Test winner touring fullysCube Stereo Hybrid 140

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 16.03.2021

Test winner touring fullys: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140Photo: Max Fuchs
Test winner touring fullys: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140

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Well-balanced touring eMTB with comfortable suspension, relaxed riding position and confident handling. The equipment is harmonious and of high quality. This makes the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 the test winner in EMTB 1/21.

If we had to describe a classic touring eMTB, the Stereo Hybrid 140 would probably be the inspiration. This group test shows once again why this is the case. The overall package is absolutely harmonious, the riding characteristics are balanced. Whether it's a panoramic tour in the Alps, a leisurely ride around the lake or a detour on the home trails - the bike simply cuts a fine figure and is suitable for a wide range of rider types. The suspension is sensitive and comfortably absorbs even big bumps. The geometry is harmonious and strikes the perfect compromise between riding safety and manoeuvrability for a moderate touring bike. At a good 25 kilos, the Stereo is certainly not a super lively trail speedster, and the suspension also reaches its limits during extreme manoeuvres. However, these abilities are only marginally required on leisurely tours. The Stereo's strength lies in the fact that it is not an extreme bike. It is easy to control and very neutral.

In the test comparison, the bike is one of the more manoeuvrable and fun candidates - because it is also quite confident. The Bosch motor with 625 battery provides very intuitive support and has enough endurance for long-lasting touring fun. The climbs can also be steep and tricky, as the Stereo climbs very smoothly and well thanks to the central riding position. At 4549 euros, Cube is the cheapest bike in the comparison, yet the equipment is among the highest quality. This is impressive, especially for a specialist brand. The carbon frame is also a rarity in the test field. It's a shame that the bike is still very heavy.

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  Unlike many other manufacturers, Cube uses a carbon frame in this price range.Photo: Max Fuchs Unlike many other manufacturers, Cube uses a carbon frame in this price range.
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  The push button on the battery cover is easy to operate and sits securely, the cover has a high-quality rubberised finish. Top handling and feel!Photo: Max Fuchs The push button on the battery cover is easy to operate and sits securely, the cover has a high-quality rubberised finish. Top handling and feel!  As supplied, the Kiox display sits far behind the handlebars, so you can bump into it. Alternative: place it in front of the stem.Photo: Max Fuchs As supplied, the Kiox display sits far behind the handlebars, so you can bump into it. Alternative: place it in front of the stem.

Test summary of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SL

Well-balanced touring bike with comfortable suspension, relaxed riding position and confident handling. The equipment is harmonious and of high quality - and at a fair price.

  Sporty trail bikers and leisurely touring cruisers are equally interested in the E-MTB class of full-suspension touring bikes.Photo: Max Fuchs Sporty trail bikers and leisurely touring cruisers are equally interested in the E-MTB class of full-suspension touring bikes.  Narrower forks are character-building for the touring class. Fox 34, Rockshox Pike and Rockshox 35 are designed with less stiffness for less extreme applications.Photo: Max Fuchs Narrower forks are character-building for the touring class. Fox 34, Rockshox Pike and Rockshox 35 are designed with less stiffness for less extreme applications.

Technical data - Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SL 29'' (2021)

Reach height⁴ 1653 hm
Average speed 12.5 km/h
Price 4549 Euro

Drive
Engine Bosch Performance CX
Maximum torque 85 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Bosch Powertube, 625 Wh, 3659 g / 899 Euro
Circuit Shimano Deore/XT (12-speed)
Translation (v. / h. ) 34; 10-51
Display / Size Bosch Kiox / 33 x 48 mm

  The geometry of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SL from the EMTB test lab.Photo: EMTB Magazin The geometry of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SL from the EMTB test lab.  Overview of the riding position, handling and character of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140.Photo: EMTB Magazin Overview of the riding position, handling and character of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140.

Equipment
Max. system weight 135 kg
Fork/damper Fox 34 Rhythm / Fox Float DPS Evol
Suspension travel¹ (f./h.) 140 mm / 140 mm
Telescopic support / lift Cube Dropper / 150 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
Impellers Shimano MT400 hubs, Cube EX30 rims
Wheel size 29''
Tyres Schwalbe Hans Dampf Super Trail Soft/Speedgrip 29x2.6''

Measured values²
Sizes / frame material XS / S / M / L / XL / carbon/aluminium
Weight 25.1 kg
Centre of gravity height 523 mm
Handlebar width 760 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 184 mm
Reach / Stack 449 mm / 629 mm

EMTB test judgement³ VERY GOOD (346 points)

You can download the complete comparison test of the touring fullys from EMTB 1/2021 as a PDF below the article. The test costs 2.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in EMTB. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.

  Our test of nine current models in the exciting class between 4500 and 5000 euros shows what the market has to offer.Photo: Markus Greber Our test of nine current models in the exciting class between 4500 and 5000 euros shows what the market has to offer.

You can find these nine touring eMTBs up to €5000 in the comparison test

Manufacturer information
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test lab, weight without pedals, battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 355 points), very good (from 325 points), good (from 295 points), satisfactory (from 265 points), with weaknesses (from 235 points), below insufficient.
⁴Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections (12.2 %), 130 watts pedalling power of the rider, 87.5 kg rider weight.

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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.

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