If you're looking for a race bike from Cube, you'll first come across the classic AMS 100. However, with its low weight and 120 millimetres of travel, the Stereo 120 is an exciting alternative to the AMS and is therefore on the starting line here. The bike is technically based on the Stereo 140, the very light frame is reduced to a record weight thanks to minimalist equipment. Latex milk instead of butyl tubing saves around 250 grams.
A glance at the (compact) geometry also quickly makes it clear what awaits you on the trail: Riding fun! A clear riding position, powerful uphill propulsion, the only thing missing besides the lockable fork is the remote control for the rear. The platform on the Fox shock is not enough for racers. The fact that the bike is still one of the fastest on the lap is due to its weight and fast tyres. And despite these narrow tyres, the Stereo is also one of the best downhill bikes. There is no substitute for suspension travel on Lake Garda. You can feel how the rear swallows up big bumps, the slack steering angle keeps your pulse low in the fast sections, but the brakes could be more powerful. To put it plainly: the Stereo is not a World Cup-winning bike like the Epic. But it is one with a lot of riding fun in a wide range of applications.
Conclusion Extreme factory tuning makes the Cube a super-fast, very comfortable marathon bike. With wider tyres, it is also successful in all-mountain use.
PLUS Quick-release saddle, riding behaviour and comfort, weight
MINUS Carbon saddle unrideable, tyre choice borderline, only three-year warranty
The alternative
Those who find the long suspension travel and fun geometry too ascetic can opt for the classic AMS 100, ready to race from 2799 euros, in the top version Super HPC SLT 29 for 7299 euros.
