Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800: Trekking bike test victory for the Kathmandu!
Adrian Kaether
· 28.03.2025
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It's no secret that bike giant Cube can deliver value for money. In our tests, the Waldershof-based company reliably put together an equipment package that would make even mail-order companies such as Canyon and Rose envious. And also the new Kathmandu (here in the first presentation) is no exception. The Cube does indeed max out the price limit of our comparison test. But it also has top parts as far as the eye can see. The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800 costs 4499 euros and is available at Liquid Life or Lucky-Bike available.
Braking and shifting is done with premium parts from Shimano's XT range, the branded wheels from Newmen are of high quality, the lighting is almost as good as the branded lamp with high beam on the competitor from KTM.
The large Bosch Kiox 500 display leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to infotainment - although in our test of Six trekking e-bikes with the new Bosch motor is not a unique selling point. The Cube also has a retractable seatpost on top. So far so good.
What's new is that Cube is now also really stepping on the gas when it comes to workmanship and details. The frame with its polished seams has a high-quality look, the partial integration of the pannier rack is a good idea and improves handling with a load without Cube having to use a real heavy-duty rack.
Seemingly inexpensive parts such as the plastic mudguards are not a disadvantage in practice. The own-brand grips in particular are very comfortable. The only fly in the ointment: instead of installing the new Linkglide gear system with only eleven gears, which is trimmed for durability and smooth shifting, Cube still relies on the classic Hyperglide XT with twelve gear steps. It is possible that wear parts are due a little sooner here.
The facts about the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800
- Price: 4499 Euro >> at Liquid Life or Lucky-Bike available
- Bike category: E-trekking bike
- EngineBosch Performance Line CX Gen. 5, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Display: Kiox 500
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes: Wave, Trapeze, Diamond
- Weight: 26.4 kg
- Permissible total weight: 160 kg (driver limited to 110 kg)
- Guarantee: 2 years
- Special features: Partially integrated luggage carrier, ground weld seams
The new Bosch drive: small but exciting improvements
The new Bosch drive with an 800-cell battery offers impressive ranges. Even with medium support and a varying riding profile, around 100 kilometres are easily possible. If you ride more economically and use the motor only minimally, you can go even further. In addition, the new motor is quieter and reacts noticeably more sensitively to pedal pressure than the previous model. In addition, the new Bosch Performance Line CX offers almost no resistance above 25 km/h. The generous Kiox 500 display with navigation is a clear advantage for touring cyclists.
The equipment of the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800
Cube has given the Kathmandu SLX a strikingly high-quality suspension fork from Fox, Shimano XT gears and brakes and even a dropper post. In short: nothing is left to be desired. An even higher quality spec would bring almost no functional advantages.
- Circuit: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Translation: 38 / 10 - 51 teeth
- Brakes: Shimano XT (four-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency, 55 mm
- Lighting system f. /h.: Acid Front Light 150, Acid Mudguard Rear Light
- Luggage carrier: Acid, 25 kg
- Fork: Fox 34 AWL
Practical test: How the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800
Sitting on the Cube is like sitting on a throne: confident and comfortable. The bike is large and Cube's geometry is inspired by mountain bikes. The head angle is slightly slacker, the wheelbase slightly longer than usual. This results in a stoic straight-line ride, but we would have liked a little more agility in busy city traffic. If in doubt, go for the smaller frame! Otherwise, the Cube cuts a good figure, the finely profiled tyres roll well on asphalt, but are not the first choice on gravel.
MYBIKE review of the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLX 800
Strengths
- High driving stability
- Good comfort
- Excellent equipment
- Powerful range
Weaknesses
- Could be handier
- Rear mudguard a little short
The MYBIKE conclusion
The new Kathmandu from Cube is a real hit. In addition to the usual strong equipment, the new e-trekking bike also scores with a surprisingly high-quality frame and intelligent details such as the partially integrated pannier rack. The balanced riding characteristics are also impressive. Chapeau!
Adrian Kaether
Editor
