Cube Presents New Lightweight Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 as a Contrast

Every bicycle brand has its own core. Certain models that have been inextricably linked with the name for years and that express the area or segment in which the manufacturer feels particularly at home. In the case of Cube, one of these cores is the Kathmandu Hybrid range of trekking ebikes. According to the manufacturer’s website, it currently includes a total of 49 models. Four of these have been added very recently. With the Kathmandu Hybrid C:62, lightweight construction is now entering the Cube trekking category.

A certain basic weight as part of the identity

A trekking bike is designed to accompany you on long tours, sometimes lasting several days. That’s why these ebikes have to be particularly reliable, safe and stable. They also have to be well equipped, with permanently mounted mudguards, a full lighting system, a robust rear rack, tyres suitable for off-road use, a kickstand and often a suspension fork. As a result, all Kathmandu hybrid models from Cube have weighed in at around 25 kilograms or more.

The manufacturer is now deliberately countering this with a significantly lighter model. In its top configuration, it weighs just over 16 kilograms. To achieve this considerable step, Cube has primarily adjusted three crucial parameters: the frame, the ebike system and the wheels. We will therefore take a closer look at all of them together.

1. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the frame
2. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the ebike system
3. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the wheels

1. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the frame

To save weight on a bike, it makes sense to start with the largest part of the bike. That’s what Cube has done. For the first time, the manufacturer is using its C:62® Carbon, introduced in 2016, for a trekking ebike. Previously, the in-house Aluminium Superlite was used in this segment at best. The carbon is called C:62 because it is made of 62 percent carbon fibre.

However, Cube has not limited itself to the frame alone. The fork is also made of this material. This also means that the suspension fork has been abandoned – a second novelty in the history of the Kathmandu Hybrid. Ebikes such as the KTM Macina Sport SX Prime have already done some of the groundwork here.

The new Kathmandu Hybrid C:62, on the other hand, outshines the rest of the model range in terms of looks. With its cables integrated into the frame, it looks cleaner and much more contemporary than other models, at least in our eyes. Cube has once again integrated the rear rack into the frame. This has always been considered pretty chic.

Less variety

The fact that the newcomer is only available with a diamond or low-step frame is a loss in our opinion. For whatever reason, the manufacturer has decided against a trapezoidal frame. You can choose from four different frame sizes for each of the frame types on offer. Important information for those interested in the low-step frame: Cube has installed a stem that can be adjusted in angle by means of a joint. This gives you an additional option for optimising your seating position. On the models with the diamond frame, the manufacturer uses a conventional stem.

2. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the ebike system

The drive system used also has a considerable influence on the overall weight. Whether you choose the Bosch Performance Line CX or the Bosch Performance Line SX, the motor alone makes a difference of a good kilogram in favour of the latter. However, the lower weight does not come without consequences. At 55 Newton metres, the torque of the SX is exactly 30 Newton metres below that of the CX. In terms of maximum power, both meet at 600 watts. However, you only reach this with the SX motor at a significantly higher cadence, whereas with the CX motor 70 revolutions per minute are sufficient.

With its low weight and compact dimensions, the Bosch Performance Line SX is a logical point of departure for a lightweight trekking ebike.

Profit and loss account

A similar picture emerges when looking at the batteries. The Bosch CompactTube 400 of the Performance Line SX saves more than two kilograms compared to the Bosch PowerTube 750. The price for this is a 350 watt-hour lower capacity. You can ‘recover’ 250 watt-hours of this if you buy a Bosch PowerMore 250 in addition to the Kathmandu Hybrid C:62. However, this costs extra money and adds around 1.5 kilograms to the scales.

By firmly integrating the battery into the frame, Cube has managed to shave a few extra grams off the weight. The frame also gains in stability, as the large hole for removing the battery is eliminated.

In terms of the operating concept, the choice fell on the LED Remote together with the Kiox 500. On a trekking ebike, where many people will want to use the navigation and therefore appreciate a larger screen, this is certainly a good decision.

3. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 – the wheels

The frame and drive system are fixed components. You will notice their low weight especially when you lift the ebike to carry it down a few steps into the bicycle cellar for example. Whether a bike feels light and easy to ride depends on the rotating components. The weight saving from the carbon wheelset used here is perhaps 500 or 600 grams. However, because this mass has to be accelerated every time you start moving and then wants to be kept at a certain speed, the effect is much higher.

Cube uses a wheel set from the Bavarian manufacturer Newmen. The carbon seat post also comes from Newmen. If you want to enjoy both, you only have one option: the top model, the Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X. This also offers you Shimano’s Deore XT group with twelve gears and brakes. If the 4,799 euros that this costs is too much for you, then perhaps the Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X is the bike for you. As mentioned, this comes with an aluminium wheel set and aluminium seat post. In terms of the gears and brakes, it goes down to the Deore group from Shimano. In terms of weight, depending on the frame shape, it is either 500 or 700 grams heavier than the SLT version.

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 at a glance

• Variants: Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X, Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X
• Frame: C:62® Carbon
• Fork: C:62® Carbon
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
• Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
• Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
• Display: Bosch Kiox 500
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT, Shimano Deore
• Brakes: Shimano MT8100, Shimano MT6100
• Weight: from 16.2 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 115 kg
• Colour: stellar’n’origanogreen, carbon’n’black
• Prices: from 3,999 euros

Pictures: Pending System GmbH & Co. KG