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The Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Race 29* is every marketing manager’s dream come true. The product description for the trail bike is packed with highly sought-after buzzwords: carbon, Fox Kashima, Shimano XT.
Added to this is a price of 3,799 euros, which at first glance seems unbeatable. There’s no doubt about it: this lightweight Cube full-suspension bike is an absolute star of the advertising world. But just how much performance lies behind its attractive exterior? Our review of the Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Race 29 sets the record straight.
The Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Race 29 in detail
- Intended use: Trail bike
- Suspension travel: 140 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Frame material: carbon
- Weight: 13.1 kg (BIKE measurement, size M, excluding pedals)
- Price: 3,799 euros >> available here*
- Special features: Frame storage compartment, tool mount, steering angle adjustment via the headset
Facilities
- Front fork / Rear shock: Fox 34 / Float Factory
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT / SLX (1 x 12), 30; 10-51
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston, 203 / 180 mm
- Seatpost: Cube Dropper Post, 150 mm
- Bikes: Newmen Beskar 30 light/base
- Tyres: Maxxis Forekaster MaxxTerra Exo, 29 x 2.40 WT
The Lightness of Being
Here at BIKE, we know full well that: Non-motorised trail bikes are particularly fun when they’re light. In our test system, only models that aren’t too heavy can score highly. Weights in excess of 14 or even 15 kilos really take the fun out of nimbly navigating trails and long day trips.
On the market – particularly in the lower price brackets – heavy bikes are, unfortunately, by no means a rarity. At under 3,800 euros, the Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Pro occupies a special position. It’s built around a full-carbon frame and weighs just 13.1 kilos without pedals. Nevertheless, the One44 doesn’t skimp on practical features, such as a storage compartment in the down tube and a tool mount under the top tube.
Offering a full-carbon full-suspension frame at this price requires very tight cost control, even for a manufacturer of Cube’s calibre. Gear changes are handled by Shimano’s XT groupset. Thanks to a small chainring with just 30 teeth, the gear ratio provides an excellent crawl gear.
The wear parts on the cassette and chain are ‘merely’ from the SLX range. This does not affect performance. Cube is making savings in the right place here. However, it must be noted that the now-outdated mechanical XT cannot keep up with either its successor model or SRAM’s equivalent in terms of shifting performance under load.
The light Cube Stereo One44 (the Pro model is reviewed here) It accelerates extremely readily, and every pedal revolution benefits from its low mass. The fitted Maxxis Forekaster tyres also impress with their excellent rolling performance.
On challenging, steep climbs, however, the Cube shows its weaknesses. The front end tends to lift relatively early, whilst the rear end, in combination with the Forekaster tyres, generates little traction.
On undulating terrain, however, the bike’s light weight really comes into its own. The rear suspension works remarkably efficiently, even with the shock open, and exhibits only minimal bobbing. This makes using the platform function virtually unnecessary.
A long shot in the downhill
Thanks to its modern geometry, the Stereo One44 handles descents with ease. A flat head angle and high front end provide a great sense of security, even on steep sections. Cube also offers the option of setting the head angle 0.6 degrees steeper via the headset cups.
However, for rides over challenging terrain, we recommend the flatter setting. The short chainstays also give the bike a playful feel and make riding on the rear wheel considerably easier. Thumbs up for that playful spirit – a key strength of lightweight trail bikes!
So far, so good. However, as soon as the pace picks up, the Cube Stereo One44 ceases to be a model pupil. The Maxxis Forekaster tyres offer, at best, average grip on descents and rather limited puncture protection.
Whilst the Cube benefits from its high-quality Fox suspension, it feels less stable on the trail than many of its rivals in the trail bike category. The suspension certainly cannot be faulted for a lack of responsiveness. However, other rear suspensions offer an even more stable ride.
In this travel range, some competitors opt for complex but high-performance kinematics and stiff forks. Cube’s trail bike forgoes such features in favour of a lower weight, opting for 34-millimetre fork legs and a simpler rear suspension system. However, the low overall weight does not have an entirely positive effect on fast descents.
In terms of frame stiffness, as measured in the BIKE test lab, the One44 also lags slightly behind comparable trail bikes. The rear end, in particular, exhibits noticeable lateral flex. On the one hand, this ensures a forgiving ride and enhances comfort. On the other hand, heavier and very active riders weighing more than 90 kilograms might prefer a stiffer rear end, as the rear feels a little soft under heavy load.
Conclusion
Typical Cube – it really shines the Stereo One44 C:62 Pro* Lightweight and featuring high-quality components at a bargain price. The geometry delivers plenty of riding enjoyment, and on tours this carbon trail bike impresses with its lively ride. On downhill sections, however, the chassis – which is too soft and lacks a bit of stiffness – falls short. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- lightweight and fast-moving
- a strong urge to play
- excellent value for money
Cons
- lacks grip and traction
- low stiffness
What do you think: is the Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Race 29 just a lot of hot air, or does it actually deliver proper mountain bike performance? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor
