In this shootout, the Stereo One44 C:62 Pro stands out in two respects. Firstly, it is the only one of the three bikes to have a full carbon frame. It also weighs significantly less than the other two candidates at just 13kg without pedals. The €3299 trail bike is the cheapest model in the One44 series from Waldershof. With a suspension travel of 140 millimetres at the front and rear, it ranks between the Stereo One22 and One55 in the narrowly graduated model range. Unlike the One22, neither the One44 nor the One55 are available with an aluminium frame. In order to realise a price of just 3299 euros for the high-quality carbon frame, even industry giant Cube has to calculate hard. The equipment is therefore somewhat sober and falls well short of the otherwise outstanding price-performance ratio of the more expensive models. While the Sram GX Eagle ensures solid shifting performance, you have to accept a few compromises when it comes to the rest of the equipment. Nevertheless, the Cube remains a lightweight and is therefore easy to accelerate.
With every turn of the cranks, the slim weight is positively noticeable. The Maxxis Forkaster tyres also roll very well. On steep, technical climbs, the Cube still has to let the two competitors go. The front end climbs quite early and the rear end also generates less grip in combination with the Forekaster tyres. The slippery saddle also stood out negatively in comparison. On undulating sections, however, the One44 plays its weight joker. Even with the shock open, the rear end bobs very little. This makes reaching for the platform superfluous. Just like Canyon, Cube also favours a rather narrow cockpit with a 760 mm handlebar. Less convincing: The spokes of the Fulcrum rear wheel creak under hard pedalling due to the low spoke tension.
Reductions in the chassis
Downhill, the Cube scores with its modern geometry with a slack steering angle and high front end. This ensures safety, even on steep downhill sections. Short chainstays give the One44 a good dose of playfulness. This makes the Cube very light on the rear wheel. In fast sections, however, the favourable suspension elements reach their limit earlier than those of the competition. The suspension fork could be more sensitive and the suspension could do with more support and damping control. The more expensive models in the line-up have more to offer here. In comparison, the Forekaster tyres only offer moderate grip and low puncture protection. Although the Cube is considerably lighter than the competition, the weight has a negative effect on the downhill. In combination with its less potent suspension, the bike reaches its limit earlier than the GT, for example. Compared to the other two bikes, the frame stiffness of the Cube is quite low. The rear end in particular has a high lateral flex, which has a forgiving effect. However, for heavy and active riders over 90kg, the rear end might feel a little too soft.
Details of the Cube Stereo One44 C:62 Pro
- Fork: Rockshox Pike RC
- Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio: / bandwidth 30, 10-52 / 520 %
- Brakes: Magura MT30180/180 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Cube Dropper Post / 150 mm
- Wheels: Fulcrum Red Metal 500
- Tyres: Maxxis Forekaster Exo 29 x 2.35
- Suspension travel: 140/140 mm
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Price: 3299 Euro
Measured values
- Total weight: 12.97 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 4775 g
- Impeller inertia: 3654 g x cm²
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Thanks to the full carbon frame, the Cube stands out above all in terms of weight and is light on its feet. Due to the favourable suspension, it can't quite keep up with the other trail bikes downhill.
