Endurance test performance: 3493 kilometres | 59340 vertical metres
Discreet, but not stuffy. Potent, but not ostentatious. The Fritzz 180 is the AMG in the Cube range. Only the trained eye recognises the potential that lies dormant in the inconspicuous exterior. So much for the pleasing appearance. In terms of equipment, the Fritzz was also able to score points, even if it wasn't 100 per cent convincing. Keyword tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres at the front and Schwalbe Rock Razor at the rear. While the Magic Mary tyre shone at the front and bit into every surface, the Rock Razor, which rolls easily, revealed blatant traction problems. Continental Baron 2.4 and later Michelin Wild Grip'R 2.35 offered more reserves and ultimately provided more fun. Also difficult: the currently popular single crank. In order not to get stranded on long tours with the standard 32 t chainring, you need to have a lot of muscle in your thighs. So "downgrade" to 30 teeth, which again requires a high cadence on downhill gradients.
Due to my height of 189 cm, I swapped the 120 mm RockShox Reverb for a 150 mm Tele dropper post. Because, just like the suspension, every increase in travel is reflected in an increase in comfort and safety on the descents. All in all, the Fritzz made a very solid impression. Stable, reliable and, despite 180 millimetres of travel, absolutely suitable for touring. Whether Tenerife, Lake Garda or on the trails on the Kampenwand. The Fritzz even opened my eyes in one respect: Before I got the Cube, I was a die-hard 26-inch fan. But with every metre of trail I cranked up, I became more and more enthusiastic about the slightly larger wheels. On the bumpy trails of Lake Garda, the Cube swallows significantly more than a similar bike with 26-inch wheels. A small downer is the slight loss of manoeuvrability.
ConclusionThe Cube is a top longtravel enduro bike that is a lot of fun on technical and flowing trails. Coupled with few defects and great riding characteristics, the Fritzz can be recommended without reservation.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
TUNING
- 290 km: Tyre change The Schwalbe Rock Razor on the rear wheel rolled fast, but only offered enough grip in the dry.
sufficient grip. The Conti Baron and Michelin Wild Grip'R were more all-round.
- 410 km: Chainring change On long tours, the 32 t chainring clashed with the willingness of the thighs to perform. Two fewer teeth allow for better climbing, but require a high cadence downhill.
- 587 km: longer telescopic support At a height of 1.89 metres, the 120 mm Reverb seatpost was at its limit.
Replacing it with a 150 mm one brought more comfort and safety.
DEFECTS
- 1114 km: Fork and damper service Some lubricating oil was leaking from the fork and shock. A quick service at the BIKE Festival in Riva solved the problem.
- 1595 km: Telescopic support fails The Reverb no longer made a sound and wouldn't extend. So I sent it in for a service at Rock Shox.
- 1732 km: Front tyre loses studs The Schwalbe Magic Mary lost a few teeth. The rubber of the Trailstar compound cracked.
THE TESTER
Hans Voglsamer, BIKE/Freeride test rider
Age/size/weight: 56 years/1.89 m/90 kg
Driver profile As an adventurer, Hans is drawn to promising terrain, always on the lookout for new enduro tours. The more technical and blocked, the better. He also regularly visits bike parks.
Favourite areas Lake Garda, Tenerife, Punta Ala, Finale Ligure
