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Verdict on the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X test
The lightweight Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX is not a bike for everyone. However, as a really lightweight e-trekking bike for sporty commuters and fitness riders, the bike is absolutely justified. Most other comparably light e-bikes come from the gravel segment, do not offer a classic pannier rack and are significantly less comfortable. The Kathmandu C:62 is therefore an exciting mix of everyday use and lightweight construction that hardly any other manufacturer offers. As is typical for Cube, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Data and facts about the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X
| Preis | 3.999,00 €>> hier erhältlich |
| Weight | 16.9 kg |
| Fork | CUBE C:62® Technology, 1 1/2" - 1 1/2" Tapered, Internal Light Cable Option, 15x110mm |
| Drivetrain | Shimano XT RD-M8100-SGS, ShadowPlus, 12-Speed, |
| Motor | Bosch Drive Unit Performance SX max. 60Nm (BDU31) |
| Battery | Bosch CompactTube 400 |
The Kathmandu Hybrid is actually Cube's classic all-purpose weapon in the trekking sector. Comfortable, powerful and stable, with a large battery and plenty of motor power, it lacks few amenities. The Model SLX 800 (tested here) has even won a test victory for us. However, among the comfort-orientated Kathmandus there is also a much lighter sports version with a carbon frame. The Kathmandu Hybrid C:62.
Lightweight construction meets trekking bike
The addition C:62 already gives it away. While e-bikes usually rely on aluminium, a full carbon frame is used here - still a rarity in the classic trekking segment. The result is impressive: 16.9 kilograms in size M is a real outlier in this category. By comparison, conventional trekking e-bikes usually weigh between 25 and 27 kilograms. Only some e-gravel bikes, such as Cube's own Nuroad/Nulane Hybrid, are similarly light, but are often designed to be very sporty.
Bosch SX motor and 400 battery
However, the weight advantage is of course no coincidence. The built-in Bosch SX motor (tested here) does not quite offer the performance of its heavier counterparts. The capacity of the battery is reduced. This could be limiting for long-distance tours with a lot of luggage and the bike has to be parked next to the power socket for charging. The Kathmandu C:62 also doesn't have a suspension fork or extra-wide tyres.
That sounds much more problematic than it is. We know from our everyday testing: With Bosch SX and 400 watt hours, you can easily achieve a range of 70 kilometres. Especially with such a light bike with fast tyres from Schwalbe's gravel range. For most riders, that should easily be enough for everyday use. If you need more, you can extend the range even further with the Power More 250 range extender.
Carbon frame: Lightweight, but also durable?
The rigid fork saves weight and requires no maintenance. In contrast to most inexpensive suspension forks, a long service life is guaranteed here. And speaking of durability: isn't that a contradiction in terms with a carbon frame? Not at all. Modern carbon bikes can easily cope with the occasional minor flaw that simply cannot be avoided in everyday use. The days when carbon was an overly sensitive, disposable material are fortunately over.
Price-performance ratio and equipment
With 3999 euros is the positioning of the C:62 SLX in the upper mid-range. Shifting is done with the sporty Shimano XT with twelve gears. The hydraulic Deore brakes provide powerful deceleration. For the tyres, Cube relies on Schwalbe's G-One Overland Gravel Allrounder. The tyres roll fast and, with a width of 50 millimetres, also provide a decent ride comfort, well above that of most gravel bikes. A high-quality lighting system from our own brand Acid rounds off the package. The price is therefore fair for a full carbon frame, although you can get even higher quality equipment for similar money on aluminium bikes.
BIKE review of the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX
Strengths:
- Very light for e-trekking
- Everyday equipment with classic luggage rack
- Versatile gravel tyres
Weaknesses:
- Permanently installed battery
Adrian Kaether
Editor
