Cube Stereo One 22 Pro review: A full-suspension MTB for under 2,000 euros

The Cube Stereo One22 Pro boasts a major selling point: it’s rare to come across a full-suspension mountain bike for under 2,000 euros. Young riders and beginners in particular are keen to have full suspension to enhance their riding experience over roots and rocks. In reality, however, entry-level full-suspension bikes from most brands start at around 1,000 euros more. So what’s the catch with the Cube? Our bike review of the Cube Stereo One22 Pro has the answer.

Conclusion

Anyone who’s set on riding a new full-suspension bike in the under-2,000-euro price range has few options on the market, and the Cube Stereo One22 Pro is certainly a decent choice. However, my expert opinion is this: you’d be better off investing the money in a good hardtail, buying one second-hand, or saving up a bit more. You can’t really expect genuine MTB fun from this budget Cube. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Cube Stereo One22 Pro in detail

• Intended use: Trail
• Suspension travel: 130 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: aluminium
• Weight: 14.7 kg (BIKE measurement, size M, excluding pedals)
• Price: 1,999 euros
• Special features: Front derailleur mount

Facilities

• Fork / Shock: RockShox Judy Silver / Manitou Radium Expert RL
• Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle (1 x 12), 30; 11–50
• Brakes: Magura MT Thirty, 180 / 180
• Seatpost: Cube Dropper Post, 150 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Performance 30 light/base
• Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix Performance, 29 x 2.40

Old technology

An important point to note at the outset: the Cube One22 Pro’s frame platform is outdated. The frame was first launched back in 2021. The most affordable specification of the One22 was not included in the recent model update. This means that whilst higher-end One22 models feature modern geometry and updated suspension, the Pro version has to make do with a five-year-old design.

How can you tell? Firstly, with its long seat tube, flat seat angle, steep head angle and short reach values, the Geo is no longer up to scratch compared to other current trail bikes. Off-road, this can mean less stability at high speeds and less confidence in handling. Secondly, even back in the 2023 test, we found the riding position on the squishy suspension to be too rear-heavy for steep ramps. It’s not without reason that Cube has since updated the geometry and suspension. Thirdly, the aluminium frame features long-forgotten details, such as a derailleur mount for a second chainring.

Light in the Shadows

Of course, there’s plenty of good news to report about the Cube Stereo One22 Pro as well. For under 2,000 euros, for example, it already comes with a dropper seatpost with decent travel fitted in the seat tube. The gear system offers twelve gears, and the spec list includes many branded products, such as Newmen wheels, Magura brakes and Schwalbe tyres. You won’t find this level of quality from other manufacturers for 1,999 euros anywhere near.

Of course, you could dismiss the geometry and suspension as old-fashioned and outdated, but you could also describe them as tried and tested. Beginners are unlikely to feel overwhelmed by the Cube Fully and should be able to gain their first off-road experience. At 14.7 kilos, it’s actually a bit too heavy for dynamic, sporty rides (high-end full-suspension bikes in this travel range weigh between 11 and 12 kilos), but given the low price, it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

austerity measures

The fact that the Cube Stereo One22 Pro has been subject to significant cost-cutting measures is likely to become apparent, if not before, then certainly on more challenging terrain. The basic Magura MT Thirty brakes are considered very weak, particularly when fitted with the original pads. The Cube is fitted with Schwalbe tyres in the Performance compound. This has a negative impact on rolling resistance, traction and grip.

Although the German manufacturer has fitted the Fully with a small 30-tooth chainring to ensure a decent climbing gear even on the budget SRAM NX cassette, this means the gear ratio runs out quickly when riding downhill. The Stereo One 22 Pro is only approved for a comparatively low system weight of 115 kilos.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• Full suspension at an affordable price
• a wide range of branded products and links to specialist retailers

Cons

• outdated frame platform with conservative geometry
• Cheap parts cause the brakes to fail off-road

What do you think: for 2,000 euros, does it have to be a full-suspension bike, or would you rather buy a hardtail for that money? Let us know what you think in the comments!