What do you think about this bike? Anything out there that can compete on price to spec? Its not all about specs though, so will be interesting to find out how it rides!
I avoided Cube bikes because of their classification. All of their ebikes are rated as "Category 4" bike, which means - the wheels have constant contact to the ground or lose contact for a split of a moment due to small uneven terrain like roots (-> no riding on one wheel neither front or rear, no braking that causes the rear wheel to lift up). Jumps/ drops with a height up to 0,5m. Using kickstands, mudguards, luggage carriers always changes to classification category 2 ((-> no jumps, no riding on one wheel neither front nor rear, no braking that causes a lift up of the rear wheel). So good luck with possible frame reclamation.
I own the 2021 version. Simply love this. Though I live in the Netherlands, so category 4 is ok for me. No issues so far👌🏻 but it is spec'd different. I have Sram NX and Magura MT brakes. I changed the dropper lever to wolftooth. The bar is now a Renthal fatbar and the dropper is a 175mm crankbrothers.
@@Rednasnamsob If you just ride local trails, than OK. I am jumping time to time jums bigger than 0,5m, dropping from more than 0,5m and trying wheelie/manual - all of this is prohibited as cat.4 :) That ´s why I looked to different brands.
Hey Rob, I really appreciate whatever the work was d to do as many bike reviews as t you do! You blow magazines away with quality and quantity! You do a damn good job for a Limey! 😝
Just bought the '22 version of this one, from what I read much improved geometry/dynamics. I was a bit hesitant but OMG is this an AMAZING bike. The suspension is just right for me at 195 lbs, the reach is just right, the bosch drive system is amazing I got home after a hard hard 1h45m ride with 2200 ft climb in eMTB mode and a 30 min ride home on the road at max Turbo boost mode with 70% battery remaining when I got back. The handing is spot of sweet spot between enduro and trail; it's actually a fantastic compromise of handling characteristics. LOVE the bike. Better in almost all aspects than the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay A70 I tried!
Have had my 160 for just over 16months and 4000k's in , with a upgrades like asx shifting and xx1 gear , absolutely love it , and its also dropped a bit of weight from 24.9 to 23.4., just waiting on a ASX dropper, project complete. Love the Bosch unit its a beast. And thank god its still 27.5 F/R
Good to hear that! when you bought yours did you cinsider a Canyon alternative? If so why you did not get it? I am considering a Cube but also a Canyon, although I much prefer the Stereo 160!
I have owned this bike for a few weeks and im delighted with it! You mention a rattle from the motor but i have to say there is no noise at all from mine under load or freewheeling over rough ground, only the expected hum from the motor when in operation.
Agree Cube offer great value for money. Currently on my 4th Cube, tried lots of others but nothing comes close to Cube vfm imo. Currently riding a 2022 Cube Stereo 140 TM which I managed to buy for £5k with dealer discount. TM has slightly better components, Magura MT7 brakes, Scram 12 speed and Fox suspension. Went for 140 rather than 160 as prefer 29 wheels. The tyres are very sticky and do impact the range, currently getting less range than with my 2021 Race 625 with the smaller battery. Both bikes are the same weight and riding same trails, so larger battery hardly offsets the tyres. Like the new Bosch smart system and find the controller more precise than the previous Purion controllers fitted to my previous 3 Cubes. Now covered some 10k on these bikes. Great and very fair review as usual Rob - look forward to your ride review.
Where the hell did you find that bike 😂. Thought the 160’s were a myth. It’s definitely about choice. Geo isn’t that much different to the 2020 spectral:on (apart from the spectrals silly head tube height) and that was a great bike but I suppose this is marketed as their most aggressive bike so it’s a fair comment and some very good competition in this field. If your an advanced rider then maybe it’ll hold you back but it’ll be fine for 80% of buyers but if that’s the case then maybe the 140 is the bike that will suit most. As you say the price for both 140/160 is almost too good to ignore. I’m looking for a bike purely for trail adventures and moorland hikes so for me the 140 looks to be the perfect ‘other’ bike to compliment my non ebikes. Another great video rob. 👍🏻. We want the details and you provide it. Just to add I think we should be mindful of the supply issues the whole of the manufacturing industry is facing at the moment. True some companies really go the extra mile on customer service and spares but it must be a nightmare at the moment for all companies to try and maintain bike supply and support services at the moment.
@@jeddartjusticemtb6676 Same here. I will get my 160 TM in 1.5 week. Was thinking of doing the exact thing over time. If needed that is. Keep me updated on how easy or difficult it was and how the bike handles afterwards. Much appreciated !
A few "nit picks" sure... but this is an incredible value for this bike. They did get it right though with the Bosch CX motor and a 750wh battery. Also, easy enough upgrades if one would desire to do so....
I'm leaning that way but haven't dug in on reddit or forums. Are you in the USA? What's the ball park to diy a mid drive emtb ordering frame and motor from china?
I bought my last carbon full sus bike in 2017. Was previous years model and cost me just over £3k, a decent investment. Only recently started looking to see what is on the market, not because I want to change my bike. I love it and my skill set certainly does not put it to its limits! On looking about I was truly shocked at the prices for something equivalent. Maybe it's just now that I'm mid 40's that the old man in me is starting to appear but when did these eye watering prices start? From what I can see the sport is aiming itself so that only the wealthy can take part. As great a spec as that is there are thousands of people who simply couldn't afford it. Meaning they are either excluded or have to take on large amounts of credit. From my basic searching I can't see any decent full sus bikes out there aimed for people who simply don't have thousands of pounds to put down. £5k?? that's more than some people can put towards a car. The increase in prices in the last 5 years is unreal. Sorry for the off topic rant the video is ace by the way, pricing aside!
I think that’s a great bike for the money …just going to look at Cube warranty and how easy it is to get things sorted when they go wrong ..warranty is super important
we all are expecting the how-it-rides-review, Rob! Thanks in advance!. If your comes up soon , you have the real chance to be the first on the net to release the review in English of the 2022 TM model! I could not find even one such review!
You wouldn't believe it, an ad started playing on a non MTB related video before I watched this one and low and behold it's Rob on a Focus bike advertisement. About the first time I've ever watched an ad the whole way through!
Agreed. I really don’t get this obsession with a downhill bikes head angle on a bike that’s meant to be an aggressive all-rounder. I say this as someone who rode downhill for about 20 years. 65° is a Goldilocks head angle.
This is the bike I'm currently after. Bosch and 27.5 are the main reasons. head angle is perfectly good. Still ride a 6 year old transition patrol with a 65 head angle and it isn't being held back.
Hey Rob, check out the bike category that Cube runs this bike under !!! This determins allowed use (by Cube), warranty and liability !! Category 4 in Cube's world means : No jumps with both wheels, only ONE wheel...HAHA ... and max 50 cm drops, but only one wheel is allowed to leave the dirt... i think they build competitve bikes, but their legal department does not have any trust in the frames, parts???
I have the 140 sl version. Super value for money. The only "bad" decision is the charging port. The actual plug is clipped on the plastic cover with 4 teeth and it can very easily unclip when you remove the charger cable.....Yours is a little loose. You need to fasten the top screw a little bit.
Just bought one and currently you can get one for £3300, which is frankly nutz! Thank god this bike exists as Cube are one of the only companies who support 27.5 wheels, which in my opinion are preferential. All in all, it's a brilliant bike and well worth considering.
I’ve got the 2021 version - Bloody brillant emtb . Can’t understand why anyone would spend +£10k when Cube is producing these units . Yes , I thought about slacking the head angle - but it’s never held me back for what I do . Looking forward to the ride review Rob - good job
I think the head angle is spot on, about 10 years ago I had a Morewood Kalula which was pretty much a mini-dh bike, that had a 65° head angle and it was perfect. Stable enough for downhill tracks and flickable enough for singletrack. In terms of fun, best bike I’ve ever owned, kept up with dh bikes but not so stable you lost the sensation of speed. 27.5” wheels, yes please. Just the right amount of travel to be a Jack of all trades. To me, this bike looks close to perfect, I’m looking forward to ride reviews.
Hi Rob. Great indepth review as always. Look forward to the your ride video. Only gripe I have with it is the battery cover release button is on the bottom of the frame where it will be vulnerable to rocks and mud etc. I have a 2020 Stereo Hybrid 160 and the button is at the top of the frame out of harms way.
I have the 2021 version of the SL160 and I had a motor failure after 18 months. Looking under the motor cover the connectors were shockingly badly protected, basically worse spec connectors than you'd get under a car bonnet. They got water and mud splashed onto them and goodbye motor. I am pretty careful with it so I was gutted. I got myself a turbo levo as a second bike and I have to say the difference is considerable, not just build quality but also riding fun. Given the price difference for the bottom of the range levo alloy, I think I'd go for that instead. Getting spares for the Cube is also a bloody nightmare. Try getting a charger port cover when, not if, it breaks off. Good luck with that. Cube are HOPELESS for support.
I bought a Stereo 140 Race last autumn and I love it. I couldn't find anything else that matched Cube in the spec / value for money stakes. I'd agree on the finish quality statement though, the paint on mine has been very prone to scratches and could have a tougher top coat imho. (I would also have preferred XT shifter and Deore mech instead of the other way round, but I suppose a shifter upgrade is only around £50)
Hi Rob, Are we going to see you do a ride review of this Bike? more reviews of Bike specs a this price point would be great to see. thanks for all the great content !
Liked the video. Mine and my friend bike has exactly the same thing with the brakes. That and the downgrade of the rearshock from super deluxe are my only disputes. Must say that the value is far off the competitos. I feel super confident riding this. There isn't any rattles. Cube really nailed it !
Hi, they did not downgrade the rear shock they just made the pictures with the wrong shock for what reason ever but in the discription it had always this shock
@@tekoleuka As I remember it was that way from beginning I think the super was never in the specs but I do not know 100% anyway I have the 2021 Version and got me a Super deluxe from someone who sold it from his new bike
I'm 51 with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, rebuilt a burner with hanging on the garage wall. I hope, really hope I get back on the road one day on an etmb. I should set up a GoFundMe.
I looked at the top spec Cube Stereo as a potential purchase, the spec for the price is insane, however, I read a couple of reviews and watched some videos that said the geometry really let it down, so decided to go with the Reign E+0 instead after watching your video, should be here in a few weeks.
@@RobRidesEMTB Hi Rob ,Firstly Thanks for the great review . I ordered a 160 TM today to be delivered August . I am planning to fit a 29er Zeb Ultimate up front as i prefer the 29 wheel up front and it will slacken the head angle for the Steep trails i ride in the tweed valley enduro trails. Im am currently riding a trek rail with a 170mm zeb which gives a head angle of 63 deg . Please could you help me work out how much slacker the 160 TM would be if i fit a 29er zeb up front ? I was thinking a 170mm zeb ultimate but concerned it would be too slack? Any advice would be appreciated thanks Tam
Hi Rob, great video as always, I was thinking of getting one but was hoping to watch your full test ride review first, do you know when you might publish that?
Hi Rob. Just subscribed due to your excellent content. You've ridden both Focus Jam2 and now the Cube Stereo 160. For someone like me who is just getting into full sus. and wanting to ride trails, technical downhill and perhaps a few small/medium jumps, where would you be looking? So far, given availability and costs its a toss between the Jam2 6.9 or the Stereo 140 SL or TM. Similar priced, but as you say Cube gives big bang for the buck. Cheers
I agree with you about the control unit. I've got the same system on my Trek Rail & regularly change modes without wanting to, by accidentally knocking it with my left hand. I also would like it to have a latex cover (protection for transporting & washing)
Neil, believe you can now get a neoprene (clear soft rubber) bumper cover for the LED Remote... I'll find the link and get back to you on this, was looking for one myself, as I have the same bike in Rob's review. 👌🏼
Yeap. You can buy many motorcycles brand new for less money, which are 10- 20x more powerfull, and can travel with 100+ kph...eMTBs are luxury toys by comparisson.
Nice review Rob.The fact you can't run cables out the frame is a bit of a Nuisance, similar to Focus the plastic stem and spacers ect would annoy me somewhat,My mates Focus creaks like mad due to the plastic stuff,The new Radon looks like it will blow the cube out the water for Value for Money
Rob, did Cube mention the supply issues when they loaned you the bike? I thought as you've just got this one, stock must be arriving in the UK but my LBS just told me that after waiting 3 months, it's another 3 months to wait! Gutted!
got my 160 Race last week coming from a Husaberg FE 350 enduro motorbike i am impressed with the soft and capable suspension. it's built well let's see how it holds up over time
Great review as usual Rob..I have a major gripe about the brake leavers being different though..especially lower spec with a higher spec...thats just not on in my book for the amount of money your spending
It’s a tough one isn’t it - if it meant that it delayed you bike by, say, another 90 days, would you still wait? Lead times of some components are still crazy :-(
@@RobRidesEMTB If I was spending that money then I would wait ( I waited a whole year for my Marin E2) .. or maybe Cube should just put the lower spec leaver on both sides.. Lead times are getting better by reports I have seen but I do get what you mean
Rob, what is the best EMTB around the 5k mark or under at the minute. Been looking at the Trek rail, cube stereo and then the Marin E2. Seem I'm edging towards the Bosch motor ones over Shimano.
I bought the 160 TM version of this bike, I will be using it for trail riding so I hope the geometry is going to work out just fine for me. I guess I will see in mid June when it's due for delivery.
I rode downhill for a few years on a bike with a 65° degree head angle. The current fad for bikes with super slack head angles is stupid. 65° is perfect, you’ll be able to ride anything on it.
Hello i order the 160 TM today to replace trek rail with zeb 170 upfront which gives 63 deg head angle . So im considering converting to mullet with 29 er Zeb 160 0r 170 to slacken the head angle . im worried it goes too slack so hoping someone can tell me how to work out how much fitting a 29er fork and wheel will slacken the head angle
Would you go for this now the price has dropped or the levo carbon they are about the same price now and I know you have ridden both I’m having the dilemma? Your advise would be great
The 20-21 version had a better price for kit balance. £800 more for this new version and missing quality brakes. The drivetrain swap from sram to shimano makes no real difference but brakes on a heavy hitting ebike are vital.
Value is always good with Cube, but the geo from 2016 and certain spec choices always put me off. Sadly. For example: they put a burly zeb on the front but no piggy bag shock with 160mil in the rear? I want to go hard and long with a bike like this, not be raddled off the padels after a few hundred meters of descent.
Volume and subsidy. Car and motorbike companies produce way more each year, bringing the price parts down. In most countries car companies get subsidies to make cars and to sell them. Bike companies build way less units each year and get no (or very little) subsidy, as bikes are considered a hobby/recreation, not essential transport.
What about the headset bearings? I can only imagine the hassle you'll have riding in UK .... , will probably have to change headset bearings every month
Good morning I picked up My 29 inch wheeled 140 TM yesterday . Just wanted to ask if anyone has increase fork travel on there 2022 and if so how long did you go and how slack did you go ? I'm was going fit a 170mm air shaft but they are scarce as hobbie horse shit so I'm planning fitting a 170 Zeb ultimate . Interested in any info from those that have tried a slacker head angle on these ? Thanks Tam
You know things have got pretty mental when you watch a video stating £5k for a bike is a bargain. As an outsider thinking of pulling the trigger on an eMTB I do wonder if existing riders have been swept up in a false economy.
It is a little stupid.... It has 120 degrees of freedom, not anything restricting when you ride, but little annoying when moving your bike around. Also routing an extra cable, for a light for example is a nightmare........
@@mallias2683 its not so much about the rotation or anything but its the fact of the compression ring, They've made reliability a concern as Plastic compression rings dont work very well for long and other options with "massive" alloy compression rings make them hard to compress to grip the fork steerer. Take a look at the spectral, it uses an ebike headset(is52) and the compression ring doesnt grip the steerer and people are ending up with it moving around and starts eating into the steerer tube.
@@MrSupermugen The bike is still new to me, I have less than 1000 km but up to now no problem so far. I hope it will not wear like you mention. I am more concerned what will happen in case of a crash because of the rotation lock out.
I’m always curious as to what happens to the bikes after you’ve made your videos! Do you have to send them back? I’m fully here to buy a tested bike from you if I can haha 👀
Why the heck that geometry on a 170/160 bike? Do Cube engineers live under a rock? Geometry is the easiest way to make a great bike, unfortunately which also cannot be upgraded later (ok, maybe make it a mullet or some offset bushings).
Why do you want a dh head angle on anything that isn’t a dh bike? I rode and raced dh for 3 years on a bike with a 65° head angle. If you can’t ride absolutely everything short of a World Cup level dh track with a 65° head angle, the problem isn’t the bike.
Vote up for the video. Vote down for the bike. Across headset and no cable ports in the frame is an absolute horror. Had it in simplon and EVERY dirty trip ended up with dirt getting into the lower headset bearing. HORROR.
Jack Moir had a lot of changes to his bike to slacken out the head angle. Loads of spacers under the head tube (1.5cm) to slacken out the head angle and also runs a 180mm fork. All of that will massively slacken that head angle, more like a 63 degree with all those mods. 👍
All good except 27.5 wheels are going to counteract that 'extra' suspension travel. I'd always go for 29 as they roll better over rough ground. Also a bit iffy over carbon fibre. I guess for 5k good value as ebikes go
What do you think about this bike? Anything out there that can compete on price to spec? Its not all about specs though, so will be interesting to find out how it rides!
I avoided Cube bikes because of their classification. All of their ebikes are rated as "Category 4" bike, which means - the wheels have constant contact to the ground or lose contact for a split of a moment due to small uneven terrain like roots (-> no riding on one wheel neither front or rear, no braking that causes the rear wheel to lift up). Jumps/ drops with a height up to 0,5m. Using kickstands, mudguards, luggage carriers always changes to classification category 2 ((-> no jumps, no riding on one wheel neither front nor rear, no braking that causes a lift up of the rear wheel). So good luck with possible frame reclamation.
I own the 2021 version. Simply love this. Though I live in the Netherlands, so category 4 is ok for me. No issues so far👌🏻 but it is spec'd different. I have Sram NX and Magura MT brakes. I changed the dropper lever to wolftooth. The bar is now a Renthal fatbar and the dropper is a 175mm crankbrothers.
Scott ransom eride 920 is a good competitor for cash. Consider reviewing it too please, would be interesting to hear your opinion.
@@Rednasnamsob If you just ride local trails, than OK. I am jumping time to time jums bigger than 0,5m, dropping from more than 0,5m and trying wheelie/manual - all of this is prohibited as cat.4 :) That ´s why I looked to different brands.
I tested the 140 29 750 2022 and I was surprised how good it is at climbing steep hill. Though the reach in size M is a bit short.
Hey Rob, I really appreciate whatever the work was d to do as many bike reviews as t you do! You blow magazines away with quality and quantity! You do a damn good job for a Limey! 😝
Just bought the '22 version of this one, from what I read much improved geometry/dynamics. I was a bit hesitant but OMG is this an AMAZING bike. The suspension is just right for me at 195 lbs, the reach is just right, the bosch drive system is amazing I got home after a hard hard 1h45m ride with 2200 ft climb in eMTB mode and a 30 min ride home on the road at max Turbo boost mode with 70% battery remaining when I got back. The handing is spot of sweet spot between enduro and trail; it's actually a fantastic compromise of handling characteristics. LOVE the bike. Better in almost all aspects than the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay A70 I tried!
Have had my 160 for just over 16months and 4000k's in , with a upgrades like asx shifting and xx1 gear , absolutely love it , and its also dropped a bit of weight from 24.9 to 23.4., just waiting on a ASX dropper, project complete. Love the Bosch unit its a beast. And thank god its still 27.5 F/R
Fuck man you must really be putting on the miles. That's wicked.
Good to hear that! when you bought yours did you cinsider a Canyon alternative? If so why you did not get it? I am considering a Cube but also a Canyon, although I much prefer the Stereo 160!
@@mtb27 the biggest thing for me was 27.5 fr/rear, I didn't want a MX or 29", so that's why I went cube.
I have owned this bike for a few weeks and im delighted with it! You mention a rattle from the motor but i have to say there is no noise at all from mine under load or freewheeling over rough ground, only the expected hum from the motor when in operation.
Agree Cube offer great value for money. Currently on my 4th Cube, tried lots of others but nothing comes close to Cube vfm imo. Currently riding a 2022 Cube Stereo 140 TM which I managed to buy for £5k with dealer discount. TM has slightly better components, Magura MT7 brakes, Scram 12 speed and Fox suspension. Went for 140 rather than 160 as prefer 29 wheels. The tyres are very sticky and do impact the range, currently getting less range than with my 2021 Race 625 with the smaller battery. Both bikes are the same weight and riding same trails, so larger battery hardly offsets the tyres.
Like the new Bosch smart system and find the controller more precise than the previous Purion controllers fitted to my previous 3 Cubes. Now covered some 10k on these bikes.
Great and very fair review as usual Rob - look forward to your ride review.
Cube and Bosch is just a great combo.
I think the smart system drains battery faster than the purion controller, I've certainly noticed the difference between the two systems.
Where the hell did you find that bike 😂. Thought the 160’s were a myth. It’s definitely about choice. Geo isn’t that much different to the 2020 spectral:on (apart from the spectrals silly head tube height) and that was a great bike but I suppose this is marketed as their most aggressive bike so it’s a fair comment and some very good competition in this field. If your an advanced rider then maybe it’ll hold you back but it’ll be fine for 80% of buyers but if that’s the case then maybe the 140 is the bike that will suit most. As you say the price for both 140/160 is almost too good to ignore. I’m looking for a bike purely for trail adventures and moorland hikes so for me the 140 looks to be the perfect ‘other’ bike to compliment my non ebikes. Another great video rob. 👍🏻. We want the details and you provide it. Just to add I think we should be mindful of the supply issues the whole of the manufacturing industry is facing at the moment. True some companies really go the extra mile on customer service and spares but it must be a nightmare at the moment for all companies to try and maintain bike supply and support services at the moment.
I like the TM Version 2022🤟 think it’s the best option / value from the 2022 models
Fox38/Float X , MT7 Brakes for 5499€
i agree just ordered a 160 tm today and plan to mullet it as long as its not too slack
@@jeddartjusticemtb6676 Let us know how that goes, I kinda wanna do the same
@@jeddartjusticemtb6676 Same here. I will get my 160 TM in 1.5 week. Was thinking of doing the exact thing over time. If needed that is. Keep me updated on how easy or difficult it was and how the bike handles afterwards. Much appreciated !
A few "nit picks" sure... but this is an incredible value for this bike. They did get it right though with the Bosch CX motor and a 750wh battery. Also, easy enough upgrades if one would desire to do so....
I'm in the diy ebike camp, but your videos are so good I always enjoy watching them! Keep it up! 👍
I'm leaning that way but haven't dug in on reddit or forums. Are you in the USA? What's the ball park to diy a mid drive emtb ordering frame and motor from china?
I bought my last carbon full sus bike in 2017. Was previous years model and cost me just over £3k, a decent investment. Only recently started looking to see what is on the market, not because I want to change my bike. I love it and my skill set certainly does not put it to its limits! On looking about I was truly shocked at the prices for something equivalent. Maybe it's just now that I'm mid 40's that the old man in me is starting to appear but when did these eye watering prices start? From what I can see the sport is aiming itself so that only the wealthy can take part. As great a spec as that is there are thousands of people who simply couldn't afford it. Meaning they are either excluded or have to take on large amounts of credit. From my basic searching I can't see any decent full sus bikes out there aimed for people who simply don't have thousands of pounds to put down. £5k?? that's more than some people can put towards a car. The increase in prices in the last 5 years is unreal. Sorry for the off topic rant the video is ace by the way, pricing aside!
Yeap...no money, you have to pedal...
I'm just about to grab this 2nd hand with mega upgrades for 3k with 500mile
Can't W8 to try it boys got receipts totalling 6.5k
I think that’s a great bike for the money …just going to look at Cube warranty and how easy it is to get things sorted when they go wrong ..warranty is super important
Thank you for reviewing it. Was waiting for so long
we all are expecting the how-it-rides-review, Rob! Thanks in advance!. If your comes up soon , you have the real chance to be the first on the net to release the review in English of the 2022 TM model! I could not find even one such review!
You wouldn't believe it, an ad started playing on a non MTB related video before I watched this one and low and behold it's Rob on a Focus bike advertisement. About the first time I've ever watched an ad the whole way through!
A Santa Cruz V10 head angle is 63.7 degrees, a Canyon Sender is 63. Focus Jam2 is 66, I'd say at 65, it's bang on for an enduro focused frame.
Agreed. I really don’t get this obsession with a downhill bikes head angle on a bike that’s meant to be an aggressive all-rounder. I say this as someone who rode downhill for about 20 years. 65° is a Goldilocks head angle.
This is the bike I'm currently after. Bosch and 27.5 are the main reasons. head angle is perfectly good. Still ride a 6 year old transition patrol with a 65 head angle and it isn't being held back.
Hey Rob, check out the bike category that Cube runs this bike under !!! This determins allowed use (by Cube), warranty and liability !! Category 4 in Cube's world means : No jumps with both wheels, only ONE wheel...HAHA ... and max 50 cm drops, but only one wheel is allowed to leave the dirt... i think they build competitve bikes, but their legal department does not have any trust in the frames, parts???
I have the 140 sl version. Super value for money. The only "bad" decision is the charging port. The actual plug is clipped on the plastic cover with 4 teeth and it can very easily unclip when you remove the charger cable.....Yours is a little loose. You need to fasten the top screw a little bit.
Just bought one and currently you can get one for £3300, which is frankly nutz! Thank god this bike exists as Cube are one of the only companies who support 27.5 wheels, which in my opinion are preferential. All in all, it's a brilliant bike and well worth considering.
I’ve got the 2021 version - Bloody brillant emtb . Can’t understand why anyone would spend +£10k when Cube is producing these units . Yes , I thought about slacking the head angle - but it’s never held me back for what I do . Looking forward to the ride review Rob - good job
I think the head angle is spot on, about 10 years ago I had a Morewood Kalula which was pretty much a mini-dh bike, that had a 65° head angle and it was perfect. Stable enough for downhill tracks and flickable enough for singletrack. In terms of fun, best bike I’ve ever owned, kept up with dh bikes but not so stable you lost the sensation of speed. 27.5” wheels, yes please. Just the right amount of travel to be a Jack of all trades.
To me, this bike looks close to perfect, I’m looking forward to ride reviews.
everyone is obsessed with slack frames thinking they are the next downhill champion without actually doing much downhill and sticking to trails.
Hi Rob. Great indepth review as always. Look forward to the your ride video. Only gripe I have with it is the battery cover release button is on the bottom of the frame where it will be vulnerable to rocks and mud etc. I have a 2020 Stereo Hybrid 160 and the button is at the top of the frame out of harms way.
I have the 2021 version of the SL160 and I had a motor failure after 18 months. Looking under the motor cover the connectors were shockingly badly protected, basically worse spec connectors than you'd get under a car bonnet. They got water and mud splashed onto them and goodbye motor. I am pretty careful with it so I was gutted.
I got myself a turbo levo as a second bike and I have to say the difference is considerable, not just build quality but also riding fun. Given the price difference for the bottom of the range levo alloy, I think I'd go for that instead.
Getting spares for the Cube is also a bloody nightmare. Try getting a charger port cover when, not if, it breaks off. Good luck with that. Cube are HOPELESS for support.
I bought a Stereo 140 Race last autumn and I love it. I couldn't find anything else that matched Cube in the spec / value for money stakes. I'd agree on the finish quality statement though, the paint on mine has been very prone to scratches and could have a tougher top coat imho. (I would also have preferred XT shifter and Deore mech instead of the other way round, but I suppose a shifter upgrade is only around £50)
Hi Rob, Are we going to see you do a ride review of this Bike? more reviews of Bike specs a this price point would be great to see. thanks for all the great content !
Liked the video.
Mine and my friend bike has exactly the same thing with the brakes.
That and the downgrade of the rearshock from super deluxe are my only disputes.
Must say that the value is far off the competitos.
I feel super confident riding this.
There isn't any rattles.
Cube really nailed it !
Hi, they did not downgrade the rear shock they just made the pictures with the wrong shock for what reason ever but in the discription it had always this shock
@@mramtb2865 Im pretty sure that they changed specsheet pretty recently.
@@mramtb2865 ua-cam.com/video/IhhKs7p5WKU/v-deo.html Check this out
@@tekoleuka As I remember it was that way from beginning I think the super was never in the specs but I do not know 100% anyway I have the 2021 Version and got me a Super deluxe from someone who sold it from his new bike
I'm 51 with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, rebuilt a burner with hanging on the garage wall.
I hope, really hope I get back on the road one day on an etmb.
I should set up a GoFundMe.
I looked at the top spec Cube Stereo as a potential purchase, the spec for the price is insane, however, I read a couple of reviews and watched some videos that said the geometry really let it down, so decided to go with the Reign E+0 instead after watching your video, should be here in a few weeks.
Geometry is quite conservative compared to what could be possible with the bike!
Hehe same here, already rocking E+1 :))))
@@RobRidesEMTB Hi Rob ,Firstly Thanks for the great review . I ordered a 160 TM today to be delivered August . I am planning to fit a 29er Zeb Ultimate up front as i prefer the 29 wheel up front and it will slacken the head angle for the Steep trails i ride in the tweed valley enduro trails.
Im am currently riding a trek rail with a 170mm zeb which gives a head angle of 63 deg .
Please could you help me work out how much slacker the 160 TM would be if i fit a 29er zeb up front ?
I was thinking a 170mm zeb ultimate but concerned it would be too slack?
Any advice would be appreciated thanks Tam
Hi Rob, great video as always, I was thinking of getting one but was hoping to watch your full test ride review first, do you know when you might publish that?
Hi Rob. Just subscribed due to your excellent content. You've ridden both Focus Jam2 and now the Cube Stereo 160. For someone like me who is just getting into full sus. and wanting to ride trails, technical downhill and perhaps a few small/medium jumps, where would you be looking? So far, given availability and costs its a toss between the Jam2 6.9 or the Stereo 140 SL or TM. Similar priced, but as you say Cube gives big bang for the buck. Cheers
I ordered this bike last week and on monday it will arrive and im hyped :D
I agree with you about the control unit. I've got the same system on my Trek Rail & regularly change modes without wanting to, by accidentally knocking it with my left hand. I also would like it to have a latex cover (protection for transporting & washing)
Neil, believe you can now get a neoprene (clear soft rubber) bumper cover for the LED Remote... I'll find the link and get back to you on this, was looking for one myself, as I have the same bike in Rob's review. 👌🏼
@@john_ridesbikes Excellent & thanks for the reply
@@neilbower123 did you get the link buddy? Looks like YT deleted it?
Fantastic review as usual my friend 😁👊👊❤️👍
My dream mountain bike 😍😍😍😍
Chuck on a pair of Schwalbe Moto X tyres, add your choice of derestriction and the Cube makes the ultimate commuter!
Sweet bike. 29 with raised front could be great upgrade for this
Its It's only a bargain because everything else is overpriced. 5k for a bike is still a lot of money .
Yeap. You can buy many motorcycles brand new for less money, which are 10- 20x more powerfull, and can travel with 100+ kph...eMTBs are luxury toys by comparisson.
I have the cube 140 pro 2022 model love it nice Matt finish .nice video
Nice review Rob.The fact you can't run cables out the frame is a bit of a Nuisance, similar to Focus the plastic stem and spacers ect would annoy me somewhat,My mates Focus creaks like mad due to the plastic stuff,The new Radon looks like it will blow the cube out the water for Value for Money
I got the 120p 2022 model in xl, its HUGE and I love it too !
Rob, I’m curious what camera gear you use. The clarity and shallow depth of field you have while moving around the bike is crazy good!
Just in my bidget for first ebike I've been really interested in this cube
nice Vid, whats that awesome stand that fits onto the pedal please Rob?
Great info Rob, but maybe stop with the quick zooms - they disrupt the flow and make edits conspicuous. Just my 2p.
Rob, did Cube mention the supply issues when they loaned you the bike? I thought as you've just got this one, stock must be arriving in the UK but my LBS just told me that after waiting 3 months, it's another 3 months to wait! Gutted!
I'm a cube dealer. Good luck getting one of these this year 😂😂😂
I digged through like 100 online store till I found one. In Austria.
Im hyped.
got my 160 Race last week
coming from a Husaberg FE 350 enduro motorbike i am impressed with the soft and capable suspension.
it's built well let's see how it holds up over time
Great review as usual Rob..I have a major gripe about the brake leavers being different though..especially lower spec with a higher spec...thats just not on in my book for the amount of money your spending
It’s a tough one isn’t it - if it meant that it delayed you bike by, say, another 90 days, would you still wait? Lead times of some components are still crazy :-(
@@RobRidesEMTB If I was spending that money then I would wait ( I waited a whole year for my Marin E2) .. or maybe Cube should just put the lower spec leaver on both sides.. Lead times are getting better by reports I have seen but I do get what you mean
Rob, what is the best EMTB around the 5k mark or under at the minute. Been looking at the Trek rail, cube stereo and then the Marin E2. Seem I'm edging towards the Bosch motor ones over Shimano.
Got one Rob, love it to bits❤️❤️👍🇬🇧😁
I bought the 160 TM version of this bike, I will be using it for trail riding so I hope the geometry is going to work out just fine for me. I guess I will see in mid June when it's due for delivery.
I rode downhill for a few years on a bike with a 65° degree head angle. The current fad for bikes with super slack head angles is stupid. 65° is perfect, you’ll be able to ride anything on it.
Hello i order the 160 TM today to replace trek rail with zeb 170 upfront which gives 63 deg head angle . So im considering converting to mullet with 29 er Zeb 160 0r 170 to slacken the head angle . im worried it goes too slack so hoping someone can tell me how to work out how much fitting a 29er fork and wheel will slacken the head angle
I mean it is beautiful but it is nearly 2k€ more expensive than my Bafang m600 cheeb. Im sure there is a difference but is there a 2k€ difference?
Did you build yourself or get it from a reseller?
;D
@@MaxInNewZealand I got it from a reseller that builds them in Europe.
Seems like beast of a bike.
I’ve always said…. Any cube is some of the best bang for buck you can get!
Would you go for this now the price has dropped or the levo carbon they are about the same price now and I know you have ridden both I’m having the dilemma? Your advise would be great
Would this be a good bike for a beginner that rides mostly in the forrest on single tracks? (trails, roots etc). Its seems so good value :)
That’s a great spec for 5grand, can’t be beat really.
The 20-21 version had a better price for kit balance. £800 more for this new version and missing quality brakes. The drivetrain swap from sram to shimano makes no real difference but brakes on a heavy hitting ebike are vital.
Hi Rob. Would the fork accomedate a 29er? Maybe you can try to fit a 29er as a comparison in the ride review 😎
Massive upgrade having a removal geek screen
Total newbie question but does the front fork have to be switched out to be able to set it up as a mullet with a 29" front tyre?
here me out if you want a slacker head angle, buy a bigger 29 fork, then you could also make it mullet
Ordered the TM in Oktober 21 should come in February
They told me meanwhile mid June :D
I have the 160 SL 2021 and I like the kink... Wish I could get a bigger battery or an extender in it
Value is always good with Cube, but the geo from 2016 and certain spec choices always put me off. Sadly.
For example: they put a burly zeb on the front but no piggy bag shock with 160mil in the rear? I want to go hard and long with a bike like this, not be raddled off the padels after a few hundred meters of descent.
That's why TM version is better. It has Fox 36 Grip front, Fox Float X with piggy bag rear.
Not convinced a 750battery is needed, my 630 is good for 50miles whereas my legs aren’t.
Still cant get my head around how this bike is still more money then most decent cars and motorcycles
Volume and subsidy.
Car and motorbike companies produce way more each year, bringing the price parts down.
In most countries car companies get subsidies to make cars and to sell them.
Bike companies build way less units each year and get no (or very little) subsidy, as bikes are considered a hobby/recreation, not essential transport.
Bike prices have gone silly in the last few years.
Can you change the stem to a normal one and just have the bottom insert part? Or is that all part of it and you can't use other stems?
When will you put the review online Rob?
isn't the 27.5 wheels size a little bit vintage ? almost any other competitor has 29'' or mixed 27.5/29''
1st don't Mind the weight if you dont ride professionally..
2nd if you have the money buy more lighter emtb
3rd Buy the bike and upgrades
The bikes they are selling here in the USA have a kinked top tube ??? They are listed as 22 models. Know anything about this difference ?
Hey Rob, Where's the follow up video for this?
The 120 looks better for me, but even the 160 is better than your trek, so a nice bike for sensible prices
What about the headset bearings? I can only imagine the hassle you'll have riding in UK .... , will probably have to change headset bearings every month
Good morning I picked up My 29 inch wheeled 140 TM yesterday .
Just wanted to ask if anyone has increase fork travel on there 2022 and if so how long did you go and how slack did you go ?
I'm was going fit a 170mm air shaft but they are scarce as hobbie horse shit so I'm planning fitting a 170 Zeb ultimate .
Interested in any info from those that have tried a slacker head angle on these ? Thanks Tam
I’ve just ordered cube reaction pro 625 hard tail and the colour looks the same as this, desert orange
hello, how many sag do you set your cube 160 to?
Is the battery able to be charged out of the bike?
You know things have got pretty mental when you watch a video stating £5k for a bike is a bargain. As an outsider thinking of pulling the trigger on an eMTB I do wonder if existing riders have been swept up in a false economy.
5k? Amazing value?
So is there something with similar specs for less price?
I'm 5'7" I love my 27.5
My only gripe is the shimano chainset. I’ve found the cassettes to be soft like cheese 🧀
can you review headsets that come on these bikes? the internal headseat routing is stupid.
It is a little stupid.... It has 120 degrees of freedom, not anything restricting when you ride, but little annoying when moving your bike around. Also routing an extra cable, for a light for example is a nightmare........
@@mallias2683 its not so much about the rotation or anything but its the fact of the compression ring, They've made reliability a concern as Plastic compression rings dont work very well for long and other options with "massive" alloy compression rings make them hard to compress to grip the fork steerer.
Take a look at the spectral, it uses an ebike headset(is52) and the compression ring doesnt grip the steerer and people are ending up with it moving around and starts eating into the steerer tube.
@@MrSupermugen The bike is still new to me, I have less than 1000 km but up to now no problem so far. I hope it will not wear like you mention. I am more concerned what will happen in case of a crash because of the rotation lock out.
@@mallias2683 nothing should happen in a crash because of it.
i want you to review the rocky altitude powerplay
which i running and enjoying very much
Please also review sl 140 version also.
Thanks
Nice. Where the Cheeb V2 bruh?
I’m always curious as to what happens to the bikes after you’ve made your videos! Do you have to send them back? I’m fully here to buy a tested bike from you if I can haha 👀
They all go back!
@@RobRidesEMTB damn. Love your channel man!
Cheers 🍻
Wow nice bike
I like mountain bike
Thank you so much
I can't afford to buy a mountain bike thank you so much
Why the heck that geometry on a 170/160 bike? Do Cube engineers live under a rock?
Geometry is the easiest way to make a great bike, unfortunately which also cannot be upgraded later (ok, maybe make it a mullet or some offset bushings).
Why do you want a dh head angle on anything that isn’t a dh bike? I rode and raced dh for 3 years on a bike with a 65° head angle. If you can’t ride absolutely everything short of a World Cup level dh track with a 65° head angle, the problem isn’t the bike.
Vote up for the video. Vote down for the bike. Across headset and no cable ports in the frame is an absolute horror. Had it in simplon and EVERY dirty trip ended up with dirt getting into the lower headset bearing. HORROR.
After having a 29 hard tail, id prefer going back to 27
Do a mullet on the bike after first ride,see how it rides.
Should get everyone talking about it and scratching there heads.
ive just ordered a 160 tm and plan to mullet it with a zeb .Im just trying to work out how much slacker it will make the bike
Do you understand the handling and power provided. So be quite about noise
The last EWS was won on 65HA...
Jack Moir had a lot of changes to his bike to slacken out the head angle. Loads of spacers under the head tube (1.5cm) to slacken out the head angle and also runs a 180mm fork. All of that will massively slacken that head angle, more like a 63 degree with all those mods. 👍
All good except 27.5 wheels are going to counteract that 'extra' suspension travel. I'd always go for 29 as they roll better over rough ground. Also a bit iffy over carbon fibre. I guess for 5k good value as ebikes go
Hi there. When you are going to make a new video of that cube e bike? Many thanks
wish they integrate a stand on all their bikes..
Wheres the ride review Rob?
Wehen Codes the Review? :)
This week!
@@RobRidesEMTB Squeeze out the review pls :€