cube Aim SLX can be offered at such an affordable price. In many areas, it uses technology that is no longer up to date by today’s standards. This includes, for example, the quick-release axles, which are less rigid than modern thru-axles when riding hard off-road. The weight, too, hardly lives up to expectations for a modern hardtail. At 15.2 kilograms, the Aim SLX tips the scales at a surprisingly high weight – a figure that even some full-suspension enduro bikes with significantly more travel now match or fall below.
The bike’s heavy weight is particularly noticeable during sporty riding, where it accelerates sluggishly and requires a lot of physical effort. Anyone looking for a lively, agile mountain bike that can be manoeuvred with ease will be disappointed. Instead, the Aim One offers a rather sluggish riding experience, which noticeably detracts from the enjoyment of the ride. On climbs, even the lockout function on the SR Suntour fork offers little help. The Cube Aim SLX is and remains too heavy for sporty riding. On the plus side – and handy if the hardtail is to be used for more than just classic mountain biking – the heavyweight spec package includes a centre stand.
Good gearbox, poor tyres
Ironically, it is precisely on the components that make the biggest difference off-road that the Cube Aim One cuts corners. Tyres, suspension forks and brakes are among the key factors for control and riding safety – yet this is exactly where this budget hardtail reveals its greatest weaknesses. The narrow Cube tyres on the in-house rims offer very little contact patch. This comes at the expense of traction and ride comfort, whilst at the same time increasing rolling resistance on loose terrain. The SR Suntour suspension fork fitted also falls short of the standard set by modern air suspension forks and cannot compensate for the tyres’ shortcomings.
The Cube combines simple Shimano disc brakes – not part of any groupset – with unusually small brake discs. Whilst this may be sufficient for short rides on flat terrain, the system quickly reaches its limits on longer or steeper descents. Diminished braking performance and reduced heat resistance are the predictable consequences – characteristics that are particularly critical on a mountain bike. The rigid seatpost is also only of limited suitability for genuine off-road use. At least Cube has fitted a quick-release lever to lower the saddle if necessary.
One bright spot in the spec list is the drivetrain. Unlike the even more affordable Cube Aim One, priced at 499 euros, the SLX model features a modern 12-speed drivetrain with a single chainring. Although the Shimano Deore groupset is quite heavy, it impresses with its shifting performance, gear range and reliability.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pro
- modern, stable handling geometry
- a good groupset
- reasonable price
Cons
- far too heavy
- Tyres, suspension forks, brakes and seat posts put an early stop to the fun of off-road riding
What do you think: should MTB beginners also be mindful of their bike’s weight? What are your tips? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor