New generation: The Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55: light, aggressive and attractive?

The Stereo hybrid full-suspension bikes from Cube have been absolute blockbusters for years. In our tests, they have always been very strong price-performance ratio and balanced driving behaviour score points. But her character was just as reliable: balanced and uncomplicated? Yes! Excessively sporty? No. That's exactly what the new Stereo Hybrid ONE55 aims to change. Like all e-MTBs from the German brand, the latest addition also relies on the thrust of Bosch's Performance CX. With this family of three models, Cube explicitly wants to appeal to sporty and experienced (e-)mountain bikers who enjoy riding on trails and challenging terrain.

The facts about the Cube Stereo ONE55

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX
• Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, easily removable
• Alternative battery sizes: 625 or 500 Wh as accessories
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Max. System weight: 135 kg
• 3 equipment variants for 6999, 7999 and 9999 euros >> available here
• Weight: From 21.9 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M, 750 Wh)
• Available from June 2023 at the latest
• Three sizes: M, L, XL

Cube Stereo ONE55: The geometry

The ingredients for the sport and trail cure: geometry and suspension are designed to be more extreme. With 160 millimetres at the fork and 150 at the rear, paired with 29er wheels, the bike meets the popular category of sporty all-rounders. The modern geometry should ensure that the bike is also suitable for excursions into enduro terrain. At 65 degrees, the head angle is one degree slacker than the classic Stereo Hybrid 140 and can be slackened to 64.4 degrees using an angled headset. The reach is longer, the seat tubes very short - in line with modern trends. However, with rather long 453 mm chainstays, the developers have focussed on uncomplicated, safe handling rather than ultimate manoeuvrability.

Significantly lighter: the frame of the Hybrid ONE55

The next and decisive point to give the bike an even sportier character: the weight. The Frame should be 20 per cent lighter The Stereo Hybrid 140 features a higher quality carbon fibre construction (C:68X). The entire rear triangle is also made of carbon fibre. The result is absolutely impressive. The top model with 750 battery is said to weigh 21.9 kilos. If this is confirmed, the new Cube ONE55 SLT would be significantly lighter than all 750cc Bosch bikes that we have had the pleasure of welcoming to the EMTB test lab so far. Even the recently presented Orbea Wild is only just below this value in the top configuration, according to the manufacturer. However, the Spaniards have opted for the radical economy measure of a permanently installed battery.

And another important point for enduro suitability: with Cube's own category 5, the Stereo Hybrid ONE55 models are Approved for tougher applicationsthan the standard E-Enduro from Cube, the Stereo Hybrid 160.

Battery removal and different battery sizes

With the ONE55, the battery can be easily folded out of the down tube, as is usual with Cube. Using an adapter (incl. storage compartment!), smaller and therefore lighter batteries can also be installed. The 625 Powertube saves a good 700 grams, the 500 another 500 grams. only with Powertube 750, The smaller batteries are only available as a luxury accessory. Unfortunately, the starting price of 7000 euros is just as sporty as the bike's design. You're not used to that from Cube. After all, even the affordable Stereo Hybrid ONE55 C:68X SLX 750 model is well equipped and light. All ONE55 variants come only in sizes M, L and XL and should be completed by be available in stores by June at the latest.

Cube ONE55: Models and prices

Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 SLX

• Price: 6999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 22.6 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size M)
• Gear system: Sram GX
• Brakes: Magura MT7

At 7000 euros, the entry-level model is anything but a bargain by Cube standards. However, the weight of 22.6 kilos is still very considerable. There are no cheat parts to worry about. With a Lyrik fork, Magura MT7 brakes, GX drivetrain and robust Maxxis tyres (MaxxGrip rubber and DD casing at the rear!), the ONE55 SLX is absolutely trail-ready. The entry-level model also has Bosch's system controller and mini-remote on board.

Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 TM

• Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 22.9 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size M)
• Gear system: Shimano XT
• Brakes: Shimano XT

As usual with Cube, the TM model (Trailmotion) relies on particularly robust and downhill-orientated equipment. The thick X2 shock from Fox, which accompanies the massive 38 mm fork, is striking. Also fully Enduro-ready: the robust Newmen Enduro wheels (SL E.G. 30) and the Maxxis tyres with super-grippy MaxxGrip rubber, even in a puncture-proof doubledown version on the rear wheel. Accordingly, the TM model is slightly heavier than the cheaper SLX.

Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE55 SLT

• Price: 9999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 21.9 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size M)
• Gear system: Sram XX1 AXS
• Brakes: Magura MT7

The top SLT model has been trimmed for lightweight construction. Lightweight Newmen aluminium wheels, carbon handlebars and cranks are designed to keep the weight below 22 kilos. A Fox 36 Factory ensures comfort and absorption capacity and also saves some weight compared to the 38 in the TM model. The rear tyre is also on a diet: Schwalbe's Nobby Nic has a rather tame tread pattern. At least the classic tyre has been given the softer Soft rubber compound. Shifting is wireless with Sram XX1 AXS, braking with Magura MT7. For 10,000 euros, the package is top in the market comparison.

Conclusion Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB editor

Cube has always offered a lot of bike for the money. However, the Upper Palatinate company has not yet had any truly progressive trail bikes in its E-MTB programme. If the bikes can keep their weight promise, that would be a real announcement, because lightweight bikes with a large Bosch battery are in short supply. We are very excited about the first tests with the new ONE family. The first appearance is very promising.

Interview with Peter Lang, Product Manager for the Cube E-MTB fleet

EMTB: For which target group did you build the Stereo Hybrid ONE55?

Peter LangFor sporty, ambitious e-bikers who are looking for maximum downhill fun but don't want to compromise on motor power and range.

An important difference to the Stereo Hybrid 140 is the weight. How did you manage this drastic diet?

The frame is 20 per cent lighter overall. Firstly, because the rear triangle is also made of carbon, which our other E-Fullys do not have. In addition, with C:68X we use a higher-quality carbon construction, which makes the frame significantly lighter. The new shock linkage has a smaller lever and also saves some weight.

Nevertheless, the battery remains easily removable. Couldn't more have been saved here?

Yes, we thought about that at the start of development. In the end, however, usability was more important to us. With the exchangeable battery, the flexibility is much greater and so is the range of use. Taking a second battery on tour or uncomplicated charging is important to many customers. It also gives me the option of using other battery sizes. With a 500 battery, I save around 1.3 kilos and have a lower centre of gravity. Perfect for a short after-work ride.