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Following the new Stereo 150 29 (Current laboratory and practical test in BIKE 9/18), the new MTB models for 2019 were presented to dealers and the press for the first time at the end of July at the Cube headquarters in Waldershof. In the bike sector, the new Stereo 120 and the TM version of the AMS 100 stand out in particular, while Cube has also significantly expanded its children's bike range for 2019 and completed the women's range (Cube WS). Although many Cube customers and dealers had to wait a long time for the 2018 bikes, the 2019 model year is now underway. According to Cube the first 2019 bikes should be available from dealers as early as September. Here is an overview of the most exciting MTB innovations from the Upper Palatinate:
Cube Stereo 120 29
Although the old Stereo 120 was still competing for BIKE test victories until recently, it will be replaced by its successor in 2019. The challenge: to improve on something very good. Until now, the Stereo 120 was a classic, sporty all-mountain bike. However, as the trail bike trend is on everyone's lips, the Waldershof-based company has turned the 120 fully into a trail bike for 2019. Based on 29er wheels, the triple-butted, hydroformed aluminium frame has been redesigned. The chainstays have been shortened by 17 millimetres (433 mm), the reach is longer and the head angle has been slackened by one degree (67°). In addition, the new Stereo 120 now also matches the look of its Stereo siblings with more travel thanks to the hidden pivot points. According to Cube, material has been saved on the frame where possible and critical areas have been reinforced so that the frame can withstand the demands of a modern trail bike. In future, all Stereo 120 29 will be equipped with 130 mm suspension forks at the front. As you would expect from Cube, you get above-average equipment for your money. There will be four models of the new Cube Stereo 120 29 between 1600 and 3000 euros.
Cube AMS 100 C:68 TM 29
The AMS was already presented in 2018, but the TM version ("Trail Motion") is new for 2019: Cube is taking the proven carbon frame of the AMS race bike and equipping it with trail-specific components such as the Fox 34 SC with 120 mm, a dropper seatpost and grippy, large-volume 2.35 tyres (on wide 30 mm rims). Cube is thus following a trend: trimming lightweight, high-propulsion race fullys into the trail bike corner. Just like Rocky Mountain did with the Element, Specialized with the Epic or Orbea with the Oiz. The 18-inch bike weighs 11.9 kilograms, costs 4000 euros and, thanks to the 120 mm fork, has a steering angle that is one degree slacker than the "normal" AMS. A Shimano XT brake with four pistons brakes at the front, while the two-piston version brakes at the rear. We have already had the opportunity to ride the new Cube bike. The high-propulsion bike is just right for a quick ride in the low mountain range: you don't carry too much weight uphill, sit sportily in the saddle and have more reserves downhill on moderate forest trails than with a race bike. The geometry is significantly less progressive (long and flat) than on competitor bikes, but that doesn't matter - after all, the overall package has to be right.
Cube hardtails: the most exciting models for 2019
The two affordable hardtail models Attention (800-900 euros) and Acid (1000 euros) get a new aluminium frame as a basis. From 2019, the Acid can be fitted with press-fit bottom brackets and suspension forks with butted steerer tubes. In addition, the cable routing has been integrated into the inside of the frame and a new mudguard mount has been added to the connecting web of the seat stays. Particularly exciting is the Cube Acid Eaglewhere you can get a Sram NX Eagle with 1x12 gears for 1000 euros. The Acid Eagle with Rock Shock Recon Silver fork is said to weigh 13.4 kg. In 14, 16 and 18 inch versions, it rolls on 27.5 inch wheels, while the 29er aluminium hardtail is available in 17, 19, 21 and 23 inch frame sizes.
Cube Reaction TM
A Trail hardtail based on the British model can also be found in the 2019 MTB range from Cube. The Reaction TM and the higher-quality Pro version (1400 euros) and the top model Reaction TM Race (1800 euros) come with a single drivetrain, 2.6 inch wide Kenda tyres on 35 mm rims, Vario seatpost and 130 mm fork. The Reaction TM weighs in at a whopping 14.4 kg and the steering angle is a downhill-orientated 67.5 degrees. The Reaction TM offers 1x10 gears, the Pro version 1x11 and the Reaction TM Race comes with 1x12 NX Eagle.
Cube Reaction C:62 One
Cube continues to offer two product qualities for carbon hardtails: C:62 and C:68 - both frames will continue unchanged in 2019. However, some equipment variants are new. For example, the C:62 One, the fhe cheapest bike with the new Shimano XTR M9100 (1x12) for 3300 euros in the Cube line-up. In addition to a Newmen wheelset with XTR hubs, the C:62 One is also equipped with a Fox 32 SC fork. Weight: 9.5 kilos.
The The top model among the race hardtails is the Elite C:68 SLT. The high-end racer made of the lightest carbon material from the Upper Palatinate weighs in at just 8.8 kilograms (size 19'' with tubes). Despite its all-round equipment, the Formula 1 bike "only" costs 5500 euros.
Cube women's bikes for 2019
Cube is also bringing a breath of fresh air to its Women's Series for 2019. Many women's bikes have been harmonised with the price points of the men's bikes. In addition to the equipment of the bikes, the frame heights also differ from the rest of the Cube range. Whether it's the Access hardtail, Sting 120 or Sting 140, everything starts with a size of 13.5 inches and 27.5-inch wheels. Even small women from 1.45 metres tall can ride this frame height. Here is an overview of the most exciting women's MTB models:
