Cube AMS Hybrid One44 on test: The first light e-bike from Cube
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The best Cube I've ever ridden! This quote does not come from the manufacturer's press release, but from our esteemed EMTB test colleague Adrian Kaether. He's not exactly known for his euphoric comments when it comes to riding impressions. Calm, serene, objective - that's Adrian. This makes his conclusion after the test ride on the new AMS Hybrid One44, the industry giant's first light e-bike, all the more meaningful. And: His conclusion is in line with the impression of all the testers. But first things first.
The Cube AMS One44 at a glance: light, affordable, two model versions
The developers of the Cube AMS One44 probably also realised that the platform has potential. That's why they offer the bike in two versions: SL and TM do not differ in terms of the frame, but in terms of the equipment and therefore the range of use. Both versions have 140 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels. As a trail bike, the Cube AMS Hybrid should impress with its pop and playful handling. But while the SL versions are designed for maximum lightweight construction with slim suspension and fast tyres, the two TM models feature the Fox 36, the Float-X shock with reservoir and robust, grippy tyres. The focus shifts towards off-road.
The facts about the Cube AMS Hybrid One44
- Motor: Bosch SX, 55 Nm max. torque
- Battery: Compact Tube 400, 400 Wh (permanently installed)
- Optional: additional PowerMore 250 battery, 250 Wh
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Four models between 5999 and 8999 euros >> available here
- Weight: 17.8 kg (Super TM test bike in size L, EMTB measurement, without pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The lightest SLT model with XTR equipment and one-piece carbon cockpit as well as carbon wheels is said to weigh a very light 16.2 kilos. It costs 7999 euros - "only", it has to be said. The competition is easily in the five-digit euro range for such equipment and such weight ranges. Incidentally, it starts at 5999 euros with a real 17.4 kilos (EMTB lab measurement, size M). This combination is also unrivalled. Our test bike, the top model Super TM for 8999 euros, weighs 17.8 kilos (EMTB lab measurement, size L) and competes with its high-quality equipment and weight with a Specialised S-Works Levo SL, which is 5000 euros more expensive! Many other light bikes in this class are significantly heavier, even in the absolute high-end range.
Conclusion: Good things take time. From a standing start, the AMS One44 is on a par with the best light e-bikes on the market. Thanks to the enormous quantities produced by an industry giant like Cube, the bike's competitive price is possible. This will give the competition a real headache. The customer can be happy.
Bosch SX: The e-bike drive in the Cube AMS Hybrid
The One44 is powered by the Bosch SX motor, which is fuelled by a 400 watt-hour battery. The unit works very dynamically and offers enormous support at high cadence. Light motors such as the SL 1.2 from Specialized or the TQ HPR 50 are easily outperformed. The Fazua Ride 60 (to the test of the Fazua Ride 60) doesn't quite offer the same power and liveliness, but more torque at low cadence. This is clearly the weakness of the SX, but at high cadence the SX is a miniature power motor.
Unfortunately, the SX gets quite loud at maximum power and is then more in the league of power motors. What's more, the 400-cell battery is drained quite quickly if you constantly tickle out the full power - the permanently installed battery cannot simply be replaced. So if you want more range, you have to use the Powermore 250 range extender. The mini-remote on the handlebars and the battery indicator in the top tube are discreet but functional. This gives the new Cube a minimalist and elegant look.
The chassis - the key to lightweight
Cube achieves the low overall weight not least thanks to a very light frame made from C:68 X fibres, which are otherwise only used in Cube's race bikes and in the new Hybrid One55. According to the manufacturer, the frame weighs 2100 grams. The battery is permanently installed, which is a first for the German bike giant. The fact that the bike is more difficult to charge if you don't have a power socket in the cellar is something the manufacturer accepts in return for the fighting weight. Otherwise, the new Cube doesn't show any weaknesses. The frame has a high-quality finish. The very short seat tube also allows smaller riders to reach for the next larger model if they want a smoother ride. Unfortunately, the rear end of the Cube is not very stiff. This didn't bother us while riding, but the tyre leaves scuff marks on the seat stay. We already know this from the large Cube Hybrid One55 with Bosch CX which relies on a very similar rear triangle construction without a cross brace between the seat stays.
Handy and trail-orientated: the geometry of the Cube AMS One44
The geometry suits the range of use of the Cube AMS One44 very well. The riding position has a sporty feel. The very short seat tube allows smaller riders to reach for the longer frame. The steering angle, which is not too slack, ensures neutral, agile steering, and the steering angle can even be steepened by 0.6 degrees using swivelling bearing shells. However, the slacker setting probably makes more sense for the downhill-orientated TM models. The bottom bracket is low.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 414 mm
- Wheelbase: 1248 mm
- Reach: 470 mm
- Stack: 638 mm
- Steering angle: 65.5 degrees (flat setting)
- Seat angle: 76.2 degrees
- Chainstay length: 449 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 336
Models and prices of the Cube AMS Hybrid
Cube offers its new light trail bike in two versions: as a TM with robust tyres, Fox 36 and Float-X suspension. And as an SL with a 34 mm fork and XC tyres from just 16 kilos! The fun starts at 5999 euros.
Pace with Power: The lightweights SLX and SLT
Cube AMS Hybrid One44 SLX - 5999 Euro >> available here
Even the entry-level model of the new Light series makes quite an impression. The 34 mm fork and the Float shock from Fox with performance damping are designed more for flowing trails. The same applies to the Nobby Nic/Wicked Will tyres from Schwalbe. As the lightweight frame is identical and the suspension travel and geo remain the same, the SL bike is lighter. With complete XT gearing and brakes, the One44 SL comes in at 17.3 kilos. So if you prefer light trail tours, this is a better choice than the TM. A great, affordable entry-level bike!
Cube AMS Hybrid One44 SLT - 7999 Euro >> available here
The SLT should give the competition a run for its money: 16.2 kilos, complete XTR groupset, endless carbon components and the powerful Bosch SX and 400 watt hours. With the high-quality Factory suspension elements and the downcountry-orientated equipment, this bike says "trail fun" from top to bottom. You just have to be able to handle the Rekon Race rear tyre. As with all other variants, a range extender can also be fitted to the SLT - making the One44 SLT with 650 watt hours probably the lightest power-light bike in the world - and by far the most affordable!
Tame the Mountain: Full on Trail - TM and Super TM
Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM - 6499 Euro >> available here
The two TM models are designed more for trail and downhill riding. The cheaper TM is already equipped with the robust Sram GX Eagle transmission. Braking is with Magura MT7. The suspension elements are downgraded to performance level and the Newmen wheelset is made of aluminium. The carbon handlebar unit also makes way for a classic aluminium combination. Functionally, the downgrading has hardly any disadvantages. The suspension elements also work well in this version, as does the smooth gear shifting. The weight increases by half a kilo. Nevertheless, at 18.4 kilos according to the factory specification, it is still light!
Cube AMS Hybrid One44 SuperTM - 8999 Euro >> available here
The Super TM from our test is the most expensive One44 in the entire model range. The fact that it is still not the lightest bike in the range is due to the robust equipment designed for trail fun: thick Fox 36 Factory with Grip2 shock, Assegai/Dissector tyre combination from Maxxis with the slightly more stable Exo+ casing, Float-X shock with adjustable compression damping. The one-piece carbon cockpit and lightweight carbon wheels from Newmen keep the weight below 18 kilos. Only very few light bikes with a comparable range of use can achieve this. Braking is provided by Magura's MT Trail Carbon stoppers with four-piston callipers at the front and two pistons at the rear, while Sram's top-of-the-range XX Transmission drivetrain rounds off the package.
Practical test: How the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Super TM rides
Our test bike in size L arrived at the editorial office with the top Super TM equipment. The riding position is balanced and sporty, with a little more weight on the front. Right from the start, the bike feels extremely manoeuvrable and light. The suspension works sensitively but with a sporty definition in the 140 millimetre range. On flowing trails, the Super TM virtually flies from left to right and has enormous pop. The motor supports the trail chase dynamically and naturally. The SX pushes up short stretches at a high cadence like a fully-fledged power motor. This makes the bike feel extremely reactive and fast. The shifting is perfect, the suspension is ideally tuned and very harmonious. The biggest disadvantage on the climbs: at low cadence, the SX motor offers little torque. Technically demanding climbs with steep sections and descents therefore require a lot of pressure in the thighs.
The One44 is safe and fun to ride downhill. The Maxxis tyre combination provides good traction and the handling offers just the right mix of good composure and enormous agility for a thoroughbred trail bike. The bike is in its element on flowing to moderately rough trails. If you want to head off on wild enduro-style descents, you should hit the line precisely and take out some traction if necessary. The lively AMS One44 with its 140 millimetres of travel is not a mini enduro bike. Rather weak: the Magura brakes with a somewhat doughy pressure point and moderate braking power. Otherwise, the verdict of all testers was unanimous: with the AMS One44, Cube has succeeded in creating an all-round convincing light e-bike for fun trail runs.
EMTB review of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Super TM
Strengths
- Very light despite solid equipment
- Very good price-performance ratio in direct comparison
- Excellent chassis and handling
Weaknesses
- Significant flex in the rear triangle, tyres graze
- Brakes with a very soft pressure point and moderate bite
- Permanently installed battery
The EMTB conclusion
With its powerful Bosch SX motor, agile handling and low weight, the Cube AMS One44 Super TM is a real hit in this segment. This is exactly how a modern light e-bike should feel! The price is hot - and even the affordable models are light! - Christian Schleker, test author EMTB Magazine
