In EMTB 2/16, the enduro bikes impressed us with their good climbing characteristics. As the drive system compensates for the additional weight and the poorer rolling characteristics of the tyres, we asked ourselves the question: Which E-MTB is the better all-rounder? All-mountain or enduro. To clarify this, we had the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 (tested in EMTB 1/16) against its bigger brother, the Stereo Hybrid 160 (tested in EMTB 2/16).
First, let's take a look at the hard facts: The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 costs 5499 euros - 100 euros less than the Stereo Hybrid 160. The all-mountain bike is also ahead in terms of weight: at 21.7 kilograms, the 140 Stereo is 700 grams lighter than the Enduro. This weight disadvantage can be attributed to the more massive front tyre, the more powerful brakes and the longer travel suspension elements. The rocker link is also slightly longer and therefore heavier in order to provide two centimetres more travel.
The geometries of the two e-bikes are very similar: Both bikes (frame size M) have a rather short reach. This is only 412 millimetres on the Enduro and 409 millimetres on the All Mountain. The slightly shorter reach on the Stereo Hybrid 140 is compensated for by a slightly longer stem. The chainstays are long on both models - this ensures good climbing characteristics, but makes the bike sluggish on technical trails. The seat angle is 73.3 degrees on both bikes and also helps with climbing. At 66.3 degrees, the steering angle on the Enduro is slacker than on the All Mountain (67.0 degrees), which makes for a smoother ride.
Uphill
As the two bikes are so similar, the details decide who wins or loses in the individual categories. On the climbs, the proven Bosch Performance CX drive with 500 Wh battery pushes both bikes and, together with the comfortable riding position, ensures balanced uphill characteristics. As described, the chainstays are quite long, but the front wheel literally sticks to the ground even on steep climbs. Only when things get extremely steep does the Stereo Hybrid 140 come out on top. Due to the softer suspension, the rear end of the Stereo Hybrid 160 bends more easily. As a result, the front wheel becomes light. However, this only happens when all non-motorised bikers have long since had to push. If, on the other hand, you are riding towards the summit on a very rough trail, the Stereo 160 Hybrid goes further, as the softer suspension provides more traction.
Downhill
When the trail starts to descend, the hour of the enduro bike has come - or so you might think. And indeed: The grippy Magic Mary on the 160 stereo is worlds superior to the Hans Dampf on the Stereo 140. The MT7 brakes from Magura, which are fitted to the Enduro, are also in a different league to the Shimano XT stoppers on the All Mountain. These two add-on parts provide significantly more safety downhill. In terms of suspension, the Stereo 140 comes with a Float 34 fork and Float damper - the Stereo 160 has a Float 36 fork and Float X damper, so both bikes have everything from Fox. The more massive suspension on the Enduro offers noticeably more reserves and comfort, but also absorbs significantly more energy on profiled trails. The difference is therefore unexpectedly small, as the head angle on the Stereo 160 is a little too steep for an enduro bike and the frame is a little too short. As a result, the Stereo 160 unnecessarily gives away smoothness and can't outpace the Stereo 140 on the downhills.
Test summary
At the end of the day, both Cube test models perform at a very high level and are a lot of fun on the trails. We don't want to choose a clear winner, because in the end it's the area of use that decides in favour of one bike or the other. For example, the Stereo 140 Hybrid is sufficient for low mountain tours and relatively demanding trails. With more powerful brakes and a grippier front tyre, the All Mountain can still be used to its full potential. The Cube Stereo 160 Hybrid is aimed more at bikers who like to ride long and very demanding trails or simply prefer a little more comfort.
