Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 vs. Haibike NDuro: Affordable enduro e-bikes in a test duel
Josh Welz
· 08.03.2023
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Test duel: comparison of affordable enduro e-bikes from Cube & Haibike
Cheap shooting: Are there fat E-Enduros for little money?
Our working title for this test topic was "affordable shooting". Fat E-Enduros for a slim wallet. A combination that is not easy to find on the market. The term "favourable" has to be put into perspective anyway: People who are looking at e-mountainbikes for the first time will rub their eyes in disbelief at the prices of around 5500 euros.
In this duel, the example of Haibike shows that the price spiral continues to spiral upwards: at the beginning of December, when the NDuro 6 arrived, it still cost exactly the same as the Cube Stereo Hybrid. The Haibike is now 500 euros above the originally planned RRP. Such ad hoc price adjustments are now common in the industry and, according to manufacturers a reaction to the rising cost of goods sold.
Of course, it is difficult for manufacturers to put together a favourable package, especially in the enduro category. The field of application requires particularly powerful chassis and robust add-on parts, and these come at a price. Nevertheless, it is not impossible to put together an attractive package for relatively little money.
Once again, the price-performance specialist Cube proves this. The Waldershofen-based company largely dispenses with no-name components and even allows itself a little luxury in key areas: a Rockshox ZEB fork, an XT rear derailleur, plus a Newmen cockpit and wheels, albeit not from the expensive price groups. Especially in combination with the Bosch Smart system and carbon main frame, the Cube package is really impressive.
Competitor Haibike has a somewhat harder time of it. The savings programme is particularly evident in the SX drivetrain and the affordable Domain fork. The higher-quality shock with reservoir is somewhat more generous - a sensible investment in this E-MTB category, which is more likely to be found on more expensive enduro e-bikes would suspect.
Geometry: How do Cube and Haibike compare?
In terms of equipment, the Cube is ahead on balance, but other aspects are character-defining - especially the geometry: the Cube is rather moderate, the Haibike is extremely long. A wheelbase of 1303 millimetres, 180 millimetres of suspension travel and a 63-degree head angle - these are extreme values even in the enduro category. Accordingly, the Haibike is aimed at fast, rough downhills. Cube, on the other hand, has its sights set on a broader target group.
In terms of suspension travel, the Cube is not out of place in the enduro league, but with its steeper head angle, shorter chainstays and compact wheelbase, the Stereo Hybrid would also be in good hands in the all-mountain class. What's more, according to the manufacturer, jumps over 50 centimetres in height and use in the bike park are not permitted - at least then the material defect liability no longer applies. A strange restriction in this E-MTB category.
Test duel Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SLX vs Haibike NDuro 6 - Conclusion
"Haibike and Cube present two enduro bikes with fundamentally different characteristics. Both bikes have modern geometries, but are aimed at different target groups: The massive NDuro with its very long geometry and plush suspension travel has clear advantages on fast descents in rough terrain - you can easily be seen in the bike park with it. The compact Cube Hybrid is aimed more at moderate trails and tours. The manufacturer's restriction regarding the range of use does not do justice to the Enduro category." Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief
What the testers say about the 5500-euro enduro bikes
"A 27.5-inch front wheel like on the Cube is rarely seen on e-MTBs. This has advantages in terms of manoeuvrability, but disadvantages on rough trails and obstacles. The geometry of the Cube is also more moderate. This means that the Stereo Hybrid has a wider range of use, but is inferior to the Haibike with its long, flat geo on extreme descents." Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Test Manager
"When things get really steep uphill, the Cube struggles with a rising front wheel. However, traction, suspension comfort and the powerful Bosch motor are convincing on tour. The Haibike only really has an advantage on nasty ramps, but the combination of less motor power and too tight gearing requires a dedicated rider." Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor
The motors in comparison
Cube Stereo Hybrid & Bosch Performance CX Smart
The Swabian power unit delivers plenty of maximum power with good modulation. However, even in turbo mode, the Bosch requires a relatively high level of input from the rider if you want to utilise its full power. This makes it a sporty and lively tool, because when the rider accelerates, the motor accelerates too. Even at high pedalling frequencies, the Bosch unit continues to deliver power. The measure of all things on demanding uphill trails, especially in E-MTB mode.
Max. power 616 W1 | Max. Torque 85 Nm2
Haibike Nduro 6 & Yamaha PW-X3
The Yamaha celebrates its premiere in EMTB with this test. Previously, we had only familiarised ourselves with the identical but software-modified Giant Syncdrive Pro2. The Yamaha unit impressed us with its good modulation and lively power delivery, and it is also quite quiet. However, the PW-X3 clearly lags behind the Bosch in terms of maximum power. Characteristic: The motor gets nervous even when the pedal is pressed lightly and wants to get going. This helps when starting uphill.
Max. power 537 W1 | Max torque 85 Nm2
Motor sound in comparison
The Bosch is generally not a very quiet pedalling bike. Characteristic: At higher pedalling frequencies, the sound also becomes more high-frequency and therefore more present. Nevertheless, we found the motor noise to be rather unobtrusive. The same applies to the Yamaha, which has a slightly lower pitch. Very good: Both bikes hardly rattle at all.
A comparison of the heights of empire
At first glance, the total range of the Haibike seems to be a tad greater. However, the NDuro only covers a full 361 metres in altitude in emergency mode. Here, the motor only provides minimal support. In addition, the average speed of the Cube with 150 watts of rider input is slightly higher than that of the Haibike. Neither motor delivers its maximum power here. Overall, the Cube is ahead in terms of range.
Weights in comparison
At almost 27 kilos, the Haibike is one of the heavyweights even in the robust enduro segment. This is noticeable in everyday handling, but also on the trail. The high wheel weight of the NDuro is not least due to the massive tyres. Schwalbe's 2.6 Big Betty tyres on the rear wheel are particularly heavy. The maximum permitted weight allows for heavier riders - and they will find the Haibike easier to handle.
EMTB judgement: Enduro e-bikes in comparison - Cube vs Haibike
Test criteria - how EMTB tests
Uphill
How does the E-MTB perform on difficult climbs? We separate the evaluation categories into steep uphill and technical uphill. In the first category, we assess the riding behaviour on steep ramps. Deductions are made here for a front wheel that climbs early, unfavourable seating positions and too little motor power or traction. The evaluation for technical uphills is all about trails uphill with obstacles. Is the bike easy to control? Does the suspension generate traction without bottoming out? How does the bike cope with tight corners and steps? Deductions are made for motors that are difficult to modulate, passive riding positions and frequent crank bumps.
Downhill
As in the uphill classification, we also separate downhill into two different categories. Trail flowing is dedicated to riding fun. This is where handy bikes with lively and agile handling score points. Deductions are made for high (wheel) weights, sluggish suspension and geometries that are too track-following. Downhill rough, on the other hand, is all about handling qualities in nasty terrain and at high speeds. What counts here is the suspension's ability to swallow, safe geometries and robust equipment.
On tour
In the Tour rating, the reach of the bikes comes into play, which we crank out in a standardised field test. In addition to riding comfort, the easy-riding rating is based on whether less experienced riders can handle the bike well and how easy the bike is to manoeuvre. Steering that tilts and geometries that are too demanding are rated negatively.
Drive
Here we award standardised points, which we have defined individually for each drive. Power is all about performance and torque. In addition to the perceived thrust, extensive laboratory measurements are also included in the evaluation. The driving feel is particularly important for the light engines, as is the background noise. Deductions are made for rough or unharmonious assistance. Under Details, points are awarded for displays and remotes and the respective apps.
quality
Point one is the equipment. We use fixed parameters to evaluate all components, from gears and suspension to cockpit, dropper post, wheels and tyres. Under workmanship/details, we look at the craftsmanship of the frame as well as the integration of the drive components such as the battery and speed sensor. We also award points for the weight, manufacturer's warranty and the permissible total weight of the bikes.
The new rhombus
The strengths and weaknesses and therefore the character of a bike are shown at a glance in the new test diagram. Basically, the bigger the red area, the better the bike. But the rating in the individual criteria is also visible here. We adjust the criteria depending on the bike category. The light bikes naturally score highly in trail handling, but lose points when it comes to range.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
