Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29 review: A fun trail bike for under 3,000 euros

At first glance, it seems that Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29 It’s every bike buyer’s dream. Lightweight trail bikes have been regarded for years as a genuine ‘super-category’ with a wide range of uses – here at the BIKE editorial office too. Unfortunately, low weight, high performance and an affordable price are all too often at odds with one another. Trail bikes weighing around 13 kilos often cost 7,000 euros or more. So how can it be that the Cube Fully, which costs less than half as much, weighs just 13.3 kilos? There must be a catch! We took a closer look at the Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29.

Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29 in detail

• Intended use: Trail
• Suspension travel: 130 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: 13.3 kg (BIKE measurement, size M)
• Price: 2,999 euros >> available here
• Special features: Tool mount, steering angle adjustment via headset cups

Facilities

• Fork: Fox 34 Rythm Grip
• Shock absorber: Fox Float
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT (1 x 12), 30; 10–51
• Brakes: Shimano XT, 203/180 mm
• Dropper post: Cube Dropper
• Wheels: Newmen Beskar 30 light/base
• Tyres: Maxxis Forekaster MaxxTerra Exo, 29 x 2.4 WT

Slender and lithe

The Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29 is built around a sleek carbon frame. The cables run through the headset into the frame, creating a clean look but potentially making servicing more difficult. The head angle can be adjusted to suit personal preferences and the terrain using headset cups. The Lower Bavarian manufacturers have fitted the frame with numerous protectors and have included a tool mount beneath the top tube. The Stereo One22 offers 130 millimetres of front suspension travel and 120 millimetres at the rear. Shifting is handled by a lightweight Shimano XT 12-speed groupset. Its mechanical performance is tried and tested, though under load it is not quite as precise as alternative models. In typical Cube fashion, the drivetrain’s wear parts are sourced from the slightly more affordable SLX range.

This is what it’s like to ride the Cube trail bike

​Right from the very first pedal strokes, the Stereo One22 demonstrates a pronounced forward drive. Despite its affordable price, its weight is pleasingly low and on a par with many high-end trail bikes in a similar travel range. Even progressive cross-country full-suspension bikes are now venturing into the 120–130-millimetre category; they’re almost always significantly lighter but usually also significantly more expensive. The aluminium wheels from Newmen are also relatively light and, together with the fast-rolling Maxxis tyres, ensure exemplary forward momentum. The Cube Stereo One 22 C:62 climbs efficiently over short uphill sections and can be manoeuvred effortlessly through twisty trails – perfect for sporty trail rides!

The balanced riding position – resulting from a moderate reach, a pleasantly steep seat angle and a comparatively high front end – ensures a high level of comfort. This means that even long rides in the saddle remain comfortable. The only criticism arises on steep climbs: due to the short chainstays, the front end tends to lift off the ground early. Furthermore, the rear end exhibits slight rocking movements when riding out of the saddle. However, the easily accessible platform shifter effectively remedies this and significantly reduces the impact on the drivetrain.

Driving fun buddy

​The Cube bike also benefits from its well-designed geometry on the descents. The high stack height instils a great sense of security and positions the rider confidently behind the cockpit. This means you always feel safe on steep trails. The short rear end gives the bike very agile handling, particularly in tight bends. What’s more, it’s easy to take weight off the front wheel and effortlessly lift the bike onto the rear wheel. Consequently, riding the Stereo One22 is a real pleasure. However, as soon as the terrain becomes more challenging, the trail bike reaches its limits. The tyre choice limits performance somewhat on difficult terrain. Although the Maxxis Forekaster impresses with its low rolling resistance thanks to the hard rubber compound, there is still room for improvement in terms of grip, particularly at the front. On steep descents, Cube riders are likely to wish for a longer dropper post, as the seat tube is rather short.

Whilst the suspension on the Cube Stereo One22 C:62 TM 29 responds sensitively to small bumps, it has only limited reserves to draw on when faced with fast impacts and a series of hard knocks. The ride feel then seems a little lacking in substance and conveys less confidence. Impacts from root systems or large rocks are often noticeably transmitted right through to the rider. Unfortunately, the basic Fox suspension components offer few adjustment options for optimising the damping characteristics. Overall, however, the spec is exceptionally strong given the price. The Shimano disc brakes, with four pistons at the front and two at the rear, are an excellent and powerful choice for this lightweight trail bike from Cube.

Conclusion

​The Cube Stereo One 22 C:62 TM 29 is a real bargain. It offers plenty of riding fun and excellent touring capabilities for very little money. Due to its limited suspension travel, the bike really comes into its own with a sporty riding style. For particularly rough and technical terrain, there are more suitable trail bikes in this class. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

• very good value for money
• Good propulsion is a real asset on long rides
• Fun with geometry

Cons

• sub-optimal chassis performance
• Dropper stem and tyre choice too tame for extreme terrain

>> Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT: From smooth to bumpy – putting the high-end trail bike to the test

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