Lighter, more modern, more enduring: 2020 Cube bikes
The Stereo Hybrid family from Cube is an absolute bestseller. For 2020, all models will be equipped with the new Bosch motor and 625 watt hours. The range is being reorganised and modernised.
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In 2020, the industry giant will Cube is fully committed to Bosch motors for its e-mountainbikes. This means a lot of work for the Upper Palatinate company. 40 models were tested on the new Generation 4 engine of the CX line and the new, larger Powertube battery with 625 watt hours. But that's not all. The model range has been reorganised, from the hardtail to the 120cc, 140cc and 160cc fully. The highlight is the bestseller and all-rounder Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM. We have already been able to get a closer look at this model.
Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The new Bosch Performance CX motor provides a breath of fresh air, less weight and more riding fun.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke New on all Cube Stereos for 2020: The Powertube battery sits under a generously rubberised cover, which can be opened very easily and simply using a push button. All bikes offer space for the 625 mm battery, but the mount can also be converted to 500 mm Powertubes - although this is not possible on the road.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The lock is hidden and protected under the cover, eliminating the need for a keyhole in the down tube.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Clean and tidy: The cable routing and all cables are neatly concealed behind a cover and run without rattling.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Cube has given its Stereos their own mount for the Kiox display. This loses its exposed position on the stem.
Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC
The 140 is the all-rounder in the Cube range. In 2020, the bike comes with 29er wheels, a carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle. The geometry and chassis have been significantly modernised and made sportier. The chainstays have been shortened to 457 millimetres, while the main frame is significantly longer and the head angle is slacker. Despite larger wheels and a bigger battery, the bike is slightly lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the carbon frame. We weighed the downhill-orientated TM model in size 18 inches at 24.1 kg. This does not put the bike in the lightweight league, but it is also extremely solidly equipped. The massive Schwalbe tyres with Supergravity carcass are particularly heavy, adding around 800 grams per pair compared to the usual tyres on standard models from other manufacturers.
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Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM * comes with a 150 mm fork and costs a fair € 4999.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke All Stereo Hybrid 140 models roll on 29 x 2.6 inch Schwalbe tyres with a solid, puncture-proof, but also heavy Supergravity casing.
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Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The speed sensor is located on the chainstay, the magnet on the spoke - there are now more attractive and less defect-prone solutions.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The charging connection is located in the seat tube behind a cover cap. The cable for the telescopic seat post runs externally in this area, which should make adjusting the saddle height smoother.
The facts about the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC
29er wheels
Bosch Performance XC Gen4 motor
Powertube battery, 625 watt hours
Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
140 millimetre suspension travel, 2 models with 150 mm fork
Five equipment variants between 3699 and 7999 euros
Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC geometry
Photo: Hersteller The geometry of the Stereo Hybrid 140 has been significantly modernised in 2020.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Apart from the single-speed model, all variants also have 200 mm brake discs on the rear wheel. Solid four-piston brakes are standard anyway.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke All models have space for a bottle cage in the frame triangle.
Equipment and prices: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC
Let's start with the Race model. If you do without the large battery, you can get the bike with 500 watt hours from just 3699 euros. The entry-level version with a 625 watt battery costs 3999 euros. Suspension travel: 140 millimetres front and rear. Both models are available from Liquid-Life, for example.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race is available from 3699 euros. Equipment: Sram 12-speed NX Eagle, Rockshox suspension with 35 fork, Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.6 inch tyres.
The 140 HPC SL is available for 4499 euros, also with 140 millimetres of travel at the front and rear.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo 140 HPC SL costs 4499 euros and has Fox suspension (34 Rhythm fork), 12-speed gears with Shimano's XT and brakes with XT four-piston brakes.
The 140 HPC TM is fully designed for trail fun, with a slightly more progressive geometry thanks to a 150 mm fork. The complete package is available for 4999 euros.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM is equipped for trail and downhill riding. A Fox 36 Performance fork with 150 millimetres of travel provides more security, while Magura MT7 brakes ensure deceleration. Together with Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf tyres with supergravity casing, the package costs 4999 euros.
With 150 millimetres at the front, the Action Team model also appeals to those who want to tackle challenging terrain. Top equipment with premium factory suspension from Fox for 5999 euros.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Action Team costs €5999 and comes with high-quality Fox Factory suspension, XT 12-speed gears and four-piston brakes, also from Shimano's XT series.
A lightweight version of the 140, the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT, is in the programme for the first time in 2020. Fully trimmed for weight, it should make demanding touring bikers happy. Remarkable: Here too, Cube puts puncture protection before weight and installs heavy supergravity tyres. As a result, the bike should land at 22.1 kilos.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT with Sram's electronic 12-speed Eagle AXS drivetrain, the likewise wireless AXS dropper post and Rockshox Ultimate suspension draws on the full potential. Cost: 7999 euros.
Comfort tourer: Cube Stereo Hybrid 120
From 2020, the Stereo Hybrid 120 will explicitly appeal to comfort-orientated bikers. The suspension set-up is softer than the 140 and the geometry is also moderate, i.e. shorter and more upright. The bike comes with an aluminium frame that is prepared for the installation of mudguards and a kickstand. The Stereo Hybrid 120 also wants to show off as a commuter and everyday all-rounder. There will be five variants between 3299 and 4499 euros. TM models with a 130 mm fork are no longer available. 29er wheels, 120 millimetres of suspension travel.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Stereo Hybrid 120 comes with an aluminium frame and 29er wheels. Suspension travel: 120 millimetres.
Downhill machine: Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC
Like the 140 stereo, the big brother also comes with a carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle. The enduro bike continues to rely on 27.5 mm wheels and all models are fitted with a 170 mm fork. The geometry is even more radical. Compared to the already sporty 140, the reach is longer, the head angle slacker and the chainstays shorter. This means that the Stereo Hybrid 160 is clearly focussed on downhill riding and agile handling. Four models between 4199 and 7999 euros.
Photo: Hersteller The Enduro Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC has a carbon main frame and is designed for downhill riding. Suspension travel: 170 / 160 millimetres, wheel size: 27.5 inches.
Beginner: Cube Reaction Hybrid
The hardtail series with aluminium frame and 29-inch wheels will be available in a Powertube version with integrated battery (five equipment variants, 120-millimetre fork) and a frame for semi-integrated power packs (500 Wh, 100-millimetre fork). At the sporty end of the hardtail scale is the Elite Hybrid with Powertube battery and carbon frame.
Photo: Hersteller The Cube Reaction Hybrid comes with an integrated Powertube battery and 29er wheels. Frame material: aluminium. Suspension travel: 120 millimetres.Photo: EMTB Magazin You can read more e-MTB news and a detailed test of the new Bosch motor in EMTB 3/19 - The magazine for e-mountain bikers will be in stores from 6 August. You can get the new EMTB conveniently in the subscription, at newsagents and also in our online shop and as digital edition for all end devices.
Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.
