Whether in the relevant online shops or in the bike shop around the corner – Cube has been virtually omnipresent for a few years now. So here is finally a short round-up of the 2021 novelties of the guys from the Fichtelgebirge.
1. Cube Stereo Hybrid 120: The Sweet-tempered
2. Cube Stereo Hybrid 140: One for All
3. Cube Stereo Hybrid 160: Can Take a Lickin’
4. Cube Reaction Hybrid: Integration All Along the Line
5. Cube Nuride Hybrid: The New One Off the Streets
6. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid: A Reliable Travel Companion
7. Cube Touring Hybrid: Welcome to the World of E-bikes
8. Cube Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie: More Control for the Younger Ones
9. Cube Cargo Hybrid: 2021 as a Breather
10. Cube Compact Hybrid: Special Gap Filler
11. Cube Ella Hybrid: For a Glamorous Appearance
With the abundance of bikes it is not easy to get an overview. Nevertheless, a few general developments are emerging. On the one hand there is the massive move towards the batteries, which are integrated into the frame. Intube is also one of THE trends of the hour for other brands. The solution has several advantages over mounting on the outside of the frame. Last but not least, it is an obvious visual gain in most cases.
Second striking aspect: The revised Bosch Performance Line CX engine with its 85 Newton metres of torque has found its way into many models across the entire range. Cube acts quite consistently in this respect, which is sure to be appreciated by the majority of you.
Versatile and inexpensive
In addition to these current phenomena, two further plus points that have long been significant for Cube should not remain unmentioned from our point of view. The brand comes up with an incredibly deep portfolio. The manufacturer has something for almost every type of e-bike. There is a choice of colours that deserves the name. And the technical equipment is designed to meet the most diverse demands.
When looking at this variety, it is also noticeable that the prices called for are right. Don’t get it wrong, Cube is not cheap. Rather, in many cases the ratio is right. For your money you get a reasonable return on your investment.
So much in advance. Now let’s have a short and to the point tour through almost the entire catalogue.
1. Cube Stereo Hybrid 120: The Sweet-tempered
Cube says it has designed the Stereo Hybrid 120 to be as comfortable as possible. The geometry is modern without going to extremes at any end. The 49 centimetre long chain stays ensure that the e-mountain bike runs smoothly, automatically steering the ride into smoother lanes. New for 2021 is the split-size concept. Like other bikes from Cube, the smallest frame size XS rolls on 27.5 inch wheels. Only on the larger models are the 29-inch wheels actually available. The reason for this mix is the attempt to offer smaller people the highest possible degree of agility. And that’s where the larger 29-inch tyres can prove to be a permanent brake on fun.
This E-Fully MTB is available in eight variations. This was meant at the beginning with the deep portfolio. Among them are three models with the addition of “Allroad”. Behind this are the bikes with mudguards, carrier, side stand and lighting system – keyword Commuting. Oddly enough, these variants are approved for a maximum total weight of 150 kg, which is 15 kg higher than the rest of the gang. However, the frame is the same for all of them.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 120 for 2021 at a glance
- Variants: Stereo Hybrid 120 SL 625; Stereo Hybrid 120 TM 625; Stereo Hybrid 120 Race 625 Allroad; Stereo Hybrid 120 Race 625; Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 625 Allroad; Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 625; Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 500 Allroad; Stereo Hybrid 120 Pro 500
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625, Bosch PowerTube 500
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Kiox, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Fox 34 Rhythm, RockShox 35 Gold, RockShox Recon Air RL
- Drive: Shimano Deore XT, Sram SX Eagle, Sram NX Eagle
- Brakes: Shimano XT, Magura MT5, Shimano BR-MT420
- Maximum total weight: up to 150 kg
2. Cube Stereo Hybrid 140: One for All
Anyone who already has some experience on a mountain bike might be interested in the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140. This is a full-suspension e-mountain bike in the all-rounder category. Extensive tours over hill and dale as well as terrain that already has a light enduro character can be tackled comfortably on this bike. In contrast to the Stereo Hybrid 120, the 140 benefits from shorter chainstays and longer travel.
The top model in this range is the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT 625 Nyon. In 2021, it will have ten millimetres more suspension at the front. At the rear, the Fox Float DPX2 Factory EVOL is a higher quality shock absorber than before. The rest of the equipment is also really impressive. Switching is wireless with Sram Eagle AXS. The carbon frame with the C:62 Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology from Cube is joined by matching carbon wheels from Newmen. The total package is estimated at less than 8,200 Euros due to the currently still reduced VAT. That is quite a word.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 for 2021 at a glance
- Variants: Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT 625 Nyon; Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT 625 Kiox, Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Actionteam 625 Nyon, Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Actionteam 625 Kiox, Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM 625, Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SL 625, Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 625
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Kiox, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Float Factory FIT GRIP2, Fox 36 Float Factory FIT4, Fox 36 Float, Fox 34 Rhythm, RockShox 35 Silver
- Drive: Sram XO1 Eagle AXS, Shimano Deore XT, Sram NX Eagle
- Brakes: Magura MT7, Shimano XT, Magura MT Thirty
- Maximum total weight: up to 135 kg
3. Cube Stereo Hybrid 160: Can Take a Lickin’
The Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 feels right at home wherever there is a lot of action between rocks, roots and over jumps. The thumb is clearly pointing down here. Not because the bike is no good, but because it prefers to go in this direction. The frame geometry and suspension elements are clearly designed for rapid descents, in which it can also be rough. In contrast to bikes from other competitors, Cube nevertheless relies on 27.5 inch wheels in this segment. These support an agile riding behaviour, but require a little more riding ability as soon as obstacles block the way.
The bikes are fitted with different tyres at the front and rear. This is relatively seldom seen on ready-made bicycles. In any case, Cube did not make random decisions and chose a pair that harmonises well with each other. Nevertheless, the question arises whether those who pay attention to such subtleties and choose different tyres would have chosen exactly this combination? The bottom line is that this is a rather bold move. Let’s see if it will find imitators soon.
We do not necessarily find the awkward model names worth copying. The top model of the 160s, for example, is called Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Nyon. This sounds more like a spec list than a title that can be kept for longer than three seconds.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 for 2021 at a glance
- Variants: Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Nyon, Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT 625 27.5 Kiox, Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 Actionteam 625 27.5 Nyon, Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 Actionteam 625 27.5 Kiox, Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC TM 625 27.5, Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL 625, Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL 625 27.5, Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Race 625 27.5
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Kiox, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Float Factory FIT GRIP2, Fox 38 Float Factory FIT4, Fox 38 Float Performance, RockShox ZEB, RockShox 35 Silver
- Drive: Sram XO1 Eagle AXS, Shimano Deore XT, Sram NX Eagle
- Brakes: Magura MT7, Shimano XT, Magura MT Thirty
- Maximum total weight: up to 120 kg
4. Cube Reaction Hybrid: Integration All Along the Line
The Cube Reaction Hybrid is one of the models that will be fully equipped with Intube batteries in 2021. But the newcomer to mountain biking has yet another innovation to offer. Above the bottom bracket there are slots in the frame. These allow air to enter the mid-engine and provide additional cooling. At the same time, waste heat from the motor can escape to the outside in this way. Heat management for the e-drive is also being considered by other manufacturers. Cube is moving along with them this year. But be careful: Not every bike in this series has this feature!
Another difference to other e-bikes from Cube is the push-button technology. The battery per can be easily removed at the push of a button. At least in comparison to other solutions with locks etc. it is a bit more comfortable.
With these hardtails the use in everyday life plays a more important role again. All models have the respective mounts for corresponding components. In addition, there are two series, which have everything necessary for driving in road traffic in all weather conditions installed right from the factory,
When choosing your dream bike you also have to look a little bit at the motor here. You won’t find the latest Bosch Performance Line CX on every model. Where the price goes down, there’s a third-generation 65 Nm unit.
Cube Reaction Hybrid for 2021 at a glance
- Variants: Reaction Hybrid SLT 625 29, Reaction Hybrid SL 625 29, Reaction Hybrid Race 625, Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 Allroad, Reaction Hybrid Pro 625, Reaction Hybrid One 625, Reaction Hybrid Performance 625 Allroad, Reaction Hybrid Performance 625
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4), Bosch Performance Line (Gen 3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Kiox, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Fox 34 Rhythm, RockShox Recon Silver RL Air, RockShox Judy Silver TK Air, SR Suntour XCM34 Coil, SR Suntour XCM Coil, SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil
- Drive: Shimano Deore XT, SRAM NX Eagle, SRAM SX Eagle, Shimano Deore, Shimano RD-M3100-SGS
- Brakes: Shimano XT, Magura MT Thirty, Shimano BR-MT420/MT400, Shimano BR-MT200
- Maximum total weight: up to 150 kg
5. Cube Nuride Hybrid: The New One Off the Streets
Bergamont, Haibike, KTM – and also Cube. All of them are launching an off-road low step model on the market for 2021. In a video presentation of his innovations for the coming year, Cube explicitly emphasised that the Nuride Hybrid is a mountain bike. In corresponding laboratory tests, the frame has withstood the same stresses and strains as the hardtails. That will be the case. However, mountain biking is more than just the constant, heavy shaking of certain frame parts. Such tests say absolutely nothing about the geometry. But the same applies to all other manufacturers.
After all, the equipment really does give a robust impression. The travel of 100 millimetres is sufficiently dimensioned. There are wide tyres and not to forget the powerful Bosch motors. A twelve speed drive at Shimano XT level as well as hydraulic disc brakes with four brake pistons are also familiar from conventional mountain bikes. Whether this is enough for you to be able to ride longer on rough forest and meadow paths, even in steeper terrain, is something you decide for yourself.
Cube Nuride Hybrid for 2021 at a glance
- Variants: Nuride Hybrid SL 625 Allroad, Nuride Hybrid EXC 625 Allroad, Nuride Hybrid Pro 625 Allroad, Nuride Hybrid Pro 625, Nuride Hybrid Pro 500 Allroad, Nuride Hybrid Performance 625 Allroad, Nuride Hybrid Pro 500, Nuride Hybrid Performance 500 Allroad
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4), Bosch Performance Line (Gen 3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625, Bosch PowerTube 500
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Fox 34 Rhythm, RockShox Recon Silver RL Air, SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil
- Drive: Shimano Deore XT, SRAM SX Eagle, Shimano Deore, Shimano RD-M2000
- Brakes: Shimano XT, Shimano BR-MT420/MT400, Shimano BR-MT200
- Maximum total weight: up to 135 kg
6. Cube Kathmandu Hybrid: A Reliable Travel Companion
The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid raises no doubts about its intended use. As a classic representative of a travel and touring bike with electric support, it has been one of Cube’s success stories for years. An integrated battery has long been part of its features. The carrier, which is integrated into the frame and painted in the same colour as the frame, is always the centre of attention. It is not only beautiful, but also very sturdy.
Apart from that, nothing has changed much with regard to 2021. A stem with adjustable angle is still standard on all models. In addition there are suspension forks of different quality with 100 millimetres of travel each. The suspension seat posts ensure sufficient riding comfort. On the top model, the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid SLT 625, there is even a very high-quality parallelogram seatpost from BySchulz.
Cube Kathmandu Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Kathmandu Hybrid SLT 625, Kathmandu Hybrid SL 625, Kathmandu Hybrid EXC 625, Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625, Kathmandu Hybrid One 625, Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 500, Kathmandu Hybrid One 500
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (Gen 4)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625, Bosch PowerTube 500
- Display: Bosch Nyon, Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: RockShox Recon Gold RL Air, RockShox Recon Silver RL Air, SR Suntour XCR32 LO-R Air, SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil
Drive: Shimano Deore XT, SRAM SX Eagle, Shimano Deore, Shimano RD-M3100 - Brakes: Shimano XT, Shimano BR-MT420/MT400, Shimano BR-MT200
- Maximum total weight: up to 150 kg
7. Cube Touring Hybrid: Welcome to the World of E-bikes
With prices of sometimes less than 2,000 euros, the Touring Hybrid at Cube represents the entry into the world of e-bikes in general and specifically into the field of electrically assisted bicycles suitable for everyday use. The popular touring bikes are solidly equipped, with components that promise more durability than top performance. Nevertheless, these are also bikes that now come complete with a battery integrated into the frame.
If you want to identify differences within the model range, you can use the carrier as a guide. The e-bikes with the slightly higher quality components are the ones that have the carrier integrated into the frame. The other models have a slightly lighter one, in black and slightly less capable of bearing a load. Also the suspension seat post is only available above this imaginary limit.
Cube Touring Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Touring Hybrid EXC 625, Touring Hybrid EXC 500, Touring Hybrid Pro 625, Touring Hybrid Pro 500, Touring Hybrid One 625, Touring Hybrid One 500, Touring Hybrid One 400
- Motor: Bosch Active Plus (Gen3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625, Bosch PowerTube 500, Bosch PowerTube 400
- Display: Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR32 LO-R Air, SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil
- Drive: Shimano Deore, Shimano RD-M3100
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT420/MT400, Shimano BR-MT200
- Maximum total weight: up to 140 kg
8. Cube Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie: More Control for the Younger Ones
Given the sheer variety of Cube’s range, it is no surprise that the manufacturer has also e-bikes for children to offer. The Cube Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie, for example, is suitable for kids between 120 and 130 centimetres tall. For the coming season, at least there has been a marginal change. The bikes have new handlebars with smaller diameters. Also new are the adapted, ergonomic grips. For some this may not be an world-shaking update. In fact, it may very well be noticeable. After all, the handlebars and both grips are two of a total of five contact points of cyclists on a bike. The parts installed there have always had a decisive influence on our riding experience. In this case, the new setup ensures that children’s hands tire less quickly. Children gain more control and become safer on the bike.
Cube Acid 240 Rookie Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie SL, Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie
- Motor: Bosch Active Line (Gen3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR LO Air JR, SR Suntour XCT JR
- Drive: Shimano Deore, Shimano RD-M3100
- Brakes: Magura MT Thirty, Shimano BR-MT200
9. Cube Cargo Hybrid: 2021 as a Breather
After Cube surprised many people with its first cargo bike, the Cargo Hybrid, last year, not much is happening this year. No wonder, since Cube’s hit the jackpot already with its first launch. The long-john bike with the large, deep loading area in front of the handlebars has finally been given all the ingredients of a successful e-cargo bike – from the firm CargoLine motor from Bosch, to the DualBattery option for 1,000 watt-hours and ranges beyond 100 kilometres, to the weatherproof and at the same time cushioning Cargobox made of EPP foam.
In addition, the Cargo Hybrid comes up with one or two surprises. At the bottom, relatively close to the front wheel, there is a small recess in the Cargobox. Children can put their feet in it and safely climb a kind of staircase. The seat is designed for two children. If only one child rides with you, you can adjust the straps so that it sits in the middle of the bench. This way the weight is always optimally distributed.
The extensive accessories include a rain cover and various carriers.
Cube Cargo Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Cargo Dual Hybrid, Cargo Sport Dual Hybrid, Cargo Hybrid, Cargo Sport Hybrid
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line (Gen4)
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500, optional DualBattery
- Display: Bosch Intuvia
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour MOBIE CARGO
- Drive: Enviolo, Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Magura CMe
- Maximum total weight: up to 220 kg
10. Cube Compact Hybrid: Special Gap Filler
For the most compact of the cube bikes, the same applies as for the Cargo Hybrid. It caused a lot of attention the year before – but there is nothing new to report for 2021. Therefore, the Cube Compact Hybrid will remain what it was until now – a niche product. But an interesting one. So don’t be fooled by its appearance. This tiny machine has a lot to offer. Or rather, you can pack a lot onto it. With a maximum permitted total weight of 130 kilograms, it is in no way inferior to many “big ones”. So it’s not surprising that carriers can be attached to both the front and the back.
The Compact Hybrid also impresses with its …. well, compactness. The handlebars can be easily turned to the side with just minimal adjustment. Together with its small 20-inch wheels, it can fit into many a gap in the office, on buses and trains or in the home. And thanks to the full-size drive and wide semi-slick tyres, you’ll also be pretty nimble on the road.
Cube Compact Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Compact Hybrid, Compact Hybrid Sport
- Motor: Bosch Active Line (Gen3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Drive: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200
- Maximum total weight: up to 130 kg
11. Cube Ella Hybrid: For a Glamorous Appearance
At the end an exotic one appears on stage. Doubtless the Cube Ella Hybrid is aimed primarily at women. No other bike from the manufacturer features so much shiny chrome, dark and light leather and glittering silver. Competitors like Diamant have been caring for these stylish bikes, which also express so much serenity, for many years. And apparently it is worthwhile for Cube to fish in this pool, too.
Those who consciously avoid neon colours and anthracite tones, like the full sound of a stainless steel bell and don’t mind an external battery, should take a closer look at these bikes.
Cube Ella Hybrid for 2021 at a glance:
- Variants: Ella Ride Hybrid 500, Ella Cruise Hybrid 500, Ella Ride Hybrid 400, Ella Cruise Hybrid 400
- Motor: Bosch Active Line (Gen3)
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500, Bosch PowerPack 400
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NEX-E25
- Drive: Shimano Deore, Shimano Nexus 7-speed
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT400
- Maximum total weight: up to 140 kg
Pictures: Pending System GmbH & Co. KG