Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT: From breezy to bumpy - the high-end trail bike on test

Just in time for our group test, Cube lets the cat out of the bag and launches the new Stereo One22. The newcomer says goodbye to the angular and straightforward design of its predecessor and now speaks the subtly curved design language of the current Stereo family.

The facts about the Cube Stereo One22

• Price: 5999 Euro >> available here
• Area of application: Trail
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 130 mm front / 120 mm rear
• Wheel size 29-inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 11.81 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
• Weight of wheels: 4078 g
• Acceleration wheels: 3171 kg x cm²
• Warranty: 3 years
• Special features: Handlebar-stem unit, cable integration in the head tube, Garmin mount on headset cap

Propulsion at its finest

However, the sporty character of the trail bike has not changed. From the very first turn of the pedals, the Cube Stereo One22 pushes forwards. If you take a look at our measurements, it quickly becomes clear why. Although the One22 is the cheapest bike in this high-end test at € 5999, it outweighs the next heaviest candidate by 420 grams in terms of total weight (11.8 kilos). At 4078 grams, the carbon Newmen wheels are also among the lightest in this test. Paired with the fast Schwalbe tyres, the Cube pulls away like Usain Bolt in a 100-metre sprint, sprints willingly over climbs and is easy to steer over the trail.

Thanks to the comfortable riding position, however, the bike is not only designed for fast trail riding. The combination of a moderate reach, pleasantly steep seat angle and a high front end results in a balanced riding position. True to the motto "sit on it and feel good", the Stereo One22 can also withstand long days in the saddle. The only drawback: due to the short chainstays, the high front end rises a little early on steep climbs. The rear end pitches slightly when pedalling. However, the platform lever is within easy reach and effectively eliminates the influence of the drivetrain.

The features of the Cube Stereo One22

• Fork / Shock: Fox 34 Float Factory Grip X / Fox Float Factory
• Gearing / Bandwidth: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission / 520 %
• Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate / 200/180 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Phase 30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic/Wicked Will; SuperGround Speedgrip 29 x 2.40
• Seatpost / Stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 170 mm
• max. system weight: 115 kg

Downhill: From cheerful to bumpy

Just like on the climbs, the Cube also stands out positively on the descents thanks to its harmonious geometry. The generous stack places the rider safely behind the control centre. This allows you to master steep trails more confidently than with the similarly sporty competition from Trek and Specialized. Thanks to the short rear end, the Stereo scurries nimbly round tight bends and can be pulled onto the rear wheel with a left-hander. This makes the Cube Stereo One22 one of the front runners in the playfulness ranking.

However, the feel-good zone of the trail bike ends abruptly on demanding terrain. Although the suspension reacts well to subtle bumps, it is reluctant to give up its reserves on fast and hard hits. As if you were skating on cobblestones, there is no hint of a firm and secure ride. Instead, the bumps from stone fields or root carpets often reach the rider undamped. The choice of tyres also inhibits the off-road capability: Schwalbe Wicked Will on the rear wheel and the slightly coarser Nobby Nic on the front wheel roll great, but there is still room for improvement in terms of traction and puncture protection.

Cube Stereo One22: Lab results, BIKE rating & review

>> Cube Stereo One22 endurance test: Can the MTB withstand 46,300 metres of altitude?

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

Measured against the price, the equipment package of the specialist brand is unbeatable. Even the most expensive competitors cannot keep up with this array of high-end components. The riding fun on easy terrain and the propulsion also stand out. However, due to the lack of suspension reserves, the strengths of the Cube Stereo Onee22 are more evident in sporty use. There are more competent trail bikes in this category for rough terrain.